Editorial Illustration

Zwei Buchstaben – eine etwas andere Weihnachtsgeschichte

Die Weihnachtszeit ist da – und ich freue mich, Ihnen ein besonderes Projekt vorzustellen, das ich für meinen langjährigen Freund und kreativen Kollegen Helmi Sigg illustrieren durfte. Helmi, ein bekannter Schweizer Schauspieler, Komiker und Autor, Mitglied von Trio Eden ( und Martha, Murmelimutter in “Ewigi Liebi”) hat mich eingeladen, das Cover für seine humorvolle und doch tiefgründige Weihnachtsgeschichte “Zwei Buchstaben” zu gestalten.

Die Geschichte handelt von einem Kind, das auf unerwartete Weise zwei Buchstaben verwechselt – ein simpler Fehler, der jedoch große Bedeutung entfaltet. Helmi hat diese charmante und originelle Kurzgeschichte auf eine Art und Weise geschrieben, die zum Nachdenken anregt und gleichzeitig ein Lächeln zaubert.

Promotionsbild auf helmisigg.ch: Buchcover von “Zwei Buchstaben” illustriert von Schweizer Illustrator Ian David Marsden.

Illustration mit Herz und Humor

Als Helmi mich bat, das Cover zu entwerfen, war ich sofort begeistert von der kreativen Herausforderung. Es war mir eine Freude, diese Illustration zu erschaffen – eine Mischung aus traditionellem Weihnachtsflair und satirischen Akzenten, die Helmis unkonventionelle Geschichte perfekt ergänzen.

Buchcover von “Zwei Buchstaben” mit Weihnachtsmann und Teufelshörnern, illustriert von Schweizer Illustrator Ian David Marsden.
Read more →

Affiches illustrés BD touristiques Pic Saint Loup par Ian Marsden, Illustrateur Freelance

Delightful animal-themed illustrations by Ian David Marsden for French storytelling, featuring characters in colorful settings like vineyards and scenic drives around the Pic Saint Loup

Illustrateur et dessinateur installé près du Pic Saint Loup

Je suis illustrateur et dessinateur freelance basé à Claret (34270), un village viticole proche de Montpellier, dans la région du Pic Saint Loup. Depuis près de 20 ans, je m’inspire des paysages et de la vie quotidienne de cette région qui m’a profondément marqué. À travers mes illustrations, je cherche à capturer la convivialité et le charme unique de cet endroit que je suis heureux de pouvoir appeler chez moi.

Mon approche artistique

Originaire de Los Angeles, j’ai découvert ici un rythme de vie différent, empreint de chaleur humaine et de simplicité. Mon travail, mêlant dessins faits à la main et aquarelle, s’adapte à une grande variété de projets : de l’illustration éditoriale à la publicité, en passant par les bandes dessinées et les livres pour enfants.

Quelques créations autour du Pic Saint Loup

Loup et ses amis dans une Méhari orange roulant près du Pic St-Loup, illustration originale par Ian Marsden, graphiste et illustrateur à Claret, 34270

“La vie en rose” : Deux amoureux en Vespa se dirigent vers un pique-nique romantique avec, bien sûr, un rosé local dans leur panier.

Read more →

Transparent Flat Rates for Custom Illustration and Animation

Affordable, flexible pricing for creative services. Ian Marsden, freelance Illustration, animation, and explainer videos to fit your budget. High-quality, transparent solutions.

Free First Consultation

Your first consultation is always completely free. This is an opportunity to discuss your project in detail, explore creative ideas, and ensure we are perfectly aligned before moving forward.

Transparent Flat Rates

I believe in providing clear, predictable pricing. Once we discuss your project, I will calculate a flat rate tailored specifically to your needs.

No Surprises: The flat rate includes all work, revisions, and desired usage rights. There will be no additional charges or overtime fees.

30-Day Guarantee: Your quote will remain valid for 30 days. Once agreed upon, the flat rate will be respected, ensuring you know exactly what to expect.

How I Set My Rates

My pricing is based on established industry standards and reflects the value of high-quality creative work. As a professional illustrator, designer, and animator, I align my rates with the guidance of respected organizations and industry benchmarks (please see links below). These rates account for the time, skill, and expertise required to create unique, impactful work tailored to your needs.

What Influences Pricing?

1. Scope of Work

The size, complexity, and specific requirements of your project, such as detailed illustrations or animation sequences.

2. Usage Rights

The intended use of the work (e.g., local, national, or international campaigns) and whether you need exclusive rights. Licensing fees are calculated based on established industry multipliers.

3. Revisions and Timeline

The number of revisions included in the project and the delivery schedule can influence pricing for projects with tight deadlines or extended iteration cycles.

4. Country and Region

Pricing reflects regional market standards to ensure fairness and competitiveness. In each case, the pricing is based on local pricing guidelines provided by trusted organizations. Please see the links below for more details.

Trusted Industry Sources

My pricing is informed by the following trusted organizations and resources:

Association of Illustrators (AOI)

Industry guidance for illustrators in the UK and Europe.

Graphic Artists Guild Handbook

Comprehensive ethical and pricing standards for the US market.

Illustratoren Organisation e.V.

Pricing guidelines and usage rights for Germany.

Maison des Artistes

Freelance rights and pricing insights for professionals in France.

ProLitteris

Copyright and pricing management for visual creators in Switzerland.

Freelancers Union

Hourly and project-based pricing for freelance professionals in the US.

ManyPixels Blog

Global insights on pricing trends for designers and illustrators.

Motionographer

Pricing and trends in motion graphics and animation.

Why Choose Me?

Working with clients globally, I provide creative solutions adaptable to various timelines and budgets. With extensive experience partnering with major brands and projects across Switzerland, Germany, France, and beyond, here’s why clients keep coming back:

Professional Quality: Years of experience with top brands ensure you receive polished, high-quality work.

Adaptable Pricing: Options for every budget without compromising on quality.

Dedicated Attention: Your project will receive the focused, personalized care it deserves.

Global Expertise: Benefit from decades of experience across international markets.

Transparent Pricing: Your investment is supported by clear, reliable rates based on global standards.

Services Available for All Project Scopes

Advertising & Business Illustration

Editorial & Magazine Illustrations

Cartoons & Comic Art

Animated Explainer Videos

Children’s Book Illustrations

Packaging & Product Design

Download My Professional Credentials:

CV PDF

Portfolio PDF

Contact Information

Email: contact@marsdenillustration.com

Phone: +33 (0) 6 42 49 82 11 (Central European Time / France)

LinkedIn: Ian David Marsden

Explore My Work by Category

Sketchbook | Advertising & Business | Videos & Animation | Editorial Illustration | Logo & Character Design | Cartoons & Comics | Packaging Design | Google Doodles | Children’s Book Illustration | Ritzenhoff | Wacom Featured Artist | Latoya Jackson Designs

affordable illustrator, experienced cartoonist, custom illustration pricing, freelance artist rates, transparent flat rates, professional illustrator, illustrator europe, illustrateur expérimenté, tarifs illustrateur, graphiste freelance, illustrateur france, illustrateur suisse, zeichner deutschland, günstiger illustrator, karikaturist preise, erklärvideo preise, affordable animation services, illustrator portfolio, freelance cartoonist europe, professional character design

Read more →

“Gezeichnet 2023” in Bern: Schweizer Pressezeichnungen im Jahresrückblick

I’m delighted to announce my return to the renowned “Gezeichnet” exhibition in Bern, Switzerland. After several years, I am participating again, this time with five of my press drawings from the past year, showcasing my work as an editorial illustrator and cartoonist for the Nebelspalter satirical magazine.

The exhibition’s Vernissage, a key highlight, is scheduled for tomorrow evening, December 14th. It will commence at the Yehudi Menuhin Forum with an engaging Vernissage Talk, followed by an exhibition viewing and apéro at the Bern Museum for Communication.

This occasion presents a rare opportunity to personally meet many of the participating Swiss press cartoonists. The evening will also feature a live discussion hosted by Arena moderator Sandro Brotz, joined by two prominent politicians for a mix of political and humorous reflections on the year. Additionally, caricaturists Caroline Rutz and Carlo Schneider will offer live satirical commentary.

Exhibition Details:
“Gezeichnet 2023”
Bern Museum for Communication
Duration: December 15, 2023, to February 25, 2024
Location: Helvetiastrasse 16, 3000 Bern 6
Contact: T 031 357 55 55

Read more →

Drawn by Human Hand – Created by Natural Intelligence

Is the technological singularity just around the corner?

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Technological_singularity

This is not an anti-AI post. It’s remarkable to see how far artificial intelligence (AI) has come, to the point where it can now compete with human abilities. I stare in marvel (and horror) at the current generation of AI generated images.

made by human hand - made with natural intelligence - illustrated logo - free to use, royalty free,

Maybe the above logo will become the art equivalent of the BIO labels at grocery stores

I am not someone who shies away from new tools or techniques, nor am I a technophobe. As someone who has been an avid fan and user of computers since childhood, I have experienced the evolution of technology firsthand. It always seemed inevitable that this day would arrive at some point, I think what is most surprising is how rapidly it is suddenly advancing. It is difficult for us to understand, because the human brain is not wired for exponential growth. We simply can not understand and imagine it.

Made by human hand and natural intelligence...
Read more →

Drawing Videos

I am frequently called upon to create drawings for presentations and explainer videos or advertising videos or education videos.

My style of drawing videos and explainer videos differs from the vast majority of video productions because they are actual drawings which unfold, drawn by an actual artist who knows how to draw. The appearance can vary in different illustration styles, we can use color, we can use painterly brush strokes, pen, or pencil sketches. It is an actual work of art unfolding. The intrigue also lies in what unfolds first and what unfolds next.

Read more →

Cover Illustration – Nebelspalter Magazine May 2022

Commissioned cover illustration in a fun, colourful, cartoon style on the topic of „public transportation“

Appeared in Nebelspalter Magazine, May 2022

Nebelspalter Titelblatt Mai 2022 “Stossverkehr” von Ian David Marsden

The Nebelspalter is a Swiss satirical magazine. It was founded in 1875 by Jean Nötzli of Zurich as an “illustrated humorous political weekly.” The magazine was modelled on British magazine Punch. When Punch ceased publication in 2002, Nebelspalter became the oldest continually published humour magazine in the world.

Read more →
Marsden Illustration