Commission Information
Sizes & Pricing
Prices start around $5 per square inch of paper, but vary depending on factors such as the number of subjects, hair/fur length, backgrounds, photo quality, etc. You will get an exact price quote based on your requests after submitting the Portrait Request Form.
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A 50% deposit will be required before starting your portrait. The remaining 50% will be due upon completion, and once the drawing has been approved by the client.
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Sizes range from 4x4 to 18x24 inches. Custom sizes are also available. If you have a custom size in mind, please let me know at the time of booking.
Paper Colors
While my default paper color is Toned Tan, I offer three other colors for you to choose from. If you are unsure, I am more than happy to give suggestions or send free mockups in order for you to see what the subject(s) will look like with each paper color.
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I use Strathmore Art 400 Series Mixed Media Paper. With a weight of 184lb (300g/m2), this paper is thick and able to withstand both wet and dry media, making it the perfect candidate for long-lasting colored pencil portraits.
Custom Shapes
Custom shapes are available upon request. This can be useful if you have a specific frame that you'd like to use. If you have a custom shape in mind, please let me know and I will do my best to accommodate your needs.
Backgrounds
I can do solid color backgrounds, patterns, landscapes, and more. The complexity of the background you choose will influence the final price, which will be determined at the time of booking.
Reference Photos
Reference photos are essential for creating life-like and detailed portraits. I understand that photos can sometimes be limited, so I am able to work from lower quality images if necessary. If you have any questions on whether your photos are suitable, please send me a message via the contact section. With that being said, ideal reference photos will typically follow these guidelines:
Well-Lit
Make sure your photos are taken in adequate lighting so the subject’s eyes and other features are true to color and accurate to how they look in real life.
High Resolution
Photos should be non-blurry and somewhat high resolution, allowing me to see all of the details necessary for an accurate drawing. Make sure that the photos are taken from a good distance (not too far away) and you are able to easily see all of the details in their face.
Good Angle & Pose
I typically prefer photos positioned at the subject’s eye level, avoiding shots angled too far above or below their head. I also prefer that the subject is looking at the camera so I can get a straight-on view of their face, although three-quarter and side views can work as well. Below are some examples of good and bad reference photos.
Good Photo of Javi
Eyes and fur are true to color
Photo is taken at his eye-level, in front of him
Bad Photo of Javi
Dim lighting
His eyes are closed and you can't clearly see his features
Good Photo of Happy
Nice outdoor lighting
You can clearly see his whole face
Bad Photo of Happy
Pixelated and low quality
Taken from too far away, and angled too far behind him
Good Photo of Lynx
Detailed and high resolution
He is looking straight at the camera
Bad Photo of Lynx
Odd angle and pose
His face is far away, out of focus, and partially covered
Drawing Process & Materials
Graphite Sketch
To begin a portrait, I first measure and cut the paper to size using a ruler and paper cutter. Next, I sketch the subject with a graphite pencil, mapping out the facial features and dark and light areas of the image. To do this, I typically use a mix of free-handing and the grid method. I will also sometimes use an art projector for larger or more complex pieces in order to get the exact proportions. Once I complete the graphite sketch, I will send a photo to be approved before I start with the colored pencil process.
Colored Pencil Process
I use the Prismacolor Premier colored pencils because of their smooth blending and rich colors, allowing for vibrant and realistic results. I begin by mapping out the dark and light areas of the photo, and laying down a base layer of color. I slowly build up the layers over time, paying close attention to the colors, textures, and details until there is no more paper showing through. Once the drawing is looking finished, I usually go on top of the colored pencil layer with Sakura Gelly Roll Gel Pens to add the finishing touches, such as whiskers or white highlights. If you'd like to see the process, I will gladly send you progress photos along the way to ensure that you're happy with the drawing from start to finish.
Hours Spent
This whole process can take many hours of work, usually ranging anywhere between 6 and 30 hours depending on size and complexity of the drawing. Some larger pieces can be especially time consuming, and can easily take over 30 hours. I ask that you allow between 1 and 8 weeks for your portrait to be completed. If you have a time sensitive request, please let me know at the time of booking and I will do my best to accommodate accordingly. Thank you :)
Time Lapses
For an additional price, I offer time-lapse recordings of the colored pencil process from start to finish, so you're able to see all of the hard work that went into your drawing. You will be able to watch the entire process sped up into a 1-10 minute long video, depending on how long the drawing took to complete. Once your portrait is done, I will edit the time lapse video and send it to you through email, via a Google Drive link, where you will be able to download and share it. (Please note that the quality of the time lapse below had to be lowered in order to stream on this website. Your time lapse will be higher quality)
Shipping & Packaging
Worldwide shipping is available. Your portrait will be shipped from Canterbury, New Hampshire, U.S, and will be packaged using durable materials such as thick cardboard sheets, or a thin sheet of plywood to ensure that the portrait does not get folded or bent during transit, as well as a plastic sheet to protect the artwork from any moisture. Shipping costs will be calculated at the time of booking and added to your total. You will receive a tracking number once the package has been dropped off at the post office.
FAQ
Get In Contact
Once you have read over this page, please fill out the Portrait Request Form via the Contact Section and I will get back to you as soon as possible! If you have any questions, please send me an email at halladrawsart@gmail.com.
Can’t wait to hear from you!