FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
If the FAQs didn't quite answer your questions, feel free to contact me directly for any doubts you may have!
COMMISSION PROCESS
How do I decide which medium to choose?
I offer three mediums:
- Coloured pencil on artist quality Bristol paper
Coloured pencil medium offers greater detail on small scale, if you're going for a small size portrait. However, it will take more time, and it is, therefore, more expensive. The final piece with also give a shine when illuminated, which might be undesirable.
*Recommended for short haired breeds. - Soft pastel on artist quality Pastelmat paper
Soft pastel medium offers almost the same amount of detail as coloured pencil medium, but it is best achieved on slightly larger sizes, hence the starting size of 9" x 12". The final piece gives a more realistic look due to its soft look of the fur. It does not give any shine at any angle, and appears more saturated. However, due to its delicate nature, the artwork must not be touched to avoid smudging, and must be framed as soon as possible.
*Highly recommended for pets with mostly black or white fur coat, and for long/curly haired pets.
- Acrylic and mixed media on 8 × 8 cm canvas (Mini paintings)
If you're looking for a small decorative piece or a small present for someone, these small canvases on easel portraits are perfect! They are painted with mostly acrylic paints and, if required, inks. The canvas comes with the mini easel and need not be framed.
Is the artwork framed or unframed?
All prices on my website are for unframed artwork. If you wish to receive it framed, please contact me directly regarding your exact preferences for an estimate of the framing costs.
Can I decide the composition of my portrait?
Yes, absolutely! I provide a fully customised experience. Once I receive the reference pictures, I will create several blueprints with different positioning of the pet(s), and different poses/pictures (if many). I will give suggestions on the composition of the piece from my point of view, but, ultimately, you decide which one to finalise.
Will I get updates and pictures of my commissioned piece?
Yes! I will send you progress pictures of your portrait via email and if it is not a secret commission, you can also keep track of the progress on my social media channels where I post progress pictures, videos and time-lapses. Any reasonable, minor changes can be made according to your preference. For example, subtle unique marks/fur patterns on your pet, relative size of your pets, any other details not clear from reference pictures.
What if my pet passed away and I don't have good enough and clear pictures of them?
No worries! I can use poor quality images as well and use multiple photographs to draw up a good composition. I can enhance images for the details and use your help with a description of their fur colour, pattern, marks, etc. I always try my best to bring your fur baby to life!
When will you start working on my commission? How long is the waitlist?
I work on my commissions on a first come, first served basis, i.e. in order of when they were booked. Before booking a portrait, I will give you an estimate of when I can start and finish it. If your commissioned piece has a deadline, I will try to accommodate it if possible. If there is not enough time, I will suggest you to purchase a gift certificate instead.
PAYMENT AND SHIPPING
How do I pay and when?
There are two modes of payment:
- Bank transfer: Once you've decided to book a portrait with me, you will receive an email with the invoice and details for my German bank account like Beneficiary name, Beneficiary IBAN, and BIC code. Any additional bank details required while transferring money from a country outside Germany will be provided upon request.
*Preferred mode of payment, no transaction fees involved - PayPal: Once you've decided to book a portrait with me, you will receive an invoice (only for the 40% deposit amount) via PayPal, which must be paid to secure a booking. Once the commissioned artwork is complete, you will receive the second invoice for the remaining 60% amount. You can pay via PayPal even if you don't have a PayPal account.
*IMP: For each transaction via PayPal, a 7% transaction fees is levied.
How long will it take to ship my package?
Your package will be shipped as soon as I finish working on it and the final piece approved by you. Shipping time for packages within Germany is usually 1-3 working days. Shipping time for International packages is longer, around 10-15 working days, depending on the destination country. If your commission is meant to be a present, please book well in advance (at least 2 months).
All packages can be tracked. I will provide you with the tracking number and website.
All packages can be tracked. I will provide you with the tracking number and website.
Can I get my package shipped earlier?
Yes. For an additional fee, your package can be prioritised. The extra cost will depend on your country and desired date/time of receipt. Please contact me with your country and desired day/time of receiving it, so that I can provide you with the exact prices.
What all do I receive in my package?
Your package will contain your commissioned artwork, my business card, a testimonial reminder, an artwork care guide, and a personalised “Thank You” note!
Can I pay in Instalments?
Yes! Normally, the payment is made in two instalments: a 50% deposit to secure a booking and the remaining 50% once the portrait is complete. If you wish to pay in more than 2 instalments, you can pay in 3-4 instalments.
Payment in 3 Instalments: 40% deposit + 30% (at half completion) + 30% (upon completion)
Payment in 4 Instalments: 30% deposit + 20% (when started) + 20% (at half completion) + 30% (upon completion)
Payment in 3 Instalments: 40% deposit + 30% (at half completion) + 30% (upon completion)
Payment in 4 Instalments: 30% deposit + 20% (when started) + 20% (at half completion) + 30% (upon completion)
OTHER QUESTIONS
Do you accept commissions for human subjects, objects, or landscapes?
Yes, I do. While I primarily work with animal subjects, I have previously worked on human subjects as well, but they are not displayed on my website or social media for privacy reasons. Other subjects (other than pets) are displayed in my gallery under 'wildlife and other artworks'. The quality of artwork is maintained regardless of the subject. I'm happy to take on human portrait commissions as well.
Do you offer drawing classes or tutorials?
I offer short tutorials on my YouTube channel—'Portraits by Vandita' for drawing techniques. Unfortunately, I do not offer art classes at the moment. But please let me know if you'd like me to offer online art classes (probably on Patreon). If I have enough people willing to join, I will definitely try to make it happen!
Do you collaborate with brands, influencers or other artists?
Yes, I do collaborate with pet influencer channels with a sufficiently large and organic audience. I have previously collaborated with several pet influencer accounts like @halfhuskybros, @rheathenakedbirdie, @fortheloveofsmiley, @funwithfrankie_ and more.
I am also an affiliate of Slice art products for Dalton Safety. You can get 10% discount with my code VANDITA10 for all products on the UK website here: https://daltonsafety.com?sca_ref=2138095.KJmNG1zYBB
I am also an affiliate of Slice art products for Dalton Safety. You can get 10% discount with my code VANDITA10 for all products on the UK website here: https://daltonsafety.com?sca_ref=2138095.KJmNG1zYBB