Frequently asked Questions about Custom Pet Portraits

• What medium do you use?
• Which photos are best to send to you of my pet? Photo Tips?
• What portrait sizes do you offer?
• Can I have this matted and framed?
• How long will it take to draw the portrait?
• How do I order and pay for my portrait?
• What is your return policy if I'm not satisfied?

Your complete satisfaction is very important to me, and that's why all my portraits are 100% guaranteed! You will even receive a scan of your portrait, for your approval, before I mail it out to you.

What medium do you use?

  I draw all of my portraits in Prismacolor® colored pencils and pastels for the backgrounds.
I occasionally will use a bit of acrylic paint for highlights in white (ie: whiskers, fur highlights).
I find this works best in bringing out the details in fur and other areas that need highlighting to create the most realistic and accurate drawing of your pet. Your finished portrait is then sprayed with a clear, fine-mist fixative to help ensure it's long life and protection. All portraits are drawn on quality 80lb weight, acid-free (paper will not yellow) Strathmore paper.

Also see: Creating a Portrait

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Which photos are best to send to you of my pet? Photo Tips?

  Please send at least 2 clear and up-close photos of your pet's face. It's best to take photos of your pet outside in natural light. Using a flash indoors can wash out your pet's true coloring, and cause red-eye.  Focus on your pet's face, and get as much of the face and neck area in your photo without cropping off the ears. Try to take the photos at your pet's level, without him having to look up at you unless that's the way you want it to look in your portrait.  Additional pets, features, or backgrounds can be combined from separate photographs, and elements such as unwanted backgrounds, collars and leashes can be omitted.

  If your pet won't sit still for you, try holding up his favorite toy near your camera so your pet's attention is directed where you want it to be.

  *The more clear and focused your photo is, the more accurate your portrait will be. If your photo is blurry or the pet is very small in the photo, I will have to do a lot of guesswork on the detail, and your portrait won't be as accurate as it could be.
 A good rule of thumb: In the photo, the head of your pet should be at least the size of a quarter. In addition, the subject should take up 1/2 to 2/3 of the whole photograph.

Click here to see the making of a Great Dane portrait

Click here to see the making of a Shih Tzu portrait

Click here to see the making of a Rottweiler/Lab portrait

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What portrait sizes do you offer?

 My pet portraits are available in 4 sizes:

•   8" x 10" - Fits 1 animal head in portrait, or whole body of small mammal or bird.
• 11" x 14" - Fits up to 3 animal heads in portrait, or 1 whole body
• 14" x 17" - Fits up to 4 animal heads in portrait, or up to 2 whole bodies
• 16" x 20" - Fits up to 5 animal heads in portrait, or up to 3-4 whole bodies.
• Birds and Small Mammals- Because of their size, I can fit more of them in a portrait than described above in the 11x14, 14x17 and 16x20. I will also give a discount on multiple small mammals and birds in a portrait.

*  If you are not sure what size you need for your portrait, please contact with me and I can make some suggestions. If you have a specific portrait size in mind that isn't listed above, I can easily custom draw a certain size for you.  

Also see: Portrait Prices

  I do not mat and frame the portraits myself because it's risky to ship with the glass in the frame.  I think it's best if you pick out a mat and frame of your choice for your portrait after  you receive it.  Frames and pre-cut mat board can be purchased from any arts & crafts store or department store, if you like. ( ie: K-Mart, Wal-Mart etc..) Those stores sell pre-cut mat board and frames in different sizes at very reasonable prices.  Of course you can always have your portrait professionally matted and framed if you wish.

How long will it take to draw the portrait?

  I usually can draw your portrait in one week. However, if I am backed up with orders for the holidays, I will let you know- it may take 2-3 weeks. While I'm drawing your portrait, I will email scans of your portrait to you so you can see how it's coming along, and for you to make any changes or suggestions if need be. You will see a final scan of your portrait before it's mailed out to you.

How do I order and pay for my portrait?

  You can either email your portrait information to me (what size, how many pets will be in portrait..etc), or fill out the Online Order Form.  You can send your photographs along with your payment, or send a digital image as an email .jpg attachment.  Please include any additional information including desired changes, etc. with your image.

I accept payment through PayPal, money order, or cashiers check (bank check). Money orders can be easily purchased at most convenience stores, grocery stores, Wal-Mart or K-Mart. Sorry, I do not take personal checks. You can send your photographs of your pet along with your payment, or send a digital photo as an email .jpg attachment.  All photos mailed in are returned back to you unharmed with your finished portrait. Because drawing a portrait is a large commitment on my part, I ask for full payment with your order to ensure the sincerity of the request.  I do not deposit your payment until you have approved of the final portrait and are 100% satisfied with it.
Image copyright is retained by the artist. However, if I intend to put the image of your portrait in my online gallery, I will ask for your permission first.
Read my customer testimonials

 I would love the opportunity to create a portrait for you of your pet.
If you have any other questions, please feel free to email me.

Cherie Vergos    7185 Harvard Ct NW    Bremerton, WA    98311
Tel: 360-613-1813

Copyright on all commissioned portraits are retained 
by Cherie Vergos, and cannot be reproduced in any way 
without express written consent from the artist

Pet Portraits by Cherie Vergos - Copyright © 2002-2008. Unauthorized duplication of text, photos, artwork and/or files are in violation of applicable laws. All rights are reserved.