I've just placed my order, what happens next?
I'll be in touch within 48 hours (normally much sooner), but I do sometimes end up in spam/junk folders so please check in there if you don't see me in your inbox!
If you have reference photos of houses, buildings or pets, you can send these to me at [email protected]
How long will my commission take?
I usually ask for 4 weeks to complete your commission - but it is often sooner than this. If your portrait is a gift for someone, and you have a specific date in mind, please let me know.
What is the difference between the custom portraits and the request a print option?
When you order a custom portrait, you get the original artwork. When you request a print instead, I keep the original artwork and you get a fine art reproduction print instead. This option is not available for residential house portraits - but is available for wedding venues, buildings and animals.
What reference photos do I need to send you?
I'm in the process of putting together a more comprehensive guide for this! But in the meantime...
With any reference image, the more detail I can see, the better your portrait!
Houses - I need a high res image from the angle/view you would like be draw your house. If there are any specific details that are particularly important to you, such as stained glass windows, a close up photo can be useful. If you live locally to Cheam, (within 3 miles), I may be able to come and take the reference photos myself. Photos taken with your phone are absolutely fine.
Buildings - I can quite often find reference images online or from google street view, but if you have a specific image you would like me to use, feel free to send this across.
Pets - I cannot stress this enough...the more detail I can see, the better your portrait. I understand this can be hard when it's a memorial portrait - but I can work from several old photographs.
Photos taken on your phone are fine - but they must be taken close up to your pet. Zoomed/cropped photos lack the detail.
Good lighting is also super important in seeing detail in eyes and fur. Outside light will always be better than inside lighting which makes fur look flat.
An ideal reference photo for pets would be taken outside (or facing a window if it's an inside pet), close up, and at eye level with the animal rather than from above.
If you live within 3 miles of Cheam and are struggling to get a good reference photo of your pet, we may be able to arrange for me to come and meet your pet and take reference photos myself.