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How it Works

Commission a personalised, hand drawn portrait of your family, your pets or even your holiday memories and favourite locations in 4 easy steps:

1

Send me your favourite photos by email

2

1-to-1 call to discuss your portrait

3

Receive previews of your portrait as it takes shape (optional at no extra cost)

4

Receive your finished artwork within 14 days

1

What makes the best photo for a portrait?

Step 1

 

Send me the picture you want.

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I like to get to know the subjects that I'm drawing so that I can capture the quirks that makes everyone and every pet unique. It is difficult and risky trying to make a large full size portrait from a passport photograph so here are some useful tips:

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Photo Tips
  • Multiple angles in addition to the one you want me to draw from - this helps me get to know the subject better

  • Size and quality: The bigger the pictures you send, the better the end result will be. Try to avoid pictures taken by phones at long range - get closer to the subject rather than zooming in from your phone

  • Natural light is both more flattering for your subject than harsh indoor lighting, and makes for a better image

  • If the lighting in the photo means that a distinguishing feature can't be seen please let me know and I will try to add this back into the pencil artwork.

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Always remember, if you just can't find the photo you want, I do offer a service to come to you and take them myself.

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Step 2
The 1-to-1 call:

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So what will we discuss? Although there will be a lot of questions specific to your individual portrait there are a few things to bear in mind before our call:

  • What size artwork are you looking for. Standard portrait sizes are A5, A4 and A3. Other sizes are available but these are a good starting point.

  • What background would you like for the final artwork? Often portraits omit the background, but if you prefer I can allude to it or even change the background to something completely different!

  • What surround are you looking for? Fading to white? Exactly as the picture you have sent me shows?

  • Are there any alterations you would like me to make to the picture? Scars or wrinkles taken out? Damage removed? Additional faces adding in? etc.

  • Is it just the original pencil artwork you're looking for, or do you want to order additional prints?

  • Would you like the artwork mounted or framed? Do you have a colour in mind?

  • Payment. All commissions require a 25% deposit, which is payable up front. The remaining balance is payable on completion of your portrait.

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Step 3
Updates and Previews:

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This step is entirely optional. Some prefer to see nothing but the finished result, but if you wish for updates and pictures of your piece in progress this comes at no extra cost and what form these will take will be discussed during your 1-to-1 call.

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Step 4

For you the customer, step four is the easiest and best part. Within 14 days of your deposit, you will receive your own unique, personalizsed piece of pencil art that can hang on your wall for many years to come.

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Hand-drawn commission, pet portrait of a dog, Dusty
Dog in field posing for a portrait

Dusty, in a photo taken specially for this commission

Transforming this school photo of David into a personalised birthday present for his Grandma

Childposing for a commissioned portrait, hand-drawn, pencil art
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web.Pet Portrait_Dogs_Marley_and_Josie3.
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web.Pet Portrait_Dogs_Marley_and_Josie1.

Photos of Marley and Josie taken many years apart and combined to make one portrait after Marley's passing

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