Wam Architectural Illustration

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About Me Typical Illustration Process Planning & Budgeting Quotes & Contracts

Hi, some call me 'WAM' but Bill works just as well.
William (Bill) A. McBride

"When you speak with me, you are discussing your project with the owner, an architect, and an illustrator. Whatever your illustration needs, my experience and approach can make a difference to your next project . Call me at 816-523-2345"

Completed 1000's of illustrations for 100's of clients

Proprietor of WAM Architectual Illustration since 1993

Interned with International Architects Atelier (licensed in 1992).

Graduated from KUs School of Architecture in 1988 (Bachelor of Architecture)

Step One - Perspective
This four part process starts with establishing a perspective view by using either a computer model provided or a basic model built by me. Through discussions, I can provide you with additional viewpoints that you may feel better enhance your design. Occasionally, I work from photo's or build the perspective by hand but that limits the final view to that one choice.

Step Two - Line Drawing
This selected perspective will be further revealed through a basic line drawing, developing the context (activities, season, location background & foregrounds), entourage (landscaping, people, site elements) and design elements (details, materials, lights). As a supporting tool before watercoloring, color scheme and time of day can influence the way I apply line gesture.

Step Three - Color Study
This is an optional step. The color study is typically done for those that want to better see the design colors that have been either chosen, suggested or left to me to decide before going on to the final watercolor.

Step Four - Watercolor
With all steps approved, I make your final watercolor by printing the line drawing on watercolor paper mounted on gater board. The line drawing can be screened for those that want a softer appearance or printed at 100% to reinforce edges and visible under the transparent watercolor medium. There is a final review and comments period before providing the finished design.

While each illustration varies in actual dimension, largely based on final chosen view, most illustrations are approximately 8.5" x 11" or 11" x 17". Larger size renderings are possible but usually unnecessary because an enlarged reproduction of the original will typically meet most presentation requirements.

Providing a computer model can save up to 15-30% of the cost of the rendering.
The smaller the size of the finished illustration, the lower the overall cost.
Ground level views are usually less expensive then Aerials or Interiors.

Request a quote
Call me at 816-523-2345 or send your project information, including your phone number, to bill@wamiam.com. Tell me about your vision for the final product, your deadlines, and your clients objectives. With the specifics, I can provide you a more accurate not-to-exceed fee.

Call me at 816-523-2345 or send your project information, including your phone number, to bill@wamiam.com. Tell me about your vision for the final product, your deadlines, and your clients objectives. With the specifics, I can provide you a more accurate not-to-exceed fee for the work.

Reimbursable expenses are costs of printing (offset, bubblejet, laser, photocopying, etc. including paper), mounting, delivery, packaging, framing, film, photo developing and any other means necessary for the completion of a rendering. These costs, billed at my cost, are additional to the illustration not-to-exceed fee. A typical watercolor averages $50.

All businesses operating in Missouri are subject to Sales Tax (7.25% as of July 2010) unless they are either tax exempt or charging sales tax themselves to their clients. Tax exempt entities are required to provide proof of exemption. This tax is additional to the not-to-exceed fee.