The Creative Process

Can you work from a photo?

Yes, absolutely!  This is my preferred method of capturing the likeness of your chosen subject.  It’s also the most effective way to capture all the detail in the face and get the best portrait possible, so please try your best to provide a high quality image.  In some instances, depending on locality, I am able to photograph your family in person and then knit the best photos of each person together to create a family portrait everyone can be proud of.  

 
How does the portrait process work?

Armed with the photos you provide, I set to work creating an outline sketch of how the final portrait will look and email it to you for approval.  This is the point in the process where we can work out any kinks and make adjustments to the final composition so it is exactly to your liking.  Once approved, I'll take the next few days to fill in the detail.  You will receive update emails from me regularly with photos of your artwork in progress.  Most of my clients say this is the most exciting part of the commission.  I enjoy building the anticipation to the big reveal at the end!

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Timelines

How long does a portrait take to complete?

It depends on the size of the portrait, the amount of detail and/or number of people in the artwork.  Generally, an 8x10” head-and-shoulder piece featuring a single person can take about 1-2 weeks while a 20x30" head-and-shoulder family of four portrait can take 3-6 weeks.  Another factor that can affect turn-around is my present workload at the time a new commission is accepted.  You will be given an expected completion date before the commission begins.

In times of high volume you may have to wait a little longer for your artwork,  I dislike rushing through something that is going to be deeply meaningful to you and your loved ones because art is precious, but I promise the final product will be worth the wait!

Time estimates do not include the time it takes to professionally mat or frame your completed artwork.  Please add an additional 5-7 days to the projected completion date.

 
How soon can I expect my portrait to arrive?

Once your artwork has been completed, professionally matted and/or framed, you can expect it to arrive via Canada Post in:

5-7 days within Canada

8-10 days to destinations within the United States

10-15 days to major cities within the UK, Ireland and Western Europe

20-30 days to major cities in Australia

 

Payment

How does the payment process work?

A down payment of half of the total quoted cost (minus the cost of matting/framing and shipping) is due before commencing the commission.  When the portrait is complete, the remaining amount, plus any matting or framing additions and the cost of shipping, will be due.

Please note that your artwork will not be shipped until final payment is received.

What types of payment do you accept?

For American and International clients, I accept PayPal only.

For clients in Canada, I accept Interac E-Transfer and PayPal. 

For clients in the Greater Toronto Area who choose meet with me in person, cash and cheques are accepted as well as Interac and PayPal.​​

​Ready-Made Framing

There are many benefits to framing your custom portrait yourself.  Going this route saves you the cost of shipping weight and allows you the freedom to match the frame to your home decor.

 If you are choosing to frame your portrait yourself using a ready-made frame with a pre-cut mat, please refer to the chart below as a reference when buying pre-made frames.  Please note: frame manufacturers tend to change their dimensions often, the chart is meant to be for reference only - standard frame sizes may vary from manufacturer to manufacturer.

INTERNATIONAL CLIENTS:  if you wish to buy your own ready-made frame, I will consult with you before beginning your portrait and work within the appropriate guidelines to fit within your region's sizing standards.

Portrait Artist & Illustrator