Pencil Portraits and Custom Cards
Portrait Questions and Answers Can you combine separate photographs? How does it work?
How do we get started?
You can call me at 847-362-2550 or send me your contact information (name, address, phone, email), your photos, the size of the portrait you would like to order, when you need to have the portrait completed and instructions as to how you would like to see the photos combined, if you are sending multiple photographs. This info can be entered into the contact page of my website, emailed or sent in the mail to 736 Gloster Court, Gurnee, IL 60031. If you are combining photographs, I will email you a black and white digital arrangements of the photographs on a white background. Once you approve the layout, I’ll put you in the queue to start drawing.
Yes, any number of photos can be combined. You can email digital photos to wzumpano@comcast.net or send them in the mail. I will erase the background of the photos, resize the images if necessary, and arrange them digitally using Photoshop. I will email a black and white layout for you to approve before drawing begins. You may also provide photos of the same subject taken from the same angle and I can combine multiple aspects of the same person, such as hair style from one photo and a smile from another.
Can you use a professional picture or do you need a release from the photographer?
I am not duplicating the actual photograph, I am referencing the photo while drawing a picture of part of it. They are completely different medium. If you are concerned about whether this is okay with the photographer, you can put me in touch with the studio. I have drawn many professional photographs without a problem.
How do I get photos to you? Can I email them?
Digital photographs are preferred in .jpg file format if they are good quality, preferably at least 1MB in size. Email photos to wzumpano@comcast.net. You can mail photographs to me at Wendy Zumpano, 736 Gloster Court, Gurnee, IL 60031. I will be very careful with your photographs and return them with your finished portrait. However, I am not responsible if something happens to them, as I will be handling them during the creation of your portrait. I have never had a problem with photos in 20 years of portraiture, but accidents happen. If the photo is precious, I suggest you send me a copy of the original.
How long will it take to get my portrait?
Depending upon my backlog, I can often turn urgent projects around very quickly, within a day or so, if you have an immediate special occasion. Otherwise, normal turnaround time is 3-4 weeks. As the holidays approach, wait times can increase to months. If I cannot complete a portrait as soon as you'd like, gift certificates are also available stating, “A Masterpiece is being Created for You”. This certificate can include a black and white layout of your chosen photographs, or can include sample portraits appropriate for the occasion. This can give the gift recipient a chance to participate in the photo selection.
How are copies of the portrait printed and what is the digital file option?
I will scan your portrait at a high resolution (approx 400dpi), then digitally clean the image of dust and re-highlight eyes so that they really sparkle in the reprints. Sometimes the digitally reproduced image is even better than the original. You can purchase the cleaned, high quality digital image, which will be anywhere from 5-20MB in size, to duplicate as many times as you want, or I can produce any size reprints for you.
When and how do I pay you?
Payment for your portrait is due when you have approved the scanned image of your final portrait. I will ship your portrait when I receive your payment. While I do not request payment until your portrait is complete, if you want to receive your portrait quickly, you may pay for your portrait up front and include shipping. Checks should be made out to Wendy Zumpano and can be sent to 736 Gloster Court, Gurnee, IL 60031. You may also pay for your portrait via credit card for an additional $5 via www.paypal.com by referencing my personal email address: wzumpano@comcast.net. I will receive a notification right away that you have made a payment to me through paypal. This is a very safe method of paying via credit card that is used all over the internet.
How can I get a discount on my portrait? There are two ways to receive a discounted price on your portrait. If you place an order for a portrait, in person, at a show with either a deposit or photos, you will receive a 10% discount on the price of your drawing (reprints, framing and other additional options are full price.) Secondly, if I receive an order from someone whom you have referred, you will get a 10% discount for each new client that you refer. This is unlimited, but your discount(s) may only be applied to a single portrait order. If you order more than one portrait at once, you may apply the discount to multiple drawings ordered at one time. If I receive a referred project from one of your referrals after you have paid for your portrait, the discount will be available for your next portrait order.
How do I receive my finished portrait?
Portraits are shipped either Priority mail, or through UPS, insured. You will receive your portrait within two to three days of shipment. If you have ordered a framed portrait, I typically ship larger portraits through UPS, as it is less expensive for you. If you are in the Chicago area, you can also pick up your portrait at my home. What if I am unhappy with my portrait? As stated with your layout - I will draw your portrait precisely from the layout that I create from your portrait. As long as you are happy with the photos that you provide, you should be thrilled with your finished portrait. Pencil portraits are not the same as photography... my work is accurate, but not perfect. I can make adjustments to your finished portrait to improve a likeness, if necessary. Changes that result from your photo selection may require additional payment. After we work together, my clients are always happy... see comments here.