
Your frequently asked questions, answered!
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Yes, almost all of my work is commission based! My bookings for commissions open four times a year. I take on new orders during a two week booking period and then take three months to paint those orders. Announcements for open books can be seen by following my social media pages (links below) or by joining my emailing list. You can join my email list by filling out the contact form on my home page.
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Order applications for custom paintings are submitted via a link that becomes accessible during the open booking period. If you are on my emailing list, a link to the application page will be sent directly to you (you get access a week before everyone else if you’re on my list!) If you are not, a link will be advertised on my social media and website during the second week of booking.
If you wanted to order prints or buy an original piece of artwork, just fill out the contact form and tell me what painting or prints you are interested in!
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Gather your favourite photos of your pet or references for you wildlife project that inspire you! (More info regarding reference photos below.) I will also ask for your name, email, and shipping address. Think about what your dream painting looks like or you can take a look through my previous works to see what things you’re drawn to. Customization possibilities are endless so I will guide you through the best options to make your dreams come true!
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The best photos are clear and bright. Photos taken outdoors or near a window are great. Ideally, the angle of the photo is taken at eye level to your pet, making sure that their face or at least their eyes are in focus. I blend references to create the perfect image that represents not only your pets features but their personality so the more you send me, the better! Different photos are good for different things, I use at least three; one for the pose, one for accurate colouring, and one or more for closeup details. It also depends on the style of the painting. For realism, I usually create a classic portrait style painting with very high detailing. The best outcome requires the most crisp and detailed references. For my expressive paintings, I love to use more character filled poses and expressions to capture the true spirit of your pet. I will -and have- used pretty “weird” or “non-ideal” references for a painting in this style (I understand sometimes those photos are the only ones you have!)
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I take a deposit of 50% of your order total (not including shipping) when the details of your order have been confirmed. Your order is not guaranteed and I do not start painting until the deposit is paid. The remaining half of your total (including shipping) is due upon your approval of the final painting. Once your payment is complete, I will ship your painting to you! I accept e-transfers for Canadian orders and PayPal for Canadian and international orders. PayPal is a great option because it will calculate the exchange rate for you.
PLEASE NOTE: Your deposit is non-refundable. If changes need to be made after your design has been confirmed or if extras are added during final approvals, you will be charged accordingly.
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Yes! I have shipped globally and love to see my art enjoyed by people all over! As mentioned above, International orders are paid through PayPal. I have a minimum shipping rate of $60 CAD that includes secure packaging, tracking number sent to your email, and full value loss and damage insurance (fulfilled through UPS.) If your order is large, heavy, or in a remote location, shipping cost are subject to increase. I can provide you with a shipping estimate during the ordering process. Domestic orders vary in cost but they tend to be at least $30 CAD for the same secured and insured shipping through UPS. This rate is subject to change based on the size and weight of the package along with your location. I can provide you with a quote for domestic shipping during the ordering process.
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Your painting will be completed any time within the three month window where I am completing all the orders that have been placed during booking. Your painting may be shipped outside of the three months and may take time to get to you depending on your location. Speed depends on your place in the queue, design/prep time, size, and the intricacy of your project. I can get a better idea of all these factors while we’re planning your project. Also, you’re free to let me know if you want your painting for a certain occasion when you apply for a commission however, I no longer guarantee delivery by a specified date. So please, order very early (6+ months in advance!) Rush orders are not accepted.
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Depending on how many people apply, it may be hard to get accepted and you may have to try more than once, don’t give up! I wish I could accept every inquiry that came my way (and I did so for many many years!) but it just is not plausible anymore while maintaining a healthy work-life balance and making time to be creative in ways just for me. That being said, there are things that catch my attention and get me to accept an application. The first thing is an amazing reference photo, my best paintings nearly always are a result from using an epic photo. I also love a story behind the project, tell me WHY you want a painting of an elephant or HOW your pet is the funniest or how they changed your life. Go ahead and pull on my heartstrings or make me laugh! There are also things that I am less likely to take on. I can work wonders with poor reference photos but I will not accept orders with only one or two, grainy, dark photos. Non-animal inquiries may be considered but they are definitely not preferred above pets and animals.
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I never do human portraits as it isn’t my specialty and there is likely a much more capable artist out there who can give you a more satisfactory final product!