Medium... The medium of choice for me is digital. Honestly, as much as I love art supplies, I'm not sure I could ever go back to traditional mediums. I just love the infinite number of possibilities and freedom that digital painting allows. I no longer have to worry about making sure I stock up on [insert specific art supply here]. I am able to purely focus on the piece at hand. While I do lose the tangibility of the artwork by moving to the digital realm, I feel that I gain so much more in return and am able to more accurately capture the vision of the client. :)

Tools... For some who are unaware of exactly what I use to create my digital paintings - I use a Wacom Tablet. There are several other brands out there that work similar, although Wacom is the leading manufacturer in that industry. It works almost the same as a pen on paper or brush on canvas, except it's digital. I'm looking at the computer monitor where my digital canvas is, instead of my where my hands are.

The software I use is Photoshop. While it is true that Photoshop is used to correct or manipulate photos and create other graphics - it can also be used to paint digitally. There are a variety of digital brushes and painting techniques that can mimic the look and feel of real brushes, pencils, charcoal, and more!

 

How Long Does a Commission Take? That's a very good question. Basically, it varies from piece to piece, and the level of detail being requested. Also how many subjects (persons) are to be displayed as well. It could take me a few hours, to possibly a few weeks. It just really depends on what you, the client, wants - and how well I can interpret your instructions. Oh, and don't forget... the size of the piece is a factor too. ;)

The devil is in the details... meaning that if you want a piece that is highly accurate, down to the smallest fraction of a hair, then that will take me a bit longer to complete. Although if you would just prefer a sketch or something that isn't quite as detailed - that won't take quite as long and can usually be completed fairly quickly.

Example Timeline: An 11"x14" Single Person/Figure Portrait usually takes about 3 to 4 weeks to complete, and also an additional week for printing and shipping. That is a pretty accurate timeframe for most commissions. Since I am actually painting as I would if it were on a traditional canvas using traditional mediums, it's a more in-depth and personalized process than a photo manipulation or something similar. ;)

Process... Here is an overview of the Commission process.... it's so easy!

• Commission Form Submitted by Client & Received
• Confirmation & Commission Detail Emails Sent from Artist (Me) to Client
• 50% Deposit Sent from Client & Received
• Reference Photos Sent from Client & Received (if required)
• Line-work is started; Proofs emailed to Client for Approval
• Color-blocking is started; Proofs emailed to Client for Approval
• Shading and Full Painting begin; Proofs emailed to Client - or Client may watch the Artcast Live
• Commission is Completed
• Remaining Amount Total is Due from Client
• Commission is Printed & Shipped
• That's It!  It really is that simple to have your very own Commission created!

Commission Details... This is the portion that will be worked out through our emails and messages. Depending on the type of commission selected, whether it's a portrait, pinup, or something else entirely... I'm going to need to know as much information as possible. The more specific the descriptions are, the better the commission will be. Skin tones, eye color, hair color, facial expressions, clothing styles and colors... I'm going to need it all. And of course reference photos are a tremendous help if the piece is a portrait, or based on the likeness of anyone in particular.

Reference Photos... Good (high resolution) reference photos are a must for any portrait work I undertake. I like to try and capture the most accurate detail possible, and that requires good clear reference photos. Usually the larger the photo, the better. JPG or JPEG files tend to compress images and detail is lost when you zoom in, and I try to avoid low resolution .jpg files as much as possible. Bigger is always better... in this case. ;)

For those who know all about dpi (dots per inch) or ppi (pixels per inch), I usually prefer something in the 250-300 dpi range. Although, I am flexible with file types and sizes, and will try to work with what you provide. Although if the photo is not large enough for me to see enough detail for what you are requesting, I will let you know and ask for better photos. :)

 

Printing Options... Every single print is professionally produced as a single print run (1 of 1) and is held to the highest standard. The most common print options that I offer are: 

• High Quality Photo Prints - Printed on Fuji Crystal Archive Paper, Matte or Glossy finish; up to 8"x10"
• Gicleé Fine Art Prints - (wiki-definition) 99-year Acid Free Premium Semi-Matte Archival Photo Paper, High Color Gamut for Vivid Colors, Epson Ultra Chrome HDR Inks, Pigment Based Inks, Printed at 1440dpi - 8"x10" and up

Other Options... Laminated, Gator-Board Mounted, Foam-core Mounted, Widescreen Sequential, Unstretched Canvas, and Stretched Canvas (Additional Fees Apply to these options, email for pricing)

Shipping... For the High Quality Photo Prints, I usually ship them in a photo mailer envelope with a backing board and protective sleeve. For the Gicleé Fine Art Prints those are usually rolled and mailed in a Tube Mailer to protect the artwork against shipping damage. For anything larger, special shipping supplies may or may not be needed depending on the clients selection and what I have on hand.

Standard USPS is the usual method of shipping. If you would prefer your item was shipped via UPS or FedEx - that's not an issue... just be sure to include the additional shipping costs. ;)

Payment Options... The most common and preferred method of payment is through Paypal

My email address for sending payments through Paypal is: Jenn@faereality.com

I also accept: Personal Checks* & Cash in Person
*Personal Checks must clear before any work is started or delivered.

I am pretty flexible and willing to work with you on payments depending on the commission you've selected if the remaining balance (less the deposit) is more than you can pay at one time... I completely understand. ;)

Refunds... I strive to provide the greatest customer satisfaction possible. Throughout the process of your commission, you will be able to watch me paint live (online) or will receive proofs emailed to you throughout each stage of your commission from the line-work all the way up to the full shading and painting process. I will be in contact with you making sure that the commission is everything that you want it to be. If there's something that doesn't look quite right... all you need to do is let me know and I will revise it. I do not charge extra fees for revisions. ;)

If you are unhappy with your commission at any time throughout the process, and wish to cancel your order, a full refund of the 50% deposit will be issued.

However, once the commission is completed and the remaining portion of the commission fee is paid, all sales are final.

Copyrights... For most commissions, I do offer the option to purchase the rights to any works created for an additional 25% fee on top of the original  price quoted, providing that there is no other Copyright holder. For pieces that are considered "fan art" in nature, of copyrighted characters and franchises, I do not offer any type of copyright purchase since I do not hold the actual copyright.

If the client does not communicate their wish to purchase the rights to their commission, the rights will remain with me, the Artist.

Personal Characters... If the commission is of a character that is owned by the client (ie: fictional character, etc.), I do not make any claim to the character at all. The rights remain completely with the creator of the character. I am merely honored with the task of bringing them to life. ;)

Licensing... If there is a particular piece in my gallery that is not a personal commission that either you or your company wish to license, please email me for more information. (One time use, Multiple usage, Copyright ownership, etc.)