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. If you live locally, you may be eligible for
a FREE* photoshoot. Working from my own references
can give the best results, as I know which angles and positions work best
for portraiture. See below for details.
*Free photoshoot
available to anyone living in postcode areas: ME, CT, and Ashford. Outside
of this area, petrol will be charged at a cost of 25p per mile.
3. Once I start the drawing, expect a turnaround of 2-3 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 usually able to arrange for a timely completion (other deadlines permitting).
4. If you wish, I can email you scans of the work as it is in progress, so you are able to see your drawing develop.
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
I don't have a good photograph of my pet, is there anything you can do?
If you live within the ME (Medway) and
CT (Canterbury) postcode areas or Ashford*, I can arrange to come to
you for a free photoshoot so I can capture a sympathetic image of your
pet that I can work from. This also gives me an opportunity to meet
your pet - it's always easier to draw a characterful portrait when you
have met your subject!
*I can also come to you outside of this area, but I will
charge a mileage cost of 25p/mile beyond those postcode borders.
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.
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 you want me to work from, 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. If you would like to buy a Gift Voucher for a portrait, or pay for your portrait online, then please visit my shop.
For any other questions then please feel free to contact me.
