F.A.Q

Material & Process

How Do I Commission A Pet Portrait?
Please contact me with your requirements via my contact page. Please also mention if you have any specific deadlines.

How Long Does It Take To Complete A Portrait?
Upon contact, I can provide you with the estimated time of completion for your portrait. Depending on the size and detail of the portrait it can take anywhere from 1 - 5 weeks. If you require your portrait by a specific date please contact me to check availability.

What Materials Do You Use To Create My Pet Portrait?
The portrait will be completed using high quality materials that are archival so that you can enjoy your artwork for many years to come.

The materials I use are as follows:

  • Faber Castell Polychromos

  • Caran D’ache Luminance

  • Derwent Lightfast

  • Gamsol Odorless Mineral Spirits

  • Arches Hot Pressed Paper

  • Canson Mi-Teintes Pastel Paper


Can You Draw My Pet From A Photo?
Yes, all my hand drawn commissions are created from the photos you email me. If you need help choosing a photo be sure to check out my photo guide. If you are still unsure please don’t hesitate to contact me via my email at stephanie.stathopoulos@gmail.com from there we can work together to choose the best photo for your portrait.

How Many Photographs Do You Need To Draw My Pet?
I only require one clear photograph, however, you can send through as many photographs as you like. I can also help you choose the best photo for your portrait if you are unsure. Please email photographs to stephanie.stathopoulos@gmail.com

Can You Use A Poor Quality Photo To Create My Pet Portrait? In order to create a detailed portrait. A high quality reference photo is required. If you are having trouble selecting a photo, I am happy to look through multiple photos and advise what will be the best photo to create the portrait. For portraits with two or more pets, separate photos can be used to create the portrait.

Although I understand it may not be possible, especially if your beloved pet has passed away.  I will use my artistic interpretation on certain elements of the photo to achieve a the best result.

 Unfortunately I may turn down commissions if a suitable photo cannot be provided, as the work will not be up to the same standard.

Check out my photo guide to help select a photo of your pet.

Can You Draw Multiple Pets On The One Portrait?
Yes, for multiple pets I work on an A4 size which is suitable for 1 - 2 pets. When contacting me via email please include how many pets you would like in the one portrait & I will provide you with a quote.

Can I make changes to my portrait? There are no changes to an artwork, once you have paid your deposit you are agreeing to my artistic interpretation of the photograph provided.

Can You Change The Background Of My Pet Portrait?
As default, all portraits will have a white background.

Can I See The Progress Of The Portrait?
Keep an eye out on social media for regular updates and progress of your portrait. If your portrait is a surprise gift please notify me in advance so I do not post the progress photos on social media. Once the portrait is complete I will be in contact with you.

Payment

When And How Do I Pay For My Pet Portrait?
Once commission has been booked and a photo has been agreed upon, an invoice will be sent to your email requesting a 50% non refundable deposit. This payment must be made before the drawing commences. When the portrait is completed, prior to being shipped an invoice will be emailed to you requesting the balance plus shipping. The item will be shipped within 3-5 business days once final payment has been processed.

Is My Pet Portrait Refundable?
The portrait is not refundable.

Shipping & Handling

Do You Ship Internationally?
If you’re ordering a custom pet portrait, I can provide you with an estimated shipping quote upon ordering. Shipping will not be invoiced until the portrait is complete.

Can I Track My Order?
I will provide you with full tracking information once I have shipped your portrait.

How Much Will It Cost To Ship My Custom Portrait?
Shipping costs for custom portraits depend on the size of the artwork and it’s destination. I can provide you with an estimation, although the actual cost will not be known until the completed portrait is packed and weighed. I will invoice you for the balance payment and shipping cost once portrait has been completed and ready to be sent to you.

Artwork Care

Will My Pet Portrait Be Framed?
No, your portrait will shipped in an archival sleeve so that when you receive your portrait it will be safe until it is ready for framing.

How Do I Take Care Of My Artwork?
All artwork has been created using high quality pencils and paper, to ensure your artwork is archival and is cherished for years to come. When taking care of art created on paper here are a few points specifically for preserving your artwork:

  • Keep your artwork out of direct sunlight.

  • Frame under non-glare glass, to protect artwork from UV sunlight if possible.

  • The mat and backing of your frame should be made of acid-free paper and finished with acid-free tape. This is to avoid any moisture reaching your painting and damaging it.

Terms and Conditions

Copyright

All copyright and reproduction rights are reserved by the artist Stephanie Stathopoulos. The artist retains full copyright on all artworks that are created. When a portrait is commissioned the artist reserves the right to publish the artwork to personal social / portfolio platforms. Clients who do not wish their commissioned portrait to be shown online must notify Stephanie before work commences.

Portrait Completion Time Scale

An estimated date of portrait completion will be given at the time of booking. Whilst every effort will be made to meet this, it should not be regarded as an absolute guarantee. Please be aware that I work on a first come first serve basis and waiting times can vary. Please contact me to make sure your portrait can be complete and delivered in the time you need. Portraits will be completed within 1-5 weeks depending on the size of portrait. If you would like a commission by a specific date please order as soon as possible.

Payment

Once commission has been booked and a photo has been agreed upon, an invoice will be sent to your email requesting a 50% non refundable deposit. This payment must be made before the drawing commences. When the portrait is completed, prior to being shipped an invoice will be emailed to you requesting the reminder of the balance plus shipping. The item will be shipped within 3-5 business days once final payment has been processed.

Shipping

All orders are shipped securely with a tracking number to the address you provide. The item will be shipped within 3-5 business days once final payment has been processed. Shipping is available Australia wide and internationally.

Damage In Transit

Stephanie Stathopoulos is not liable for lost or damaged goods, however, please send an email to stephanie.stathopoulos@gmail.com if you have an issue to see if I can assist with tracking, as all enquiries will be considered on an individual basis.

Cancellations

Stephanie Stathopoulos is not responsible for ‘change of mind’ so please consider your purchase carefully. If clients cancel their order all payments will be retained as loss of business, to cover the artist’s time, administration, emails, mock-ups and payment fees.

VAT & Import Duty

If a delivery incurs any import tax, VAT, or duties the Customer or Client is solely responsible for these payments. Stephanie Stathopoulos cannot be held responsible for any additional charges which may occur.

Exchange Rates

Exchange rates will be calculated by PayPal during the time of payment. Stephanie Stathopoulos cannot be held responsible for currency rate changes.