What It’s Like to Work with an Illustrator
A Behind-the-Scenes Client Q&A
So—you’re curious about hiring an illustrator. Maybe for your brand. Your wedding. A keepsake for someone you love. You’ve seen hand-drawn art that made your heart skip a beat... but you’ve never actually worked with an illustrator before, and you're wondering:
How does this work?
Do I need to have everything figured out?
What if I’m not “creative enough” to explain my idea?
Friend, you are not alone. Working with an illustrator can feel a little mysterious if you’ve never done it—but I promise, it’s not intimidating. In fact, it should feel like the most fun part of your project.
Today, I’m answering some of the most common questions I get from clients about what it’s really like to collaborate with an illustrator (ahem, hi, me). So whether you’re dreaming up a custom wedding suite, a branded crest, a pet portrait, or a children’s book—this one’s for you.
“Do I need to have a clear vision before we start?”
Not at all. In fact, please don’t stress about that. I’ll guide you through the process.
Some clients come to me with full Pinterest boards and mood references, others just say, “I want something that feels timeless and soft and a little magical.” Both are totally welcome.
My job as the illustrator is to help you shape your vision—even if it starts out fuzzy. We’ll walk through your goals, your style, your story, and I’ll pull together sketches and concepts to bring it to life. This is a collaboration, not a test.
“How involved will I be in the process?”
As involved as you want to be—but with none of the overwhelm.
I like to keep things warm, communicative, and crystal clear. You’ll always know what phase we’re in, what I’m working on, and when you can expect updates. I’ll send over sketches or color palettes for feedback at key checkpoints. And yes—you’ll get a chance to approve everything before it’s finalized.
My goal is for you to feel taken care of and delighted, not buried in decisions. Think: creative partner, not taskmaster.
“How long does it take?”
It depends on the scope of the project—but most custom illustration projects take 2–6 weeks from start to finish.
Here’s a rough idea:
– Custom pet or house portraits: 3 - 5 days
– Illustrated wedding maps or stationery elements: 5 - 7 days
– Brand illustrations or custom artwork suites: 5 - 7 days
Rush projects can sometimes be accommodated, but I always recommend reaching out early—especially during busy seasons (like spring weddings or holiday gifting!)
“What do you need from me to get started?”
Not much! Once you’ve reached out, I’ll send a short questionnaire to gather details about your vision, timeline, and preferences. Depending on the project, I may ask for:
– Reference photos (for portraits or venues)
– Inspiration images or a mood board
– A few words that describe the feeling you want the art to have
After you approve the final piece(s), I’ll prepare your files / painting for delivery.
“What if I don’t love the first sketch?”
Totally fair question—and here’s the honest answer: I build room for refinement into every project.
After I send the first sketch or concept, you’ll have the chance to share any feedback or suggestions. Whether it’s tweaking colors, swapping an element, or adjusting proportions, we’ll work together to get it just right.
That said—I always start with a strong foundation rooted in your vision, so most clients don’t need major changes. Still, your voice matters. And I’m here to make sure the final piece is something you truly love.
“What makes custom illustration worth it?”
Great question. Custom illustration is about more than art—it’s about meaning.
When you invest in illustration, you’re commissioning something one-of-a-kind. It’s deeply personal, handcrafted, and built from the ground up with you in mind. Whether it’s a painting that lives in your home for decades or a branded crest that carries your story into the world, it’s not just decorative—it’s your story.
In a world of quick design fixes and digital sameness, custom art slows things down in the best way. It invites people to feel. To connect. To remember. And that’s something you just can’t duplicate.
This post is based on years of client experience and real questions from dozens of illustration projects across branding, weddings, publishing, and more. No vague guesses here—just honest answers from behind the brush.