Frequently Asked Questions

Chances are good that you’re not the first person to ask me something about myself and my work! Don’t see the answer you’re looking for? Contact me here.

What tools do you use?

You can find extensive lists of all of my favorite books, notebooks, paper, pens, and other art supplies in my Amazon Store. The tools don’t make the artist, but sometimes it’s nice to know what the pros are using and loving, am I right?

Other Services:

  • Podia – This is the platform where I host my courses for SketchnoteAcademy.com. Check it out if you’re interested in online courses, hosting webinars, or creating a membership site.
  • ConvertKit – A powerful email system that meets all of my needs- much more than MailChimp could ever do!
  • Siteground – The best web hosting I’ve ever used! Great customer service.
  • Stickermule – <-– Get a $10 credit with this link! They’re an online sticker maker ​and my go-to place for custom products! (they also randomly have a hot sauce that is really good!)

Note: Some links are affiliate or referral links. Everyone wins! You get great tools and recommendations, I get a small bonus for referring you to buy. I am a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program and Influencers Program, which are affiliate advertising programs designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com.

I'm nervous or unsure about hiring a designer/illustrator.
I know it can be scary to hire someone to create something for you, especially if you’ve never hired someone before or you don’t know what to expect. I have had many, many inexperienced people ask me for help on their project, so you won’t be the first! Don’t worry about not knowing. I’ll help you along the way. While I don’t choose to work with everyone, I can still offer you some advice to help you feel more at ease:
1. Take personal responsibility for your project and know as much about it as possible BEFORE you come to me.

 

Do your research! Spend an hour googling your questions and reading on forums. I can’t tell you how many inquiries I get from people who “have a great idea for a children’s book I want you to illustrate” but don’t realize how ill-prepared they are to even begin the process of hiring someone for it until I explain what I would need. Here’s what you should know about your project before you bring it to a designer or illustrator:
  • What are your goals? If you don’t have a reason for the project to exist, does it even matter if it happens?
  • Who is your audience? What kind of people do you hope will see, use, or interact with your project?
  • Are you working under a deadline or have a timeline in mind? Planning ahead will only serve you. Tight-turnaround projects will incur additional rush fees.
  • Where/how will the project be used? Is it in a book? Will it be on a website? ill you be printing it multiple times?
  • Are there specs/sizes? Think about the end result. What size is it? Will it be greyscale or color?
2. Know what you’re signing up for before you agree to anything. 

 

Whether or not you work with me, you need to protect yourself. Make sure you know what you’re agreeing to before you pay someone. When you hire me, I will outline everything you need to know in the proposal and quote:
  • Define the roles: Who does what
  • Set expectations: What needs to happen and when
  • Explain the process: Every project is different! This is customized for you.
  • Set deadlines: Timelines for drafts and final product delivery
  • Explain terms: Rights and agreements explained
What is the process once I hire you?

Every project is different and you’ll get a detailed project process breakdown and timeline in the contract you sign. Here’s a general idea of what happens:

  • Discovery call/meeting
  • Contract sent and signed
  • 50% project deposit payment
  • Project Start
  • Drafting
  • Draft 1: Layout
  • Draft 2: Style
  • Draft 3: Details
  • Draft 4: Final
  • Additional assets
  • File Prep
  • Final 50% invoice payment
  • File hand-off
I have questions about licenses, rights, ownership, etc.

The legal side of art can be really confusing, especially if you’ve never hired an artist before. I’ve typed up a helpful guide on all things licensing, full-rights buyouts, copyrights, and derivative works on this page.

I want to know more about you, Emily.

I’ve shared a lot about myself and my work on podcasts, videos, and other interviews. You can check those out here.

Growing up
I have pursued drawing and art since childhood. I took every art class I could and participated in art shows. I read The Far Side and Calvin and Hobbes. I drew a lot as a kid. I’d write and illustrate my own stories, I drew on napkins at restaurants, I had 3 original cartoon strips that I made for myself and also drew cartoons for the school papers in both high school and college.

Education
I took art classes in and outside of school. When it was time to pick a major in college, the recession was in full-swing. I felt torn between wanting to pursue ilustration because it was what I enjoyed, but I also wanted to be able to earn a living– I wasn’t sure I could do both. A friend of mine suggested the graphic design program to me, and after learning about it I dove in head-first! I earned my bachelor’s degree in Graphic design, which blends together my passions of drawing, business, and marketing. As an adult, I still enjoy taking classes and workshops, and reading instructional books.

Professional 
If you want to know my work history you can find me on LinkedIn. I focus primarily on illustration projects these days, but graphic design is still around! I wrote a book called The Art of Visual Notetaking (published by Quarto), and I teach people how to take sketchnotes and communicate visually over at SketchnoteAcademy.com.

View about page

How did you get started illustrating?
I started getting paid to illustrate in 2011, but I had a lot of experiences that built up to that moment. I drew a lot as a kid. I’d write and illustrate my own stories, I drew on napkins at restaurants, I had 3 original cartoon strips that I made for myself, I drew cartoons for the school paper in high school and college, and I kept up drawing as part of the drafting process with my graphic design work.

 

I got started professionally drawing shortly after I decided to start sharing my drawings again in 2013. People noticed, remembered my work, and asked me to do projects for them. I got inquiries based on the work I shared, even though I didn’t think it was anything special or even that good! My first gig outside of comic strips was drawing for some whiteboard videos. I worked as a live events artist for over 4 years, and now focus on client work and teaching. I think it’s important to share your work no matter what- somewhere, someone will enjoy what you do and you never know where that can lead.
Where can I find your privacy policy and terms & conditions?

You can read all the legal stuff here.