Episode 04: Visualising Server Farms
Tokyo based illustrator and graphic designer Mr. Papriko talks about inspirations from science, physics and astronomy and shares advice on how to charge for your work.
Philip, also known as Mr.Papriko, is a Japan-based Swiss illustrator & graphic designer operating PAPRIKO Ink., a creative studio based in Japan and Switzerland. He has contributed to many issues of EYEYAH! Magazine. In this issue, Philip shares more about his works, creative process and starting “Papriko – Four Twenty”.
EYEYAH! Internet Issue
Philip was inspired by the concept of ‘Server Farms’ in the arctic. As such, he wanted to create an autonomous, slightly mysterious, military-like establishment in the middle of a barren area like the desert or arctic. While he was working on the piece for the internet issue, he was also experimenting with animated sticker robots.
“Papriko – Four Twenty”
“Papriko – Four Twenty” is An Art Project surrounding cannabis culture and other uplifting art done by Papriko Ink. What started as a side project grew into something more, and “Papriko – Four Twenty” now has its own merchandise and collaborations.
You can check it out here.
Advice
Pricing and How to Charge
Photography is a good field to look towards as payment for usage is very clear, whereas this isn’t the case in graphic design and illustration. His advice is to familiarise yourself with the laws regarding royalties. The creation fee is only one part of the charges, the client also has to pay for usage. Royalties are the main factor in pricing, and it depends on region, reason, quantity and frequency of use. With illustration and graphic design, you should try to define how the work will be used, and then come up with a price. The price is not a one-off - clients should pay of they want to produce another batch. This is often not fulfilled by the client so creatives should set a clear agreement with the client when collaborating or producing work.
“Especially when you start you are happy to get the job and you just do it for the fee without knowing how it is used and for how long. Learn about laws and copyright.”
Recommendations
In his free time, Philip enjoys watching science-related videos on YouTube.
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