FAQ
Do I pay before or after the portrait is created?
Placing your order and completing the payment process will put your portrait into the schedule. Your portrait will be completed and a portrait proof will be sent to you. You have final approval over portrait.
How long will my portrait take?
Turnaround is normally just a few days if it's not too busy or a couple of weeks during peak periods like Christmas. Please inquire before purchasing if you are trying to have the portrait completed for an event or need it quickly.
Do I get a print delivered?
Your order is for DIGITAL FILES only. Printing is the responsibility of buyer and can be done online or at a local print shop. Shipping prints may become a provided service in the future, but not currently.
How do I get my portrait files?
Once your portrait is approved, your files will sent by email or shared by Dropbox folder. You will receive an email message with a link to download your files. The Dropbox folder will be shared to the email you used to complete your order unless another one is specified. The Dropbox folder will remain active for 3 or 4 months and will then be deleted.
What size will the file be? What size can I print the portrait?
Portraits are created at 24x36 inches for North America, and A1 standard for the rest of the world, unless a specific size or other dimensions are requested before the portrait is started. You will receive a large, high resolution source file which can be printed at movie poster size or larger - you could even fill a wall! This file will successfully print at several smaller sizes without modification. This size is much larger than most other custom portrait artists provide! You will also receive, optionally, another file for printing at your requested size. If you know the size you will be printing in advance the portrait layout can be tailored to your specific size.
Once I have the file, what do I do next? Where can I print the file?
You will take or send your portrait file to the print shop of your choice. It can also be uploaded to online print shops. I can help guide you through this process if required.
Once I order, what photos do I need to send?
Photo reference of each subject should be clear, recent, and as high resolution as possible with no hats, sunglasses, goofy expressions, or heads pressed together. Selfies or photos taken at very close range are not ideal as the closer a photo is to a subject, the more lens distortion is introduced. Subjects can be in the same picture or separate pictures, it doesn't matter. Please ensure you are sending the highest resolution versions of pictures you can, don't compress or reduce the images. Obviously when the portrait is a surprise gift, finding photos can be a challenge, and if you want to send photos to be reviewed before ordering, feel free.
Can I add pets to my portrait?
Yes, you can add pets to most portrait themes by adding the PET ADD-ON listing to your order. Custom quoted orders with pets will have the pets included in the quote.
What can I customize in my portrait?
Many (standard) portraits can be customized by choosing characters, text, and background. Some portraits can be fully customized from the ground up by specifying theme, characters, poses, clothing details, text, titles, backgrounds. Fully customized portraits will have a custom price quote based on the customer’s detailed description.
Can I send better photos after the portrait is complete?
Ideally the best photos available are sent before the portrait is started, but sometimes only poor photos - older, low resolution, etc - are available. Every effort will be made to make the subject look like the photo and tweaking can occur after completion if required. If you send better photos after the portrait is complete and want the subject’s likeness to be re-done, there may be a small extra charge.