Is Josephine your real name?

Nope. My real name is Brenda Ponnay. Read the real story here.

How much do you charge?

I charge $100 hour, usually. Sometimes I charge a flat rate if I know the project is going to be simple and not involve a lot of back and forth changes. Sometimes I work for free because the project inspires me and/or it will look good in my portfolio.

How do you make your slideshows?

The slideshows are actually animated gifs that I make in photoshop and ImageReady. You can download a how-to pdf here. Before you rush out and go buy photoshop, you might want to check out www.slide.com. Animated gifs with photos can slow your page down and cause a lot of bandwidth suckage.

What programs do you use to create your illustrations?

I primarily use Adobe Illustrator CS2. (I heart Illustrator!) I also use Adobe Photoshop, Indesign and occasionally Streamline to convert my scans to vector art. Sometimes I paint and draw by hand and scan them into Photoshop.

Are you an illustrator or a graphic designer?

I’m really a graphic designer who likes to illustrate. I’m just beginning to become an illustrator and I have a long way to go before I call myself a professional illustrator.

I want to write a children’s book, will you illustrate it for me?

Probably not. Mostly because illustrating doesn’t come as easy to me as you might think. Every illo is painful and a book is too big of a commitment for me. Plus, I already have about a zillion kid’s books in my own head I want to write and illustrate.

Will you link me?

If you have to ask, probably not. Unfortunately, I just don’t get around to a lot of blogs like I used to. So many links! So little time to read.

Can you make me a web banner?

Yes. You can win one for free from my monthly blog banner drawing (see blog side bar) or you can pay me. Quick and easy web banners usually cost about $100. If you require several drafts and a lot of back and forth changes, the price goes up to $100 an hour.

What kind of camera do you use?

I’m using the water-proof and unbreakable Canon PowerShot D10 because I am a mom and I keep getting sand in my nice cameras when I take them to the beach. I wish I had a pro camera but I’m making do. It’s a great point and shoot. If you need a great camera that you can jam in your purse without worrying about whether the lens cap is on or not, this is the camera for you. Also AMAZING UNDERWATER PHOTOS!

How do you get inspired? What’s your secret to being creative?

I drink a LOT of coffee and I’m not a perfectionist (obviously). I think perfectionism hangs up a lot of talented people.

I wrote you an email a long time ago and you never responded. Are you a snob or just busy?

Sigh. I have issues with email. I used to be the queen of emailing and would answer right away with long thoughtful notes. Then I had a kid and now my email inbox averages about 50 emails that I need to respond to on any given day. I try to keep up but I’m always hopelessly behind. Also, a lot of times I do respond to your emails but they get caught in your spam folder. If I haven’t responded to you in a week, check your spam folder, my email might be in there. I don’t mind duplicate emails checking on me. I really do want to answer everybody’s email. When all else fails try my gmail account (secretagentjo@gmail.com).

My question isn’t on here. Can I ask you a question?

Of course! Email me!