High-End Portrait Illustration & Animated Visual Storytelling
Hand-drawn, expressive and tailored for companies, teams, families, events and more.
Created by an Internationally Published Cartoonist
These portraits are not created by anonymous caricaturists at tourist spots or weddings. Each illustration is crafted by Ian David Marsden — an internationally published cartoonist, editorial illustrator, and graphic novel author with credits in The New Yorker, Nebelspalter, MAD Magazine, NZZ am Sonntag and more.
More on this series of artist portraits HERE : CARTOON PORTRAITS OF LEGENDARY ARTISTS
Tailored Art for Memorable Impact
No AI, no automatic Photoshop effects or filters — only handcrafted, thoughtful portraits that tell a story. These pieces are created by a seasoned illustrator who brings each subject to life with warmth, humor, and personal detail.
Popular Uses for Your Portraits
High-resolution files are provided, ready to be used with the print provider of your choice. These portraits have been turned into:
Animated Christmas Cards, Company Milestones & More
I also create custom animated greeting cards and motion graphics — perfect for email campaigns, social media or internal presentations. Popular themes include:
Company teams joyfully caroling in front of a Christmas tree
Seasonal cards with the whole team (and pets!) in festive scenes
Animated videos to celebrate company milestones or awards
New hires, employee of the month, promotions, or retirements
These can be used digitally in social media and also printed.
The Creative Process
Each portrait or animation is a collaboration. Here’s how the process typically unfolds:
- Step 1: We have an informal and free chat where you tell me your idea, the occasion, and how you plan to use the artwork. You’ll also send me reference photos of the people, pets, scenes or elements to be included.
- Step 2: I send you a personalized flat-rate quote based on the complexity and type of project.
- Step 3: Sketch phase — I create a pencil layout for your review and feedback.
- Step 4: Adjustments (if needed), then I proceed to inking and coloring once the sketch is approved.
- Step 5: You receive high-resolution digital files (for print, web, or video), video formats if applicable, and/or the original hand-drawn artwork on request.
Examples of Custom Work
Each project is a unique collaboration, resulting in truly memorable, personal artwork. Here are just a few examples:
- Blues band in a classic VW van: Every band member with their instruments, cruising through a lively illustrated scene — used for shirts, stickers, and mugs
- Animated company Christmas card: The whole jolly team singing carols in front of the tree — sent as physical cards, email greetings, and social media posts
- Family portraits: Featuring the home, pets, hobbies, and favorite locations of each family member, perfect for framed gifts or seasonal cards
- Corporate milestone celebration: Commemorating team achievements, anniversaries, or job promotions with custom team illustrations
- Birthday portrait “Hercules style”: A humorous and heroic scene with the birthday recipient hoisting the planet above their head
- Western pet saloon: A dog and a classic car or your pets drawn as characters entering a wild west saloon in a playful illustrated story
Original Hand-Drawn Artwork: A Truly Exclusive Gift
Looking for something even more special? I also offer original art created using traditional ink and watercolor on fine art paper. Each one is hand-drawn, signed, and dated — ideal for marking major moments like retirements, awards, or milestone birthdays.Original artwork is delivered unframed. A handwritten signed dedication can be included on request.
Let’s Create Something Together
Email: [email protected]
Website: marsdenillustration.com
