How do I begin?
First, choose the photo you would
like to have transformed into a portrait. It does not need to be a
print quality digital image, although cell phone camera type images are
usually too small and blurry for me to work from. If you're not sure if
your image is large enough, or if you need instructions on mailing me
original photos rather than digital images, you can e-mail me at joanna
at joannabarnum dot com for help. I can also often combine subjects
from multiple photos, if you don't have a good photo of several people
together.
Then, choose an option below:
Watercolor, 9” x 12”, $60 (for one subject, +$15 for each additional subject)
Watercolor, 10” x 14”, $80 (for one subject, +$20 for each additional subject)
[more watercolor portrait samples][more watercolor pet portrait samples]
Pen & marker "quick portrait," 6" x 9", $20 (for up to 3 subjects)
[more quick portrait samples][more quick pet portrait samples]
Now what?
E-mail me at joanna at joannabarnum dot com with your selection and
reference photo (as an attachment or a link), and I'll get back to you
confirming the total price of your portrait with shipping, and
instructions for payment. For watercolors, I require a 50% down payment
before I can begin work on your portrait. Once I begin, this down
payment is non-refundable. For “quick portraits,” I require payment in
full before I begin.
Once I receive your down payment/payment, I will begin your
portrait. If it is a “quick portrait,” I will complete the portrait
from start to finish, and send it to you for preview. If it is a
watercolor, I will first complete a preliminary pencil drawing, which
you will have a chance to approve or request revisions to before I
complete the painting. Here are two examples of what the preliminary
drawings will be like:
Once you are satisfied with your completed portrait as previewed online, your final payment + shipping is due. The portrait will be shipped out as soon as it is paid in full. Your portrait will be carefully packed with a rigid backing to prevent damage during shipping.
The shipping fee is usually $6 to cover the cost of USPS priority shipping, tracking, and insurance. I can often combine shipping on multiple items to save you money. International shipping fees will vary.
How long can I expect this process to take?
Turnaround time during most of the year is around two weeks. If you
need your portrait in time for a specific occasion, let me know, and
I'll do my best to accommodate it. If it will probably not be possible
to meet your deadline, I will let you know ahead of time. In the month
or two leading up to Christmas or Valentine's Day, turnaround time can
be longer due to increased demand. It's best to plan ahead for these
holidays if you can.
What materials do you use?
I usually use Windsor & Newton brand tube watercolors with
synthetic white sable brushes, and sometimes other types of liquid
inks. I use Arches cold press watercolor paper. For the pen &
marker drawings, I use black ink rolling ball pens, Prismacolor
markers, and Sharpie markers on bristol (heavy weight) drawing paper.
Can you change the background from what it is in my reference photo?
Yes. I can change the background to a solid color of your choice for no
extra charge. If you want a different scene or a decorative pattern in
the background, an additional fee may apply.
Can you add a name or other text in decorative lettering to my portrait?
Yes. There is no extra charge for this on a “quick portrait;” on a
watercolor, an additional fee may apply depending on the style and
complexity of the desired lettering.
Can you (change my hair color, remove my pimple, make me look thinner, remove my wrinkles, etc.)?
Changes like correcting hair color or messy hair, or omitting
blemishes, are no problem. I try to avoid major changes like changing
weight or age because by the time I'm done, it no longer looks like the
person it's supposed to be. Your best bet is to chose a reference photo
that you feel flatters you as you are.
Can you draw/paint my color reference photo in black and white, sepia, or black and white with highlights in a certain color?
Yes. There is no extra charge for this. You will see some examples of this if you click on the links for more samples.
Can you work any larger than the options you have listed, or in different dimensions?
Yes. Prices for larger sizes are quoted on an individual basis,
depending on desired subject. A simple change in dimensions will
usually be similar in price to one of the standard options.
Can you (paint me as a knight on horseback, put my me and my
friends on a movie poster, add flowers around the edge of my portrait,
etc.)?
Probably! E-mail me to discuss what you have in mind and I will figure
out if it's possible, and quote you an accurate price for the project.
What happens if my portrait is damaged or lost in the mail?
I
ship portraits via USPS with tracking and insurance for the value of
the piece. In the unlikely event that a piece is lost or damaged, I
will be able to replace it for you. I will try my best to meet your
original deadline if at all possible.
What if I am unhappy with my portrait?
I will work with you to make revisions until you are satisfied.
May I publish the portrait in a book or magazine, on a commercial website, or use it for any other commercial purpose?
No, you may not. I retain the copyright to all works that I create.
This means that although you now own the physical original portrait,
you may not reproduce it for commercial purposes. I may also use the
image for sample or self-promotional purposes unless we agree otherwise
in advance.
What about on my personal website, Myspace page, etc.?
Sure, as long as you link back to my website. Thanks!
