So you're thinking of getting a portrait done, but inevitably you will have lots of questions on how it will work. First, you will find a step by step list, followed by some frequently asked questions. If you still have queries, please do not hesitate to contact me.
1. First, you will need to get in touch with me so we can discuss what you are looking for. Once we have agreed your requirements, I will be able to quote you a fee.
2. I request a deposit of 25% of that fee before I start the work. I will also require your photographic references to work from. Please see below for tips on how to take photos that work best for pet portraits.
3. Once I start the drawing, expect a turnaround of 2-4 weeks. This is subject to other jobs I may have, but I will be able to give you an expected date of completion. Please let me know if this is a gift for a special occasion - I am sometimes able to arrange for a timely completion (other deadlines permitting).
4. Scans of the drawing in progress will be posted on my blog unless you request otherwise.
5. On completion, I will send you a final
scan of the portrait. On confirmation that you are satisfied, I will await
payment for the remainder of the fee before dispatching the portrait to
you.
Frequently Asked Questions
My pet has passed away, and I only have poor quality photographs - can you work from these?
Obviously, the better the quality of the photograph, the easier it is for me to produce an accurate portrait - however, I understand that it is not always possible to get great reference images. Under such circumstances, I would like to see the photos you do have, and I will determine if I can still produce a good quality portrait for you.
I want to take my own photographs of my pet - do you have any advice?
The best photos of pets tend to be those taken either outside, or indoors but with the benefit of natural light. A nice sunny day can be ideal, just as long as the light is not too bright, as this may cause detail to be lost.
Avoid flash photography, as this can cause effects that do not translate to drawings in a natural way - it can also cause loss of detail, making it much harder for me to draw.
Try to make the photograph as clear as possible - my drawings are very detailed, and the more you have captured on your photograph, the more I can illustrate in my portrait.
Be PATIENT! Sometimes the best photos are those that are taken when your pet is behaving naturally, and doesn't know you have a camera to hand! This is particularly relevant to cats - I often follow my cats around and quietly take photos of them. This way you'll get the best shots. Otherwise, you can interact with your pet: You may have a well trained dog that you can get to pose for a photo, which is great, but if not, you may need to resort to tricks, such as bribery (treats) and games (having an assistant usually helps). You can also take some fun action shots of cats if you wave their favourite toy about!
FRAMING: Try to get nice and close to your subject, and get all of his/her body in the shot if you want me to draw it all! Also remember that photos that are taken on the animal's own level tend to turn out much better, more intimate, and are much more suitable for drawing from.
Provide a selection of photographs - the more pictures you can provide me with, the easier it will be for me to draw your pet, as I will have a good selection of images to use as a reference point.
Do I have to send photographs in the post, or can I send digital copies?
You can do either, although I usually work from digital photographs which you can email to me. Please don't shrink digital photos too much, as the larger they are, the more detail is preserved.
I want two pets in the same portrait, but I cannot get a photograph of them together, can you draw them together?
Usually it is possible to take two animals from separate portraits and draw them together. However there are occasions when this can look odd - for example if you have taken the pictures from different angles. As before, it is best to send me the photos and I will see if I can work from them.
Do you frame your portraits?
No, I do not usually frame my portraits, as choosing a frame is subject to personal taste. It also makes them more difficult to post. If however, you would really like a framed portrait, please discuss this with me, I should be able to arrange something for an additional fee. Of course, this would also add to the turnaround time.
How do you send the portraits?
I send the completed portrait in a sturdy poster tube. This is a safe and reliable way of sending a portrait. Postage is included in delivery. However, if you require insurance, or special delivery, this will be charged on top of your fee. Please contact me for details.
How do I pay you for my portrait?
You can pay byPayPal (credit cards), cheque or postal order.
For any other questions then please feel free to contact me.
