FAQ’S

I hope you find the answers you need from my pet portrait faq’s.  I have tried to cover all the important aspects.  If you can’t find the answer you need then please get in touch and I will answer any question you have.  You may also find my tips on photographing your pet and commissioning a pet portrait helpful.

WHAT SORT OF PHOTO DO YOU NEED TO WORK FROM?

The quality of your photos needs to be high, I need to be able to see the fine detail when I zoom in on my computer, if I can’t see it, I can’t draw it and therefore its difficult to achieve any realism.

My first option would be digital photos emailed straight to me, although I can also work from printed photographs.  You could have a copy of the photo made and post it to me in a card-backed envelope.  Alternatively, you could get a high resolution (minimum 300 dpi) scan, put it on a CD to email or post to me. I will return the photos when I send the completed artwork.
**Please Note – If you choose to send photos through the post then it is at your own risk and I recommend using a secure service such as Royal Mail Special Delivery**

My work is very detailed and the better the photo, the better the final pet portrait will be. A good close-up photograph that is sharp is ideal.  Please take a look at my tips on photographing your pet for more information.

Please provide a selection of photographs of your pet, the more photos I have the better. if possible four or five but as many as possible really.  Try to choose at least one that you think shows the character, typical expression or pose of your pet.  I work from one main image but the others are useful for eye colour, coat colour etc.  The more information I have, the better the pet portrait will be.

IMPORTANT NOTE ABOUT USING PHOTOS BY PROFESSIONAL PHOTOGRAPHERS
I cannot work from photographs taken by professional photographers without their written permission as the photographer holds the copyright. If the photos you would like me to use were not taken by you, please let me know the photographers contact information so that I can ask their permission to use their image.

PET MEMORIAL PORTRAITS

I NO LONGER HAVE MY PET AND I ONLY HAVE POOR QUALITY PHOTOS.
CAN YOU CREATE A PET PORTRAIT FROM THEM AND DO YOU RETURN THE PHOTOS?

It is better to have the best photographs of your pet, but I understand that this is not always possible.  They really do need to be clear, and large enough to see everything in order to maintain the high quality and detail.  It’s very difficult to make up parts of a portrait, and keep it looking like your pet.  If you’re not sure then you could email a photo to me.  I will let you know if it’s suitable to work from for your memorial portrait.   I always return any photos that are sent to me.

HOW LONG WILL MY PORTRAIT COMMISSION TAKE?

I have a waiting list which varies in length, Christmas is always the busiest period so please remember to allow plenty of time and order well in advance, don’t leave it until December.

Depending on the size and medium, pet portraits can take anywhere from 1 to 3 weeks to complete once I begin. If you have an urgent deadline, please get in touch as soon as you can. 

CAN I HAVE A NUMBER OF PETS FROM DIFFERENT PHOTOS COMBINED INTO ONE PORTRAIT?

Yes, but its best if the photos are taken at the same time and in the same place. This way they will look natural together, with the tones and lighting the same.  Please try to ensure your pet images are in proportion.  Without seeing your subjects in person I do not know their sizes.  Even if it is not your chosen image, it is helpful to send an image of the animals together.  This is so that I can see the difference in sizes.

If it’s not possible to have photos taken at the same time and you’re not sure, then you can email them to me. I can let you know if they are suitable for me to work from.

CAN I SEE A PREVIEW OF MY PORTRAIT BEFORE I PAY?

Yes. I will send a couple of digital photos or videos of your portrait while I work on it, and I can make any alterations that you think necessary.  

On completion, I will email you a photo of the finished painting to make sure you are entirely happy with your portrait. Unfortunately, only minor changes can be made at this stage.

WILL MY PET PORTRAIT APPEAR ON YOUR WEBSITE OR SOCIAL MEDIA PAGES?

I post most of my work on my social media pages and website. If your pet portrait is a surprise gift, just let me know and I will wait until after the surprise. If  you are not happy with your painting or drawing being displayed, please let me know when ordering.

DO YOU OFFER A DISCOUNT IF I ORDER MULTIPLE PORTRAITS?

I am unable to give discounts for multiple portraits. My portraits are priced on the length of time they take me to complete. I wish I could, but I can’t speed up my painting process without compromising the detail and quality of the work.

DO YOU TAKE A DEPOSIT?

I require a 30% deposit before I can add you to my waiting list. Once the deposit has been paid, I will let you know how long it will be before I’ll begin your portrait. If you are really not happy with your finished portrait, and you do not want it, I will keep it and your deposit will be refunded.

HOW DO I MAKE A PAYMENT?

You can pay by BACS/online banking or via Paypal.  You don’t need a Paypal account for this but they handle the transaction securely.  If paying by Paypal, a processing fee will apply.  Just ask, and I will let you know how much it works out to be.  Once you are completely happy with your completed pet portrait, I will invoice you for the final payment.

CAN I PAY FOR MY PET PORTRAIT IN INSTALLMENTS?

Yes, I can invoice you regularly through Paypal. The completed portrait will be sent to you once the final payment has been made.

DO YOU DO GIFT CERTIFICATES?

Yes.  Gift certificates are always available. They are an ideal option if there is a tight deadline or you cannot get the photo you want of your pet. It is also a great way to give a pet portrait if you would prefer the recipient to have more input.

They come with a blank card, ordering information and a certificate stating the value.  If you prefer for the certificate not to show the value, then it’s possible to show a specific size instead. For example, 12″ x 16″ oils pet portrait.  If you prefer this option then please let me know upon ordering.  You may also wish to add the postage costs onto the amount.  Gift certificates are valid for a full year.

Gift certificates must be paid for in full at the time of purchase.  They can be added to at any point during the year.  Please look at my prices to choose which one suits the most, and feel free to contact me for further information.

HOW WILL MY PORTRAIT BE PACKAGED AND SENT OUT?

Your portrait will be very carefully and securely packaged and sent out fully insured. I use the Royal Mail’s very reliable ‘Next Day Special Delivery’ service. This is a ‘signed for’ and fully trackable service. I ship my pet portraits to homes all over the world and these are sent via a signed for Courier Service.

DO YOU POST OVERSEAS?

Yes, I’m based in Pembrokeshire in the UK but I ship my artwork internationally. My work has gone all over the world.

CAN I HAVE A HIGH-RESOLUTION SCAN OF MY PORTRAIT?

Yes, I can supply you with a high-resolution scan.  It will be on a USB memory stick, or a disk if you prefer.  The cost of this will be £30.

CAN YOU FRAME MY PORTRAIT?

I don’t normally frame portraits as I think framing is a personal process.  However, if you are located in the UK and you would like me to choose a frame for your portrait, then I use an excellent local framer.  I will send you a photograph of my choice and give you a quote on the cost.  You can then decide whether you’d like to go ahead.  There would also be an additional postage cost for framed portraits.