Policies & FAQ's
I am currently only taking orders on a limited release basis. Due to my busy schedule being a Mama to my three darling babes, I prefer to release my work in batches so that I can be sure that I will have your orders to you when I have time to dedicate to my creative work.
TURNAROUND
The turnaround time for completion is currently 4 - 8 weeks. Once you have made your purchase the next available position will be reserved for you. Please note, it is your responsibility to gather and send your photographs and information before this timeframe can commence.
POSTAGE
Included in each listing is regular 'postage and packaging' costs. If you wish to purchase registered post for your portrait (within Australia), please also purchase the 'registered post' listing. Please note that any unregistered parcels will not be replaced should they go missing during transit, so please consider registered post. If you are ordering a portrait which requires overseas postage, please be aware of the customs regulations of your country and whether any additional fees will be payable on arrival in your part of the world.
PHOTOGRAPHS AND INFORMATION
Once your order is placed you can begin to collect some important information and photographs for me to create your portrait sketch. My 'illustration guide' will be emailed to you, which will assist you with gathering up all of the info I will need.
ROUGH SKETCH and COMPLETED ILLUSTRATION
You will be sent a rough sketch of your custom portrait once you have paid in full, and I have received all of your photographs and supporting information as requested in my 'illustration guide'. Check your junk mail regularly if you are waiting for your rough sketch, as sometimes they accidentally find their way in there! When viewing your sketch it is important to remember that I have drawn you in my own unique style (see ARTISTIC STYLE below).
If you love your sketch, let me know! It's great to hear positive feedback. If it doesn't seem quite right (this happens sometimes, don't worry) I would really appreciate your constructive feedback. If you can pinpoint specific details which need adjustment, this is super helpful. For example, "my chin needs to be more rounded" / "my daughters hair should be shoulder-length" / "my husbands hairline is more square". If you can send an additional photograph or two to help represent the adjustments needed, that is always appreciated. The rough sketch approval stage is your opportunity to provide input on your portrait. I love to work together as a team and need you to pick up on any adjustments / additions / changes at this point. If you do not pick up on things that have been missed (for example, a sentimental necklace, or wrong style of belt / glasses / shoes), then I can't be expected to include these without this being clearly communicated and understood before I commence painting. It is important to note that the rough sketch and the final completed illustration will be slightly different. The rough sketch is drawn using a digital pen straight into illustration software on my computer. This is then printed, and using a lightbox I transfer the drawing using pencil onto heavy watercolour paper. With this process in mind, please understand that no two drawings using different media (digital vs. hand-drawn pencil) are exactly identical. I reserve the right to make decisions about the artwork, in the event there is no information given to me regarding particular details. For example, if no colour for shoes has been mentioned, I will choose a colour which I feel is cohesive to the overall artwork.REFUNDS AND RETURNS
Requests for refunds will be assessed on an individual basis. Refunds will not be given for change of mind. Refunds will be considered for a faulty product, a breach in a guarantee made about the product, or if it was unsafe.
PACKAGING
I love the romance of receiving something special in the mail. Therefore, I pride myself on using packaging that is not only beautiful, but functional and environmentally conscious. Where possible I aim to use post-consumer waste recycled and recyclable packaging supplies.
ARTISTIC STYLE
When commissioning and paying for a custom Illustration by Erin, you do so with the knowledge of Erin's unique style. Her style is constantly evolving, and her services are of a unique nature. Each illustration may be different to illustrations created in the past, and in creating your illustration, Erin will use her own artistic judgement to create a portrait which is consistent with her personal aesthetic and style. Accordingly, it is essential to acknowledge that the illustration shall not be subject to rejection after its completion on the basis of taste, or aesthetic criteria.
GICLEE PRINTS
What is a Giclee Print?
Pronounced 'zhee-klay' this is a form of digital fine art reproduction. Using fade-resistant inks and high quality 310gsm Hahnemuehle 'German Etching' paper, this technique produces a beautiful print which is difficult to set apart from the original.
MATERIALS
What materials do you use?
For all custom original illustrations I use high quality Winsor & Newton watercolours, Daler Rowney gouache paint, Cretacolor pencils, and Arches 300gsm smooth watercolour paper.
REPRINTS
Do you offer reprints?
My Illustrated Portraits are original, one of a kind, custom works of art. At this stage I do not offer printed versions of original illustrations, but hopefully soon I will be able to consider this as an option.
LARGE FAMILIES
What is the largest family portrait size you offer?
For large families, I use A3 paper (dimensions 29.7cm x 42cm). To date the largest family portrait I have done is 19 family members! I am always up for a challenge and willing to work with you on creating an illustration which includes all of your loved ones and furry friends together.
FRAMINGDo you offer framing?
At this stage, I do not offer framing and mounting. But I am happy to work with you and give advice on options for you to have your illustration professionally framed.
COMMUNICATIONI've emailed you a question, when will I hear back?
I try my hardest to seperate studio time and family time. My studio days are most Mondays, Wednesdays and Thursdays. During these days I try my best to catch up on emails, but at times my reply could be delayed. If you haven't heard from me and have a really important matter that needs solving with urgency, you can also try to contact me through Facebook (Oh Babybird Illustration), or instagram (@ohbabybird).
UNCLAIMED PORTRAITSI forgot to reply to your emails to arrange our portrait last year, can I still get it done?
If you have paid for a waiting list deposit, a gift voucher for yourself, or paid for a portrait in full and forgotten to reply to my emails to arrange the portrait, it can still be done. Great communication is preferred and I am more than happy to reschedule your portrait if the timing is not right for your original booking. Please be aware that over time, my prices do increase, and you may need to cover the difference in price if your original purchase price is different to current portrait retail prices.