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 and my waitlist. Portraits can take anywhere from 2- 6 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 up to 1-3 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?
I will touch base with you once the portrait is completed. 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 a photo of the completed portrait, including an invoice for the balance remaining. Once the portrait is paid in full, it will be shipped out to you via express post.
Payment
When And How Do I Pay For My Pet Portrait?
Once a 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?
All portrait sales are final. Due to the custom and personal nature of commissioned artwork, refunds or exchanges are not offered.
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.