how it works
Commissioning a custom work of art is a unique and exciting experience! Here is a list of the most-asked questions. Please send me a note if you have any other questions.
What are the first steps?
Each commission starts with a consultation where we go over important details like how stinking cute your pet is, and of course the best composition, size, and background imagery. It is also important for me to know a little about your style and home decor, ensuring the finished work of art will fit right into your home. Get in touch and share your favorite photos!
How long is the process? The short version is: it depends. Everything can be customized. The complexity — and the length of my waitlist — determine the timeline. Some portraits come together in as little as two months from the moment we start chatting until the completed portrait is out for delivery. Paintings require drying time between sessions, while graphite drawings can be completed more quickly. You’ll know the timeframe before we begin.
How long is the process? The short version is: it depends. Everything can be customized. The complexity — and the length of my waitlist — determine the timeline. Some portraits come together in as little as two months from the moment we start chatting until the completed portrait is out for delivery. Paintings require drying time between sessions, while graphite drawings can be completed more quickly. You’ll know the timeframe before we begin.
HOW LONG IS THE WAITLIST?
My portraits are in high demand, so there’s almost always a waitlist. The only way to guarantee your spot is with a deposit. Waitlist times vary, but it may be a month or more before I begin working. Holidays are particularly busy, so please allow plenty of time if you’re purchasing a gift. It’s never too early to reach out and get started.
WHAT HAPPENS WHILE I’M WAITING?
You’ll never have to wonder where you stand in the process. After the initial consultation, you’ll receive an invoice. Your down payment gets you on the waiting list and you’ll be updated as the big day approaches!
Once work begins, you become part of the creative journey. You’ll receive photo and/or video updates on my progress. No one knows your pet like you do! That’s why I encourage your feedback every step of the way. Working together guarantees that your new portrait truly captures the essence of your pet.
Once work begins, you become part of the creative journey. You’ll receive photo and/or video updates on my progress. No one knows your pet like you do! That’s why I encourage your feedback every step of the way. Working together guarantees that your new portrait truly captures the essence of your pet.
HOW DO YOU DECIDE WHAT TO PAINT OR DRAW?
We decide together! I’ll ask you to send your favorite photos before our consultation. If you don’t have any that really capture your pet at its best, sign up for your free guide to taking better pet photos. SIGN UP NOW
The guide features helpful tips and a few pro tricks to snapping photos that truly inspire. Once you have a few pics you love, send them via email as high resolution 300dpi or greater .jpeg files.
*Professional photographs are always amazing, but they can only be used for reference if you include a signed release form from the photographer giving permission to recreate their work. Don’t worry. We’ll find the perfect inspiration for your portrait!
The guide features helpful tips and a few pro tricks to snapping photos that truly inspire. Once you have a few pics you love, send them via email as high resolution 300dpi or greater .jpeg files.
*Professional photographs are always amazing, but they can only be used for reference if you include a signed release form from the photographer giving permission to recreate their work. Don’t worry. We’ll find the perfect inspiration for your portrait!
WHAT DO YOU PAINT AND DRAW ON?
Painted portraits are created using traditional oil paints on American-made cradled wood panels. Many painters use canvas, but fine details and subtle nuances can be lost on the textured fabric. The smooth wood surface allows for clean brush strokes that effortlessly evoke the image of your pet.
Drawings are created using a simple mechanical pencil and loose powdered graphite applied with a brush. Drafting film is a translucent polypropylene (plastic) material. The unique surface holds rich, inky tones that are impossible to recreate on paper.
Both mediums were chosen for the life-like results, but also for durability. Wood panels aren’t easily punctured or warped. Drafting film is resistant to both heat and light, so the quality of the portrait won’t degrade over time.
Drawings are created using a simple mechanical pencil and loose powdered graphite applied with a brush. Drafting film is a translucent polypropylene (plastic) material. The unique surface holds rich, inky tones that are impossible to recreate on paper.
Both mediums were chosen for the life-like results, but also for durability. Wood panels aren’t easily punctured or warped. Drafting film is resistant to both heat and light, so the quality of the portrait won’t degrade over time.
WILL THE PORTRAIT ARRIVE READY TO HANG?
Oil paintings come wired and ready to hang. The background color continues along the edges of the panel, so paintings don’t need to be framed. All you have to do is find the perfect place to display your new masterpiece!
Graphite portraits are mounted and matted, so you can use the frame of your choice. Custom framing is available upon request.
For a truly special delivery, consider my white glove service, which includes in-home delivery and installation by yours truly.
Graphite portraits are mounted and matted, so you can use the frame of your choice. Custom framing is available upon request.
For a truly special delivery, consider my white glove service, which includes in-home delivery and installation by yours truly.
WHAT ELSE IS INCLUDED IN THE WHITE GLOVE SERVICE?
Commissioning a portrait can feel overwhelming. Choosing the right moment in time, communicating your pet’s true personality, and deciding how the art will fit in your home can be hard to do with a phone call. Getting it right matters when you’re investing your heart (and money) in a portrait of your pet.
I listened to my collector’s concerns and created an exclusive white glove service option that you won’t find with other artists. You’ll get an in-home consultation, so I can get to know you and your pet. We’ll spend the afternoon taking photos, telling stories, and finding inspiration for your artwork.
This service starts at $200, based on your location. The fee includes travel time and up to three hours at your home.
I listened to my collector’s concerns and created an exclusive white glove service option that you won’t find with other artists. You’ll get an in-home consultation, so I can get to know you and your pet. We’ll spend the afternoon taking photos, telling stories, and finding inspiration for your artwork.
This service starts at $200, based on your location. The fee includes travel time and up to three hours at your home.
HOW MUCH DOES IT COST? HOW DO I PAY?
Custom portraits mean custom prices, but you can view base commission fees here.
Complex backgrounds capture your pet in their favorite place and help set the mood. Recreating background imagery can add up to 40% to the commission fee. Multiple subjects may each add an additional 30% to the base commission. Variables like size and medium affect the final price, so I’m happy to advise on specifics that will balance your vision with your budget.
You’ll receive an invoice after our initial consultation. The quoted invoice price is valid for 90 days. A non-refundable deposit of ½ is due to secure your spot on my waitlist. The remaining balance is due in full before the completed portrait is shipped. I accept all major credit cards, bank transfers, Venmo & PayPal. Please note that your project will not begin until payment has cleared.
Complex backgrounds capture your pet in their favorite place and help set the mood. Recreating background imagery can add up to 40% to the commission fee. Multiple subjects may each add an additional 30% to the base commission. Variables like size and medium affect the final price, so I’m happy to advise on specifics that will balance your vision with your budget.
You’ll receive an invoice after our initial consultation. The quoted invoice price is valid for 90 days. A non-refundable deposit of ½ is due to secure your spot on my waitlist. The remaining balance is due in full before the completed portrait is shipped. I accept all major credit cards, bank transfers, Venmo & PayPal. Please note that your project will not begin until payment has cleared.
DO YOU OFFER PAYMENT PLANS?
Yes! My customizable payment plans make it more accessible than ever to commission a portrait of your furry friend. We can arrange weekly, monthly, or bi-monthly payments with deposits as low as ⅓ of your total. You can choose convenient automatic deductions from your payment method of choice, or pay manually when each installment is due.
WHY ARE DEPOSITS NON-REFUNDABLE?
While I urge you to get your name on my waitlist ASAP, please understand that it does mean commitment. There’s a block of time devoted to you once the deposit is made. That means turning away or delaying commissions from other collectors.
Your initial payment secures your spot on the list and gives you the peace of mind that comes with knowing your portrait is now my priority. Think of it like this: the balance pays for the final product, but your deposit covers the materials and time. Unfortunately, that means deposits can’t be returned and all future payments on a project will be null and void. Thank you for understanding.
Your initial payment secures your spot on the list and gives you the peace of mind that comes with knowing your portrait is now my priority. Think of it like this: the balance pays for the final product, but your deposit covers the materials and time. Unfortunately, that means deposits can’t be returned and all future payments on a project will be null and void. Thank you for understanding.
WHAT ELSE DO I NEED TO KNOW?
Time for the boring — but essential — terms and conditions.
Your portrait comes with a 100% satisfaction guarantee. That doesn’t mean a money back guarantee. Your feedback is an essential part of the creative process, so you’ll receive photos and/or videos as I work. This empowers you to come along as I create the perfect portrait. You’ll see the finished portrait before it ships, and I’ll make revisions until you’re completely satisfied (within reason).
Your name, email, phone number, address, and other private details will never be shared. Ever. I may ask to use your first name in published testimonials, but I’ll never do so without your consent.
I retain all copyrights to the artwork and content on this website, as well as all commissioned work. That means I may publish commissioned artwork on my website, share on social media platforms, use in ads, or reproduce for commercial use.
You own the finished portrait, but may not reproduce the work without my written consent. Want your painting on a t-shirt or mug? Send me an email — we can make that happen together.
Want to share with the world on social media? That, I can get behind. Please just be sure to credit @LeahDaviesArt or link back to my website. Word of mouth is a powerful tool, which is why I offer special goodies for collectors who refer their friends. Email me to find out more. Thank you!
Your portrait comes with a 100% satisfaction guarantee. That doesn’t mean a money back guarantee. Your feedback is an essential part of the creative process, so you’ll receive photos and/or videos as I work. This empowers you to come along as I create the perfect portrait. You’ll see the finished portrait before it ships, and I’ll make revisions until you’re completely satisfied (within reason).
Your name, email, phone number, address, and other private details will never be shared. Ever. I may ask to use your first name in published testimonials, but I’ll never do so without your consent.
I retain all copyrights to the artwork and content on this website, as well as all commissioned work. That means I may publish commissioned artwork on my website, share on social media platforms, use in ads, or reproduce for commercial use.
You own the finished portrait, but may not reproduce the work without my written consent. Want your painting on a t-shirt or mug? Send me an email — we can make that happen together.
Want to share with the world on social media? That, I can get behind. Please just be sure to credit @LeahDaviesArt or link back to my website. Word of mouth is a powerful tool, which is why I offer special goodies for collectors who refer their friends. Email me to find out more. Thank you!