Sarah Parsons Freelance Cartoonist . . . cartoons and cartoon style illustrations to add visual appeal and communicate ideas in publications and projects
newspapers | magazines | journals | newsletters | books | articles | editorials | lectures | presentations | teaching aids | public education campaigns | public speaking visuals
websites | e-newsletters | advertising | logos | brochures | PR materials | information packs | fiction & non-fiction illustration | educational materials | greeting cards | posters
Cartooning services available worldwide Email enquiries & obligation free quotes: sarah@sarahparsons.com.au ABN 12952142751 Assoc.Mem.A.C.A.
 frequently asked questions on this page . . .
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1. How suitable are cartoons for my particular project/publication? When we think of cartoons we mostly think of gags, kids TV or comic strips in the paper. But cartooning has many genres, visual styles, types of humour and tone. If writing, illustration or photos are suitable for your project/publication - then cartoons are too. It's a matter of ensuring the artwork you use has the appropriate humour, visual style and tone to match your project/publication and, most importantly, your audience:
Humour: All cartoons use humour, even if it's only the friendly simplicity of line that distinguishes this medium from other visual media. But the humour can vary greatly; satire, slapstick, distortion, caricature, silly-sausage, ridicule, wit, puns, word play, dry, wry or deadpan. Simple observation of the truth can be the funniest for some. Though what makes one person groan can get another rolling on the floor. Different types of humour can be employed in one cartoon, such as the use of both satire and caricature in a political cartoon. Visual Style: Cartoons can be made with very different visual styles to suit the design of your project/publication. By manipulating colour, light/dark, movement/stillness, shading, rendering and contrast, the mood and energy of a cartoon can be controlled. Cartoons can use devices unique to this medium, such as movement lines, clouds of dust, thought bubbles, sweat droplets and unrealistic exaggeration. On the other hand, cartoons can be made to look realistic, they may have no words/devices, or be highly symbolic as in the case of a logo. They can be graphically modern or reflect a stylistic era in the past.
More about the ways cartoons are used on WHY CARTOONS WORK
As with any creative work, there are just as many different cartooning styles as there are cartoonists. And just as many different types of humour, visual style and tone. As cartoonists draw over the years, their style develops and, like a signature, becomes distinctive and highly recognisable. Sometimes they use a few different styles. Cartoonists tend to work in particular areas (such as gag, political, illustration) but, at a pinch, are highly versatile creatures and can usually turn their pen to all sorts of jobs. Choosing the right cartoonist for the job is largely a matter knowing the purpose of the cartoon and what will appeal to your audience. # Tip: Humour and visual appeal are both highly subjective and it's your audience's taste that is paramount (not yours or the cartoonist's). However, it's also true that if you like it, chances are, others will too. # Tip: Have a look at various cartoonists' work and you'll get a feel for who might produce the kind of artwork your project needs. Cartoonists are a friendly, helpful bunch - so have a chat or get a referral to other cartoonists in the networks.  # Tip: Making a choice may depend on which cartoonist has time before your deadline! 3. How do I purchase cartoons at sarahparsons.com.au?
4. How much do cartoons cost at sarahparsons.com.au?  Because there are many factors to consider, all pricing is by quote and depends on:
Get a ballpark price, then a proper quote if you're interested  Do quotes ever go over?Once a quote and agreement is signed off, the price is fixed. Quotes have a list attached of the arrangements agreed upon by client and artist for the amount, type, deadline, price and usage licence/copyright of the artwork. It is the responsibility of the cartoonist to make a realistic estimate and then stay within budget regarding studio time and expenses. Of course, if you want additional artwork or to make significant changes to the your order/agreement then a quote can be adjusted by mutual agreement and resigned. When is payment due? Unless otherwise arranged, payment is at the time of purchase, or in the case of large commissions is normally 50% half way and 50% at the end. Copyright and licence ownership are only transferable after full and final payment. If you decide to halt the artwork or not use the pieces, payment will be due relative to the work/time spent on your project at that point. Tips for a tiny budget Because the costs associated in producing cartoons is based on time, it is difficult to cut down the price substantially. However, there are some factors that lend themselves to a small budget:
CONTACT the cartoonist for a price on existing artwork, a ballpark figure or a formal quote. 5. How does the commissioning a new cartoon work?
6. How effective is ordering cartoons online? Ordering cartoons and illustrations online is the most efficient, cost-effective and quickest way to go about organising your artwork needs.  You save on time and costs associated with meetings by relying on regular email/phone communication and feedback as the work progresses. Research materials, organisation pamphlets and ideas can be sent as links, email attachments or faxed/posted. If you are in Australia you may find a combination of email and phone consultation works best (or meeting face-to-face can be a productive and enjoyable for Sydneysiders). Whichever way of communicating you choose, the artwork quality with be the same.
7. How is my artwork delivered?  By the time the final cartoons are ready for use, they are in a digital format and there are no originals on paper (just the pencil roughs of parts of the drawing). The final rendering is usually done by scanning in the inked outline and rendering with illustration/image programs.The final artwork is emailed directly to you (or your printer/designer) in the required digital format and size. A courtesy pack will also be posted with A CDrom or DVD of your images will also be posted to you with a courtesy hard copy set for ease of reference and storage. Copies of all roughs and final artwork are kept at the studio should you ever lose yours.
8. How about my deadline?  Like most people, your deadline was probably yesterday - and the last thing you need is late (useless) artwork after working so carefully with your cartoonist or illustrator. Parsons only commits to the projects she can meet the deadlines on. If she can't meet your deadline, or has doubts, she will make this clear at the outset (and refer you on to another cartoonist). And once a date for artwork completion is agreed on, Parsons works to deadline with style! Of course, you may end up organising additional artwork or significantly change the order, in which case deadlines may be renegotiated as you go. Last-minute cartoons?
9. How does copyright work? And do I need a contract?  Having a clear agreement at the outset is a good idea with any freelancer you use. Sometimes this ends up being a verbal agreement, which is still a contract but often has few details sorted out and even fewer eventualities covered. The benefit of taking the time to make a written agreement at the outset is that it paves the way for a smooth arrangement for both parties, where problems are minimised right from the start. A good contract should cover the details of the type and quantity of artwork ordered, the deadline, copyright or licence, price, payment date, allowances for input before artwork is completed, how the artwork will be delivered and names and contact details of both parties. Somewhere in the terms it should also be clear what fees are involved if the artwork is late, not used, when credit is to be given to the artist, or what happens if changes are made to the contract during the work. Some clients use freelance artists, cartoonists or illustrators a lot and already have such agreements prepared. For others, Parsons uses a standard illustration agreement from the Illustrators Australia as a starting point. Copyright In Australia, if no agreement is formed then copyright automatically stays with the artist, until signed over, whether their name or a © symbol is there or not. So it is especially important to negotiate copyright needs with any freelancer. Full copyright is generally more expensive than purchasing a licence for limited use (because the freelancer can then go on to sell the same work to another, non-competing, publication or organisation and recoup payment that way). Sometimes full copyright is required and this can have limited use (but exclusive ownership) or unlimited use (and exclusive ownership). Copyright law is complex, and differs from country to country, so it is especially important to be aware of how it works, decide your needs, include an agreement about this in your contract, and be aware that it will make a difference to the price. Learn about copyright and your rights and obligations as an artwork buyer: The Australian Copyright Council www.copyright.org.au Arts Law Centre of Australia www.artslaw.com.au
10. What information do I need to give the cartoonist?  · Your deadline · Your artwork needs (number & size of pieces, rendering) · Your licence/copyright and contract needs · Information about your organisation (site, pamphlets) · Specific information about the current project/publication · Any initial ideas you have (concepts, stick figure drawings) · Budget information if it will help decisions about artwork · What sort of input you need in the creative process
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If you've received an artwork submission from the cartoonist, you may like to use it as is, or get a variation on that idea (or look). 
WEBSITE & ARTWORK © SARAH PARSONS 2008
Artwork on this website is copyright and may not be reproduced without permission. Except on kitchen fridges.