Ordering a portrait is quite easy, but it can look intimidating to someone who has never done it before. There are, after all, a lot of decisions to make.
Decisions begin with:
- Size
- Composition
- Subject
Depending on your ideal portrait, there may also be other things to consider.
But you don’t need to make all of those decisions at the same time or at the beginning.
Today, I want to show you step-by-step how easy ordering a portrait is.
Ordering a Portrait
The first step, of course, is deciding whether or not you want a portrait. This is usually easy. Either you do want a custom portrait or you don’t.
The next decision is choosing the artist to create the portrait. There are hundreds of portrait artists, but since you’re here, reading this article, I’m concluding you’ve already decided you’d like me to do your horse’s portrait or that I’m on your short list.
But what comes next?
I can’t speak for any other artists. The ordering process is not quite as unique as the painting styles of individual artists, but most artists have a specific process for ordering.
The steps that follow describe my ordering process.
Step 1
The first step is to contact me to begin a free portrait consultation. Describe your ideal portrait. Every bit of information you provide helps me help you get the ideal portrait, but if you have only a vague idea, that’s okay, too.
Step 2
We’ll talk about the size of your portrait, the type of portrait you want (head study, performance, conformation, etc.), reference photos, and other basic details.
We’ll also talk about the process. I’ll tell you how soon I can start work and when you can expect completion.
We will also talk about prices and payment plans, framing options and delivery of your finished portrait.
If you have any other questions about your portrait or about the process in general, this is a perfect time to ask.
Step 3
You decide whether or not to order a portrait, and if I’m the artist you want to create your portrait.
If you decide to have me do a portrait of your horse, we’ll make arrangements for the first payment and for getting reference photos. The portrait creation process begins with receipt of payment (deposit or payment in full).
If you decide to have someone else do your portrait, or if you decide the timing isn’t right, that’s the end of the conversation.
That’s all There is to It!
Quotes are good for twelve months, so you have plenty of time to think about your portrait. If you have any further questions during that time, you’re welcome to ask them.
But I won’t bother you. Unless you request a reminder email, you won’t hear from me again.
If you’re ready to schedule a free portrait consultation, you can do that right now.
If you’re not sure, here are three articles about the portrait process.
