Both. A good custom caricature should make people laugh and immediately say, “that’s you.” If the pencil draft misses, I adjust it before inking.
Archives: FAQs
How long does a custom caricature take?
Single portraits: 2–3 working days after photo approval. Couples or groups: 4–6 days. Live events are drawn on the spot.
Can you draw a group caricature?
Yes. I work from individual photos and compose the group. I keep scale and interaction natural so it doesn’t look pasted together.
Do you do political caricature for publications?
I do. I read the brief, find the visual hook, and draw a clear, readable image for print or web. I aim for satire, not personal attack.
What’s the difference between a digital caricature and a traditional one?
Traditional is ink on paper, shipped to you. Digital is drawn on a tablet, delivered as files. Both start with my hand sketch, the look is the same, and the delivery is faster digitally.
Do you do wedding caricatures for invitations?
Yes. I create the couple in my style. Then, I add wedding details. Finally, I deliver files for save-the-dates, invites, and thank-you cards. I can also draw guests live at the reception.
How do you draw a caricature from a photo?
I find what makes each face unique. Then, I highlight that feature while making sure the person is still recognizable. I send a pencil draft first so you can confirm the likeness.
Can you work with my existing supplier?
Yes. Send me their template and specs. I build to their requirements so you don’t get a rejection email from the printer.
What files will I get for pins vs. shirts?
Pins get vector AI/EPS with Pantone colors. Shirts get spot-color separations for screen print or high-res PNGs for DTG. Everything is labeled by product.
What’s the difference between merch design and just putting a logo on a shirt?
A logo is a stamp. Merch design tells a story. I draw original art people want to wear or collect, not just brand ID.
What is visual merchandising design?
It’s planning how your products look together in a shop or at a fair. I design the art system so your shirts, stickers, and displays feel like one brand, not random items.
Do you do custom rolling paper designs?
I do. I set up the booklet cover, the inside leaf pattern, and the back panel with all legal info. Files are delivered to your printer’s exact template.
Can you take one illustration and make a full line?
Yes. That’s the core of good merchandise design. I redraw the art at different levels of detail so it works on a 1-inch pin and a full-back tee.
How do you start a merch design project?
You tell me the product and the audience. I sketch 2–3 character ideas that work small (for a pin) and large (for a shirt). We pick one and build the range.
What files will I get?
A print PDF with bleed, the source art file, and a web JPG. For custom orders, I include a version without text so you can reuse the art later.
Will you add personalization like names and dates?
I can. I leave editable text layers, or I can set each name for you before printing.
Can you design a full card set for my shop?
Yes. That’s set design. I create 6 to 12 cards with a consistent theme so they look good together on display.
What sizes do you work in?
Mostly A6 (105x148mm), A7, and 5×5 inch square. I set up the file to your printer’s spec, US or European sizes.
Do you hand-draw illustrated greeting cards?
Every card begins as a pencil drawing in my studio. I scan it, then finish it digitally for a clean print.
Can you do wedding card designs as a matching set?
Yes. I design the save-the-date, invitation, and thank-you as one family. Same illustration style, same typography, different layouts.
How do you start a custom greeting card?
I start with your message. You give me the text and the feeling you want. I sketch a few character ideas that fit, not generic clip art.
How fast can you turn around a custom poster design?
Simple posters are usually 3–4 working days after we lock the sketch. Multi-poster campaigns take a week or two. I’ll confirm the timing before we start.
What files will I receive?
Print PDF/X with bleed, plus a high-res JPG and PNG for web. If you need a version in Italian, German, or French, I can set that up too.
What makes an illustrated poster stand out?
One central drawing, not five small ones. I draw a custom character or scene that fits your message, so it doesn’t look like stock.
Do you handle signboard designs too?
I do. I design information panels, maps, and wayfinding. I use clear pictograms and large type built to be read while walking.
Can you do shop window posters that work day and night?
Yes. I test contrast for both. For windows, I keep backgrounds simple and type bold so it reads through glass and glare.
What sizes do you design for?
Anything from A4 flyers to large-format boards. I set up files with bleed and safe margins so your printer doesn’t need to fix them.
How do you start an event poster design?
I start with the must-read info: what, when, where. I sketch the headline first, then build the image around it so the date doesn’t get lost.
What files will I receive?
Print PDF/X with bleeds, source AI/PSD, and web JPGs for online listings. For kids’ books, I also supply individual spread files.
What is editorial illustration exactly?
It’s a single drawing made for an article. I distill the main point into a visual that works with the headline. Fast, clear, and on tone.
Do you design art magazine covers differently?
Yes. For art magazine covers, I keep the layout quieter so the featured artwork leads. Typography supports; it doesn’t compete.
Can you do both the cover and interior layout?
Yes. I design the book cover, then set up the interior to match chapter heads, folios, and print specs included.
What makes a magazine cover work?
One big idea, big type, and space to breathe. A good magazine cover tells the reader what’s inside in two seconds.
Do you read the whole manuscript?
For fiction, I read the synopsis and key chapters. For children’s book illustrations, I read the entire text to pace the characters across the pages.
How do you start a book cover design?
I read your back-cover copy and looked at your category on Amazon. I sketch three different directions by hand: one is type-driven, one is image-driven, and one is symbolic. You pick.
What makes your designer apparel different?
It’s drawn, not assembled from stock. You get an original apparel design with a clear story, not just a trendy font on a blank.
Can you design for kids and adults in the same style?
Absolutely. I simplify the art slightly for toddler sizes and keep the core character so the brand stays consistent.
Will the artwork work on dark and light shirts?
I test both. I build a light version and a dark version, and I adjust stroke weights so small details don’t disappear.
Do you provide files for both screen print and DTG?
Yes. Screen gets spot-color separations. DTG gets high-res transparent PNGs. You tell me the print method, and I prep accordingly.
What’s different about sportswear design?
Seams and stretch. I design the pattern panels so logos don’t warp and numbers stay readable. I provide files your sublimation printer can use directly.
Can you do a full custom t-shirt design collection?
Yes. I’ll create a main character or graphic system, then adapt it across tees, hoodies, and kids’ sizes so the line feels connected.
How do you start a t-shirt design?
I ask who will wear it and where. Then I sketch by hand at actual print size. That way, I know the idea works before I open Illustrator.
How do you handle legal text for beverage labels?
I build it in from the start: ingredients, allergens, ABV, importer info. No squeezing text in at the end.
What files will I get for packaging design?
Print-ready PDF/X, layered AI, plus PNG/JPG for web. If you need a white ink layer or varnish mask, I include that too.
Do you design just the front, or the whole package?
Both. I can do a front label only or the full wrap, including back, neck, and box. Tell me what the printer needs.
How do you make a product label stand out?
Contrast and character. I use a strong central illustration, a clean hierarchy, and one memorable color. It has to be readable from three feet away.
Can you do sticker labels for short runs?
Absolutely. I set up sticker labels on sheets with kiss-cut guides. Perfect for markets, tastings, or limited editions.
Do you handle the technical stuff like die lines?
Yes. I build the die line to your printer’s spec, add bleed, and check the barcode quiet zone. You get files your printer can run without fixes.
What’s different about wine label design?
Wine buyers read small type up close. I keep the layout simple. I use a quality paper texture in the mockup. The vintage and appellation should be easy to read.
How do you start a beer label design?
I ask about the style of beer, the story, and the taproom vibe. Then I sketch characters or badges that fit the name, not a stock Viking. You pick one, and we build from there.
How long does a logo take?
A straightforward mark is usually 5 to 7 working days from brief to final files. A full brand system takes two to three weeks. I’ll confirm timing before we start.
Can you build more than just the logo?
I can. Most clients add business cards, letterhead, and social templates when they book logo design services. I quote it as one package.
How do you pick colours that actually print?
I work in CMYK from day one and limit the palette to two or three colours. I test for contrast and cost.
Will I get files for both print and social?
Yes. Every project includes vector masters and ready-to-use PNGs and JPGs. You won’t need to call me to resize a profile picture.
What makes a logo work at 16 pixels?
Simple shapes and strong contrast. I test every mark as a favicon and as a stamped imprint before I show it to you.
Do you redesign existing logos?
Yes. I keep what people recognize and redraw what fails at small sizes. Most refreshes fix spacing, balance, and legibility.
How many concepts will I see?
Three. All in black and white. It keeps us focused on shape and ideas, not on favourite colours.
How do you start a custom logo design?
I start with your words, not mood boards. I ask about your customers, competitors, and where the logo will live. Then I sketch by hand lots of bad ideas first, then the good ones.
What do I actually receive at the end?
A link that includes source files, print PDFs, web files, fonts (or outlines), and a license note. You own the rights to use it, while I retain the artist credit.
Why sketch on paper if everything ends up digital?
Paper is quicker for ideas. I can test ten drafts in ten minutes. The computer comes later for precision.
Do you design the poster and the social versions at once?
I create the master in vector format. Then, I export the sizes you need for print, web, and stories.
How do you create graphic design assets my team can reuse?
I name each layer, lock the logo versions, and add a one-page usage sheet. You’ll receive folders for AI, SVG, and PNG. This way, no one needs to sift through a messy file.
How do you make sure my colors print correctly in Switzerland?
I work in CMYK from the start and use FOGRA profiles. I’ll send you a hard proof PDF and, if needed, a printed proof from my local print partner in Mendrisio.
What’s your process for a CD cover?
I start by listening to 2–3 tracks. While I listen, I sketch, and then I create the final design as vector art. You’ll get everything, including a 3000x3000px streaming file and social media banners.
How do you start a book cover design?
I read your synopsis and check comps in your genre. Then, I sketch three different covers by hand: one typographic, one character-driven, and one symbolic. You choose, and I refine.
How do I get started?
Simply send me a message with a brief description of your project. I’ll get back to you to discuss ideas, timing, and provide a quote.
Can you work with international clients?
Yes. I work with clients worldwide and communicate by email or video call. Finished artwork is delivered digitally.
Who owns the copyright?
Copyright remains with the artist unless otherwise agreed. Clients receive the usage rights specified in the project agreement.
How long does a project take?
Simple illustrations can often be completed within a few days, while larger commissions may take several weeks. If you have a deadline, let me know, and I’ll do my best to accommodate it.
How much does an illustration cost?
Every project is different. Pricing depends on the complexity, usage rights, and timeline. Contact me with a brief description of your project, and I’ll provide a no-obligation quote.
Do you create artwork for print and digital use?
Yes. My illustrations are prepared for both print and digital applications, from magazines and packaging to websites, social media, and advertising.
What file formats do you deliver?
Artwork can be supplied in AI, EPS, SVG, PDF, PNG, JPG, TIFF, or other formats depending on your needs.
Can I request revisions?
Absolutely. Revisions are a normal part of the creative process. The number of revisions included depends on the scope of the project and will be agreed upon before work begins.
How does the process work?
After discussing your project, I create initial concepts or sketches. Once we’ve agreed on a direction, I develop the final artwork and deliver it in the required formats.
What information do you need to get started?
A simple brief is usually enough. Tell me about your project, your audience, your goals, and any ideas or references you have. From there, I’ll develop concepts and sketches.
Can you match an existing style?
Yes. While I have a distinctive style, I can adapt my approach to suit your brand, publication, or campaign while maintaining originality.
Do you use AI to create your artwork?
AI can be a useful tool, but every project I create begins with my own sketches and ideas. The concepts, humor, and personality behind the artwork come from human creativity—not machine-generated images.
What is your illustration style?
My work combines caricature, humor, and clean visual storytelling. Most final artwork is created as vector illustrations, making it ideal for everything from business cards to billboards.
What kinds of illustration do you create?
I specialize in editorial illustrations, cartoons, caricatures, book covers, CD sleeves, advertising visuals, logos, and custom artwork for print and digital media.