Frequently Asked Questions - Custom Commissions
How does the commission process work from start to finish?
1. Order and Consultation: Place your order through the shop. I’ll get in touch to collect your reference photos and discuss your preferences.
2. Design Alignment: Before any pencil touches paper, we review your photos and agree in writing on the layout, angle, specific details and any custom hand-lettering. All customisation requests must be confirmed and agreed upon in writing prior to sketching.
3. Pencil Sketch and Proofing: A pencil layout is drafted. You will receive a photo proof of the initial pencil layout. This step includes one round of revisions to make small adjustments or lettering before ink and paint are applied. Once you approve the sketch and work begins with permanent ink and watercolour pigments, no further changes are possible.
4. Ink Detailing and Watercolour: Once you approve the pencil proof, permanent fine ink linework is applied, followed by layered artist-grade watercolour washes.
5. Packaging and Dispatch: Your completed original artwork is safely flat packed from our Perth studio.
How do I send my reference photos?
Once you place your order, I’ll get in touch to collect your reference photos and we can agree on the details. Clear, high-resolution photos in daylight work best, but real estate listing links or Google Street View references, if available, work well too.
Please provide a reference photo taken from the specific angle you wish to be painted, as the artwork's perspective will be based directly on this primary image. Feel free to attach extra snaps for close ups of architectural details, colours and garden elements.
What if my photos have cars, bins or power lines in the way?
Unsightly elements like wheelie bins, parked cars, garden hoses or overhead wires will naturally be edited out. If there are specific features you want added or removed, such as a blooming garden, mature trees or updated exterior paint colours, please let me know.
Can you add people or pets to custom ‘Places You Love’ portraits?
No. To keep the focus on architectural linework, structural detail and surrounding landscaping, these portraits do not include people or pets.
What does booking a monthly slot mean?
Commission slots correspond to the month your artwork enters the studio schedule. For example, if you book ahead for a December slot, work on your piece begins in December.
Our standard turnaround time is 2 to 3 weeks once your booked month begins and your reference details and layout are finalised. Please keep in mind that if details are delayed or confirmed late in the month, completion and delivery will naturally carry over into the following month.
Can I include custom text or calligraphy?
Yes. Hand-lettered text, such as an address, family name, established date or geographic coordinate can be added along the lower margin at no extra charge.
Do the portraits come framed?
Artworks are delivered unframed so you can choose a frame and mat board that fits your personal interior style.
Frames will be offered in the future so watch this space.
How is my artwork packaged and shipped?
Each piece is safely flat-packed inside an archival sleeve, sandwiched between rigid backing boards in a bend-resistant mailer via tracked postal service from our Perth studio.