Frequently Asked Questions
How much will a commission cost?
Wildlife and pet portrait prices vary according to size, as are individual and family portraits. All pricing options are available in the Prices section.
Backgrounds are available on request and will vary in price, depending on size and the amount of detail required.
I'd like to commission a wildlife piece but I don't have a reference. Can you still do it?
Of course. If you have something in mind, feel free to contact me with your requirements and I will be happy to help.
Do you ship worldwide?
Unfortunately, I am only able to ship within the UK at the present time.
Will you take other commissions? Landscapes, botanicals etc?
I am more than happy to discuss this with you. Email me or use the contact form and I will get back to you as soon as possible to discuss your requirements.
I've seen some of your artwork and would like something in the same style. Can you do that for me?
If someone has commissioned a custom piece of artwork, the original piece is theirs and I will not replicate it. I certainly wouldn't be happy if I'd paid for an original design only to find out someone else has the exact same design.
Occasionally, I will make prints available of a popular piece but the original will always be one of a kind. However, if there are specific elements of a design that you like, I may be able to create something similar - it just won't be exactly the same.
I've seen some artwork by another artist that I really like. Can you replicate it for me?
No. This is a huge breach of copyright and I can not, in good conscience, replicate another artist's work. If you really like a particular piece, my suggestion would be to contact the artist that rendered it.
I'd really like to commission a portrait but my reference photo isn't great. Can you still do it?
Clear, high quality reference images are important for me to be able to see detail and create a realistic, accurate portrait. I can't render detail that isn't there to begin with. However, there are times when a lower quality photo may be used as long as it is understood that the finished piece will not have the level of detail you may be hoping for. I will do my best to create a piece of artwork you can be proud of, but I can only work with the information I am given. Please feel free to contact me if you are unsure as I may be able to offer a solution.
What does "archival" mean?
Archival means permanence - artwork that is archival will last a lifetime without the quality degrading overtime.
Unfortunately there are some artists who do use products that are not archival - from supplies with low lightfast ratings to paper that isn't acid-free or the use of products that simply aren't meant for artwork, such as hairspray.
All my materials are lightfast and acid-free and I will never combine products that do not belong together to esure your artwork stays as beautiful and vibrant as the day it was created.
What do you mean by "lightfast"?
Lightfastness describes how resistant to fading a pigment is when exposed to light. The two most well known scales of measurement for this are The blue wool scale where lightfastness is rated between 1 and 8 - 1 being very poor and 8 being excellent, and The American standard test measurement (ASTM) which uses ratings I-V. I is excellent and corresponds to ratings 7 and 8 on The blue wool scale. I will only use pigments rated I on the ASTM and 7 or 8 on The blue wool scale.
Most of your work is done with coloured pencils. Aren't they meant for children?
Coloured pencils have come a long way! Many brands are extremely lightfast with exceptional quality pigments and casings, such as Faber-Castell Polychromos and Derwent Lightfast which are oil based pencils, and Derwent Drawing and Caran D'Ache Luminance which are wax based. These pencils are beautiful to work with and very expensive. I certainly wouldn't allow my young child to use them.
Coloured pencil works now rival oil paintings in their brilliance and many amazing artists now use them as their primary medium.
I don't want to pay so much for something done in coloured pencil. Will you do it cheaper? I know someone who will paint a canvas for half the price.
No. As stated previously, coloured pencils have come a long way and the brands I use are professional quality with excellent lightfast ratings. Coloured pencil is a slow medium and art created in this way takes a lot of time and requires a great deal of skill. My materials are of exceptional quality and expensive. My time and effort is valuable.
If you don't want a coloured pencil piece, don't buy one.
My dog is white. If the paper is white will you do my pet portrait cheaper?
No. White fur is very rarely white. It is a combination of pale greys, creams, browns and various other colours as it reflects the colours of it's surroundings. Realistic white fur takes just as much time and skill as any other colour, if not more.
Do you only use coloured pencils?
I use a variety of media - watercolour, pastel, ink, acrylic - and often create pieces with mixed media. Coloured pencil is my primary medium. This is my comfort zone and the medium I get most enjoyment from, watercolour being a close second.
Why is the deposit non-refundable?
When and how do I pay for my artwork?
Regarding commissioned pieces, after discussing your requirements I will send you a copy of my terms of service which you will need to agree to. This agreement is a contract between artist and client, outlining the service I will provide and what is expected from you. I will then take a deposit with the balance to be paid upon completion.
For existing artwork and prints, simply contact me with your requirements. I will respond as soon as possible.
My prefered method of payment is via Paypal.
Why do you call yourself a zebra?
Among other conditions, I have a genetic connective tissue disorder called Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome. Doctors are taught 'When you hear the sound of hooves, think horses not zebras' - meaning 'when a patient presents with certain symptoms, assume it's the obvious as it usually is'.
EDS = Zebra as it is considered rare.
Can I purchase artwork from you?
Absolutely! to purchase works already available, simply contact me with the reference number or to commission an original piece, simply contact me via email or via the contact form with your requirements and photo reference.
This is to protect us both. The deposit keeps your place in line and ensures you pay the same price you were originally quoted if an offer expires or if there is a price increase. It also pays for materials I need to complete your artwork and ensures I'm not out of pocket should you change your mind half way through the process.
I will, of course provide a full refund if I am unable to complete your artwork for any reason.