How to Commission a Portrait
Commissioning Your Custom Pencil Portrait:
Custom Pencil Portrait
The Journey
1. Choosing the Perfect Reference Photo
The secret to a breathtaking custom pencil portrait lies in the quality of the reference photograph. Since I work in a minimalist realism style, the more detail I can see, the more life I can breathe into the drawing. Resolution is Key: High-resolution digital photos allow me to see the fine details of the eyes, skin texture, and hair. Lighting: Natural, soft light (like near a window or outdoors) usually creates the best shadows and highlights, giving the portrait depth. Closeness: Clear, close-up shots are ideal for individual and pet portraits. Not sure if your photo is suitable? Send it to me for a free consultation! I am happy to advise you on which image will yield the most stunning custom drawing.
Size and Composition
2. Selecting Your Size and Composition
Every space and every subject has an ideal scale. I offer a variety of standard sizes to fit your vision: 5.8x8.3 inch - A4 (Small to Medium): Perfect for single subjects, children, or pets. These sizes are intimate and detailed. 8.3x11.7 inch - A3 (Large): My most popular choice for custom pencil portraits. It allows for incredible detail and is ideal for couples or highly detailed head-and-shoulder shots. 16.5x23 inch - A2 (Grand): Best for full-body compositions, group portraits (3+ people), or making a bold statement in a room. Tip: If you wish to combine individuals from different photographs into one cohesive portrait, please mention this in your inquiry.
Graphite or Charcoal?
3. The Choice of Medium: Graphite or Charcoal?
Depending on the mood you want to achieve, I work with two primary traditional mediums: Graphite: Offers precision, subtle tonal shifts, and a classic "pencil" look. It is perfect for capturing the softness of skin and intricate details. Charcoal: Provides deep, velvety blacks and high contrast. Charcoal is excellent for dramatic, atmospheric portraits with a "punchy" visual impact. I use only professional-grade, archival-quality paper and lightfast materials to ensure your custom drawing remains a family heirloom for decades.
4. The Commissioning Process
Inquiry & Consultation: Contact me with your ideas and photos. We will discuss the size, medium, and timeline.
Booking: Once we agree on the details, a deposit or full payment (depending on the project) secures your spot in my drawing schedule.
The Artistic Work: I begin the drawing process. I pour my focus into every stroke to ensure an authentic likeness.
Final Review: Once the portrait is finished, I will send you a high-quality photo of the artwork for your final approval.
Fixing & Shipping: I apply a professional fixative spray to protect the drawing from smudging and UV light. Your artwork is then securely packaged (flat or in a heavy-duty tube) and shipped to your address with tracking.
5. Timeline and Delivery
Because each custom pencil portrait is meticulously handcrafted, the time to completion varies (usually between 1 to 4 weeks depending on my current commissions). If you need your drawing by a specific date (for a birthday or anniversary), please let me know as early as possible.
