art hash!
Illustration, Web Design, Visual Identity
My illustration process!
Tools
Framer
Figma
Clip Studio Paint
Adobe Photoshop
Overview
I run an online illustration service under the alias "art hash!". It was founded in order to provide high-quality, professional illustrations to individual clients looking to bring their stories or characters to life.
My main service is to deliver illustrations, but I also provide comic art, storyboards, concept sketches, character designs, and hand drawn animation.
Here you can see the digital collateral, website layout and visual identity made.
The Conceptualisation
art hash! was one of many freelancing projects I had taken on during my first semester of college, eager to bring my drawing skills I had cultivated over the years to the professional field.
The visual identity was created on my own love of retro, neobrutalist elements, reminiscent of the 2010s internet but with a modern twist.
The brand is built on creativity, approachability, and collaboration. I wanted to tailor my services outside of a corporate environment, ensuring that each project not just lined up with the client's vision, but brought out even more visual impact. My primary audience are fellow creatives that wish to see their envisioned stories and characters through a vibrant, high quality art style.
Findings
There is a rising demand for personalized artwork with a distinct yet eye-catching style. Although the conception of my business happened during the boom of AI generated artwork, I did not see a drop in demand of my services. This seems to be a result of the client base I had cultivated.
I found that my clients valued the customization, versatility, and clear communication I provided with my services. I was often commissioned to depict mascots, anthromorphic characters, and otherwise more light-hearted pieces, which lined up with my vibrant but cutesy art style.
The market for digital illustrations is more competitive than ever, requiring a strong portfolio, professionalism, and exceptional client relationships to stand out. International clients seek artists who can adapt to various styles while maintaining that distinct creative touch.
Learnings
My clients appreciate collaborative processes where their ideas are refined and brought to life with professional expertise.
They also valued a clear creative workflow, from initial sketches to final delivery, building their trust and ensuring recurring clients.
I learnt to hone my time management skills in order to stay on top of my commission queue without risking the consistency in the quality and communication of my services. Adaptability in art styles and project requirements allowed me to expand my opportunities between each project.
International clients often require flexibility in time zones, payment methods, and expectations, making effective business management essential.
Final Visual Identity.
Digital collateral made for the marketing and visual identity.
Key Insights
Customization, collaboration, and communication were the cornerstones of client satisfaction.
Strong branding and an online presence helps with standing out in the illustration market.
Keeping up to deadlines, timeliness and reliability is what made the difference between a satisfied client and a recurring client.
Versatility in art styles may not be important in individual projects, but they are key to broadening one's opportunities in the market.
Final Takeaway
art hash! thrives not just because of the quality of work, but because I value a collaborative approach, where my client's ideas are refined and realized with professional expertise.
To maintain consistency in quality and communication, I have sharpened my time management skills, ensuring I stay on top of my commission queue. My adaptability in art styles and project requirements has allowed me to expand my opportunities with each project.
Working with international clients requires flexibility in time zones, payment methods, and expectations, which makes making strong business management essential.
They also appreciate a clear and structured creative workflow—from initial sketches to final delivery—which fosters trust and encourages repeat business.
