FAQs

Commissions

How do I commission a pet portrait?

How many photos should I send you?

What makes a good reference photo for you to draw from?

A good reference photo ideally needs to be well lit, and of enough quality that I am able to zoom in (being able to zoom to see individual hairs is the holy grail!) I can and will work from sub-standard photos, especially in the case of memorial commissions where no other photos are available, however these will obviously have less detail and rely a little more on artistic interpretation!

The most important thing to remember is that I haven’t seen your pet, I don’t know them at all. So choose a photo that clearly shows them both in looks and character. I have a page with more photo tips here…

How long do commissions usually take?

The amount of time I can draw each day varies, so I usually allow 3-4 weeks per commission for coloured pencil work, and up to 2 weeks for graphite. I get booked up relatively quickly especially at peak times (pre-Christmas) and in the run up to the exhibition season when I have my own pieces to work on, so if you require a portrait for a specific date it is best to contact me in plenty of time.

If I am not able to do a commission in time for your special date, I am able to offer a very limited number of gift vouchers each year.

What is the payment process for a commission?

Can I see the commission before the final payment?

Can I make my own copies of the finished artwork?

What mediums do you use for commissions?

Can you draw any animal?

Can my pet portrait include a background or accessories?

Can I also order prints of the original?

Yes, I am able to offer fine art giclee prints – please discuss with me at the time of booking if this is something you would like to do. It can work very well in the case of a memorial portrait where family members would like a portrait too – a print offers a more affordable option than having the same drawing done twice!

I am also able to have your artwork reproduced onto greetings cards.

Can I gift a commission to a friend or family member?

Absolutely – in fact several of my commissions have been done as gifts!

If you are unable to get a suitable reference photo, either in terms of quality or because you are not sure of your recipient’s favourite photo, then I have the option of a Gift Voucher you can give instead – I only sell a limited number of these for scheduling purposes. They can make an ideal gift if I am booked up ahead of your special occasion too!

How do I take care of my commission?

I always work with professional and archival quality materials, ensuring that your artwork will last up to 100 years if cared for correctly. Pencil artwork is delicate and will smudge/smear if touched, so please keep your drawing in the protective sleeve until you are ready to frame it, and then handle it carefully by the edges. Make sure to always use an acid-free mount or spacers when framing so that the paper/film does not come into contact with the glass.

Drafting film must only be fixed at the top – I supply your commission in a mount that you can just slip into a standard sized frame, but if you choose to have your drawing professionally framed, your framer should know how to handle and frame it correctly.

Artwork is best framed under UV glass for maximum colour protection, but standard glass will likely be sufficient as long as you keep in mind that all artwork should be displayed out of direct sunlight. It is always best to avoid areas with widely changing temperatures, and rooms with high humidity (such as bathrooms, or a particularly steamy area of the kitchen) should also be avoided.

Products

Will my print arrive in the frame?

Prints are supplied in an acid-free cello sleeve with protective backboard – they are unmounted/unframed, but a simple white aperture mount can be provided if required. Most off the shelf frames come with a mount, hence my decision not to include a surplus one, and if you choose to have your print professionally framed then your framer will be able to help you choose a mount and frame to complement both your artwork and your living space.

What material is your artwork printed on?

Delivery & Returns

How much does delivery cost?

All commissions and original artworks are sent via Royal Mail Special Delivery – this is at a cost of £10, and requires a signature on delivery. This service is fully insured to reflect the expensive nature of your artwork.

Prints and cards are sent via Tracked48, at a cost of £4.50

If you purchase prints and/or cards at the same time as having an original or commission sent to you, they can be included in the £10 Special Delivery package so you only pay one lot of postage.

Currently I only ship as standard to the UK, but other destinations can be considered and quoted for on an individual basis. You would be liable for any import duties/customs charges applied by your country.

How will my commission/product arrive?

I package all items carefully to ensure they arrive in tip-top condition. All items are protected in professional acid-free cello sleeves. Commissions and original artworks are wrapped in tissue and boxed/packaged with strong card and/or stock board to prevent them arriving bent or damaged.

If the packaging is damaged to the extent you believe the artwork inside may be damaged, you MUST take photos of the packaging as well as any damage to the artwork, and send to me as soon as possible so that I am able to make a claim under the insurance. (Without photos of the packaging, a claim will be unsuccessful.)

Are commission booking fees refundable?

You pay a booking fee to secure your commission slot in my diary, and once I have started work (this includes selection of photos and preliminary layout/design work) this is only refundable in the unlikely event I am unable to complete your drawing.

No commissions will be posted out until full payment is received, but I will send you a watermarked photo of your finished drawing before the final payment is requested so that you can be sure you are happy with your artwork.