F.A.Q.

What is your turnaround time?

Depending on the size and complexity of your portrait, I can usually ship anywhere from 1-4 weeks from when I begin work. For most portraits, I find that two weeks is the most common turnaround. This gives me time to put it aside and revisit it to notice any issues I may have missed upon completion.

However, this doesn't mean I will be able to ship 2 weeks after you order. Depending on my back log, it could take a while to begin, so please plan accordingly. Before you place your order, I will be able to give you a good estimate as to when I will begin.

What types of media do you use?

The vast majority of the portraits I create use a combination of graphite, charcoal, and carbon. I also frequently use “white charcoal,” which is similar to chalk, to create highlights on toned or black paper.

What kind of paper do you use?

This depends on the reference photo. As you can see in my gallery, I sometimes use white (which is a smooth or vellum surfaced Bristol paper), as well as toned grey, tan, and black. I will figure out based on your reference photo which I feel will work the best and discuss it with you before beginning work.

All of the paper I use is high-quality and acid-free, so it will not yellow or deteriorate over time.

Will you email me progress pictures?

I typically don't like doing this for two reasons. 1.) I find it slows down the process if I am waiting for approval before continuing progress (I like to complete most portraits in one or two sittings), and 2.) due to the way I work, there are points in the process when the portrait will look 'bad' because, well... it's incomplete. In my experience, this sends clients into an unnecessary panic, because most people have trouble envisioning what the final product will look like based on an unfinished sketch.

I will, however, email you a scanned version of the completed portrait before shipping to be sure you are 100% happy with it before it goes in the mail.

When do I pay?

Once I am ready to begin your portrait, I will ask for half of the final cost to start. Once your portrait is completed and you approve the final scan I send, I will require the remainder of the cost, plus shipping, before mailing your portrait.

What do your portraits cost?

Due to the differences in types of portraits I provide, I can not give a definitive cost without knowing what I'm going to be doing first. For a reference point, I can say the most common portrait commissions I complete, which is a single person from the shoulders or neck up on 9”x12” paper is $225.00 USD. Hopefully in the future I can provide a fairly comprehensive price list.

What size portraits can you create?

I like to use standard paper sizes (e.g. 9”x12”, 11”x14”, 18”x24”, etc.), but techncically I can work with any size you're looking for (within reason. I'm not going to be able to create Guernica). I prefer not to work any smaller than 9”x12”, because I feel too much detail must be sacrificed when I go below that size.

This can also depend largely on how many subjects will be appearing. When you contact me about your portrait, we can discuss this and figure out what would be the best size for your portrait.

If I want a portrait with multiple subjects, can you use different reference photos?

Yes, and no. It all depends on the reference photos. This can often be done with no issues, but sometimes if the differences in lighting, focus, quality, etc. are too extreme it can make an odd looking composite. If you are looking to do this, send me the photos and I can help you determine if it will work or not.

I was looking for a piece that is not a person or animal. Will you do that?

Possibly. It depends on exactly what you're looking for. Get in touch and we'll find out.