How to's and FAQ's

Wondering how to pick a photo, what styles are available, or how long it all takes?

Here are some tips!

How to pick a photo

Generally, I like to use whatever photo is the recipient's favourite, that way I know that they're getting a portrait that they'll continue to love. However, if you have too many cute pictures, you've commissioned a portrait as a gift, or you simply find decisions tricky, here's what I look for:

Clarity - a good, clear picture of the pet. I especially enjoy capturing the eyes, so I usually look for the clearest photo that shows the most detail of a pets eyes.
Lighting - a well-lit subject is key for detail. If the photo is dim or shadowy, the portrait will likely have less of the finer details or textures.
Pose - I prefer to work with pictures of the head and shoulders because they tend to be close-ups that allow me to capture more details from the face. I'm not opposed to full-body portraits, and will happily accommodate them when it will bring out the most personality in the portrait.

If you have a favourite picture but it's older or doesn't meet the above tips, don't stress! I'll just ask for more reference pictures so that I can get the details elsewhere while still incorporating the favourite aspects of the preferred picture. If there are limited old photos, I will exercise my own artistic judgement from previous portrait work.

If you don't have a favourite picture, send me a few and I will pick the one that suits the style the best. I call this option "artists choice."

Examples of available digital styles from the same photo

Reference Photo (my sweet dog, Sigrid)

FAQ's

What size should I get?

The sizes for paper and digitally printed portraits are:

A5 (5"x8")

A4 (8"x11")

A3 (11"x16")

The most popular choice so far is the A4, followed closely by the smaller A5. I recommend thinking about the space where you might display the portrait or consider the available space in the recipients home, as this could determine whether the portrait can/will be displayed.

If I'm being especially honest on my favourite paper size to work with, it would be the A4 as it allows for a nice amount of space to draw or paint. For digital, I use an A3 canvas so that the highest quality can be sent to the printer or as a file.

What style of commission do you recommend?

I currently offer four commission options:

Paper

Digital prints

Digital files

Custom apparel

Within these options, there are more options! Please refer to the Commission Price List for further details.

Generally, the watercolour option is the most requested. If you're having trouble deciding on a style, watercolour is a great life choice.

If you are very organised and know where the portrait will be displayed, you can select a style that suits the space or decor.

Really can't decide? Consider a gift card instead.

What's included?

Paper portraits are packaged in a mat board kit inside a plastic sleeve. Mat boards are easy to slide right into a frame that you purchase. (I currently do not offer framed portraits).

Digital prints are mailed directly to your door in a shipping tube. The portrait is gently rolled inside tissue paper to prevent damage.

Digital files are emailed in the highest resolution to the nominated email address.

Custom apparel is mailed directly to your door inside (usually) a postage bag (for larger orders the drop-ship fulfilment may send a box).

How long does it take?

Paper portraits typically take between 1-4 weeks for creation (depending on the size requested) will be hand delivered in the Canberra region at an agreed upon date & time, or mailed. Postage times vary depending on your location. Allow 1-2 weeks for Australia, 4-6 for international postage.

Digital prints can take up to 1 week for creation (depending on size) then digital file is sent to a third-party drop-shipping company who prints within 5-7 working days then delivers directly to your door. Postage times vary depending on your location. Allow 1-2 weeks for Australia, 4-6 for international postage.

Digital files typically takes less than 1 week and has instantaneous delivery once completed.

Custom apparel typically takes up to 1 week for the creation of the digital portrait, then the file is sent to a third-party drop-shipping company. Depending on the clothing item you have chosen, processing and shipping can take 1-6 weeks.