Artist's Notes | January 2025

How's your year started? Well, mine's been quite productive, though not without stress. Let me share what's new, what's interesting, and what's coming up!

Thoughts on Reuse Sales

How often do you resell usage rights for existing illustrations (without creating new ones) to new clients? I recently read in "Graphic Artists Guild Handbook" about reselling rights to illustrations created long ago. The idea is simple: if a client doesn't have the budget for a new unique illustration right now, we can offer them rights to use an existing piece that fits their needs. Modifications can be included as an additional fee.

What a simple yet brilliant idea! As illustrators, we create so much work for personal projects and beyond that could generate income, but we might miss this opportunity while focusing on current projects and self-development. Clients might not know about this option, but it's in our power to offer it. By the way, I definitely recommend reading the book.

Graphic Artists Guild Handbook

I Got Unpaid

Well, it happens in freelance life. While things might still resolve positively, I wanted to share a challenging experience this month. Sometimes, even with established clients and clear payment terms (in this case, 30 days), unexpected delays happen – like my current situation where an invoice is 2 weeks overdue.

I'm working through this with the client, and while I'm sure it'll work out, it's made me think about the importance of timely payments in our industry. As freelancers, we prioritize delivering quality work on time (often earlier than the deadline), and we hope for the same courtesy with payments. After all, we have regular business expenses, taxes, and commitments to meet. Late payments can add unnecessary stress and impact the otherwise positive collaborative experience we work so hard to create.

While I'm confident this particular case will be resolved soon, I believe it's important to have open conversations about these situations – not to point fingers, but to build better understanding between creatives and clients.

Current Projects

There are a few super exciting projects I and my studio Deeply are currently working on! There's a client with a magazine issue cover in an editorial style, and I definitely stepped out of my comfort zone while creating it – sneak peek below!

Sneak peek of the current project!

Also several projects with a regular Deeply client, where we're working on visual identity and children's books (this will be WOW).

Just recently I finished creating minimalist icons for plant fertilizer packaging, and I love how they turned out – I'll be able to show more in February!

Studio Freelance Roster

Soon I'm planning to expand the current freelance roster for studio Deeply, and I'm looking for creative people ready to create beautiful things together!

Brand designers

Illustrators

2D animators

Fill out this form if you're interested in working together!

Updated Consult Calls

Some of you might know that I do consultation calls with those who need support or career advice. Actually, anyone who wants can book a chat with me! I recently added a page to my website where I explain in detail what we can discuss and details about these calls. You'll also find a booking link there if you'd like to meet! I can provide a discount for students, so just let me know.

That's my creative life lately!

As always, thanks for reading, and let me know if you have any questions or thoughts.