step by step

Commission Guide

I have put together a simple 4-step guide to walk you through the entire commission process. Scroll down to read the FAQs or get in touch if you have any further questions. 

Please note I am a U.K based artist but I am able to ship portraits internationally. 

1. pick a Size

Have a look at my price list to see that standard sizes that I offer for each type of portrait. If you are unsure which size will work best then I am happy to recommend one. I can also do a custom size if you are after something that isn’t listed. 

All my portraits are delivered gift wrapped in a black presentation box. I also offer an optional mounting service if you would like your portrait to arrive ready to frame.

1. pick a Size

Have a look at my price list to see that standard sizes that I offer for each type of portrait. If you are unsure which size will work best then I am happy to recommend one. I can also do a custom size if you are after something that isn’t listed. 

All my portraits are delivered gift wrapped in a black presentation box. I also offer an optional mounting service if you would like your portrait to arrive ready to frame.

2. Choose your photos

For pet portraits I need a clear, well lit photo of your pet that has been taken in natural lighting and shows both their eyes in good detail. You are welcome to send a selection of photos so I can get an idea of your pet’s character and assist in choosing one. The better the photo, the more detailed the drawing will be. 

I understand that you may not have the most ideal photos of a pet, such as in the case of memorial portraits. In these cases I can see if it’s possible to work from multiple photos to create a portrait as close in likeness to your beloved pets possible. Please do bear in mind that these portraits will be more challenging and may be slightly less detailed. 

For house portraits, I will need at least one clear photo showing the full front of the house in order to correctly draw the perspective. It is also helpful to have a selection of photos showing details of the house more closely. 

3. Get in touch

Ole the Cavapoo (A4 Colour Pencil Pet Portrait)

To get started, send a message using the contact form on my website or directly to my email. Try to include as much information as you can about the portrait you’d like. Please let me know if the portrait is intended for a specific date, such as a birthday or Christmas, so I can ensure it is completed well in time and I know not to post it on my social media channels until gifted. As each drawing can take anywhere from 1-8 weeks to complete, dependant on size, I recommend booking well in advance. 

Please note that I require a 25% deposit of the portrait’s full price in order to secure booking in my commission diary. I cannot reserve your booking without a deposit. I accept payment through bank transfer or PayPal.

3. Get in touch

To get started, send a message using the contact form on my website or directly to my email. Try to include as much information as you can about the portrait you’d like. Please let me know if the portrait is intended for a specific date, such as a birthday or Christmas, so I can ensure it is completed well in time and I know not to post it on my social media channels until gifted. As each drawing can take anywhere from 1-8 weeks to complete, dependant on size, I recommend booking well in advance. 

Please note that I require a 25% deposit of the portrait’s full price in order to secure booking in my commission diary. I cannot reserve your booking without a deposit. I accept payment through bank transfer or PayPal.

Ole the Cavapoo (A4 Colour Pencil Pet Portrait)

4. Watch your portrait Come to life

When it is time to start your portrait, I will send a photo of the initial sketch to check you are happy with the layout. I will also send you photo updates as I progress with the portrait. On completion, I will send a final photo of the portrait for your approval. At this stage, it is possible to make minor alterations if required. 

Once you are happy with the portrait, I ask for the remaining balance to be paid prior to posting. Postage to the UK is free for all portraits. For international shipping please let me know where you are located and I will calculate the cost individually. I send all my portraits via a fully tracked and insured courier

4. Watch your portrait Come to life

When it is time to start your portrait, I will send a photo of the initial sketch to check you are happy with the layout. I will also send you photo updates as I progress with the portrait. On completion, I will send a final photo of the portrait for your approval. At this stage, it is possible to make minor alterations if required. 

Once you are happy with the portrait, I ask for the remaining balance to be paid prior to posting. Postage to the UK is free for all portraits. For international shipping please let me know where you are located and I will calculate the cost individually. I send all my portraits via a fully tracked and insured courier

What's Included?

  • Professional guidance through the entire commissioning process
  • Assistance in choosing the ideal photos to create the best drawing
  • Progress pictures to keep you updated as your custom portrait comes to life
  • A Certificate of Authenticity to prove the portrait is an original, hand drawn piece by the artist
  • An Artwork Care Guide to help you look after your portrait when it arrives so that it will last a lifetime
  • An archival portrait sleeve that is suitable for long-term storage of your drawing if required
  • Luxurious gift wrapping with eco-friendly tissue paper and a beautiful emerald bow
  • Optional mounting service so your portrait arrives ready to be framed

What's Included?

  • Professional guidance through the entire commissioning process
  • Assistance in choosing the ideal photos to create the best drawing
  • Progress pictures to keep you updated as your custom portrait comes to life
  • A Certificate of Authenticity to prove the portrait is an original, hand drawn piece by the artist
  • An Artwork Care Guide to help you look after your portrait when it arrives so that it will last a lifetime
  • An archival portrait sleeve that is suitable for long-term storage of your drawing if required
  • Luxurious gift wrapping with eco-friendly tissue paper and a beautiful emerald bow
  • Free postage within the U.K
  • Optional mounting service so your portrait arrives ready to be framed

FAQ

Just send me a message using the contact form on my website or directly to my email officialartbychlo@gmail.com. I have also put together a commission guide to walk you through the entire process.

Yes! I can post my portraits globally. Please get in touch with the country you are based in and I will give you a custom shipping quote.

I accept payment either by bank transfer or PayPal. I ask for a 25% non-refundable deposit of the commission cost to book you into my diary.

Yes, payment plans are available for my portraits. Please get in touch if you would like to know more. 

  • Professional guidance through the entire commissioning process
  • Assistance in choosing the ideal photos to create the best drawing
  • Progress pictures to keep you updated as your custom portrait comes to life
  • A Certificate of Authenticity to prove the portrait is an original, hand drawn piece by the artist
  • An Artwork Care Guide to help you look after your portrait when it arrives so that it will last a lifetime
  • An archival portrait sleeve that is suitable for long-term storage of your drawing if required
  • Luxurious gift wrapping with eco-friendly tissue paper and a beautiful emerald bow
  • Free postage within the U.K

The best drawings come from photos that are taken at your pet’s eye level and in natural lighting. This ensures the colour of their fur isn’t distorted by unnatural lighting and I can really bring them to life by capturing their eyes properly. 

I’m happy for you to send over a selection of photos then we can discuss which will work best for a portrait.

Yes! My price list pages give a more detailed breakdown of which sizes make this possible – larger sizes tend to be best for more pets. 

If you don’t have photos of the pets together I am able to use Adobe Photoshop to mock up a few ‘group shots’ from separate photos prior to beginning the drawing.

I only use professional artist materials of the highest quality to ensure that my portraits will last a lifetime without the paper degrading or the colours fading. The pencil brands I use are a mix of Faber-Castell and Caran d’Ache and the paper I use is Fabriano Artistico Hot Pressed Watercolour in 300gsm.

There is the option of having your portrait arrive mounted and ready to frame for a small additional cost. Let me know if you would like mounting when you book in your portrait and we can discuss the options available.

BOOK YOUR PORTRAIT

Get in touch today if you are interested in commissioning a portrait. My studio assistant Maple will get back to you very soon (unless she is too busy snoozing 🐾)

MapleWeb

BOOK YOUR PORTRAIT

Get in touch today if you are interested in commissioning a portrait. My studio assistant Maple will get back to you very soon (unless she is too busy snoozing 🐾)