FAQ: Illustration, branding & visual storytelling for nonprofits and mission-driven organizations

If you work in the non-profit sector, a sustainability-focused field, or you're an ethical business  curious about how I work, you're in the right place. 


This FAQ section provides answers to the most common questions that I get about my creative process, pricing, timelines, and how I support mission-driven campaigns through illustration and design.


These answers are meant to help you understand my approach to work, but the final scope, pricing, and delivery are always determined by an individual agreement. For more questions, feel free to contact me directly.

Got a question about my work?


About my mission and values

What is ethical design, and why is it important for nonprofits and sustainable brands?

Ethical design is about more than creating something that looks nice. It means designing with purpose, intention, and integrity. For mission-driven organizations, it’s especially important to work with creatives who understand your values and can reflect them authentically in the work.


When I collaborate with ethical organizations and nonprofits, I aim to create visuals that go beyond the surface. I take the time to understand your story, your impact, and your audience. My designs are shaped by the causes you care about, and they are built to resonate, educate, and inspire action.


For example, I worked with Patagonia on their campaign to ban open-net salmon farms in Iceland. I wasn’t just drawing fish. I created a visual narrative that communicated the ecological impact of salmon farming across different formats like billboards and videos. That kind of storytelling can help turn viewers into supporters, and drive meaningful change in our society.

Why do you focus on ocean and wildlife in your artivism?

I started my creative career at an advertising agency, but I quickly felt a disconnect between the work I was doing and the values I cared about. Promoting things I didn’t believe in made me lose joy in the creative process, and I knew I had to shift direction.


Now, I use my skills to support causes I believe in. I focus on ocean and wildlife advocacy because these are areas where I feel I can contribute to real, positive change. My work is rooted in purpose, not profit, and I always like to say I am in business for the planet.

In what way are your design services sustainable or eco friendly?

I approach sustainability in a practical way across my work. This includes:

  • Choosing high-quality gadgets and tools that last a long time
  • Working with ethical suppliers and printers for any physical materials
  • Reducing waste by designing for digital use whenever possible
  • Encouraging clients to use sustainable production methods
  • Running a remote studio to cut down on commuting

I believe every decision counts, from how I work to what I create.

What industries or types of clients do you work with?

I primarily work with:

  • Nonprofit organizations
  • Environmental NGOs
  • Ocean conservation groups
  • Sustainable brands
  • Ethical businesses and startups
  • Artists, educators, and change-makers with values-driven missions

If your project/organization helps the planet, protects biodiversity, supports justice, or builds a better future, I’d love to hear from you.

What makes your illustration style different?

I felt that a lot of environmental and activism-focused art leans toward the heavy or depressive visual storytelling, so I wanted to try something different.


My approach is to create work that inspires curiosity and optimism. I highlight important issues in a way that draws people in, instead of overwhelming them. I want my illustrations to be beautiful, thoughtful, compassionate, and full of heart, because I believe that’s how people connect, reflect, and take action.

Working with me

What is it like to work with you as an artivist?

Working with me is collaborative, thoughtful, and values-driven. I care deeply about the causes I support, and I aim to become an extension of your team, not just a contractor.


The process is based on listening and exploration. Whether you're commissioning an illustration or a full campaign identity, I take time to understand your goals and audience so we can build something powerful together. You’ll get someone who is equally passionate about your mission and invested in helping it succeed!

What ethical design and illustration services do you offer?

I offer a range of creative services tailored to nonprofits, sustainable brands, and mission-driven organizations, including:

  • Custom illustration and visual storytelling development
  • Visual campaign assets for print and digital
  • Branding and full visual identity packages
  • Educational graphics and infographics
  • Merchandise and packaging design
  • And a bit of web development (if needed)

You can read more about the different levels of my creative support here.

Do you offer custom illustrations or artworks tailored to client needs?

Yes, absolutely. Custom illustrations are at the heart of what I do! I love hearing your ideas and helping you bring them to life in a way that fits your mission and message. Whether it's a single illustration for a specific campaign or a full series for an ongoing visual identity development, each project is tailored specifically to you.

Can you help with branding for ethical or nonprofit organizations?

Yes, and not just the visual bits!


I offer full branding packages that go beyond a logo. That includes visual identity design, colour palettes, typography, illustration styles, and brand guidelines. If you're just getting started, or refreshing your identity, I can help build a system that feels cohesive and intentional.


Because of my background in web development, I can also support with things like simple website setup (especially for campaign landing pages or microsites), custom typefaces, and print-ready materials like posters, brochures, or event collateral. For bigger projects, I can bring in trusted creative collaborators if the scope requires it.


Ultimately, my work aims to help you keep everything aligned across platforms and communicate your mission in a way that sparks action and drives change. You can look at some of my past branding work in my case studies.

Do you offer pro bono design work or campaign collaborations?

If my schedule allows it, each year I take on a small number of pro bono projects for non-commercial initiatives that align with my values. If you’re working on something that serves our planet or the ocean, and you don't have the budget for this type of work, you’re welcome to apply for pro bono support here.

Do you work with international clients or only local organisations?

I work with clients all over the world. I’m originally from Iceland and currently based in Portugal, but I run a fully remote studio and collaborate across time zones with no problem.


Wherever you're based, if your mission resonates with me, I’d love to work together.


Projects and pricing

What are the steps to get started on a project?

The first step is to fill out my inquiry form. That gives me a solid overview of your project, things like your timeline, budget, and what you’re looking to create.


Once I’ve reviewed it, I’ll let you know if it’s a good fit in terms of timing and scope. If it is, we’ll hop on a video call for a proper chat. No pressure, just a chance to connect and see if the energy feels right.


If we’re both excited to move forward, I’ll send over a proposal with the full scope, deliverables, and pricing. 

How do I hire you as an illustrator or designer for my campaign?

Easy. Just follow the steps above and fill out the form. Once you’ve filled that out, I’ll take it from there and guide you through the next steps.

How much does it cost to work with you?

Prices vary depending on what you need and what the involvement, final scope, number of deliverables, and length of collaboration are. I always try to make sure my prices are fair and reflect my decade-long experience and expertise in the illustration and conservation fields.


I have several pricing tiers, and I’ll always be upfront about costs before we get started. For fast turnaround, a rush fee applies.


I also understand that smaller nonprofits and grassroots projects sometimes work with limited budgets. If you have a great idea but not a lot of funds, I’m open to brainstorming how that collaboration could look, for example, exploring exchanges like offering a discount in return for the rights to sell the artwork in my shop. Let me know your situation, and we’ll see what’s possible.

How much do you charge for different project tiers?

While every collaboration calls for a different scope, my current service offer varies depending on how much support and involvement you need.


I offer three levels of creative support:


1. Visual direction & campaign strategy → for large-scale projects that can take 3 to 6 months

2. Visual development & campaign illustrations → for well-defined projects that can take 3 weeks to 3 months

3. Smaller scale visual storytelling projects → for smaller projects ranging from 2 to 4 weeks


All of these levels are illustrative, and the final scope, length, and pricing will depend on your vision, timeframe, and our agreement. For more details, please visit my services page.

Timelines and workflow

What does your creative process look like?

I usually go through three phases:


Exploration: I send over several rough ideas or sketch concepts to get the creative conversation started.


Refinement: Based on your feedback, I narrow things down into one or two more developed versions.


Finalisation: Once we’re aligned on the concept and the sketch has been approved, I bring it to life in full detail and deliver the final files.


No disappearing into a black hole or “ta-da” moments, just good communication and a shared creative journey.

How do you handle revisions or feedback during a project?

I like to keep the process collaborative and easygoing. Feedback is welcome, encouraged, and expected! I want you to love the final result as much as I do.


If something feels off to you, I want to catch it early on in the process so we don't waste time going in circles and fixing everything once it's almost ready.

What is your turnaround time for a typical illustration or design project?

For smaller-scope illustrations, I usually allow 2 to 4 weeks, enough time to develop concepts, gather feedback, and make sure everything is right before we finalize the illustration.


A well-defined project where you need someone to sharpen your vision and translate it into a desired campaign or deliverables can take anywhere from 3 weeks to 3 months.


For bigger branding projects, campaigns, and collaborations, where I step in to help define the artistic direction and visual strategy can take anywhere from 3 to 6 months, depending on how detailed your package is. There’s more research involved and more steps to get it just right.


If you need something quicker, a rush fee might apply. Just keep in mind that this also means we both need to be responsive throughout the process so things can keep moving smoothly.

What do you expect from clients working with you?

Great communication makes everything smoother. Here’s what I ask for:

  • Clear feedback: The more direct feedback, the fewer revision rounds.
  • Timely replies: Respond within 2–3 business days so we can stay on track
  • Pay on time: Projects get delayed if invoices aren’t paid by the due date.
  • Trust in the process: I’ll always keep you in the loop, but I also need space to do what you hired me for.

That’s pretty much it. If we both show up and communicate well, the work flows beautifully.

If you're a nonprofit, ethical brand, or mission-driven team looking for visual storytelling that aligns with your values, I'd love to hear from you.

Ready to bring your message to life?