Frequent Questions
How much do you charge?
Every piece of artwork created by Kate is uniquely tailored to the ideas of her client. Therefore, no two projects will have the same amount of labor or material invested. The investment for custom art created by Kate Cook is calculated by, but not limited to, per square inch size, subject matter detail, and quality reference photos. Professional faming, shipping, travel and tax are additional costs. Please see the Custom Art Inquiry page for further pricing information or to submit a request regarding your custom art ideas.
Do you accept payments for custom artwork, or do I need to pay for the entire artwork upfront?
Kate requests that the client pay 30% of the total project cost upfront to book the project (a 50% non-refundable booking deposit for logos and t-shirts designs). This is non-refundable and acts as a contract agreement to ALL artist terms and conditions found on the ACCA website. This initial payment allows her to schedule the project, source the necessary materials for the specific project and begin the creative process of sketching out rough draft ideas for the client to review. At the completion of the project, she requests the remaining balance to be paid in full, before delivery of the art. For large projects Kate offers in house financing if desired; The first payment remaining non-refundable.
Do you accept cash, check, money orders, or card?
Kate accepts most major credit cards through the Square App. When you hire her for a custom piece of art, she will send you an email with a payable invoice using Square. Kate also accepts cash and checks. She does not accept money orders.
What is the difference between an original piece of art and a custom piece art?
An original piece of art is a one-of-kind piece of art that was created by Kate and Kate alone. You will find a collection of her original artwork for sale here. These kinds of works are often reproduced by the Asphalt Canvas Studio for prints and posters.
A custom piece of art is also a one-of-kind piece of original art, however, it was created on commission for a specific client and inspired directly by their ideas. You can request custom art here. This type of artwork can not be replicated by the Asphalt Canvas Studio unless authorized by the client.
How long will it take for my custom artwork to be finished?
Kate is able to meet most any deadlines without sacrificing quality. However, it is best to discuss and/or schedule your project ideas with Kate 8 weeks prior to your requested deadline to allow for revisions on custom work, drying time, shipping, and custom framing.
What type of reference pictures do you need?
Kate works from digital images online (ex. client Pinterest boards), text or emailed photos, and actual photographs. The clearest quality photo is the easiest for her to work from, especially with portraits. If the client cannot provide a clear, quality photo, the artist has the right to charge an additional fee.
How will Kate and I communicate while she is creating my custom art?
Kate would love to meet with you in person, to chat about the initial details of your custom art ideas. She is also available through call, facetime, text, or email. You can also reach her through messaging her on Facebook.com/v8kate or on Instagram @asphaltcanvasart. She is available Monday through Friday between 9am and 6pm, and Saturday through Sunday by appointment only.
Can I see my custom artwork before it is finished?
Yes! The client will be involved throughout the entire design of the artwork as explained in Kate’s signature är təˈ mō-tiv™ Method. Kate will be in consistent contact with the client by sending pictures and video of the artwork in process. She often posts videos and pictures of her current projects on her social media accounts, unless otherwise requested by the client not to. The client will always receive a picture and video of the final artwork prior to delivery.
Will my artwork come framed?
It can and should be! Kate strongly encourages the add-on of professional framing to your investment of custom art. An artist-selected frame not only highlights the artwork, but also protects your investment for years to come. Upon request and additional investment, Kate can professionally custom frame your art piece with a tailored custom made frame using archival backing materials to protect and highlight your custom art.
Is shipping included in my estimate or initial invoice?
No (unless otherwise specifically stated by Kate, the artist, or client requested). Shipping with insurance and all packing materials will NOT be included in the initial estimate/invoice.
What if my artwork gets damaged in the mail?
If the client receives a damaged artwork in the mail, they will have the option to have a new piece created at no additional cost to the client with a completion date for the new artwork in 12 weeks from the date the damage was found, OR they can opt to receive a 30% refund of the total cost of the artwork, excluding the non-refundable deposit and any non-refundable revisions.
How long will my artwork last?
The timeline of how long your custom art will last depends on a variety of different circumstances. For flat work, such as drawings, or paintings, having them professionally framed by Kate, with anti-fade glass and archival tape and backing papers, will protect your custom art from fading or tearing over time. Kate suggests to hang framed artwork away from the direct sunlight, to further protect the artwork from potential fading/dulling. She offers high quality custom framing for any size flat artwork (i.e. pencil, paint, watercolor/ink). Custom framing does not come with a lifetime guarantee, and Kate will not be held responsible damaged artwork past the point of final artwork delivery to the client. For hand painted signage, motorcycle, or automotive artwork, or any artwork that will be in the outdoor elements, Kate will use top of the line paint products and tools to ensure a long lasting piece of custom art. However, Kate cannot grant a guarantee on the longevity of this type of artwork, and she will not be held responsible for damaged artwork past the point of final artwork delivery to the client. She suggests to care for the outdoor artwork by keeping it out of the direct sunlight, rain, wind, or snow. If possible, she suggests storing the painted car, bike, or helmet, in a garage when not in use. She also suggests to avoid mechanical car washes, car wash brushes, or power washers to clean the car, bike, helmet, sign, or other outdoor artwork. Rather, she suggests using a clean, soft, rag with water to gently wipe over the artwork, by hand, if it is dusty or dirty.
Who owns the final artwork?
All copywrite and reproduction rights are reserved by the artist, Kate Cook, excluding logos and t-shirt designs, and book illustrations in which case the client will have ownership of the art upon the completion of the work. However, during the process of creation, the artist, Kate cook, will maintain all ownership rights to the artwork until the final payment is collected from the client. If the client cancels the custom art mid-way through the project, the artist will maintain the ownership rights to all artwork and word marks. Custom art created by Kate for any client (excluding logos, t-shirts, and book illustrations) is NOT permitted to be copied or reprinted in anyway, unless the client receives written approval by the artist, Kate Cook, to do so. The artist, Kate Cook, may use the artwork for portfolio purposes, including but not limited to, social media, magazine, or website publication. Kate will need written approval from the client to reproduce their custom artwork for sale in the form of prints or stickers.
What if I’m unhappy with my final artwork?
It is Kate’s goal to work with you in designing the perfect piece of custom artwork for your needs. However, in the rare occurrence that you are unhappy with the final piece even after the 3 (or four) included revisions and any additional non-refundable revision hours, Kate will offer you a refund of 30% on the remaining investment of the artwork (i.e. what ever monies were left to be paid, after the non-refundable deposit was made), excluding any additional non-refundable revision hours (more than 3).