FAQs in General


  • I create hand-drawn digital illustrations that blend realism with a touch of fantasy. Each piece is made with intention, emotion, and a love for the imperfect.

  • Yes, absolutely! Custom commissions are one of my favorite things to do. Whether it’s a portrait, branding, or something entirely unique, let’s chat about your vision and bring it to life.

    • Let’s Connect: We start by talking about your ideas, your budget, and what you're looking for.

    • Sketch & Design: I’ll send over some initial concepts for feedback and tweaks.

    • Final Piece: Once everything’s perfect, I’ll send you the final artwork in your preferred format.

    • For more details: Check out my How To Commission Art page.

  • I generally take on 2–3 illustrations per month to allow each project the time and attention it deserves.

    My current booking waitlist is approximately 5–6 months. Once your project reaches the production stage, the typical turnaround is 4–6 weeks per illustration, depending on the scope and complexity.

    Timelines can vary for larger projects, multiple illustrations, or specific deadlines. I’ll always confirm your estimated start and delivery dates before booking.

  • Definitely! Head to the portfolio section to check out some of my past pieces and see what inspires you.

  • Yes! I offer branding services that include everything from logos to full brand identities, all designed to reflect your unique vibe.

  • You can reach me through the contact form on the website. I’ll get back to you as soon as I can!

  • For a simpler illustration, the artwork itself typically takes 2–4 weeks once your project enters production.

    More detailed illustrations, complex scenes, or pieces with multiple characters may take 4–6 weeks or longer.

    Please keep in mind that this refers to the production time once your project reaches its scheduled spot. My current booking waitlist is approximately 5–6 months.

  • Absolutely not. Every piece is hand-drawn from start to finish. I don’t use AI tools in my creative process, just good old-fashioned skill, emotion, and imagination.

    If you’d like to see my process for yourself, you can follow me on Twitch, where I occasionally stream my artwork LIVE. I’m also listed with the Bookish Artist Compendium, which vets artists before featuring them.

    What you see is my work, created by me.

  • I recommend reaching out at least 6 months before you need your artwork, especially if you have a specific publication, launch, or event date in mind.

    My availability is limited to 2–3 illustrations per month, and I typically have a 5–6 month waitlist. Reaching out early gives us time to discuss your project, plan the artwork, and reserve a spot that works with your timeline.

    That said, you’re always welcome to reach out sooner. I’m happy to chat about upcoming projects even if you’re still in the planning stages.

  • I’m currently in a bit of a transition with social media. I’ve been gradually stepping away from the fast-paced, algorithm-driven platforms like Instagram and Facebook and moving toward slower, more intentional spaces.

    Right now, I’m most active on Threads and Discord, and I go LIVE on Twitch when time allows. I’m also slowly building out my presence on Substack and Patreon, where I’d like to focus more on thoughtful content, creative process, and genuine connection rather than keeping up with a constant posting schedule.

    I’ll also share or repost posts from my clients when they share their books or artwork, so you’ll often see me celebrating their work alongside my own.

    This transition is still a work in progress, but I’m intentionally choosing connection over constant content.

  • All final work is delivered digitally, usually as high-res PNGs, PDFs, or whatever format you need.

  • Absolutely! I believe illustration is a collaborative process, so you’ll have opportunities to see and give feedback throughout the project.

    I typically share sketches and key stages of the artwork for feedback before moving into the final rendering. This gives us a chance to make sure the composition, characters, mood, and overall direction are working before I invest the time into the final piece.

    You can also follow me on Twitch, where I occasionally stream my artwork LIVE when time allows. It’s a fun way to see my process unfold and get a behind-the-scenes look at how I work.

    Once we’ve moved into the final rendering stage, larger changes may require additional time or fees, so I encourage open communication throughout the process.

FAQs about Pricing

  • There isn’t a universal fixed rate for illustrators, pricing depends on a lot of factors like country, experience, style, industry, licensing, and even the kind of clients an artist chooses to work with. Two professionals doing similar work might charge very different amounts based on their reality, their values, and the kind of projects they want to take on.

    This is just based on what I’ve learned and observed over time, but it definitely isn’t the law. The pricing listed below in USD and the CAD conversions are approximate and reflect the exchange rate at the time of publication. These ranges are intended as general guidelines; final quotes are provided on a case-by-case basis.

    • Hobbyist / Beginner
      $20–$150 USD | ~$30–$210 CAD
      Just starting out, often personal or non-commercial work. Rates are generally lower while developing skills, style, and experience.

    • Emerging Professional
      $150–$400 USD | ~$210–$550 CAD
      Developing a professional portfolio and client base. May take on smaller commissions, simpler projects, and early commercial work.

    • Independent Professional
      $400–$800 USD | ~$550–$1,100 CAD
      Established professional workflow and consistent style. Comfortable working with clients, commercial projects, licensing, and project-based pricing.

    • Established / Specialized Professional
      $800–$1,500+ USD | ~$1,100–$2,100+ CAD
      Strong portfolio and established style, often specializing in areas such as book illustration, publishing, branding, or commercial illustration. May have an established client base and limited availability.

    • Premium / Studio-Level
      $1,500–$3,000+ USD | ~$2,100–$4,200+ CAD
      Highly established or in-demand artists working on larger commercial projects, major publishing campaigns, advertising, extensive licensing, or projects with significant commercial reach.

  • My work falls within the Established / Specialized Professional category, with pricing determined by the individual project rather than a single flat rate. Complexity, number of characters, level of detail, composition, timeline, and licensing can all affect the final quote.

    If you’re looking for my current base pricing, these are the ranges I typically work within. They’re not set in stone, as the final quote depends on the scope and complexity of each project.

    • Character Illustration: $450–$550 USD / $625–$750 CAD

    • Scene / Interior Illustration: $650–$825 USD / $900–$1,150 CAD

    • Cover Illustration: $850–$1,100+ USD / $1,175–$1,500+ CAD

    Licensing is quoted separately based on the intended use and rights required.

  • Yes. Projects requested with expedited deadlines fall under my rush schedule. Rush fees apply to any work that requires delivery outside my standard booking window or necessitates prioritization over existing commitments.

    Rush fees vary by scope and timeline and are quoted on a per-project basis. This ensures quality is maintained even under compressed production schedules.

    • +25% → mild rush (shorter than usual, but no schedule disruption)

    • +40–50% → standard rush when work is prioritized over existing bookings

    • +75–100% → emergency / drop-everything rush

    To ensure the best possible outcome, I recommend reaching out as early as possible to secure preferred timelines.

  • I always request a deposit to secure your spot, but for larger projects, I’m happy to discuss a payment plan that works for both of us. Just let me know what feels manageable for you, and we’ll figure out something that keeps everything flowing smoothly.

  • It depends on the license we agree on. Personal use is standard, but commercial rights (like for merch or marketing) can absolutely be arranged, just let me know up front.

    • No Commercial License
      $0

    • Promotional License
      +25–75% of the total artwork fee

    • Commercial License
      +75–150% of the total artwork fee

    • Full Copyright Transfer (Buyout)
      +200–300% of the total artwork fee

    These fees are added on top of the original commission price.

  • Understanding the License Progression

    • No Commercial License: You can share and display the artwork for personal use and to organically show or promote your project online. No other use is permitted without the purchase of an applicable license.

    • Promotional License: For intentional marketing and advertising use, including paid advertising, promotional campaigns, newsletters, and other marketing materials.

    • Commercial License: For commercial use of the artwork as part of a product or project being sold, such as book covers, published interior illustrations, editions, or other agreed commercial applications.

    • Copyright Buyout: I, the artist, transfers the copyright and ownership of the artwork to you, the Client. You assume full ownership and control of the artwork and its future use.

    In a nutshell:

    Share → Promote → Sell → Own

  • All my prices are listed in USD to keep things smooth and simple as my customer base is mainly international (especially US-heavy) audience

    • It’s the most universally recognized currency online.

    • It avoids confusion for global clients.

    • CAD can fluctuate a lot compared to USD.

    • It’s just simpler.

  • Of course! Eh! If you're in Canada and would rather pay in CAD, no worries, just reach out and I’ll sort that out for you!

  • Yes. Because I only take on a limited number of projects each month, booking a project means reserving that time specifically for you.

    If a project is cancelled after work has begun, the deposit is non-refundable, and any completed work beyond the deposit will be invoiced based on the amount of work completed.

    If a project is cancelled after the artwork has entered the final rendering stage, the remaining project balance may be due depending on how much of the work has been completed.

    I understand that circumstances can change, so I’m always happy to discuss individual situations and find a fair solution where possible.

FAQs for Authors

  • Absolutely. I love collaborating with authors to visually bring their stories to life, whether it’s cover art, character portraits, interior illustrations, or visuals for a Kickstarter campaign.

  • If this is your first time working with an illustrator, start by checking out my Author’s Corner page to give you a sense of what I do. You can then check out my step by step guide on How To Commission Art. It walks you through the whole process, from inquiry to final delivery. Once you've had a look, just reach out through my contact form to get the ball rolling.

  • A general idea of what you’re looking for (cover, character art, etc.), your timeline, your budget range, and how the artwork will be used (print, digital, promotional). If you’ve got reference images or mood boards, bonus!

  • If time allows and you have a manuscript ready, yes, I love to read it. It helps me fully understand the tone, world, and characters so the artwork can truly reflect the heart of your story. It’s not always necessary for every project, but when we can fit it in, it makes the work even more aligned. If you have the audio version available, this is the quickest way I can read your book as I can draw at the same time!

  • Yes! I’ve worked on successful Kickstarter campaigns and love helping authors build eye-catching visuals, think banners, stretch goals, special edition reveals, and social media assets.

  • Fantasy, magical realism, and emotionally driven storytelling are my sweet spots, but I’m open to anything that resonates creatively.

  • I generally take on 2–3 illustrations per month to allow each project the time and attention it deserves.

    My current booking waitlist is approximately 5–6 months. Once your project reaches the production stage, the typical turnaround is 4–6 weeks per illustration, depending on the scope and complexity.

    Timelines can vary for larger projects, multiple illustrations, or specific deadlines. I’ll always confirm your estimated start and delivery dates before booking.

  • I do! If you're planning a fully illustrated edition or want art for each chapter, we can plan that out together.

  • Absolutely not. Everything is hand-drawn, start to finish. I don’t use AI tools in the creative process—just good old-fashioned skill, emotion, and imagination.

  • As early as possible! My schedule fills up fast, especially during busy seasons or when I’m juggling ongoing projects.

  • Absolutely. I understand that publishing your first book is a huge leap (and an emotional investment too).
    Flexibility is part of how I work. We can definitely simplify things or build a phased plan that feels manageable for you. I truly believe in lifting up those who are reaching for their dreams, we’ve all needed that extra support or that opportunity at some point.

  • Please see FAQs about PRICING above

FAQs about my Discord & Twitch

  • The Fairchild Art Studio Discord is where I hang out with fellow artists, creatives, and lovely souls who just want to share, learn, and feel supported. It’s a cozy space, think late-night art chats, behind-the-scenes peeks, small group vibes, and real conversations.

  • Anyone who wants to connect through creativity. Whether you’re a fellow illustrator, writer, a creative hobby or someone who loves watching the creative process, there’s a place for you. We keep things casual and supportive, no pressure to post or perform.

    We want Fairchild Art to be more than just a server, it’s a creative refuge. A place where you can take a breath, explore, and create without feeling pressured or compared. Here, growth, collaboration, and connection take the lead. This is a space where your voice matters, your ideas are welcome, and your creativity can flourish. Whether you’re sharing your work, asking questions, or lending your guidance to someone else, you’re helping build a community that supports, inspires, and uplifts every member.

    • Casual art hangs & check-ins

    • Sneak peeks of new work before it drops

    • DTIYS (Draw This In Your Style) challenges

    • Tips, inspiration, and open discussions about creative life

    • Space to ask questions, share wins, or just vent if you need it

  • Joining the Fairchild Art Discord is completely free! 🎉

    The email sign-up isn't a paywall. It's simply a small step to help keep scammers and bots from wandering into the studio. I'd much rather fill the space with artists, authors, readers, and creative souls than spam accounts.

    We won't be sending you newsletters or marketing emails. Your email is only used to send your Discord invitation. Once you've joined the server, all announcements, events, and conversations take place within the Discord community itself.

  • Twitch is a free live streaming platform where you can watch artists, gamers, musicians, and other creators share their work in real time.

    I use Twitch as a virtual art studio, where I stream my illustration process as I work. Viewers can watch artwork come to life, ask questions, and get a behind-the-scenes look at the creative process.

    I am pretty new to it too so if you do join my live, I really appreciate the encouragement!

  • Only with permission.

    I occasionally stream my art process on Twitch as a way to share the real, human side of creating artwork. It also gives me a record of my creative process, which helps protect my work and provide transparency around how it was created.

    If I’d like to work on your project during a stream, I’ll ask for your permission first.

    You can choose whether you’re comfortable with:

    • Your artwork being shown during a stream

    • Process footage being shared

    • Your name, project, or account being mentioned or tagged

    You’re always welcome to say no, and choosing not to participate will not affect your project in any way. When you sign a contract with me, you’ll have the option to choose exactly what you’re comfortable with. You can give permission for some things while opting out of others.

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