Ian’s work stands out because he never lost touch with the fundamentals of drawing. His entire workflow, from the original concept sketch to the final complex vector illustration, is 100% hand-drawn. He uses modern digital tools not to replace traditional skill, but to enhance it, resulting in visuals that are expressive, dynamic, and technically flawless.
As the original Google Doodle artist and a creative whose portfolio includes The New Yorker, MAD Magazine, and Mercedes-Benz, Ian’s legacy in illustration is already cemented. If you are looking for an illustrator, cartoonist, or visual storyteller who brings decades of experience, unmatched versatility, and a truly unique, human touch to every project, look no further than Ian David Marsden."
(December 10, 2025)
P.S. Some extra features: Ian is smart, efficient and communicates fluently in more languages than I care to remember.”
(March 21, 2025)
Munchkins Restaurant • Duke’s Hideaway Bar • The Ruby Room
(March 11, 2020)
(March 6, 2020)
We were always very pleased with his work. Ian is a great guy. Thank you, Ian.”
(March 16, 2020)
Animation Cowboy Studio
Working Together: Illustration Process, Pricing & Practical Info
Illustration as communication, not decoration
When you work with me, you are commissioning authored, hand-drawn visual work shaped for a specific purpose. Whether the project is editorial, educational, strategic, brand-led or motion-based, the aim is always the same: to communicate clearly, appropriately and with a distinct visual voice.
This page explains how I work, how pricing is approached, what licensing usually involves, and what you can expect from first conversation to final delivery.
How the process starts
Every project begins with a conversation, not a sales routine. Some clients arrive with a complete brief, others with a rough concept, a communication problem or a deadline. In either case, the first step is to understand the purpose of the work: audience, context, message, format, usage, timeline and budget.
The first conversation is free of charge and without obligation. It is a practical way to establish whether the project is a good fit, what level of visual development is needed, and how the work can be scoped clearly from the start.
From there, I usually prepare a written proposal or estimate covering the agreed scope, deliverables, usage rights, timing and revision stages. The aim is to avoid vague assumptions and make the working relationship straightforward for both sides.
Project-based pricing
Most illustration, visual storytelling, branding and motion projects are priced according to scope rather than from a fixed menu. A single editorial illustration, a set of campaign visuals, a mascot design system, a corporate comic, a live illustration session and a hand-drawn explainer video all require different levels of thinking, drawing, production and usage.
Pricing normally reflects the number and complexity of visuals, the style required, the amount of concept development, the delivery formats, the timeline and the intended use. Licensing terms — including territory, exclusivity and duration — are defined at the outset, so that the fee reflects how and where the work will be used.
I encourage clients to share their budget early. It helps me recommend a realistic scope, prioritise the right deliverables and suggest options that fit the project from the outset. In practice, there is often more than one good way to structure a commission well.
Selected clients and collaborators
A selection of clients and collaborators I’ve supported across illustration, design, branding, motion and visual communication.
A structured but flexible collaboration
With more than 35 years of professional experience across illustration, creative direction, editorial work, branding, design and motion, I bring both practical production knowledge and visual judgement to each commission. I often collaborate as part of a wider creative team, but clients also work with me directly when they need a senior illustrator or visual storyteller who can help clarify the brief as well as produce the artwork.
Based near Montpellier in the south of France, I work with clients in France, Switzerland, Germany, the UK and internationally. Projects can be handled in English, French or German, depending on the client, audience and working context.
All visuals are developed specifically for the brief — no stock imagery, templates or generated shortcuts.
Project enquiries
If you would like to discuss an illustration, visual storytelling, explainer video, live illustration or branding-related project, feel free to get in touch. Whether you have a detailed brief or only an early-stage idea, I can help shape a practical path forward.
Email: [email protected]
Phone / WhatsApp: +33 (0)6 42 49 82 11 (France, CET)
You can also connect with me on LinkedIn for professional updates, project examples and background on my work as an illustrator, creative director and visual storyteller.
