Frequently Asked Questions
SHIPPING
All paper prints are shipped rolled in a rigid mailer except extra small 8x10 prints, which are shipped flat.
Paper and metal prints, gaming mats, mugs and t-shirts are shipped separately from other items in your order. Each of these items are custom-created just for you and shipped directly from our printer.
MADE-TO-ORDER PROCESSING TIME
All made-to-order items (paper and metal prints, t-shirts, mugs, gaming playmats and XL desk mats) take between 1-2 weeks.
WILL YOU SIGN A PRINT FOR ME?
All prints are created outside the studio and shipped directly from the printer, so I cannot sign prints. If you’re interested in signed merchandise, I occasionally offer limited edition runs and signed books.
*I’m also more than happy to sign anything you buy or bring to a convention in person.
DAMAGED/MISSING ORDERS
If your order arrives incomplete or damaged, we offer complimentary replacements within 14 days of your package's delivery date. Please email pictures of any damage to hello@naomivandoren.com. This helps us file an insurance claim with the postal service. We'll provide a prepaid return label, allowing you to return the damaged items using the original packaging.
Any packages that are returned to us that require reshipment will be subject to the cost of that reshipment. Packages are returned for:
Missing apartment or unit number
Incorrect address
Package not picked up from local post office
Package abandoned at customs
RETURNS + EXCHANGES + CANCELLATIONS
Returns: Items are made-to-order and cannot be returned.
Damaged: If your item arrives damaged or something is missing from your shipment, please contact us as soon as possible so we can resolve things!
HOW LONG DOES SHIPPING TAKE?
Domestic
First Class: 3-5 business days
Priority: 1-3 business days
International
First Class: 7-21 days
Recipients will be responsible for any additional custom/VAT fees that may incur
COMISSIONS & FREELANCE
LICENCING + FREELANCE
Currently, I am not taking private commissions, though I welcome any suggestions for new artwork.
Please email for freelance and licensing inquiries at hello@naomivandoren.com
FRAMING
HOW DO YOU FRAME A PRINT?
Most of the prints here are in a standard US size to make framing your print easy and accessible. If you’re interested in a list of specific links to frames I recommend, please download the framing guide.
HOW TO FLATTEN OUT ROLLED PRINTS:
All paper is rolled at some point so it doesn’t hurt your print to have it rolled and unrolled again. To flatten it out, I suggest finding a clean surface with the print side down and setting a few books on each corner overnight. Once framed you won’t even know it was rolled to begin with!
TUTORIALS, LINKS, SUPPLY LISTS & MORE!
The Artist
HOW DID YOU BECOME AN ILLUSTRATOR?
I began painting in middle school and early in high school. I first started working digitally with Photoshop Elements in the early 2000s and got my first tablet when I graduated.
After getting a degree in Graphic Design and working in that area for a while, I decided I also wanted to illustrate. I spent a lot of time learning independently through online classes, and I had a mentor for a while. I also focused on just putting in the time to get better and understand how to see my work in a critical way so I could find ways I wanted to improve it.
WHAT BOOKS WOULD YOU RECOMMEND?
Often the books I choose to read are business books. A recent favorite that comes to mind is ”Free to Focus” by Micheal Hyatt. The books by Austin Kleon on creative practice (”Steal Like an Artist”, ”Show Your Work”, and ”Keep Going”) are ones all illustrators should read.
I have a lot more books listed on my resources page if you want to dive deeper, including art instructional books, books on writing, and more.
WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE TO SOMEONE INTERESTED IN BECOMING AN ARTIST OR ILLUSTRATOR?
Explore and make lots of art! A lot of my breakthroughs were because I spent a lot of time learning more about myself and what I wanted to create or say through my work, vs doing what I "thought I needed to create". This expression has led me to create work I truly enjoy and that enjoyment means longevity in my career.
Also, learn about the business side of illustration. It's different for the areas you want to go into (publishing, studio jobs like gaming, etc.) but understanding how to get work and make a living is just as important as the craft itself.
HOW DO YOU CREATE COLORED LINES IN YOUR WATERCOLOR ART?
Waterproof inks are the best way to have your linework not bleed. I apply several methods to create colored lines in my art so it really depends on the painting.
WHAT PAINT OR TOOLS DO YOU USE?
For digital artwork, I paint in Photoshop on a Cintiq and use an assortment of brushes including watercolor-like ones from Kyle T. Webster as well as my own textures. You can watch some of my process live at Lightbox Expo or a recorded version here on my Patreon.
I also have painted on my iPad Pro using Adobe Fresco app and the default watercolor brushes provided.
For my traditional painting process, in short, I generally use Daniel Smith and Holbein watercolor paints along with Princeton Neptune synthetic brushes. A current list of my traditional tools - pens, paint and paper can be found in a more extensive list here.
Color: I use a range of dozens of colors and don’t typically have a set of favorites. It honestly depends a lot on the piece. Download my Artist’s Color Guide for more about what paints I use and tips on how I choose color both traditionally and digitally.
Video Answers
I retain all rights to all the artwork I create, this includes all of the artwork here on my site and covers all artwork regardless of if you've commissioned a painting from me or purchased an original or a print.