Wonderful story and congratulations. If I may ask, how did you start the search? Where did you post? I have been searching for almost 2 years for a cartoon artist who can create a series of animal characters for t-shirt art and a comic strip series in conjunction with a community I am trying to launch here.

I would happily pay outright for work or offer a royalty in perpetuity for the artist who can create the look and feel I'm after and wants regular periodic work.

So glad you posted this and hope you can offer suggestions on how I might duplicate your accomplishment.

Blessed be.