In between recent creative projects, I finally gave some much-needed attention to a corner of my digital presence that I’d neglected for years—my LinkedIn profile.
I’ve had it for over two decades, but it remained almost willfully minimalistic. Sparse. Mysterious, perhaps. It certainly didn’t reflect the breadth of my work, or the clients and collaborators I’ve been fortunate to partner with over the years. I’m happy to share that it’s now fully updated—with a professional new header, an accurate timeline, and over 40 detailed project entries complete with media and visuals.
What You’ll See There Now
The header alone already gives you a strong sense of what I do:
“Illustrator & Creative Director | Cartoons, Mascots, Business Comics & Character Design | Branding, UX/UI, Storytelling & Motion | Available Worldwide”
Below that, you’ll find a growing library of case studies, media files, and a concise look into the work that clients trust me with—from Switzerland to Germany to France, and beyond.
Based in France – Working Globally
My name is Ian David Marsden, and I’m a Swiss illustrator, character designer, and creative director. I’m currently based in Claret, near Montpellier, in the beautiful Pic Saint Loup region of southern France. This is where my fully equipped studio is located, and where most of my visual and storytelling work is conceptualized and produced.
While my location is France, my clients are international. I’m perfectly bilingual in English and German, and I also work with a full business-level proficiency in French. Whether it’s a wine label for a domaine in the Languedoc, a mascot for a startup in Berlin, or an editorial illustration for a Swiss publisher, I bring cross-cultural awareness, professional fluency, and artistic clarity to each project.
Die Weihnachtszeit ist da – und ich freue mich, Ihnen ein besonderes Projekt vorzustellen, das ich für meinen langjährigen Freund und kreativen Kollegen Helmi Siggillustrieren 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.
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.
Discover my Behance Illustration, Logo Design and Explainer Video Portfolio
I am thrilled to present my Behanceportfolio, a vibrant showcase of my journey as a professional illustrator, cartoonist, and designer. This portfolio represents my diverse expertise, including editorial illustration, mascot design, explainer videos, and custom branding solutions. Each project is created with passion, precision, and a focus on storytelling—whether it’s a hand-drawn editorial cartoon, a corporate mascot, or a fully animated explainer video for businesses.
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
“La vie en rose” : Deux amoureux en Vespa se dirigent vers un pique-nique romantique avec, bien sûr, un rosé local dans leur panier.
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:
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.
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
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.
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.
Andy Boller (Andrew Phillip Boller), Blues and Rock singer and pianist extraordinaire (and also contestant on “The Voice of Germany” asked me if I could design and illustrate a cool logo for his band “Take the 55” featuring caricatures of all the band members. A fun design that the band could use on t-shirts, on social media and also posters, flyers and other merchandising. #logodesign#caricature
I had seen Andy live on several occasions and as a fan, I of course immediately jumped on the opportunity.
Below a gallery of the final artwork featuring caricatures from photographs and a classic VW bus.
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.
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I want YOU to CHANGE the WORLD! Drawing Video
Timelapse Drawing: Caricature of a Happy Couple with a Giant Pike
Next Generation Learning: Hand-Drawn Explainer Video
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.
