Let’s Plan a Wonderful Piece of Art
I’m Jessica Barnaby, pet and people portrait artist
My portraits have a touch of whimsy and are created on archival-grade paper with the best quality professional materials, making treasured gifts that delight for years to come.
Whether you’re here for the first time or returning for another portrait, I make the entire experience enjoyable and special by helping you with all the important decisions. Together, we’ll cover things like:
- Planning the mood and composition for your piece
- Selecting a combination of medium and size that suits your budget
- Making sure any special requirements are met
- … and so much more
If you have any questions that aren’t answered on this page, please do contact me – I’m always happy to help.
I was introduced to Jessica’s work when I saw greeting cards she designed for my friend. I commissioned her to create artwork to mark my daughter’s first birthday and I couldn’t be more delighted! Her work is charming and makes us smile every day.
Private and Business Commissions
I work with private clients and also create themed artwork with full reproduction rights for restaurants, offices and corporate merchandise.
Pet Portraits
Celebrate the unique bond with your pet. I help you choose the reference photo and can combine multiple photos into a single piece of art.
People Portraits
Mark a special occasion with a portrait. Drawn from photo references, portraits and household scenes make powerful statement gifts.
Illustrations
You may purchase reproduction rights if you want to use commissioned artwork in your business to sell your own products
Overview of the Commissions Process
1) Choose Your Style & Subject
The most exciting part can also be the most overwhelming! But I will help you decide which is best for your budget and purpose.
- Do you want black and white artwork or colour?
- How many animals or people do you want in the image?
- What mood are you looking to create?
- Do you want a plain background or something more detailed?
- Do you have a single reference photo or do you have several photos to be combined?
- Do you want a standalone piece of art or do you want to reproduce it on greeting cards etc?
2) Select Paper Size
The size of the artwork determines the level of detail you can have.
I offer the following sizes.
| A2 | 594 x 420 mm | 23.4 x 16.5 in |
| A3 | 420 x 297 mm | 16.5 x 11.7 in |
| A4 | 297 x 210 mm | 11.7 x 8.3 in |
| A5 | 210 x 148 mm | 8.3 x 5.8 in |
- Multiple subjects work better on larger sizes, especially if you want to capture detail.
- Think about where you will be hanging or placing the artwork
- If you’re planning to order a digital render to place on a card or a mug, consider the dimensions of that too
3) Pay to Reserve Your Spot
Once payment has been made in full, your commission is scheduled into my calendar.
We have an in-depth discussion and select the photos to work from. We talk about colour preferences, background detail, and mood too.
We agree checkpoints and milestones of when you’d like to see progress shots to offer feedback. I’m keen to make sure you’ll be happy with the outcome so I also send you progress photos when I need to verify a detail.
When the portrait is complete, I send you a watermarked low-res digital scan for sign-off. Minor adjustments may be possible at this stage but cannot be guaranteed.
Then the artwork is mounted (if required) and postage costs are calculated. We send everything using a tracked and insured service and the artwork is despatched as soon as the postage invoice is paid.
If you don’t need to purchase a reproduction licence but want extra prints, you can order them from me at any time.
I gifted a portrait of the kids to their grandparents over lockdown and it was such a special way to connect during those stressful times. Jessica even arranged a print so we could have a copy for our living room too.
Commission Art Prices*
Black & White/Monochrome
Artwork is rendered in graphite, charcoal, pastels or conte crayon
Small (A5)
- Single Subject
Medium (A4)
- +£40 per additional subject
Large (A3)
- +£40 per additional subject
Extra Large (A2)
- +£40 per additional subject
Colour
Artwork is rendered in coloured pencil, pastels or watercolour
Small (A5)
- Single Subject
Medium (A4)
- +£50 per additional subject
Large (A3)
- +£50 per additional subject
Extra Large (A2)
- +£50 per additional subject
NEW: Semi Custom
I’m offering this new service as a budget-friendly way to enjoy custom artwork. This option will appeal to those who don’t mind their art commissions being resold.
In a nutshell, you pick a subject (a release form is required for people portraits) and supply a reference. Although you have some input as to the mood and composition, I draw it in the medium and style of my choice. You receive the original and I re-sell the artwork as prints or on merchandise.
Please contact me if this appeals to you.
*Postage not included. Additional charges apply for digitalisation, combining multiple photos and reproduction rights.
All materials are professional quality and archival.
Where mounting is offered, the price includes artwork mounted with my usual high-quality acid-free mount board. Additional charges apply for custom mount choices.
Cancellation policy: Full money-back guarantee on cancellations within 7 days of payment, unless work has already commenced on your art commission.
Terms & conditions apply.
Copyright and Privacy Promise
Good to Know
Your privacy matters to me
As the artist, copyright of your commission remains with me and legally I am free to display it online and earn money from it. However, I understand portrait commissions are a personal part of your life and memories and while a copy of your commissioned artwork will be retained as part of my portfolio, I do not reproduce or sell copies of your privately commissioned portraits.
For your complete peace of mind, know that by default, progress shots and completed commissions are not posted on social media or my website.
This was my first time commissioning art and Jessica asked exactly the right questions to help me plan what I wanted. It’s a portrait of us with our new puppy and it’s to celebrate our new home together.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I decide which photo to use for my art commission?
Select a photo that speaks to your heart. It doesn’t matter if the rest of the photo is “bad” so long as the subject is clear enough to see in detail. My art is freehand. I don’t use tracing paper, grids or projectors so this means I can fill in features and swap around or add details by looking at other photos you provide.
Is there anything I should know about the photos I send you?
The contract you sign before we begin gives me permission to use your photo and it is your responsibility to ensure you hold the copyright to the photo or have permission from the person who took it.
Can you combine two of my photos into one piece of art?
Yes! This is perfect to recreate a mood or to create a family portrait and include a person who was missing from the original photo. The price depends on the quality of the photos and how similiar they are in terms of lighting and positioning. I can quote for this once I’ve seen your photos.
Will you send me progress updates throughout the process?
I usually send progress updates only at key stages of the process where I need your feedback. I’m happy to accommodate more frequent updates if necessary and we can discuss this when you book.
Will you replicate my photo exactly?
There is realism in my style of art but I’m a freehand artist and don’t use tracing paper, grids or projectors. I don’t consider myself a photorealistic artist and don’t offer or promise exact replications.
What happens if I don’t like the finished portrait
It’s important to me that you are happy with the end result and I spend a lot of time understanding your requirements and obtaining feedback at key milestones to make sure the composition is as agreed. Ultimately though, you are purchasing custom art created through the eyes and hands of a particular artist at a certain point in time and with regret, refunds are not possible. For this reason I encourage you to browse my website and Instagram feed to become familar with my style so you can be mindful with your purchase.
What rights transfer to me when I receive my artwork?
The copyright of artwork stays with the artist who produced it, unless it was created under an employment “work for hire” situation or unless the artist signs over their rights for an additional fee. In practical terms, you are allowed to enjoy your commissioned artwork and share low-resolution snapshots on social media. You are not allowed to reproduce it in on items like calendars, t-shirts, cards, and mugs unless you’ve purchased reproduction rights.
Will you post my commissioned art on social media?
Your privacy is important to me so I do not post commisions on social media unless it’s with your permission. You are never pressured into giving your permission. In fact, my default position is never to post commissions online so you don’t even have to ask. Your privacy matters to me. You may of course post the artwork online yourself and if you do, then I’ll be delighted to share it.
How do I care for my commissioned artwork?
Care instructions will be enclosed when you receive your artwork. Original art should be kept out of direct sunlight and away from heat and moisture. If you need something for your bathroom or kitchen, I can arrange a print on a suitable surface such as acrylic or metal.
If you have a question that hasn’t been answered, please fill in the form below
Contact Jessica Barnaby
Whether you have a question or want to schedule a portrait, please fill in this form and I’ll get back to you shortly.