AI image generators are impressive tools, but they create a fundamental problem for companies explaining complex ideas: they produce generic visuals that look like everyone else's content. When you're trying to differentiate your science, your technology, or your brand, using the same AI-generated aesthetic as your competitors works against you. Custom illustration gives you three things AI can't: domain accuracy (I understand health tech and cybersecurity deeply, so the visuals are scientifically and technically sound), brand ownership (your visual language is distinctly yours, not a remix of training data), and strategic communication (every illustration serves your specific message, not a generic prompt). Plus, AI-generated images carry legal ambiguity around copyright and training data that custom illustration avoids entirely. If your goal is to stand out and communicate clearly, custom beats convenient every time.

Once we agree to work together, I typically start within 2-3 weeks. The first month includes a kickoff call where we align on your visual direction, I create a style guide for your brand, and we begin delivering illustrations. Most individual illustrations have a 24-48 hour turnaround once we're in our rhythm. If you have an urgent need, Premium tier clients get same-day turnaround capability. The retainer model means you're not competing for my availability, you have it reserved.

That's normal and actually ideal. You're the expert in your science or technology, I'm the expert in visual communication. During our planning calls, you tell me what you need to communicate and who needs to understand it. I translate that into visual concepts and show you options. Most clients come to me because they know their current visuals aren't working, but they're not sure why or what to do differently. That's exactly the problem I solve. You bring the complexity, I bring the clarity.

That's exactly why the retainer model works. Some months you might need 15 social media illustrations, other months you might need 3 detailed educational graphics and a conference poster. The hours flex to match your actual needs. We adjust in our bi-weekly planning calls. If you consistently need more or less capacity, we can adjust your tier. The model is designed to match how companies actually create content, which is rarely predictable month to month.

Agencies are great for large-scale campaigns with big budgets and long timelines. But if you need ongoing illustration for content, education, and marketing, agencies get expensive fast. A typical agency project is $15k-$30k with 6-8 week timelines, and you're starting from scratch each time with new account managers and designers. With a retainer, you get consistent quality, institutional knowledge of your brand, fast turnarounds, and direct access to me, the person actually creating the work. No account managers, no creative directors reviewing everything, just efficient collaboration. For most companies creating regular content, a dedicated illustrator beats an agency every time.