How it works
Creating a custom portrait starts out as a collaborative effort between us. You’ll tell me who will be pictured and point out anything specific you want to make sure I capture in the drawing. Sometimes there will be a bit of back and forth for brainstorming or checking on details. Once I have everything I need and you have purchased the portrait, I’ll add you to my schedule and draw the portrait. When it’s done I’ll mail it directly to you or the recipient.
Step 1: Email me at peopleyoumaymeet@gmail.com
At this point, all you need to tell me is:
Who will be in the portrait?
The ages of anyone under 5-years-old.
You can let me know if you want any objects or scenery.
Let me know if you need help brainstorming or sorting through ideas.
Let me know if you have any questions.
No need to send photos or descriptions yet. We’ll get to that!
Step 2: I’ll reply within 48 hours
(But almost always within 24 hours.) If you don’t see a reply, please make sure to check your SPAM folder.
When I reply, I’ll quote you a price and explain any options, and I’ll send you a link to a custom listing to purchase in my Etsy shop.
One of my favorite parts of the process is hearing from you about the subjects of the portrait. I'm happy to make suggestions, help whittle down ideas, or simply let inspiration from your photos and stories take over. If you are the type who likes to be fully prepared, these are the questions I’ll ask you when I reply.
Step 3: Scheduling and turnaround time
Once you’ve sent photos and purchased the listing I direct you to in my Etsy shop, I’ll add you to my schedule and will begin work on the drawing.
Turnaround times vary but are typically between 2-4 weeks for the drawing, plus time in the mail. It often gets longer around holiday times. The turnaround time begins once you have purchased the portrait and sent all photos. When you email, I’ll let you know my current turnaround time. If you need the portrait by a certain date let me know, and if you are on a tighter deadline, let me know - I can often work with it.
Step 4: Shipping
When the portrait is done, I wrap it up safely and put it in the US mail. Shipping costs will be included in the Etsy listing and you’ll be able to choose the service you’d like (First Class, Priority, Express). I ship all over the world. All shipments within the U.S. come with tracking.
To peek or not to peek
Due to the nature of the materials I use, I do not typically send a draft or accept changes once I've started the drawing. (1. The initial sketch I do is very light and doesn't have much detail, 2. Once I begin with the color it's nearly impossible to change, and 3. I do it all in one sitting.) This keeps costs down and the turnaround time as quick as possible. Plus I love the idea of a total surprise arriving in the mail! So, I love to spend time messaging with you before I start to make sure I understand what you are hoping for. Make sure to explain anything particular when you send photos.
If you want to see the initial sketch or the final drawing before I mail it and have the ability to request changes: I send photos at no charge. For each photo sent, up to 5 business days may be added on to the initial deadline from the date of your reply. Sometimes I can manage small changes without starting over. But each round of changes that requires starting the drawing over is an additional fee of half the initial price paid for the portrait. (If you paid $90 for your portrait, a change would be $45.) I'll create an additional Etsy listing for you as needed.
Heirloom quality materials
I use thick, archival paper in neutral tones. For those of you who are paper-enthusiasts, I use Rives BFK which is mouldmade in France, 100% cotton, is acid free and light on the sizing leaving it soft, pliable and delightful. I tear the large sheets down to size, so you will see a fibrous edge and may see a watermark and/or natural deckle.
The vibrant color comes from professional grade Prismacolor pencils. These are not the colored pencils you remember from elementary school! They are professional pencils that feature high quality pigments in a soft, blend-able core for rich color saturation. The result is a much brighter and vibrant drawing than we were ever able to achieve in 4th grade.
The image ends up with a semi-gloss from the blended layers of colored pencil while the paper surrounding the images remains lightly textured.
Everything is done by hand. These are heirloom-quality materials that will last for generations.
Any questions? Please contact me!
