FAQ

• I would like a portrait - so where do I start?

  The first thing you are going to need are some good quality photographs. As a highly detailed pencil artist the more detail in a photo the better your portrait will be. This is especially important for your pet’s key features such as their eyes and nose. It is important that the photo is sharp and in focus. Sadly, I am unable to work from blurry photos.

• What are the best tips for a good photo?

  If possible, try to take your photo using a proper camera rather than from a phone. It doesn’t have to be a professional camera with a huge lens, a pocket camera is fine as they still capture a greater level of detail than a phone can. If you don’t have access to a camera it may still be possible to use a phone picture if the detail is clear enough. I will advise when viewing the images.

  Try to take your photo at eye level rather than from above as this will give an unflattering angle. If you are able to, take your pet’s photo in natural light, preferably outdoors. The best time is on a bright overcast day but not in direct sunlight as this can cast some unflattering shadows. Avoid using flash if possible.

• What if my pet has passed away?

  Don’t panic – send as many photos as you can and we can go through them together and see if there is a workable solution from the selection. I have all the necessary tools to enhance photographs and although there is no guarantee I will do my best with what you have.

• I would like more than one pet but they are not in the same photo!

  No problem – I can create a composition from multiple photos and your pets do not need to be in the same image.

• So I have my photos, what do I do now?

  Get in touch and let me know what you would like to have and what size. If you have several large photos I may ask you to use a file sharing service or dropbox to send them and I will guide you through the process if you are not sure what to do.

  I will then have a look at the photos and discuss with you which ones you prefer and how you would like your portrait to look. Once that is agreed I will send an invoice for a 25% deposit and the Terms & Conditions of sale. Once the deposit has been paid you will be booked in at the agreed time for your portrait.

• I would like a wildlife image that is not a pet - what do I do?

  If you have taken the photographs yourself then just like the pet portraits you can send them to me and we can discuss how you want your artwork to look.

• I have found a wildlife photo online that I like - can I use it?

  You can only use photos for which you have permission to use, or have purchased a license to use. You would need to check with the photographer what their terms are in regards to creating artwork. Some photographers will give permission for non-commercial use, some may ask a fee. I will require this confirmation along with the photograph if this is the case.

• My portrait is a Birthday gift for someone - will I get it on time?

  I will do my best to schedule any portraits before the date they are needed, however depending on how busy my orders are this may not be possible. If your portrait is needed for a special occasion please allow plenty of time for completion.

• Do you supply artwork framed?

  Framing is a personal choice so the artwork is supplied mounted as standard but not framed. It can also be supplied unmounted should you wish.