Q1. What if I don't know exactly what I want?

Never fear! You can order a portrait before you know, in fact, most people do! I have tons of experience helping folks like you choose the portrait style that's right for them. I'll talk you through the options, explain any jargon, and we'll figure out what fits your style, will work best with your photos, and of course, make the subject look fabulous!

Q2. How long will it take?

This depends on my current workload, however, most charcoal and pencil portraits can be completed in a few weeks. Colored pencil and pastel pieces require more color layering and therefore can often take a month or more.

Q3. I'm in a rush! Can you speed it up a little?

I'll do my best! I do offer a rush service for an additional 10%. I'll kick it up a notch, put you to the top of the list, and can in most cases can cut the time in half. If the portrait is a gift, there is always the option to give a Gift Certificate. They can be shipped next day.

Q4. Which photo(s) should I send you?

The ones that always make you smile and best capture their personality! However there are a few photo qualities that best translate to artwork.

1. Bigger is better! Big photos will show individual hair and eye details.
2. Avoid blur! Photos where the animal is moving can be blurry, zoom in to check and make sure everything is crystal clear.
3. Perfect lighting! Avoid photos where the animal has big black shadows and big bright highlights.

If you follow these three qualities, you've got a good shot at getting a great portrait!

Q5. Can you remove the halter/collar/person/dirt/slober/hat...

Yes! As long as it's not covering any essentials (like the eyes, for example) then it can be removed. You'll never know it was ever there!

Q6. What if I don't like my artwork?

This has yet to happen! True fact. However I definitely understand the concern. All of my portraits come with a 100% Happiness Guarantee. I'll keep you in the loop with photo updates along the way and I wont ship it until you approve the final photo. If you don't like it when it arrives, you can ship it right back, I'll cover the cost. In the end, you don't like it, you don't pay for it. Simple as that.

Q6. What forms of payment do you accept?

I accept Cash, Check, Paypal, and Bank Transfer. If you'd prefer to pay another way, I can usually make that work as well.

Q6. I have more questions!

Get in touch! You can write to me directly at artwork@risakent.com any time and I'll get right back to you. There are no silly questions!