How To Commission a Portrait

Ever Wondered How to Commission a Portrait?

Have you ever considered commissioning a portrait, but you’ve not sure how? In my latest handy blog, I’m sharing in detail the stages of my digital portrait commission process. From helping you decide what you’d like to commission, right through to print options.

How Do I Start a Commission?

Firstly I’ll need to have an idea of how many people you’d like your portrait commission to include. Will it be 1 person, a couple or a whole family, including pets? You might be looking for a memorable leaving gift, so it could even be a group of your work colleagues?

Have you thought about the background? You could keep it simple or you might want something extra special. Why not let your imagination run wild!

I also offer lots of additional customisation to my bespoke portraits, including options for personalised backgrounds and additional images. Be sure to check out my Portraits portfolio for more ideas and also my Digital Portrait FAQ for a full guide to my prices.

Once you have an idea of what you might like, feel free to drop me a message so we a discuss your available options. 

  • Prices for my digital portraits start from £70, depending on complexity.
  • The price goes up with the more people, things and details added to your design.
  • My digital portrait price are the same for people and pets.

How Do I Book a Commission Slot?

If you decide you’d like to proceed with your custom portrait, I can book you in for a designated commission slot. That way you will have a date booked in the diary, allowing you enough time to gather together the things I’ll need to help me create your design.

I’ll be able to give you a better idea of how long your commission will take to create, once I know what you’d like. In the meantime my Digital Portrait FAQ can help give you an idea.

Please remember that if you have a specific event (such as a birthday of anniversary) in mind for your artwork, to book ahead in plenty of time. Unfortunately I can’t guarantee the availability of my artwork commission slots, especially during busier periods.

You can secure your portrait commission slot today with a 30% non-refundable deposit.

  • I always request a 30% non-refundable deposit to book in your commission slot, then your balance will be due on completion of your artwork.
  • My commission slot availability can never be guaranteed, so if you have a particular date in mind, please book early to avoid disappointment.

What Happens Next?

So your slot is booked. Now it’s your turn to gather some reference photos for your design.

I’ll ask you to supply good clear, high resolution photos for me to work from. I might also ask you for more info about details for your. design, ready for your commission slot date.

My bespoke portrait commissions are all digitally hand drawn, by hand, so the photographs you send me will be used as reference for your design. 

Throughout the process of creating your custom illustration I will be send you visuals for sign off, by email. This ensures that I can check you’re happy with how your artwork looks, at each step of the creative process.

I want to create a custom portrait that you’ll love, so it’s important to keep you in the loop!

  • I digitally hand draw all my artwork by hand, using the photos that you send me as reference.
  • The design process is very much a collaboration, with me bringing your ideas and visions to life!
  • You won’t find me using any pesky AI in the process. Not cool at all!

What Can I Do With My Digital Portrait?

With a digital portrait you have the freedom to use your artwork file in a number of ways. 

You might decide to add prints to your digital portrait order. These are great to frame and hang in your home, give as gifts or easily pop in the post. 

Some of my customers choose to send on their digital portrait file to family members by email. This means they can receive it quickly and without the risk of damage (if they live overseas). It also means they can choose how they have their artwork printed.

Digital files are perfect to use online, for your social media or as an avatar. They’re also great for printing on other homewares, such as mugs, canvases or even t-shirts, for a real surprise!

I Love The Idea, But I'm Stuck!

So you’d like to commission something, but maybe you’re till on the fence?

Too many ideas? Not enough ideas? Unsure about your budget? Let me help you!

I have customers come to me with so many ideas, they don’t know where to start. Other customers who just have a vague idea. Either way, my commission process is very much collaborative. The joy is getting to talk through your ideas, to come up with a design that fulfils your needs and suits your budget.

Portraits not really your thing? Check out my Family Treasures options at my Portrait FAQ

Drop me a message today if you need a hand. I’d love to hear your ideas!

Still on the fence? Then check out these lovely testimonials from just a few of my delighted customers. These might even give you some ideas for your very own custom portrait.