Commission A Custom Portrait Or Drawing

Commissioning Process

Below is a step by step guide to commissioning a drawing. Here you'll find some some helpful do's and don'ts which will help to make the process quick and easy - ensuring that I can produce the best possible drawing for you.

 

Photograph selection

To produce a high quality and detailed drawing, I generally work from a single, good quality photograph – which we agree upon before I start. Sometimes it can take a few emails back and forth to pick the right photograph, but it’s well worth the effort and I will work with you in that process. Photo quality is so important because I tend to zoom in to capture the delicate detail of the subject, thus enabling me to get a good likeness. This is difficult to do if the photo quality isn’t good enough. So, higher resolution photographs are preferred. Nowadays, these can often be captured on a good smartphone camera. 

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• The subject should be in focus and there should be sufficient light to enable me to see and zoom in on the detail.

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• Choose a photograph where the subject is in the foreground. If the subject is distant and too small, I will not be able to see enough detail to produce a good likeness. So, a close-up photograph of a full head and torso shot is always best. 

 

• ​Photographs taken outside in natural light (but not in direct sunlight) often produce a better image to draw from. 

 

• Choose a photograph that you feel beautifully and accurately captures the subject. This will inevitably make for a better portrait.

 

• I will only draw the subject as displayed in the photograph. I am not able to change the facial expression or features of the subject.

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• For portraits where the subject is looking at the camera, I need to be able to see the eyes clearly - this is key in being able to capture the essence of the person or pet. 

 

• It is not possible to create an accurate portrait by attempting to combine multiple photos. I need to work from just one photograph and so it’s really important to choose the right photo!

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• Please email me any photographs in as big a file size as possible. If your computer or phone asks you to reduce the file size to send, please don’t!

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• I can work from printed photographs but a digital image emailed to me is always preferred.

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Sending photos

Digital images can be sent electronically via email to: swanartgallery.zt@gmail.com

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How long will it take

I would normally expect to complete your drawing within 3-4 weeks, although this does depend on my current workload and I am always busier at certain times of the year.

If you need the drawing for a specific date, please let me know and I will do my best to meet your needs. 

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Delivery

Post: All drawings are sent using Special Delivery within the UK. If you live outside the UK, you can still commission a drawing. Royal Mail's Tracked and Signed service is recommended to ensure safe delivery for international commissions. Your drawing will be securely packaged and marked as fragile to ensure it arrives in good condition. 

 

Collection: You’re very welcome to collect your drawing in person if you'd prefer. I am based in Newcastle Upon Tyne.

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