Please review the information below on the commission process. If your project inquiry is outside of the scope of the options listed, it is likely still possible! Please get in touch for a custom quote,
HOW THE COMMISSION PROCESS WORKS:
1) Submit an inquiry / request (including reference photos if applicable) 2) Receive a quote / invoice and confirm our agreement 3) Deposit of 50% (or 100% if chosen or in the case of gift cards) 4) Artwork production / completion 5) Final payment (if applicable) 6) Shipping or pick-up in Toronto (cost added to final payment)
For any portrait commission, a good resolution, clear, and well lit reference photo is required. Feel free to send a few photo options and together we can determine which is best to work from. The better the photo, the better the drawing!
A non-refundable minimum 50% deposit is required prior to starting the work. The other 50% + shipping and/or framing costs (if applicable) are due upon completion and prior to delivery or pick up.
Note: Prices listed here are for personal use. Commercial use artwork requires a custom quote, but feel free to get in touch. The prices above are for a single subject only (head and shoulders). For additional subjects, a cost per subject is added (see above). Shipping and framing is not included in the prices listed above. Pick up also available in Toronto. Prices above reflect 2021 pricing. They are subject to change at any time and will be raised in 2023.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS:
What makes a portrait good reference photo?
The best reference photos are high resolution, using natural lighting, and taken at eye level. For better quality photos, be sure to save the photo (rather than screenshot), and send it at full size in an email. Sending multiple photos is also very helpful! This helps me to see the personality, colour, etc. I'll communicate with you and discuss which photo is best and why. All of that being said, I understand that many portraits are of loved ones that have passed away and therefore newer / better reference photos may be difficult to get. I'll do my best to work with whatever you have available. Remember - the better the photo, the better the portrait!
When can I expect my portrait commission to be ready?
Timelines vary depending on the size and scope of the project, as well as how many other portraits are being done at the same time. If you have a specific deadline in mind (as a gift for example) , please let me know and I'll do my best to get it to you in that timeframe and will continue to communicate with you throughout the process so you know when to expect the finished work. If it is not possible in the timeline, gift cards are a great alternative. Please note that if your portrait is being shipped, extra time should be allowed (depending on location). Pick up is also available in Toronto.
How does it work if I want a portrait with multiple subjects?
You'll notice on the pricing chart that you can add extra subjects to your portrait (depending on the size). Adding extra subjects to a portrait adds time. This may mean your portrait takes longer to complete and it adds a minor cost to account for that. If you are able to provide a photo with multiple subjects together, great! However I understand this is not always possible. I am able to combine multiple separate photos (within reason and depending on quality and lighting) for a minor compositing fee of $20.00. When combining separate photos, it is important to try to find photos that have similar lighting and angles. I'm happy to help and walk you through the process!
My financial situation isn't great, can you explain or help with the cost?
I completely understand! Firstly, I work hard to keep my pricing as affordable and accessible as possible, while still aiming to charge a fair wage for myself - it is a balancing act. It can take anywhere from 20 to 100+ hours of focused work to complete many portraits, depending on the size and scope of the project, If you want a portrait but find it is a bit outside your price range (whether it is for yourself or for a gift), feel free to get in touch and I will suggest the best size or style based on the reference photos provided and do anything I can to help. Payment plans are also available if that is helpful to you and gift cards can be purchased in any amount. Please get in touch and we will find something that works for you!
Is it possible to get multiples or prints of the same portrait?
Yes it is! A second (or third etc.) drawing of the same image is available at a discounted rate. Since the measuring portion / line drawing is already completed for the first one, a copy can be made without the added time of measuring and therefore is possible to do for a lower price. If you would like prints in addition to your portrait (to give out to family members etc.) that is possible too. Note that this may add a little more time to your estimated shipping or pick up date as the prints need to be ordered and delivered before shipping your portrait. Colours on prints may vary slightly from the original - there is only so much control I have over the print colours, but they are still quite accurate with minor colour differences. If you have already gotten a portrait in the past and would like a print or second drawing made later on, please get in touch! All line drawings and photos are saved and available for later use. Please don't attempt to make your own copies.
Do you accept tips or donations?
Though it is never expected, tips and donations are always a pleasant surprise! Any tips and donations immediately go into buying supplies and all of the other tools rent, and materials etc. necessary to make the art I make. It goes directly into giving me more time in the studio creating - so thank you so much to anyone who has contributed (or is about to). If you feel that I have gone above and beyond on a project for you, (or want to just send a little something to support the dream (even if you're not in need of artwork right now) you're welcome to do so in whatever method is best for you: