How It Works

  1. Choose your reference photo. Read “How to Choose Your Reference Photo” below for tips.

  2. Read the Katie’s Pencil Terms and Conditions.

  3. Visit the Price List and Descriptions page for details on prices and descriptions of available items.

  4. Click the “Start Your Order Here” button below or in the “Custom Artwork” dropdown menu above to fill out an order form. There is no cost to fill out this form.

  5. Email your reference photo(s) to katiespencil@gmail.com. I will review the form and your photo(s) and respond to your email soon regarding any questions I have and give a final price quote and timeline. See “How Long Will My Artwork Take to Complete?” below. If applicable, I will also send an outline sketch of the artwork for approval (this applies only if you have requested combined or altered photos). When all is agreed upon, I will send you an invoice to pay the deposit. The deposit will be 40% of the cost of the artwork/additions to the artwork. (The price of any added-on products will not be included in calculating this percentage.) When the deposit is paid, I will start the artwork in the agreed upon timeframe. YOUR DEPOSIT MUST BE PAID WITHIN TWO WEEKS IN ORDER TO SECURE YOUR PLACE IN LINE.

  6. When the artwork is complete, I will email you a photo for approval. If you are not satisfied with the artwork, I allow two modifications. I do not allow major color or structural changes at this point. When you are satisfied with the artwork, I will send an invoice to pay the final balance. Your artwork and items will be shipped when the balance is paid in full.

  7. Enjoy your artwork!

How to Choose Your Reference Photo

Photos need to be approved for quality before booking. I cannot use professionally taken photos without written permission from the photographer. When taking your photo, use the best-quality camera or phone that you have available. I cannot create quality artwork with unclear or dark photos, and I would not want to waste your money trying.

Photo-taking tips: Get eye-level with the animal. Use natural lighting. Outdoor in in-direct sunlight is best. Indoors near a window will work as well. Do not use flash. Check that there are no dark shadows hiding the animal’s features or fur pattern. Take many photos so that you have several to choose from. Make it fun so that you can catch the animal’s personality in the photo.

If possible, send multiple photos so that I can get a good idea of the animal’s personality. Don’t forget to specify which is for the actual portrait. If you are not sure which photo to use, contact me and I will help you decide which would work best for the portrait.

If your animal has passed away, contact me with the photos that you have, and we will discuss if they will work as a reference.

How Long Will My Artwork Take to Complete?

Wait time for work to begin depends on my current workload. Turnaround time for custom artwork is generally 3 to 4 weeks once work begins, with extra time needed for large or complicated pieces and add-ons (such as desk calendars, bookmarks, prints, etc.) You will be informed of your specific wait and turnaround time during the ordering process, before your order is booked. Need it sooner? Rush ordering may be available for a fee.

How To Care For Your Artwork

Removing Original Artwork from the Packaging. Do NOT separate the translucent drafting film from the Bristol backing paper. It is part of the artwork and provides a background for your portrait. Frame the artwork with the two pieces remaining attached.

Place the artwork in a frame, under glass to protect it from dust and dirt. Do not place the framed artwork in direct sunlight as this will cause it to fade over time. Avoid hanging in high-humidity areas in the home to prevent damage to the artwork. Enjoy!