Question 1

How much will a project cost?

Accepted Answer

Prices vary by client and project, based on the client's needs, the usage of the artwork, and the complexity of the content and illustration style. Check out Hromi Biomedical's pricing guide for a general idea of where prices start with basic criteria in mind, and get in touch to receive a quote that is tailored to you. Since each project is unique, pricing is usually quoted per-figure or per-project rather than at an hourly rate, but some exceptions may be made for particular types of assignments.

Question 2

What is the process for a project from start to finish?

Accepted Answer

Generally speaking, when working with a client the process for a project is as follows: Emily will discuss your project with you, either over email or by phone/video. Discussion will include audience, style, concepts, usage rights, timeline, and more—everything that is needed in order to provide you an accurate quote. A quote will be sent to you within 1-2 business days. If you accept the quote, an agreement will be sent soon after. Once signed, the project can begin. For most projects, preliminary sketches will be sent to ensure accuracy of information, concept, and layout. This will give you an opportunity to request changes that can be much more easily made in the sketch than in the final artwork. Ideally all conceptual and anatomical information will be finalized at this stage, so the review process here is important. The sketch phase of a project is also when the research happens, so this may include some back-and-forth discussion to clarify science concepts—you're the expert, we're just here to transform your ideas into visuals! Once you're satisfied with the preliminary sketches, final artwork will follow. Most illustrations are done using a combination of vector and raster artwork, although simpler artwork may be purely vector-based. Generally one round of major revisions is allowed on a project before being subject to additional fees. "Major revisions" may include further rendering, re-drawing certain elements, or entirely changing the layout of a piece. Ideally these changes will be minimal if the preliminary sketches underwent proper review. Any additional fees will be discussed prior to work being performed, and will be determined on a case-by-case basis. Minor changes beyond that are included in the project cost. Small tweaks to things like color, position, size, and graphical/text elements are just all part of the process of making a project perfect. Once final artwork is approved, you will be sent an invoice, which is to be paid (online via Square or by mailing a physical check) within 30 days.

Question 3

What if I have a limited budget?

Accepted Answer

We will discuss your budget during our initial consultation. Since cost is determined by a number of factors, there are things we can do to reduce the price and still meet your needs (e.g. use a more simplistic art style, license only for specific purposes rather than broad/unlimited usage, create a payment schedule, etc.).

Question 4

Can I own the copyright to the illustrations you create for me?

Accepted Answer

Possibly, but let's discuss it. By default, an artist owns the copyright to their work as soon as it is created, whether or not they register it with the US Copyright Office. Most artists, including medical illustrators, prefer to retain this ownership so they can control how their work is used and represented.   There are many types of licenses we could agree upon that may grant you the usage you need without having to transfer copyright ownership. Buyouts of copyright can be quite expensive for the client, and in most cases are not necessary when the proper license is chosen instead.   For more information on this, read this helpful guide provided by the Association of Medical Illustrators.

Question 5

What exactly do "style" and "complexity" mean?"

Accepted Answer

Medical illustrations take many forms! From a simple black and white line drawing to a photorealistic full-color rendering, different types of artwork vary in skill level and time commitment, all of which influence the cost of a project. For example, style and complexity may refer to: Color (black and white, grayscale, or full color) Rendering type (flat vector graphics, line art, color rendering with visible outlines, etc.) Level of realism (exaggerated/cartoonish, stylized but accurate, photorealistic, etc.) Level of detail (spot illustration of an isolated piece of anatomy, focal point with surrounding artwork faded out or simplified, realistic/high detail, etc.)   This example shows the same anatomy illustrated several different ways, from very simple and basic to layered and realistic. The level of complexity referenced in a particular project is usually a balance of style and subject matter. Every project is unique, but hopefully this can serve as a helpful guide.   Check out the other illustrations Hromi Biomedical has done in the past, and if any particular pieces appeal to you we can use that as a starting point. You may also send artwork samples that inspire you—we will never copy another artist's work, but it is always helpful to see the aesthetic you have in mind, especially if you don't have the exact vocabulary to describe it.