Frequently Asked Questions
Click on a question below to find out more.
If your question isn't listed please get in touch here!
How much does a custom portrait cost?
My prices for digital portraits range upwards from £80 for pets and £150 for humans. My non-digital work ranges upwards from £150 for pets and £200 for humans.
For my full price breakdown please click here.
How quickly does it take to complete a portrait?
This heavily depends on my availibility, number of faces in the portrait and whether the artwork is digital or not. Minimum expected time for completion is 5 working days.
How large can I print my digital artwork?
My digital artwork is made to be printed 1 metre tall or 1 metre wide (depending on portrait or landscape aspect ratio of your piece). This can be larger if requested at the start.
How does 'live wedding painting' work in the Wedding Day Package?
Ideally I’ll arrive at the venue an hour before the start of your ceremony to begin setting up. I will need to be close to a power outlet and use a table, chair, extension lead, laptop, two additional monitors and a tablet and pen to create my artwork. Ill either take my own photos during the ceremony, or in a quick photoshoot afterwards with the bride and groom with the backdrop of your choosing. If you prefer I can work from a photo taken by the photographer. I will be on site for up to 6 hours, creating your beautiful artwork for you and your guests to witness.
As I work from my laptop and one monitor, the second monitor will be turned around so your guests can see my process without having to squeeze behind me. I’m also more than happy to talk to guests as I work as this is likely something they have never witnessed before! I am to complete the artwork within 5 working days after your wedding date and as I work digitally the files will be sent over to you via email. If you have requested for the artwork to be printed, I can arrange for this along with the shipping. ). My digital portraits also have an optional add-on; a drawing time-lapse video file, which I can edit to a song of your choice, such as your first dance.
As my portraits can take several days to fully complete, It will not be possible for me to also draw guests during your wedding.
I am based in London, UK, so its likely that accommodation costs will only be applicable for weddings outside of London. Travel costs will heavily depend on location, travel time and access to public transport to/from your venue.
If you wish I can arrange for my digital artwork to be printed and framed. Prices vary based on paper/material/portrait size.
I look forward to joining you on your most special day!
What media do you offer for custom, non-digital portraits?
I can create artwork in graphite pencil, coloured pencil, ink and acrylic paints.
Can I request specific styles or artistic influences for the portrait?
During the initial free consultation I ask all my clients to tell me what type of aesthetic you're after, in conjunction with which of my previous artwork you are most drawn to. This initial discussion helps me to envision and execute your desired style.
Can you combine elements from multiple photos into one portrait?
I am happy to amalgamate several photos into one portrait - I just request that I'm given a selection of photos to choose from per person/pet.
What should I consider when choosing an artist for a custom portrait?
I think the main factor when choosing an artist is liking their previous work, or at least one particular piece they have done in the past. Secondly, it's important that, in the initial conversation you have with them, you feel heard and understood. The 'right' artist will have an open line of communication with you throughout the process and take on board any concerns you may have. Ultimately you want to choose someone you can work well with, collaboratively, as the final outcome will be a product of both your visual ideas. It is always worth reading the testimonials of previous clients to gain insight into how the artist works with others.
You can read testimonials from my previous clients here.
How do you approach drawing a face?
My approach tends to depend on which medium or tool I'm using. Often with my digital portraits Ill begin by drawing or painting with a large brush to roughly position the face shape on the digital canvas. I'll gradually work down to smaller brushes, zooming in to the picture with more accuracy for the details in the eyes and teeth, all the while working from a photo that is open alongside my drawing software on my screen. With fine-art media I will take my time building up layers of pencil or paint on the canvass, starting with very soft sketchy lines over the whole face before committing to stronger lines once I'm happy with the positionings.
You can watch my digital drawing process here.
How do you ensure the portrait captures the subject’s likeness and personality?
In my initial conversation with a client I ask that they send me 3 well-lit, non-blurry photos of the subject. This is so that I can choose my favourite of the selection. This decision heavily depends on two things; the composition and the transferal of emotion I feel when looking at the photo. The more emotionally affected I am by a photo, the better I feel I can deliver on it in my art. I believe someone's likeness is captured both in the technical ability to draw their face accurately, and in the ability to channel the emotion emitted from the photo, through me - the artist - and back into the portrait I create. It is in this way I strive to capture the subject's personality.
Do you draw other pets?
Yes! I can draw any animal you'd like as long as the photo I receive from you is well-lit and not blurry!
Absolutely! I take commissions for all my portrait services from anywhere in the world, except for my Live Drawing service. I am currently only able to accept Live Drawing requests in the UK.
Yes. In my initial conversation with a client I ask that they send me 3 well-lit, non-blurry photos of the subject. Ideally these will be digital photographs or scanned copies of printed photos. This is so that I can choose my favourite of the selection. In the case of Live Wedding Drawing and Live Birthday Drawing I'll work from a photo taken on the day either by me or the hired photographer.
Absolutely. I can customise portraits to include or extract objects. Common requests include removing other people present in the original photo or adding details such as pet names to collars!
I request that a third of the fee is to be paid before commencement of the drawing, with the rest to be paid on completion. Prices do not include packaging and shipping costs. Payments are to be made via bank transfer.
For Live Drawing portraits £100 deposit is to be made on the day of booking to secure the day. Th rest of the fee is to be paid in the week leading up to the event.
Yes. I will send a low-res, watermarked, digital picture of the portrait for you to approve before the final payment will be requested.
For more details on The Process please click here.
If you commission a non-digital portrait I can arrange for the portrait to be professionally framed before being shipped to you, however this is an extra cost.
I do display all my commissions online - both on my website and on my Instagram @hgtportraits, unless specifically asked not to. Occasionally I also display the original photograph alongside the portrait to demonstrate the before and after.
Absolutely!I have found that bespoke portraits given as gifts truly elicit a powerful emotional reaction and can be incredible gifts that celebrate the love for someone special (including pets!).
You can read testimonials from my previous clients here.
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I also offer gift cards! - For more details send me a message here!
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