A few plain-spoken clarifications about how we work, what counts as a finished piece, and where the boundaries sit between a commission, a layout, and a printed book.
A personalized storybook is a digital manuscript with original text and hand-drawn illustrations, delivered as a print-ready PDF. It is not a bound physical book shipped to your door. We do not print or mail copies; you receive files sized for your chosen printer or print-on-demand service.
A standard commission covers one narrative, up to 24 illustrated pages, and two rounds of revision. Additional characters, extended page counts, or major plot changes after the first draft are treated as a separate quote. We keep this boundary clear so the timeline stays honest.
Our work uses warm watercolor washes, fine ink linework, and soft paper textures. Because each piece is hand-painted and scanned, minor variations in tone or grain are natural. We do not replicate a specific existing book's art style, and we avoid photorealistic rendering.
A personal commission includes rights for private use, gifting, and sharing within your household. If you plan to sell the story, distribute it through a publisher, or use it in a school curriculum, we agree on a separate license before the final files are sent. This protects both the client and the illustrator.
Final delivery includes a high-resolution PDF with embedded fonts and full-bleed spreads, plus individual page images in JPEG or PNG. We check margins, spine allowance, and color profiles for common print services, but we cannot guarantee compatibility with every vendor's specific template.
A typical commission takes four to six weeks from approved outline to final files. We send progress sketches at each stage and pause the clock if feedback is delayed beyond five working days. Rushed delivery is possible for smaller projects, but it changes the fee and the revision allowance.
How a story comes together
Every commission follows the same careful path. You always know what happens next, how long it takes, and what you will receive at each stop along the way.
We start with a short conversation about your child, their favourite animals, and the mood you want. You share any sketches, names, or plot ideas you already have.
Within a week you receive pencil character studies and a short written outline. This is the moment to adjust names, fur colours, or the overall feel before any painting begins.
The full story is painted page by page in warm watercolor and ink. You see each spread as it is finished and can request small changes to expressions or scenery along the way.
The manuscript is placed alongside the artwork, with careful attention to page turns and read-aloud rhythm. We trim or expand sentences until the story flows naturally at bedtime.
Pages are assembled into a clean print-ready file with proper margins and bleed. You receive a digital proof to review on screen before anything goes to the printer.
You receive the finished files plus a downloadable activity kit with coloring pages and simple prompts. The whole journey usually takes four to six weeks from brief to delivery.
Curious about the illustration styles and formats we offer for schools and small publishers?
See our capabilitiesDelivery support
From the first sketch to the final print-ready file, you can reach the studio with questions about your project. We keep replies personal and grounded — no ticket queues, just a real person who knows your story.
Studio hours
Monday to Friday, 9:00–17:00 (Central European Time). We usually respond within one business day, and often sooner.
Best for sharing reference images, story notes, or detailed questions about your commission.
info@twotownmice.comWe read every message and reply within one business day.
Prefer to talk? Use the phone for urgent timing questions or a quick check-in on your project.
047 148 6925Leave a message if we miss you — we return calls within a day.
For printed samples, contracts, or anything that needs a physical copy, you can reach us at:
23000 vuyokazi Squares Apt. 830Please include your project name or order number if you have one.
Typical response time
Within 1 business day for most inquiries.