DESIGN & CONSULTATION FEE

As my commission calendar continues to grow, I’m making a small but important update to my process beginning in the new year.

Starting January 1, all new commissions will begin with a Design & Consultation Fee. This covers the time and expertise involved in consultation, concept development, and mockups, and allows me to give each project the attention it deserves from the very beginning.

Over the years, I’ve offered this early design work at no charge, trusting in the collaborative process. Most of the time, that trust is well placed. Occasionally, though, a mockup is treated as a finished gift or shared beyond the planning stage. While I’m always glad to know my reference work is strong, it’s still professional labor, and it deserves protection.

Because of that, you’ll also notice that all mockups will now include a visible proof watermark. This keeps design concepts exactly where they belong, in the planning phase, until the final artwork is completed.

If you move forward with your commission, the Design & Consultation Fee is applied toward the final artwork price. The creative process itself hasn’t changed. It’s still collaborative, thoughtful, and centered on getting the piece right.

This update simply helps ensure I can continue offering custom work sustainably, and with the level of care each project deserves.