Pros of Scratchboard
Scratchboard is an excellent choice for your custom pet portrait! It is a rare, ancient medium that most people haven't heard of and only a few artists work in. Scratchboard is highly-detailed and offers incredible black and white contrast. My work, specifically, is photo-realistic and focuses on the unique details of your pet's face. For that reason, your reference image is the most important part of having a portrait commissioned.
Reference Images
To get started, search through the photos of your pet and find one or two that are well lit, in focus, and close-up to your pet's face. A photo taken outside or near a bright window will always be best - smart phones automatically degrade the quality of the photograph in low light to ensure you can see it, so even if it looks 'okay', there may not be any detail for me to use. Choose a photo that was taken close to your pet - not one cropped from much further away, again there will not be any detail. I have examples of great reference images and ones to avoid here.
>> If you do not already have a photo that will work for the portrait, take your pet outside with some treats or their favorite toy - have them sit and look up at you, or a helper, for the photo. If your pet is deceased, I will work with the photos that you have to create a special custom piece for you. <<
Commission Process
Once you have one or two photos that you love, send them my way for review. We will discuss the image quality, composition, and clear up any other questions you or I may have about them.
After approval of your image, you will need to select your portrait size and pay the first 50% installment - size and pricing can be found here. From there, all the work is on me! I always work on commissions on a first-come, first-serve basis, so the sooner you get your request and images in, the better!
If you have any other questions about how to request your very own custom scratchboard pet portrait or what to expect from the process, please do not hesitate to send me an email or contact me directly on social media. Again, most of your questions should be answered on the Commissions page of this website.
I look forward to working with you to create something very special!
Find your joy!
-Melissa