Frequently Asked Questions

How does the payment process work?

There are a variety of different payment processes you can use. Which one you use is up to you.
  • The standard method is a three-part payment process: one third up-front after fully agreeing on all of the parameters of the commission; one third at the end of pre-production where a timed storyboard will be presented along with conceptual artwork; and one third at the end of production where a watermarked version of the final film will be presented.
  • For smaller projects which may be completed over a short period of time, one-time payments can be made upfront. This is popular with repeat clients who have an established relationship with me and want to save time on payments.
  • Using a timesheet, I can log my hours and send you invoices for an agreed hourly rate.

As for the Payment method itself, that is up to you. The main options I provide are:
  • Paypal transactions
  • Direct bank transfer
  • Cheques in the mail​
If your business operates in the UK, (20%) Value Added Tax will be added onto your invoice.

Why Should I hire a freelancer instead of a large company?

Larger studios are more capable of taking on big projects such as feature films and TV shows because they have more man power. However, there are also great benefits to hiring a freelance animator:
  • There are far fewer expenses to maintain a freelancer than an entire office block of animators.​
  • Large studios and agencies often have a long chain of command. Your communication of ideas can get passed through many hands before landing on an artist's desk. With a freelancer, there are no middlemen in the way. It is just you and the artist who is going to bring your vision to life.​

I have a unique request which is not on your list

By all means, send an order request or send me an email. The list of services is just an overview of the most popular services I am able to give. If you need to see the list again you can see my variety of services here.

How can I reduce my production cost?

The estimated budget cost varies greatly from project to project. Here are a few ways to get a cheaper quote.
  • Projects with a long spanning deadline will reduce cost.
  •  Projects scheduled and committed to far in advance can also reduce the cost.
  • Paying more of the budget up-front may reduce the cost.
  • If your project is for a charitable cause, I might offer a reduction.

What if I am not happy with the end result?

This has never happened before. I'll explain why:
I give frequent progress updates throughout the creative timeline where I share updates with you and we talk about it. Therefore there should be no reason for the end result to not be exactly what you want and expect.
In art commissions I even give clients the opportunity to watch me create the designs over Skype screen share, where you can oversee the process in real time.
Furthermore, my website makes it very clear of what my limits and capabilities are, so there's hardly any risk of misunderstanding. I am committed to being transparent - letting you know if there are any features I consider too ambitious for the budget. Occasionally I might have to take on the responsibility of managing your expectations, but animation is an incredibly elastic medium where anything is possible with the right  resources.

I am planning a Kickstarter campaign. Can I pay later when it is properly funded?

Crowd funded campaigns are very hit-and-miss as to weather they meet their funding goals. I cannot risk working for someone who may or may not have the funds to pay me. It's just not logical. You need to have your budget ready before I start working on your project. 
If you have a budget ready to spend on preparing the crowdfunding campaign itself, that is a different story. I would welcome that. 
Please be truthful with your budget and that will help us both to arrange a deal.

What happens after I submit a commission request?

Here's generally what happens When you submit a request using my Commissions contact form:
  1. I will endeavor to send you a reply email within one week. This can contain extra advice, payment rates, times of availability and so on.
  2. We can either arrange to meet at a location (If you live in London) to discuss the project and the budget in more detail, we can connect over Skype or we can maintain our conversation over email. The important thing is that we both have an understanding of: the project's budget; my availability; the agreed payment rate; the method of payment and the project's style and technical requirements.
  3. We draft up a contractual agreement. This is important so that we both have a grounded understanding of what is expected of each other.
  4. We will set up a shared platform to exchange files and feedback. I recommend Trello because it is free, versatile and easy to learn. But Dropbox, Skype, google drive are also effective methods.
  5. I get cracking on the production! I will keep you updated regularly with drafts and you will have masses of opportunity to give feedback and direction throughout the project. I make sure to listen to you and carry out your wishes to the best of my ability. I can also offer my experience as a short film writer and director if you are unsure of what direction you would like to go in. In animation projects, the process is much longer so I would send lots of drafts. In Illustration and design, it is split into fewer stages, where we narrow down the design from a variety of ideas.
  6. I help you through the rest of the process, all the way to uploading the finished project if necessary. Ask me if you would like a helping promotion boost to my audience of 80,000+ animation enthusiasts!
  7. You pay the final installment of the payment cost - only when you are happy with the finished result.
Are you ready to collaborate?
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