Frequently
asked Questions about Custom Pet Portraits
Ordering
a portrait is EASY!
Pick
out what portrait size you want Portrait
Sizes and Prices , read my Order
Form and email me your digital photos or send your photos in
the mail. I will return all photos sent back to you unharmed with your
finished portrait!
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
materials do you use to draw the portraits?
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 heavyweight, 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 Golden Retriever 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
2 whole bodies
- 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.
* 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
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Can I have this matted and framed?
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.
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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.
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How
do I order and pay for my portrait?
You can email
your portrait information to me (what size, how many pets will be in
portrait, head or full-body portrait). 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 email digital photos.
All photos mailed to me 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.
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What is your return policy
if I'm not satisfied?
I guarantee all my work
to be done to your satisfaction or your money will be refunded in full. During the process
of making your portrait, I will email you scans of your portrait to get your input, and
make any changes necessary before it's completion. You will receive a scan
of your portrait for your approval, or suggest any changes to be made. This helps ensure that you are happy
with your portrait before it's mailed out to you.
