FAQs
Some people may be worried about approaching me to ask questions about commissioning a drawing, as they're just enquiring. So, on this page, I'm answering a few of the most frequently asked questions, but please do feel free to get in contact with me, I'm happy to chat with no obligation on your part.
How much is a drawing?
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As a guide, my prices currently start at £230 plus postage and packing, but the cost of a drawing is dependent on size and subject matter. Materials such as pencils and paper/board constantly vary in price and so my prices are adjusted accordingly. Please contact me to discuss a price with no obligation.
What size is a drawing?
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I use American sized paper and the most popular sizes for a drawing are American A4 (240mm x 300mm) or American A3 (300mm x 400mm). However, I can draw to what ever size you require. Remember that this is the size of the drawing, the mount will make the drawing a little larger by approx 60mm on each edge.
What do I need to provide?
I draw from photographic references. So the better the photograph, the better the finished drawing. I would need the highest resolution photograph you have of your subject. Normally one good photograph is enough, but if you have several photographs, provide a few to me via email as they all help to see the subject from different angles and in different lights. If you don't have a suitable photograph, I may be able to visit and take a photograph if you live close to Worcestershire, please contact me to discuss.
How long will it take?
Again, this is dependent on the size and subject matter of a drawing. Drawings can take anything from 20 hours upwards. I usually quote a month from start date to completion, although it can often be quicker than this.
How do we start?
The first step would be to contact me to chat about the subject you have in mind, and any timescales you need to meet, such as birthdays or Christmas. I will need to see the reference photo/s, and when we have decided on the best composition, I ask for a 50% deposit of the agreed final price before I start, which gets you a reserved place/start date on my list of commissions. The balance will be payable on completion. (Remember I start to take Christmas commissions from as early as June...)
Postage & Delivery
Postage & Packing is additional to the price of your finished drawing. Your drawing will come with a mount included in the price, ready for you to custom frame. If you would like me to arrange for your drawing to be framed, please contact me to discuss I have a great supplier who fits custom frames. I package your drawing so that it is protected and then will ship it to you via standard post, if the drawing is large it may be delivered by Parcelforce. I always use tracked and signed for services. I am happy to get a price for postage and packing for you when the drawing is completed, before shipping.
What materials do you use?
I only use professional quality materials and my coloured pencils are an big investment and the tools of my trade. I have large ranges of: Faber Castell Polychromos; Faber Castell Albrecht Durer; Caran D'Ache Luminance; Caran D'Ache Pablo; Derwent Lightfast; Derwent Studio. I generally use Clairefontaine Pastelmat paper or board, which is acid-free, lightfast and age resistant. This unique card combines velvet and pumice, the resulting finish means fixatives are not required. The textured paper means many layers of pencil can be applied to achieve a depth of colour and tone.
What is a Giclee Print?
Giclee print (pronounced “zhee-clays”) is the French term meaning 'to spray', referring to the process of an Ink Jet Printer. To be able to make such a high-quality print, a suspended camera or flatbed scanner is used to capture the art and must do so with a high level of resolution. To compare, most digital photos are recorded at a resolution of 72 DPI on the screen, or “dots per inch,” and the image file of an art print needs to be at least 300 DPI—because the more dots of color that can be printed in a small area, the more detailed your final image will appear.
As far as ink and paper go, they must be high quality and considered “archival.” This is typically achieved using inks that are pigment-based instead of dye-based and any canvas, watercolor paper, or specialty printing paper designated as archival. Printers are typically larger models that are able to hold up to 12 ink cartridges which produce a wider range of colors for duplicating your artwork.