Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to create?

Since every piece of artwork is customized, the time it takes to create personized pieces varies. Many factors go into creating my art, such as size, how many subjects, and the medium being used.

When do I send the deposit?

After filling out the Request Form, I will contact you on the details of your order and send you an invoice for the deposit. Once I am just about to begin your work, I will send you a rough idea or mock up of you piece, so you can get an idea on what the portrait might look like. Additionally, I will send you an invoice for the remaining balance. Once your balance is paid, I will begin working on your handcrafted piece.

How much is shipping?

US shipping can vary again depending on size and destination. Artworks will be shipped unframed, via USPS or UPS standard shipping, complete with a tracking number. Artwork will be securely packaged to prevent damage during shipping.

Can I arrange to pick up the work?

Yes! If you are local, you can certainly arrange to have your personalized piece picked up.

Does your artwork include framing?

No, price does not include framing. Since my work is usually given as a gift to others, many people prefer to select and use their own frames.

Do you only draw animals?

Animals are my preferred subject. I enjoy finding and creating an animals’ personality on paper. However, I have done work on other subjects (People, Flowers, Plants, etc). Fill out a request form and let me know in the additional comments what it is that you are hoping to have drawn.

How do I care for my artwork once I receive it?

For Pencil Drawings: When you receive your customized work, it will be cover with light weight paper to protect it until it can be framed. Since pencil can be easily smudged, DO NOT TOUCH the image or have others touch it.

For Charcoal or Pastel Drawings: Like Pencil Drawings, it will be covered in light weight paper to protect it until it is framed. It will also be sprayed with Fixative, which helps prevent smudging since charcoal and pastel are delicate. Despite the additional spray of fixative, it can still smudge. DO NOT TOUCH the image or have others touch it.

Can you create a piece in a different size than what is listed?

Depending on what it is that the client is after, yes I can. Some sizes can even be made on colored canson paper. All you need to do is email me about your needs, and we’ll work together to come up with a piece just for you.

Do you work from digital photos?

Yes! I create artwork from a photo given to me by the client to create their personalized picture. I usually only use one image to create the work, but may request more than one picture to ensure details and/or coloring. Therefore, it is very important that clients selected a specific photo, in high resolution, that will showcase the character of their pet or subject for the commissioned work.

What type of digital photos do you need?

When taking photos of your pet or subject, you will need to make sure you are sending clear, in focus, non-filtered photos. You can take photos with a digital camera or your phone. When using your phone, be sure to NOT use the zoom in feature. Zoomed in photos taken with a phone can make the photo blurry, which is difficult to draw from. Many people try to send photos taken from Facebook. However, those photos might be resized or have filters that can distort the image. When sending images via email, make sure to send the photo in the ‘actual size’ and not a reformatted size. Reformatting the size can distort the image and make it pixelated or blurry.

What if I don’t have any high resolution photos?

I would suggest finding a family member or friend who can help take high resolution photos for you. If you are local enough, I can arrange to take photos for you at your location. Just leave details of your needs in the additional information section on the request form.