Terms&Conditions: Pet Portraits

Hello! If you're reading this, you may be either currently commissioning me for a pet portrait or considering commissioning me: either way, thank you! Scroll below to read all about my portrait policies.

Anthony & Izzy, 10x14 Watercolor

First, let's talk about prices. If you've already discussed this with me and just need to review my terms, please scroll down to the next section!
My current price list is as follows. Prices are subject to change over time, and will be updated accordingly. Prices are also subject to change on a case by case basis (though this is uncommon!) Listed prices do not include shipping fees.

Watercolor.

5x7 – $110* 
8x10 – $135*
10x14 – $170
What is included with my watercolor portrait?
You will be receiving a completely original hand-painted portrait of your pet (head&shoulders) with a color wash background and a half-inch white border. 
For an additional pet, $75 will be added to your total. *indicates that the smaller sizes have a limit of 1 pet per portrait. 10x14 watercolors can accommodate up to two pets (when horizontal).

Acrylic.

16x20 with Classic Background – $300
16x20 with Illustrated Background – $350
For each additional pet, $75 will be added to your total. 16x20 canvases can accommodate up to 3 pets (when horizontal). 
What is the difference between the Classic and Illustrated Backgrounds?
The Classic background includes simple elements. A solid colored background, or a color gradient with a few different shades. Or, simple patterns like stripes, polka dots, stars, etc. 
The Illustrated background includes more complex designs with line art, such as floral or botanical patterns, dog bones, fish, pizza, donuts, a mandala design, etc. You can get creative! This also includes options like a realistic marble backdrop or galaxy with nebulas.
Gold-leaf detailing is also available; prices vary.
Again, prices are subject to change if your desired background requires more intricacy.

Butchie, 16x20 classic background

Licorice, 16x20 Illustrated background

Oil.

5x7 mini canvas – $120*
8x10 canvas panel - $150*
​16x20 canvas – $350
What makes oil different and more expensive than acrylic?
If you're looking for a more sophisticated or classical look, I would recommend oil above my acrylics, which have a more colorful pop-art vibe. My oils are priced a little bit higher than acrylics to offset the costs of materials, as oil paints tend to be more expensive, and because larger canvases can require quite a lot of paint. At the moment, I'm currently offering oils with a muted classical background.
As with acrylic paintings, each additional pet will add $75.
*The smaller canvases can only accommodate one pet, but the 16x20 canvas can accommodate up to 3 pets (when horizontal). 

​ ​Next up: Terms and stuff!

Kaya, 16x20 oil canvas

Daisy, 8x10 oil panel

Policies.

So now that we've reviewed prices, let's get into policies.

Before agreeing to a commission, I must approve of your reference photo to continue. Please visit this guide to help you meet the requirements for a usable photo! Remember, I only do head&shoulders in my portraits, no full bodies (unless of course, your pet is a fish or a hamster or other small animal.) 

Reference Photos
When it comes to reference photos, what I need is a good, sharp image of your pet's face. I need good lighting, which means natural light is best! If you can take your pet outside, please find a nice area in indirect sunlight (to prevent glare and overexposure). If your pet cannot go outside, please photograph them near a window wherever lighting is best in your house. I cannot accept photos taken in incandescent lighting! As well, I also need your photo reference to be of good resolution. This does not mean it needs to be taken with a professional camera by any means, most smartphones work just fine. However, I cannot use photos of low quality that appear pixelated, as I need details to complete your portrait. 

Booking Your Portrait
Before starting a painting, I require a booking fee (half of your final payment) upfront, which reserves your spot in line and time in my schedule (Please click here to learn more about booking fees!) This booking fee is absolutely non-refundable once work on your portrait commences. Cancellation of a painting after work has begun means you agree to forfeit your booking fee, which accounts for the time and painting materials that have already been spent on the cancelled portrait. If the Client desires to pay one lump invoice, the first half of the total is still considered to be the booking fee and the same policies apply for cancellation.
Your booking fee guarantees you a place on my waitlist, which is on a first come first serve basis. Sometimes you may be the first and only person in line, but sometimes (around holidays) this waitlist can be a little longer! Once your painting is complete, you will receive a preview of your painting and be asked for the remaining balance of your painting as well as shipping fees. Once payment is received, your painting will be shipped out within 3 business days (not counting Sunday). I accept commissions to be shipped outside of the U.S. on a case by case basis, so please be sure to let me know that you are planning to have it shipped internationally, and please note that the shipping costs will be greater than they are in the States. 
It's very important that you keep track of your package! As soon as I ship your painting I will always give you a tracking number, and I will do my best to track it with you. When you see that your package is out for delivery, make sure to keep an eye out to avoid letting the parcel slip into the wrong fingers while it's waiting on your step! 
As one more note, also be sure to never let a canvas lean against anything with protruding edges, i.e a coffee table corner. A canvas is made of fabric that has been stretched across wooden bracings, which means the middle of the canvas is fragile and can become easily dented when something pointy is pressed against the middle. As this is a custom and one-of-a-kind painting that took many hours to create, I cannot give full refunds and I cannot be responsible for damages of this nature.

Copyrights and Courtesies 
I reserve the copyrights to my paintings to use the images as needed in my portfolio and advertising. I do not permit the reproduction of my paintings, especially for sale. Of course, you are more than welcome to take pictures of your painting to post online and show your friends. I'd love to see it hanging in your home, and it's super cute if you take a photo of it sitting next to your real live pet. I'd love to feature it on my page!

​And finally, (and this is more of a courtesy than anything) what I need most from you is patience and autonomy! I don't often have much trouble in this department, however it happens on occasion. What's truly important is that you understand that I do my best to complete your portrait within 1-3 weeks, depending on size and complexity (and not counting other clients who have booked ahead of you). In the art world, this is a fairly quick turnaround time for a painting! However, please note that I do not guarantee end dates and I cannot work on your painting every single day. I also have a part time job as an art instructor, and as a photographer, and I also generally need time for myself as well! If it is a birthday gift or time sensitive, I always do my best to make arrangements to get it to you in time. 
I do make progress posts on my Instagram @meofsharick.art where you can watch me post updates of my paintings. While I do my best to post a couple times a week, I cannot guarantee to post every day. 
Lastly, please note that I do need a certain level of autonomy when completing your painting! My purpose as an artist is to make thoughtful decisions for you about how to deliver the best portrait possible. If I have a client who is overly controlling about the end result or hounds for daily updates, this can be a hinderance to the painting process. Also, I cannot "make portraits like this other artist" – I am me! If there is another (living) artist whose work you enjoy, please commission them. However, I can make exceptions for say, a Van Gogh-inspired portrait. Please take a look at my work to get the best idea of what your end result will look like. In short: I need your trust to paint in my ​style!

And that concludes my terms! If you have any questions for me, please reach out and let me know, as your questions may be helpful to others, and will help me revise my policies. Thank you!