Create Your Own Pet Portrait!
Ordering things online can be confusing, especially when it is something so personal as a portrait of someone you love. I have written out a step-by-step guide to make the process as clear and easy as possible, showing exactly what to expect when ordering an individual pet portrait from me.
The Initial Enquiry
To begin the commissioning process, send an initial contact email to me through the Contact Me link. This email should include a list of portrait option or special ideas you have in mind. You can find a list of some options at the page Portrait Options. You may wish to attach a few photos of your pet at this stage, but it is not necessary.
I will reply to your enquiry as soon as possible, quoting a preliminary price based on the options you are interested in, as well as some composition suggestions if you sent any pictures. Nothing is final until a photo and composition has been decided on and a confirmation email has been sent between us.
Photo/Image Decisions
It is now time to take photos!! See my Picture Tips page to ensure an excellent outcome. After a successful photo shoot, or finding of old photos, attach your favorite in an email to me. If you have a first choice among the photographs, definitely indicate it.
Combining your love for and knowledge about your pet with my painting experience, we will discuss which photos would make the best portrait.
After a decision has been reached as to which photo will be used, I will email possible compositions for you to choose between.
Confirmation and Payment
Once the composition is set, I will send a Confirmation Email. This email will include a summary of our agreed upon composition, portrait options, and a final price quote. You must respond with an affirmative to my Confirmation Email before anything is finalized.
At this stage, a deposit of exactly half the price of the portrait must be payed via an invoice I will send to you from PayPal. You do not need to have a PayPal account to use this payment method. It is an easy and secure transaction method. The second half of the payment will be made after you are completely satisfied with your finished portrait. If for some reason you no longer want the portrait after I have already begun work, you may back out, but there will be no refund of the deposit.
A Work in Progress
Once I have received the payment in my PayPal account, the painting progress begins! It is a very exciting time for me, I love starting new paintings. You can expect a turnaround on your portrait of about 4-6 weeks, not including shipping time. If there are special dates the painting is needed by, please tell me and I will do my best to take that into consideration. At Christmas time the order volume increases, so allow extra time for your portrait to be finished in.
I will send you a progress update email with a digital photograph of the painting about halfway through the paintings completion.
Final Payment and Shipping
Once the painting is finished, I email you a proof. The proof is a high resolution digital photo that will allow you to see the painting up-close as if you were there. I ask that you email me a confirmation that the painting is exactly the what you wanted.
At this stage, after you are satisfied with the final portrait, and before I ship it, the second half of the portrait payment is made via PayPal. I will then ship the portrait to you via UPS courier in a custom padded box.
Time to enjoy your new pet portrait!
Photos:
I work most easily with digital photos, however photographs that have been developed are also a possibility. For non-digital image material, I recommend either scanning in the photo at a high resolution and emailing the image to me, or you may mail the photo to me at 4 Falls Glen Ct., Parkton, MD 21120. I guarantee safe return of any photographs you may send me through the post.
Turnaround:
Depending on demand at the time of your order, portraits take about 4-6 weeks to paint, not including shipping time. If you are ordering the portrait for a special date, please make me aware of the situation and I will do my best to accommodate. Please allow extra time when ordering around the holidays in November to December.
Verification:
You may email me at any point during the painting's progress to check up on it if you wish. After the painting has been approved and completely payed for, when I ship the portrait I will also ship with it a certificate of authenticity stating that it is an original Anna Handy portrait of your pet.
