Digital Portraits FAQ

I love to offer digital portraits and am often asked questions about how the process for these commissions works. The below Digital Portraits FAQ will help to answer your questions regarding my portrait prices, design options, additional customisation and the order process.

All of my portraits are hand drawn digitally, myself, using my Apple pencil in Procreate. I do not use filters or AI: I believe that artwork should be made by humans, for humans. My passion is to create unique, vibrant and uplifting artwork that celebrates your individuality and the things that are personal to you.

You can also find more information at my full FAQ, Custom Portraits page, or please feel free to contact me if you still have any questions.


What Are Your Digital Portrait Prices?

The following prices are for my hand drawn digital portraits. These consist of a digital only artwork file that I will email over to you and you can then use/print for any non-commercial/not for profit use, as you please. If you require digital portrait prices for commercial use these are available on request

Please note that the below prices are for the digital artwork file only and cover both people and pets:

Digital portraits are available in the following sizes*:

      • A4 size (or 8″ x 10″ if preferred)

      • A3 size (or 10″ x 15″ if preferred)

    *other sizes available on request

    Single digital artwork only prices (dependent on the complexity) start from:

        • £70 – head & shoulders (to print at A4 size)              

        • £100 – head & shoulders (to print at A3 size)

        • £100 – full body (to print at A4 size)              

        • £130 – full body (to print at A3 size)

      Group digital only portraits prices (dependent on the complexity) start from:

          • 2 x people £120 – shoulders up (to print at A4 size)              

          • 2 x people £160 – shoulders up (to print at A3 size)

          • 2 x people £160 – full body (to print at A4 size)              

          • 2 x people £200 – full body (to print at A3 size)

          • 3 x people £180 – shoulders up (to print at A4 size)              

          • 3 x people £230 – shoulders up (to print at A3 size)

          • 4 x people £240 – shoulders up (to print at A4 size)              

          • 4 x people £300 – shoulders up (to print at A3 size)

          • 5 x people £275 – shoulders up (to print at A4 size)              

          • 5 x people £345 – shoulders up (to print at A3 size)

          • 6 x people £330 – shoulders up (to print at A4 size)              

          • 6 x people £390 – shoulders up (to print at A3 size)

          • 7 x people £350 – shoulders up (to print at A4 size)              

          • 7 x people £410 – shoulders up (to print at A3 size)


        Can I Order Printed Copies?

        Yes, absolutely! If you would like to receive either a glossy photo print or matt archival Giclée print of your digital file too, please add £15 per A4 size print/ £30 per A3 size print, plus P&P.

        If you’re local to Lincoln, uk, I’m actually a Lincoln artist and happy if you’d prefer free collection from LN1. Please mention this when ordering prints.


        What Image Backgrounds Do You Offer?

        The above prices are based on a simple background featuring complementary colours.

        I also offer an upgrade to my ‘Family Treasures’ style of portrait. This is where I can add additional places and things to your background image, making it even more personal to you:

        Kraken Killer Steampunk Portrait Commission
        Standard digital portrait with simple background in complimentary colours.
        Mel Langton Art New Style Family Portrait
        'Family Treasures' digital portrait example, with background outlined images.
        New Style Family Portrait
        Bespoke 'Family Treasures' example, featuring completely personalised images.

        Family Treasures – Outlines Only:

        My first Family Treasures upgrade adds fun outlined images to your portrait background. This simple customisation can help elevate your portrait to the next level and make it that extra bit special.

        For simple outlines of objects (such as outlines of a football or a pair of trainers) my prices start from £3.50 per additional outline image (for A4 size compositions), depending on the image complexity. For A3 size compositions, additional outline images start from £5 per image, depending on the complexity. 

        Maybe you only want one or two additional background images? That’s no problem! You could choose to have a small number of background objects added to your picture and I can duplicate these images to fill the entire background, at no additional cost. 

        I can also offer a metallic holographic foil upgrade for my Family Treasures outline style digital portraits. These are priced at £40 for an A4 size art print only or £60 for an A3 size art print only. These prices are subject to availability and do not include shipping.  

        Drop me a message and I can create a quote for you, based on the kind of images you’d like to include.

         

        Family Treasures – Bespoke Full Colour:

        My second Family Treasures upgrade allows your portrait to include full colour objects or locations as part of your background.

        Not a fan of portraits? Then why not go for a totally bespoke ‘Family Treasures’ design, without the portrait?

        Your design could consist of special places, treasured objects and memories. Instead of an actual family portrait, maybe your image could include a drawing of a family photo? This option allows complete customisation and special references within your image, that are completely unique to you and your family.

        Prices for my full colour Family Treasures are dependent on design complexity and the time they will take me to create. Please contact me to describe the images you have in mind and I can produce a bespoke quote for you.

        How Does The Process Work?

        Securing Your Commission Slot:

        Once we have agreed on your commission requirements and price, I will offer you a commission slot date. If you are happy to go ahead, I will ask you to pay a 30% non-refundable deposit to secure your commission slot.

        I will send you my business bank account details for you to make the payment. Alternatively, I can send you a secure payment link via SumUp.

        Timescale:
        The timeframe for creating your custom digital portrait will depend on its complexity and the detail involved. I can usually complete a single or double portrait within the week of your agreed commission slot. Larger groups or background details can take longer, so please allow up to 2 weeks for your final proof for approval.
         
        Please also allow for shipping time, in addition to the above timescale, should you wish to order prints as well.
         
        You will be asked to provide appropriate reference photos and visual approvals via email, throughout the process. Please be aware that any delays in completing these tasks will prolong the artwork production. Please contact me for a more accurate timescale, based on your bespoke artwork requirements.
         
        Also, please note that I cannot guarantee commission slot availability, especially at busier times, such as the run-up to Christmas. If you have a particular date to meet (such as a birthday or anniversary), please book early to avoid disappointment. Please also consider allowing enough time for you to frame your custom artwork (if required), once you’ve received it.
         
        Photo Reference Material:

        Once your commission slot is booked, I will need you to gather suitable reference photos ready for that date.

        Please note, if you wish to use photos taken by a professional photographer, you’ll need to check with them that we’re allowed to use their pictures as reference. You are responsible for ensuring that any necessary permissions have been obtained for the use of reference material, photos or visuals supplied for the creation of your artwork. 

        All refence photos and images shared with me will be deleted once I’ve finished creating your commission.

        Please note that I cannot include logos within your design, unless you can provide express permission for usage. 

        Visuals and Final Proof:

        Throughout the design process I will be communicating with you on the progress of your design. For this reason it’s very important that you regularly check your emails for updates. Any delay during the visual and proofing stage could delay when you receive your final artwork.

        From the photos you send me I will create a layout visual and email it over to you, to check you’re happy with the composition. At this point it’s easy for me to make any changes for you, to get your design just right. 

        Once you’re happy with the visual I’ll complete the final line-work and colour for you to approve (at which point I can still make more minor tweaks, including changes to the colour). 

        When you’re completely happy with your design I’ll require the balance payment. Once payment is received, I will send you over your final high resolution artwork file (JPEG or PDF). Depending on the size of your final artwork file, this will either be sent as an email attachment or download link. 

         At this point, I will also send your artwork file to print (if applicable).


        What Will I Receive?

        You will receive a digital file of your design, ready for you to print at the requested size (e.g. A4 or A3).

        If you’re artwork includes portraits, you’ll have the added bonus of also receiving a cropped in/close-up digital only square version of your design. Perfect if you wish to use it for an online profile picture, for example.

        Please note however that if you have requested background images to be added to your picture, these will be cropped out of the close-up square version. The focus of the cropped image will be the subjects of the portrait.

        You are then free to use this artwork/have it printed for any non-commercial/not for profit use, as you please.


        What Size Artwork Should I Order?

        This might depend on your budget, where the artwork will go in your home or if you’ll be wanting to send it on to friends or family. 

        My custom digital portraits are a great gift idea for friends and family, as I can easily email them over to you. You can then have them printed as you wish, or even send them on to further friends and family.

        When considering print size, please be mindful of how you intend to use your digital portrait. If you are only wanting to print it at A4 size (or smaller), an A4 size digital portrait will be perfect. But if you’re wanting to have A3 prints produced, ensure you order an A3 size digital portrait.

        Just remember, it’s easier to reduce print size than to try and scale up afterwards. An A3 digital portrait will print fine at A3 size or smaller, however an A4 size digital portrait increased to A3 size will look pixelated when printed.

        This applies too if you’re considering using the digital image for personal use, to print on canvases, cushions or other family gifts. Always order the digital image that suits the largest print size you might require.

        For further advice on this, or for anything larger than A3, please contact me to discuss your requirements and I can quote on an individual basis.


        How Much Is Shipping?

        All of my artwork is printed here in the UK.

        If you have also ordered a glossy photo print or matt archival Giclée print of your portrait, this will usually be dispatched 2 to 5 working days from approval of your final artwork.

        For metallic/holographic print upgrades please allow up to 10 working days.

        Please note that for commissioned artwork, the production time I advise indicates how long it will take for the item to be ready for postage. This is NOT how long it will take to arrive with you.

        Postage is by Royal Mail 1st Class Signed For delivery. Please add £5 for A4 size prints or £8 for A3 size prints, if required. 

        I do also offer free artwork collection from Burton Road, Lincoln, UK.

        Depending on the artwork size, my artwork will be sent to you in either a sturdy flat mailer or cardboard tube.

        Please note I am currently only offering postage within the UK, but please contact me for prices for overseas shipping.


        Do You Offer Cancellations?

        Cancellations for my commissioned artwork are subject to charge, depending on the stage of the commission process.

        I require commission bookings to be secured by a 30% non-refundable deposit.

        If you decide to cancel a commission once I have started your artwork, you will need to pay a cancellation fee as follows:

        50% of the agreed fee if the commission is cancelled after the initial 1st visual stage.

        100% of the agreed fee if the commission is cancelled at final approval stage.

        Please contact me if you have any problems at any stage with your order.


        What If I Don’t Like My Design?

        My aim is to create artwork for you that you’ll absolutely love and treasure. To ensure this, my commission process is very much collaborative, working with you to bring your ideas to life.

        I’ll be keeping you in the loop at each stage of the design process, to ensure you are happy and everything is on track. I will be ready to act on your feedback and edit your design until it’s just right for you. That’s why it’s incredibly important that you’re able to reply to emails and approve visuals and proofs throughout the process.

        If you still need convincing, check out these lovely glowing reviews from some of my recent customers.

        Please contact me in the first instance if you have any concerns at all about your order or artwork, and I’ll do everything in my power to help.

        I strive to ensure that the process of working with me be both a collaborative and enjoyable experience, for all involved.


        Do You Offer Framing?

        If you would like framing adding to your commission, please contact me for current availability and prices. All my artwork is framed locally, so availability is subject to my framers current stock.

        Unless you can collect locally from Lincoln (which would be free), I prefer not to post framed pictures as this can be expensive and risk damage. I would always encourage you to find a local framer or frame shop, if you’re able to, so you can frame (and ideally mount) your piece exactly as you’d like it.

        If you would prefer a framed piece posting to you, please contact me for delivery prices for your location. 


        Do You Offer Bespoke Artwork?

        For completely bespoke artwork please contact me to let me know what kind of image you would like, size and if digital or hand painted and I can create a quote for you or discuss options around the budget you have in mind.


        Can You Help With Something Else?

        I’d be happy to help. Please visit my full FAQ for full terms and conditions or contact me with any other enquiries.

        Alternatively, you might want to check out more examples of my digital portraits here.