Frequently asked questions about acquiring
an S. Belle-Isle custom pencil drawing.

How do I choose a reference photo for a custom drawing?

Can I create my own reference photo?

What is your turnaround time for custom drawings?

How will the custom drawing be delivered?

Can I order custom portrait drawings for imprinting on invitations?

What are your framing & art care tips for custom drawings?

Send a cute photo to the e-mail address at right to start your keepsake custom pencil drawing today.


Custom Pencil Drawings (in sepia tone)	Custom Classic & Antique Car Drawings

How do I choose a reference photo
for a custom drawing?

Almost everyone has a spectacular current or old photo than can be
used for a custom pencil portrait drawing. The photo at left was
produced by having a camera loaded and ready to shoot when this
cute scene presented itself as art worthy.

This drawing was created from the photo above and the photo was taken specifically for a drawing.

The first thing you need to do is check out your box or album for photos you love to see if you already have a photo appropriate for portraiture.

Second, after you find a photo (3 or 4 are great), check out my Photography Tips page to be sure it fits with the criterion I need to produce your beautiful drawing. Print out that page if necessary. These are very important.

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Can I create my own reference photo?

You bet. Making your own photos as a basis for portraiture can be quite fun. I used a 35mm zoom camera and 1, 36 exposure roll of 100 speed film on the subject at left. For color shots I like 100 or 200 speed film. Digital cameras work great and are the fastest way to get a photograph to us.

Please check with our Photography Tips page for ideas on how to take a usable
photo for portraiture purposes.

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What is your turnaround time for custom drawings?
(how to acquire custom drawings)

1. Your photo must be approved for artwork reference. Photos are generally sent by e-mail.
Photo approval takes about a day.

2. You will be asked to fill out an order form sent to you by e-mail and once received you will be sent a request
for funds based on your order form. This generally takes about a day assuming you are paying by PayPal.

3. Once the funds are received, the drawing begins which takes about 3 to 4 days to complete. Large pieces and
landscape/home drawings take longer.

4. You will be sent a proof of the drawing by e-mail (and imprinted items if applicable). This usually takes about 1 day.

5. Once the proof is approved, your order ships and unless instructed otherwise, will ship USPS INSURED, 3 day air.
You will receive by e-mail a tracking number, date, & time of your shipment.

The entire process from the time we receive a photo to approve until you have an order in your hands is around 10 days.
If there is a backlog when you contact us we will notify you of the approximate time we can start your order and you may be asked to pay a deposit to hold your place in line.

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How will the custom drawing be delivered?

All portrait drawings and custom imprinted items are delivered USPS INSURED.

Original artwork used to create custom drawings arrives wedged in between two pieces of foam core board. The foam board package is poly bagged for protection and shipped between two corrugated flats.

Your original reference photo arrives in a separate envelope, if applicable.

We take the utmost care in the handling of your custom drawing orders.
Your satisfaction is our main goal.

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Can I order custom portrait drawings for imprinting on invitations?

Yes. You can order custom portrait drawings of people, pets, & homes to be imprinted on party invitations, personalized note cards and holiday cards. See our price list page for to see just how easy it is to order a custom drawing imprinted on your unique party invitations.

You will love the rich tones and fully developed values in these drawings. They are not quick sketches, but rather photo-realistic renditions of the subject. Pencil drawings can include those of people, pets, & homes drawn from your reference photo. See photo tips here.

Choose from 3 color styles; graphite, color, or sepia.

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What are your framing & art care tips for custom drawings?

Acid free materials:
Be sure that all materials behind framing glass or plexi-glass are acid free. This should include the backer, the tape holding the artwork to the backer, the mats, and the surface the artwork was created on.
Matting or spacers:
Always use mats or spacers when framing. This insures that air circulates in and around the artwork. The glass of a frame should never sit directly on the art's surface.
Avoid direct UV light:
Don't hang any artwork in direct sunlight. UV rays will kill the artwork in fairly short order. UV destroys just about everything over time, but reduced exposure greatly increases the life of your artwork.
Atmospheric conditions:
Hang your fine art in a spot that you would be comfortable in such as dry, cool, circulated areas. If moving across country, keep fine art in a safe, dry, cool (not too cold or too hot) area and remember, if you are comfortable in your surroundings, the artwork will be, also.
Cleaning fine art framing:
When cleaning your fine art that is framed and hanging; always spray cleansers on a cloth, not directly on the glass of the framed artwork. Moisture can get between the glass and the art and ruin it. Also, know that if you frame with plexi-glass, you can't use any cleaner. It has to be usable on plexi-glass or you can ruin it in a big hurry. Read labels on all cleansers carefully before use.

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