Shaina Hope Art

How to Commission a Portrait:

Commission Process:

The first step in commissioning a portrait is to decide what size drawing you’d like and if it’ll be in color or black and white (graphite). This might depend on your pet’s coloring, your available wall space, budget, or the reference picture(s). If you’re not sure what you’d like, I’m happy to talk with you and give some guidance.

Other Options (may include additional costs)

Custom sizes
Fully body portraits
Backgrounds
Multiple Figures (50% additional cost per figure)

Reference Pictures

If you have pictures you’d like to provide for the drawing, you can send them to me at ShainaHope.Read@gmail.com. The more the merrier! I’ll confirm that I got the email with pictures.

 The best reference pictures are:

In focus
High resolution (enough to see details)
Have a strong light source
Taken at eye-level with the subject
Taken when the pet looks best (usually with summer coats and groomed)

Please Note!

I cannot use another photographer’s professional work without their written permission out of respect for their copyright. I am willing to reach out to photographers for this if you provide the contact information needed.

If you’re uncertain if your pictures would work, feel free to send them along anyway. I’d be happy to take a look and talk about it.

Time Frame

Completion times depend on the piece size, complexity, and my schedule. Small pieces may take a few weeks. Large pieces may take a few months. I’ll give a more specific estimate when I know the scope of the work.

Shipping

I ship all drawings with a matte, so it’s protected and ready to frame. I will provide a tracking number, insurance, and an estimated delivery date once it ships.

Contract

Once you know what you’d like, I’ll write it out and confirm that it’s all correct. Then we’ll both sign it.

Payment
I receive payment via Paypal or Zelle. The total is split into two payments. Once I have the first down payment, I start the drawing. I’ll request the final payment when the drawing is finished. When I receive the final payment, I’ll ship the portrait.

Process

Along the way, I’ll send pictures to keep you posted (and share my excitement about the progress!)

Boring but Important Additional Information (Policies)

Revisions

Revisions can be made at the artist’s discretion.

Large revisions may delay the work and increase the cost of the piece. If it impacts the cost, I will write an appropriately revised contract.

Date to Post Online

Portraits make great gifts and surprises! If we can establish a time when it’s safe to post the portrait on my social media and website without spoiling the fun, I will add that to the contract and wait for the appointed time.

Returns and exchanges

If work is not satisfactory or damaged (need proof), the final payment is refundable after the drawing is returned. I’ll pay shipping?

Cancelations

The down payment is nonrefundable. The drawing can be canceled before the second payment is made. I will then be free to use the final drawing as I wish.

Copyright

While you own the physical drawing, the artist retains the rights for the image. Photos of the work cannot be copied or used for promotional purposes, greeting cards, etc. without permission from the artist.