how To Order a custom family or pet portrait
1. Choose your size
Depending on your wall space, budget and photographs - I offer portrait sizes that will suit everyone.
My sizes start from 7” x 5” (ideal for shelves & bedside tables) right up to 18” x 24” (for maximum realism & detail) - think about whether you would like a head and shoulders portrait, or full body with a background, and where it would fit in your home or you recipients home (if buying for a gift). All portraits are hand-drawn with professional, high quality coloured pencils, all with the maximum lightfast rating. This means your portrait will last a lifetime and is guaranteed a fade resistance of 75+ years.
P.s - I offer all kinds of portraits, not only pets! My other subjects include wildlife, human and family portraits. Please feel free to get in touch with any ideas you may have!
2. choose a Photo
If you’re thinking of getting a portrait, you may already have a photograph in mind!
If you’re unsure, I have written down my top tips for capturing a photograph suitable for a hand-drawn portrait! The clearer the photo, the better the portrait will be. Please feel free to send me as many as you’d like, I like to see the personality in all my subjects so I can successfully capture them in their portrait.
Also, don’t worry if you’re unsure about a photo, send me what you have and we can discuss it together! This is what I am here for, and part of the process!
3. Contact & Payment
Time to say hello! Once you have your chosen portrait size and reference photo please drop me an email at mollyjayillustration@gmail.com or simply contact me through my submission form. Please remember to include any deadline dates if necessary, i.e Christmas. I do have a waiting list, however, I will confirm the lead time upon your inquiry and always do my best to meet your deadline.
Once you are ready to place your order, and you’re happy with everything you will receive your invoice and payment can be made securely through PayPal (International) or Bank Transfer (UK). I require a 50% booking fee upfront to secure your slot in my diary.
4. Progress & Updates
Once your booking fee is received, you will be given an estimated time of completion for your portrait and be placed on my waiting list.
I will email you with updates regarding your portrait, and (if you wish to see them - the progress pictures!) I love to work closely with my clients and give you the opportunity to watch your portrait come to life!
I will also be in touch regarding any information to do with portrait completion dates as it gets closer to the time, and bespoke frame orders if you have ordered one through me!
5. portrait Completion
The best and most exciting news! When your portrait is completed, I will be in touch with a scan of your completed portrait, ready for your approval. However, if you’d much rather be surprised and open your portrait in person - that is fine too!
Once you have approved your portrait, the final payment is required before the delivery of your portrait. I shall then begin to package your portrait up in my gift wrap, ready for you or your recipient to open! All portraits come with my Certificate of Authenticity & Artists’ seal, Artwork Care Guide, Testimonial Request, and personalised Thank You note.
6. Mounting & Framing
I professionally mount all of my portraits by hand, using the highest quality mounts and conservation backing board from my professional framers.
Each mount is 100% acid-free, double mounted to suit your portrait, and complies with the Fine Art Trade Guild Conservation Level. This is to ensure maximum protection and longevity for your portrait, and a lifetime of happiness!
I also offer a full bespoke framing service, where I work closely with you to choose a frame to suit not only your portrait but your decor too. All frames I offer have the highest quality moulds, increased break resistance glass and UV protection to protect the artwork. Your portrait will then arrive at your door ready to hang on your wall in a frame that will last a lifetime.
7. Delivery & Testimonials
When your portrait safely arrives in your hands, whether you’re UK based or International I would love to hear from you!
I put as much detail into packing up your portrait as I do in creating it and would love to hear how it was received by you or if you have given it as a gift. A lot of love went into creating your portrait, and customer satisfaction is the best part of my job!
Please feel free to read some of my current testimonials below from my lovely clients!
the extra special touch
I offer a bespoke personalisation option for all of my gift boxes, which I do by hand using my own calligraphy! All you have to do is tell me what you want to be written on your box, I will then write it out on my IPad, cut it out of gold shiny vinyl and attach it to your gift box!
The world is your oyster in what you would like to say, whether it is for a special occasion or simply the name of the portrait!
Perfect for those who want to go the extra mile when giving a portrait as a gift, and afterwards it becomes a beautiful keepsake. Photos really do not do this justice, it is very pretty in person.
