Frequently asked Questions
If your question isn't here, then send us an email and ask away.
No question is a silly question!
Do I need any qualifications to work with Orange Beak Studio?
You do not need any qualifications. We are just looking for you to be passionate about what you do and keen to experiment and develop your work.
If I sign up for a creative workshop, what materials do I need?
We will send a list with any specific materials we would like you to use. You may of course also bring along your usual pencil case of favourite media.
Where do your tutorials and workshops take place?
Currently all our tutorials and workshops take place online. These are all live, not recorded sessions. Our preference for online sessions is through Zoom, however we can use Skype and Facetime for tutorials if that suits you.
When do I pay for a tutorial?
We ask for tutorial payments in advance. We take payment by online bank transfer and our administrator, Tony, will send you the details for this once you have signed up.
I am really interested in what Orange Beak offer, but I am having trouble deciding which option is best for me. Can you help me choose?
Yes of course! Please email us and we will help. We have designed an initial Orange Beak Studio consultation form so we can find out more about you and what you would like to achieve through working with us. We will then be able to help you decide on what is the best option to take.
How do I book a tutorial?
We take all bookings for tutorial by email. Get in touch with us at orangebeakstudio@gmail.com to book. Our Orange Beak administrator, Tony, will reply to your email and organise everything else with you - answer any questions and send over the payment details.
How do I book a place on a workshop or an event?
We take bookings for our workshops/events through Eventbrite (an event management and ticketing website).
How long are your gift vouchers valid for?
Our gift vouchers are valid for 1 year from the date of purchase. We will include the expiry date on the voucher.
When will I get the Zoom link for a tutorial/workshop?
For workshops/events etc we will send you the Zoom link a couple of days in advance.
Do Orange Beak speak at colleges/universities/conferences or other illustration/design related events?
Yes! Absolutely! If you would like us to speak at the event you're organising, or run a workshop for your university or other - then please do email, we would love to hear from you. We have experience working both in the UK and internationally.
I am working with a publisher but need additional help with my book. Are your tutorials confidential?
Everything we discuss and anything you share in tutorials is confidential. We do not discuss our clients outside of Orange Beak. We regularly work with clients who are sharing their comissioned work, dummy books, characters and story ideas with us.
I am interested in booking more than one tutorial and seeing different tutors for these. Is this possible?
Yes, definitely! We organise the tutorials around your needs and goals. Clients quite often will see a mix of the tutors when they have more then one session. Again, it is all about you, and what you want and need from these sessions.
I want to book a tutorial but don't know which tutor to choose. Can you help?
Yes, this is a big part of what we do when you sign up. We ask all new clients to fill in our Orange Beak form and from that we determine which tutor is best suited to help you achieve your goals.
How quickly can I book in a session?
The Orange Beak tutors are all practising industry professionals, working on book projects alongside Orange Beak. We always aim to book a tutorial with you around your time frame. However, it is good to give us as much notice as possible, and when you book, if your tutorial is urgent, please let Tony know.
How many picture book texts can I send in per tutorial?
You can send in one picture book text per tutorial.
Can I send my whole novel for feedback?
For Alice to give feedback on a whole novel would require more than one session. The number of sessions needed depends on the word count. For the first session it makes more sense to send a synopsis, chapter breakdown and the first 3 - 5 chapters.
I have more than one publisher interested in publishing my work. How should I choose?
Our tutors will happily discuss offers with you and flag up the pros (and cons) of each one in order to help you make the decision.
What is the cancellation policy on your tutorials?
The date and time of your tutorial will be mutually agreed between yourself and the tutor. Out of respect for us and our other clients, we ask that you give us at least 72 hours notice if you need to cancel an appointment. We can exchange your tutorial to another mutually agreed date. However, if you do not cancel with at least 72 hours notice, or fail to attend your session at the agreed time, you may lose any payments you have already made.