From your photo to a portrait you’ll actually love
Getting a commission shouldn’t feel stressful or confusing. My whole process is designed to be straightforward and feel personal from the very first message. Whether you know exactly what you want or you just have a favourite photo and a vague idea, I’ll walk you through it step by step.
The quick rundown
- 1You send your idea, photos, preferred size, medium, and any deadline you have in mind.
- 2I review everything and come back with a clear quote and timeline.
- 3A 50% deposit locks in your booking and your slot in my schedule.
- 4I create your portrait by hand, keeping things moving smoothly and clearly.
- 5Once it’s done, the final payment clears it, then it gets packed up and sent to you.
The actual commission process
Here’s what really happens. No fluff, no mystery. Just the genuine process, laid out clearly.
Send your idea
Get in touch through the contact form, email, or social media. Tell me what you want—a portrait of who or what, which medium appeals to you, roughly how big you want it, and whether there’s a deadline. Send your reference photos if you’ve got them ready.
I review your photos
I look through your images and check whether they’re strong enough to work from. If one’s perfect, brilliant. If not, I might suggest a better one or help you pick between a few. Once we’ve got the right photo, you get a clear quote based on size, medium, what’s in the portrait, and overall complexity.
Secure your booking
When you’re happy to move forward, I’ll send the payment details for your 50% deposit. Once that goes through, your commission is booked and confirmed. This locks in your spot in my schedule and lets me start planning the piece properly.
The portrait gets made
This is where I actually create it—by hand, carefully, paying proper attention to likeness, feeling, and the details that make it feel real rather than generic. The time it takes varies depending on the medium, size, and how busy I am, but I’ll be upfront about that before you book.
Final payment and send off
Once your portrait’s finished, the remaining 50% balance is due. After that, your artwork gets packed with genuine care and prepared for delivery or collection—whatever you arranged. Your portrait arrives ready to be displayed, gifted, or proudly shown off.
A process that feels human, not robotic
Commissioning art is trusting someone with something that matters to you. A memory, a person, a pet, a moment. That means something.
Help choosing your photo
Not everyone has the perfect image lying around. I can help you pick the strongest one so your portrait starts from a solid foundation.
Honest communication
You shouldn’t have to guess what happens next. The timeline is clear, the pricing makes sense, and the steps are straightforward.
Artwork with real care
Every portrait is created by hand with focus on likeness, texture, tone, and the things that give a piece life. This isn’t factory-made work pretending to be personal.
What happens after you reach out
Each commission is unique, but here’s roughly how the timeline flows.
Questions people usually ask
If you’re wondering about photo quality, how deposits work, or how long things take, it’s probably here.
How do I book a commission?
Get in touch through the contact page, form, or social media. Tell me your idea, send your photos if you have them, mention your preferred medium and size. I’ll come back with a quote and we’ll go from there.
What kind of portraits do you make?
I create hand-drawn and hand-painted custom portraits from photos, including people and pets. You can choose from graphite, coloured pencil, or oil painting.
Do I need the perfect photo?
Not at all. A clear, decent photo helps, but you don’t need to arrive with everything perfect. Send a few and I can help pick the best one. If something won’t work, I’ll tell you honestly.
Can you combine multiple photos?
Yes, often that’s possible. This works well if you want different subjects brought together into one portrait. The quote might change depending on how much extra work it involves.
How much is the deposit?
It’s 50% upfront to lock in your booking. The other 50% is due once the portrait’s finished and before it ships or gets collected.
Why do you need a deposit?
It secures your slot and covers the time and planning that goes into starting your portrait. It keeps things fair and organized for everyone.
How long does it take?
Depends on size, medium, complexity, and how busy I am. A small graphite piece will usually be quicker than a big coloured pencil or oil painting. I’ll give you a realistic timeline before you book.
Can you do it by a specific date?
Yes, and the earlier you reach out, the better. Especially around birthdays, anniversaries, or Christmas. I’ll let you know upfront whether your date is realistic.
Can I ask for changes mid-process?
Small tweaks might be possible depending on where the piece is at. Big changes after work’s started can be tricky, especially if they change the original brief. Best to lock in the details before booking.
Do you frame it?
Depends on the medium. Oil paintings on canvas don’t come framed. For other pieces, framing might be available as an add-on. If you want it framed, mention that when you enquire.
Will you sign it?
Yes, original work gets signed. If you’d prefer the signature more subtle or in a particular spot, we can sort that before I finish it.
Do you include a certificate?
Yes. Original commissioned pieces come with a certificate of authenticity.
How’s it packaged?
Really carefully. The packing gets the same level of attention as the portrait itself so it arrives safely and looking perfect.
Do you deliver throughout the UK?
Yes, UK delivery is available. If you’re outside the UK, get in touch first and I’ll confirm what’s possible.
Can I commission a portrait as a gift?
Absolutely. Portraits make amazing gifts because they feel genuinely personal in a way generic presents just don’t. If there’s a special date involved, tell me early.
What if I have a question not listed here?
Just reach out. You don’t need to have everything figured out perfectly or know all the right words. Tell me what you’re thinking and I’ll help from there.
Got an idea in mind?
Send me your photos, tell me what you’re thinking, and I’ll help turn it into a finished portrait that feels personal, special, and genuinely worth it.