How to commission a portrait...

Step 1 Contact me, and we can discuss your requirements. You can also send me the photo you have in mind (or photos) and I can help you decide which will make the best portrait.
Step 2

Email or snail mail me a suitable photo (see below for details). I will need at least 2 or 3 good, clear photographs, more if possible.

If you are sending them by mail, please do NOT send originals, as I am not responsible for them if they get damaged. The clearer the photographs the better the portrait. All photographs will be returned with the portrait upon completion.
Step 3

Pay 25% deposit to cover material costs and to ensure the portrait.

I will give you an estimated completion date.  Turnaround time will depend on how many commissions I have.  Most of the year it is usually 3-6 weeks, but longer around the holidays.  Place your order early to make sure you get it in good time for the holidays!! If you would like a portrait finished for December, it is best to place your order by September.  Once I have received the pictures and deposit I will give you confirmation of your order and a completion date. I cannot guarantee the completion date!! I try to stick as closely to the date I will give you, however sometimes things do not go as planned, please allow extra time if this is a gift for a specific time, and please inform me of this fact.

Gift certificates are available as well, and are printed on high quality stationery. Please see pricing for gift certificate prices.
Step 4 I will email you previews of your portrait while I am working on it, and you can let me know if any changes need to be made.
Step 5 Pay the remaining 75% plus postage, and I will send your portrait to you fully wrapped and insured.  I will do everything possible to make sure your portrait arrives safely!!

DETAILS
  • I like to know the pet's name(s) and the things about their personality that make them special. Custom pet portraits are hand drawn with intricate detail, so they will take me many hours to complete but you'll see that it will be well worth the wait!
  • Please let me know if there are any details you want altered, added or omitted from your portrait - for example collars/toys/background etc.
  • My work is fully guaranteed and I will email you a picture of the finished portrait if possible to make sure you are entirely happy before final payment is made.

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    How to decide on pictures to use...

    Here are tips on how to take great photos and/or choose from current pictures you may have to create your pet's portrait from.

    1. If possible, have someone who may be more experienced take the photos, or even take them to a professional photographer. That way it will help with the frustration of attempting to photo your pet and getting them to pose at the same time!
    2. You will get the best pictures by using the largest file size possible on your digital camera. The pictures will be large, so send them one at a time via email, label them appropriately, and be patient as they are sent. This will give me wonderful detail to work with.
    3. Be patient with your pet. Give yourself a span of a few days in which to take pictures, and take lots of them. Give your pet time to calm down to listen to directions. If you can get a friend or two to help you, even better! Don't worry about extra items in the shot, like hands or legs...I can eliminate those in the drawing, just make sure that no important bits of the pet are covered.
    4. The lighting that shows your pet's fur and eye colors is outdoors and out of direct sunlight. Inside is okay, but will work best in as much light as possible so as to avoid using the flash which will give your pet red-eye. If your camera has a 'pre flash', then use that to keep the effect of red-eye to a minimum. An exception to this is if your pet has black fur, because then the flash or bright sun can bring the shine and texture out. Be sure however, to also get photos without the flash so the eyes will be clear. Also be sure to have a good contrast color around your pet. For instance if your pet is a light color, a dark background will make him stand out. A dark pet is best against a light background.
    5. Take pictures of your pet at their level, which means sitting or even laying on the ground or floor or whatever makes the camera level with them. A good trick to take pictures at the stairs, where you can lower yourself to their level without having to get down on all fours.
    6. The color and expression of the eyes is VERY important to the overall finished product, as well as the positioning of the ears. Try to get them waiting for a treat, or waiting for their favorite toy to be thrown. This gives good intensiveness in the eyes and attentiveness in the ears.
    7. Take lots of photos of your pet's face with a zoom lens if possible. Have just their face in the frame while still in sharp focus. Try taking some views from three-quarters (slightly angled) as they can make lovely portraits. If having a full body portrait done, get as close as possible and a few "just head" shots are also very helpful.
    8. When sending photos through the mail, be sure to have another copy as there is a chance it could be lost. All photos I use will be returned with your finished portrait.
    9. If you want a portrait with more than one pet, I can put two different pictures together if you can't get both pets the way you'd like in one picture. I will need one picture with both of them in it however, to reference their size to one another.
    10. Remember-the better the photo I have to work from, the more highly detailed your pet's portrait will be!
    11. It is imperative that you get permission to use any copyrighted photos. I will expect that any permissions have been requested and/or granted and I will not be held responsible for any copyright issues that may be raised.
    12. Please note that I take a lot of pride in my work, and you need to be 100% satisfied with the final portrait, therefore I reserve the right to refuse to do a portrait based on the condition/lack of detail in the reference material.

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    How to get a gift certificate...

    A gift certificate is a great alternative if you have perhaps left it a little late to commission a portrait or I am unable to meet your deadline due to work load. Gift vouchers are also a good idea where you think the recipient might be happier choosing his/her own photographs. Whatever the reason it is a unique gift in itself and is perfect for the holidays, rememberance, or for that special occasion. 

    Gift certificates are available to buy in any amount you choose to spend they can either be used in part payment for a portrait or to cover the full cost. Please refer to my prices as the cost of the gift certificate will be matched here. To make it that little bit more special a personal message of your choice can be added simply email me with your ideas and the amount you wish to spend.

    Certificates will be sent to YOU on beautifully crafted paper with the receiver's name on it. It will be your responsibility to give to the receiver. Certificates are valid for 12 months from date of purchase. Certificates will need to be authenticated along with payment BEFORE the portrait is sent.

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    How to check on the status of your purchase...

    During the creation process, I will send you updates on a regular basis via email. There may be times as well that I need to verify details that have not been settled, or have arisen during the creation of your portrait.

    Please note that if such issues do arise, or if you see something in an update you would like modified, I will require expedient answers so that I can move forward. I will not proceed with the portrait UNTIL I receive feedback from you. Prompt feedback from you helps to keep the portrait on the correct timeline.

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    How to pay for your purchase...

    I accept Money Orders and Paypal. Please see pricing for more details.

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    How to protect your investment...

    Because your portrait is one of a kind, it cannot be replaced. Any redo of work will NOT be the same as the previous version.

    Because of this, I suggest that you contact an insurance company to discuss ways to protect your investment. Properly cared for, your portrait will survive for generations! You can even put it in your will!

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