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Process of a Collaboration

I focus on developing themed collections of licensable art based on my research on trends, branding, and culture as a multi-disciplined designer and artist. I transform concepts into reality through visuals that are imaginative, insightful, and engaging.

My commercial collaborations mainly center around product design, particularly in the home decor and fashion industries. Other applications include murals, branding, books, and projects where creativity enhances communication and sparks feelings.

I collaborate with brands in two main ways: licensing and custom design.​ You can find more details about the process below.

If you have other collaboration ideas, feel free to shoot an email!

Collaborate through Licensing

Licensing allows the brand to quickly use existing artworks.

Licensing Process

  1. Start of the collaboration

    • If the brand already has specific artworks they would like to use in mind, please contact the artist to confirm its availability.

    • The brand may provide a creative/art direction or application context, and the artist will discuss the goals and suggest suitable artworks for the proposal.

  2. Confirming Licensing Scope and Fees

    Key points include:

    • The licensed artworks

    • Which products the artwork will be used on

    • Production quantity

    • Timeline (e.g., artwork confirmation date, product launch date)

    • Scope of the license, including whether it is exclusive and the extent of exclusiveness

    • License duration (typically 1 or 2 years)

    • License fees and payment structure

  3. Agreement

    The artist will provide a contract for all artworks selected which details usage, licensing category, territory and license length as well as any payment and legal information.

  4. Artwork Delivery

    The artist delivers the final files according to the agreed terms.

Licensing Fee

A licensing fee can be charged as either a one-time fixed fee or a variable royalty.

  1. Royalty

    Royalties are paid based on product sales, either at a flat or tiered royalty rate, and include advance payment.

  2. Fixed Licensed Fee

    A one-time licensing fee is paid upon signing the contract, after which the artwork is delivered directly. This option is usually for small and independent business.

 

Design Extension

Sometimes an existing artwork needs adjustments or design extensions to better fit a product.

These are billed at an hourly rate, with an estimated time provided in advance.

Common Types of Design Extensions:

  • New Color Variations

    Some designs already have multiple color versions. Additional colorways can be developed to match the brand or product context. For instance, neutral tones may suit wallpaper or children’s wear, while vivid colors may be ideal for trendy fashion brands.

  • Repeat Patterns

Existing illustration elements can also be redesigned into repeat patterns.​

  • Illustration Re-Design

    For certain products, illustrations may require layout redesign—adding or removing borders, backgrounds, or decorative elements—to adapt to formats such as scarves, blankets, rugs, or napkins.​​

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Collaborate through Custom Design

Custom design offers more personalized solutions for the brands.

Custom Design Process

  1. Start of the Project

    • The brand provides a brief or description of the project idea to get the ball rolling.

    • The artist reviews the brief, discusses details with the brand, and provides a quotation and schedule after clarifying the scope of work.

  2. Confirmation and Contract

    The contract usually specifies:

    • Deliverables for each project stage, timeline, and payment schedule

    • Details on feedback, approvals, and delivery deadlines

    • Policies for project cancellation or scope changes

    • Licensing terms

    The contract can be provided by either the artist or the brand. 

  3. Artwork/Design Creation

    The artist starts working on the project at the agreed timeline. Artwork creation takes the following stages:

    • Concept Stage: Researching and deciding on the design direction, sketch development, and concept confirmation

    • Production Stage: Digital artwork creation

    • Revision Stage: Adjustments based on feedback

    • Final Delivery: Submission of completed work

 

Custom Design Fee

Custom design projects are charged by project; the fees include production fee and licensing fee.

Production fee is determined by the complexity of the deliverables, revision rounds and schedule (rush projects incur higher fees).

Licensing fee is determined by the intended use and application of the artwork.

© 2025 Heather Zhou. All rights reserved.

All rights reserved. All artworks on this website are protected under international copyright laws and agreements. No part of these artworks may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording, or otherwise, without the prior written permission of the artist.

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