What’s it like working with Taco?
Obviously it’s a real treat, at least that’s what my clients tell me (to my face) – they might hate it, but they keep coming back! To know what the process might be like, click below whether you’re an agency, direct client or looking for illustration.
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How I work with an Agency
I'm from an Agency, can't you tell from my black turtle neck and my horn-rimmed glasses???
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I need it yesterday, is that possible?
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Do you handle hospital passes? You do??? WHEN CAN YOU START ON THIS PLEASE??????
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We pitched for this and didn't think we'd get it, what are your avails?
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I'm from an Agency, can't you tell from my black turtle neck and my horn-rimmed glasses??? 👩🎨 👩🎨 👩🎨 I need it yesterday, is that possible? 👩🎨 👩🎨 👩🎨 Do you handle hospital passes? You do??? WHEN CAN YOU START ON THIS PLEASE?????? 👩🎨 👩🎨 👩🎨 We pitched for this and didn't think we'd get it, what are your avails? 👩🎨 👩🎨 👩🎨
step oneFirst you’ve got a project you need me to work with you on
I work with agencies on a wide variety of projects, these include campaign work, brand exploration, storyboarding, illustration for animation, pitch docs, content creation, image-making. Really anywhere from concept to completion, I’ve been involved in every step of the process.
step TWOWe have a preliminary chat to define what the list of deliverables are and what timings we need to hit. Does the client need to be involved directly? How much are they expecting, and are they a one-option or many-options type? How many rounds of refinements would we like? Then we’ll take a look at budget and make sure we’re all aligned.
Let’s define the parameters
step THREEAs we agreed earlier, we set about getting the work done! This might be several rounds of scamps or style explorations. It might include client presentations or being involved with the sell-in process. We keep in good contact over email and phone and make sure all our milestones are hit on time.
The work gets underway!
step FOURThe work is done to the high-standard we’re looking for and client is happy! It’s ready to go to print / production / TV / wherever. We get all files ready to go in the format you need whether that’s print-ready long-form documents or layered vectors for animation. All that’s left is to sit back and watch the awards roll in!
Delivery and final wrap-up
How I work directly with you and your business
I'm my own boss, I call the shots!
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My cousin's husband's former roomate says he could do it for free.
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I like what you're doing, let's do more of that!
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Help, I've no idea what I'm doing. . .
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I'm my own boss, I call the shots! 👨🌾 👨🌾 👨🌾 My cousin's husband's former roomate says he could do it for free. 👨🌾 👨🌾 👨🌾 I like what you're doing, let's do more of that! 👨🌾 👨🌾 👨🌾 Help, I've no idea what I'm doing. . . 👨🌾 👨🌾 👨🌾
step oneDo we know the problem we’re looking to solve?
I’ve worked with clients from all sorts of different starting points. Some know exactly what they’re looking for: a new brand with guidelines, a long-form printed document, social media templates, etc. Others only know they need to get going and they needed to start yesterday! I work with you to help define the problem we’re working on, and set our goals so we can develop a clear roadmap.
step TWOWe have a preliminary chat to define what the list of deliverables are and what timings we need to hit. How much do you want to be involved in the process? Would you like to see scamps, or do you work better seeing a “final art” version to help you decide? How many rounds of refinements would we like? Then we’ll take a look at budget and make sure we’re all aligned.
Let’s define the parameters
step THREEAs we agreed earlier, we set about getting the work done! Often we’ll start with looking at reference: brands we like, illustration styles that feel right, what the competitive landscape looks like and who we’re up against. Then we start working on initial designs – most likely over 3-5x different directions, each with their own concepts and underlying themes. I’ll jump on a call or meet you in person to take you through what we’re looking at and how to gauge what’s the best option – an how to provide effective feedback! Over a few rounds of refinements, we’ll arrive at the final artwork that we’re both happy with.
We get started!
step FourDelivery of artwork and dealing with external parties
Depending on the work we’ve done, I liaise with printers to get quotes or help you get the most out of your new piece of work. I deliver the work in whatever way you need – whether that’s a specific file type or other format. If there’s something I can’t do, I find a person to bring in to help. I’ve built up a wee network of developers, photographers and animators that I can call on to help out when we need something beyond my abilities! That’s a wrap!
How I approach illustration work
The client would like it modernist, but simple but also maximalist. . .
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Have you ever heard of Norman Rockwell? I want it like that
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Yeah boy, that's that shit I DO like!
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We're going to print in 5 hours, CAN YOU DO IT? (yes I can*)
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The client would like it modernist, but simple but also maximalist. . . 💁♀️ 💁♀️ 💁♀️ Have you ever heard of Norman Rockwell? I want it like that 💁♀️ 💁♀️ 💁♀️ Yeah boy, that's that shit I DO like! 💁♀️ 💁♀️ 💁♀️ We're going to print in 5 hours, CAN YOU DO IT? (yes I can*) 💁♀️ 💁♀️ 💁♀️
step oneLet’s gather up all the information available
I’ve worked with editors, agencies and art directors around Aotearoa and beyond. The first step is figuring out what we know: when do we need the artwork by? what’s the size? who’s the audience? what’s the style? Once we get all these things sorted, we’ll set a budget and get going!
step TWOIf we haven’t yet figured out the style, we’d begin on some quick style explorations and have a conversation about what feels right. After that, we get going right away on scamps. Internally, I spend a few rounds getting composition and form right and will provide 3-5x scamps per piece.
Get it started
step THREEWe get feedback on those initial scamps from all the appropriate stakeholders and then refine one or two scamps to take a more polished scamp. Final art is delivered in the format you need, I can liaise with printers if needed.
Feedback, refining and final art
*I might be able to do it in a 5 hour deadline, let’s chat and we’ll find out!
Well hot diggity damn, that all sounds amazing, when can we start?
Right now, maybe!
Contact me and let’s get going…