Frequently asked questions
CHECKOUT AND CURRENCY
What payment processor do you use?
Checkout is through Stripe – a secure payment system used by businesses worldwide. Stripe is a PCI Service Provider Level 1 which is the highest grade of payment processing security. All transactions are SSL protected and your information is securely transmitted during the processing of all payments.
I'm not in New Zealand, how much will my portrait cost?
My shop lists prices in New Zealand dollars. If you are in a different country, your currency will be calculated automatically after checkout.
Checkout is through Stripe – a secure payment system used by businesses worldwide. Stripe is a PCI Service Provider Level 1 which is the highest grade of payment processing security. All transactions are SSL protected and your information is securely transmitted during the processing of all payments.
I'm not in New Zealand, how much will my portrait cost?
My shop lists prices in New Zealand dollars. If you are in a different country, your currency will be calculated automatically after checkout.
Portraits
How does the process work?
Once you have commissioned a portrait you can send the photo that you would like me to work from to my email idlesappho@gmail.com. I will paint your portrait and check you are happy with it, then post you the original as well as sending you a high quality digital file of the painting so you can print your own copies.
Which photo should I choose?
For the best results, choose a clear, good quality photo – preferably not a close up selfie for portraits of two or more people as this throws the perspective off. If you’re not sure which photo would make the best portrait feel free to send me multiple photos to choose from and I can help you decide. For larger sized portraits I can only work from a high quality photo because of the amount of detail in the painting.
Can you combine photos to make portraits with more than one person?
Yes, if you don't have a photo with everyone together I can paint from two or more photos to create a couples or group portrait.
How long does it take to paint my portrait?
Your portrait will be painted and shipped within 5 business days for small and medium portraits and 2 weeks for large portraits. You will receive email confirmation with your tracking number once your item has been sent.
What materials are used to create my portrait?
I use an archival, acid free pigment liner with Winsor & Newton professional watercolour paints. Your portrait will be painted on Bockingford 300gsm cold pressed watercolour paper.
How should I care for my portrait?
To ensure that your painting lasts for a long time it is recommended that it is framed under glass with an acid free mat. To prevent fading do not hang the painting in direct sunlight.
Privacy concerns
I delete any photographs you provide after I have painted your portrait and do not share them with any third party. I do not publish your finished portrait on my website or share it on any social media. The only exception is if I specifically ask your permission to do so and you agree. I will only use your email address to communicate with you about your portrait and will not share it with any third parties.
Once you have commissioned a portrait you can send the photo that you would like me to work from to my email idlesappho@gmail.com. I will paint your portrait and check you are happy with it, then post you the original as well as sending you a high quality digital file of the painting so you can print your own copies.
Which photo should I choose?
For the best results, choose a clear, good quality photo – preferably not a close up selfie for portraits of two or more people as this throws the perspective off. If you’re not sure which photo would make the best portrait feel free to send me multiple photos to choose from and I can help you decide. For larger sized portraits I can only work from a high quality photo because of the amount of detail in the painting.
Can you combine photos to make portraits with more than one person?
Yes, if you don't have a photo with everyone together I can paint from two or more photos to create a couples or group portrait.
How long does it take to paint my portrait?
Your portrait will be painted and shipped within 5 business days for small and medium portraits and 2 weeks for large portraits. You will receive email confirmation with your tracking number once your item has been sent.
What materials are used to create my portrait?
I use an archival, acid free pigment liner with Winsor & Newton professional watercolour paints. Your portrait will be painted on Bockingford 300gsm cold pressed watercolour paper.
How should I care for my portrait?
To ensure that your painting lasts for a long time it is recommended that it is framed under glass with an acid free mat. To prevent fading do not hang the painting in direct sunlight.
Privacy concerns
I delete any photographs you provide after I have painted your portrait and do not share them with any third party. I do not publish your finished portrait on my website or share it on any social media. The only exception is if I specifically ask your permission to do so and you agree. I will only use your email address to communicate with you about your portrait and will not share it with any third parties.
PACKAGING
How will my art be packaged?
Portraits A3 size or smaller will be carefully packaged in a clear cello bag with backing card and posted in a rigid mailer. Larger sizes will be posted in a mailing tube. Packaging materials are archival and acid free to ensure that your art will last for many years.
Portraits A3 size or smaller will be carefully packaged in a clear cello bag with backing card and posted in a rigid mailer. Larger sizes will be posted in a mailing tube. Packaging materials are archival and acid free to ensure that your art will last for many years.
How do I flatten my portrait that has been shipped in a tube?
If you are having your portrait professionally framed it is best to let your framer flatten your portrait for you. However, if you are framing the portrait yourself, prepare a clean, flat space such as a table. Keeping the portrait in the protective clear bag it comes in, lay the portrait flat and face down and weigh down with books on each corner and in the middle. Leave the painting like this for at least 24 hours.
If you are having your portrait professionally framed it is best to let your framer flatten your portrait for you. However, if you are framing the portrait yourself, prepare a clean, flat space such as a table. Keeping the portrait in the protective clear bag it comes in, lay the portrait flat and face down and weigh down with books on each corner and in the middle. Leave the painting like this for at least 24 hours.
DELIVERY
How much does postage cost?
Standard shipping is free within New Zealand. Overnight courier delivery is $10.
Is postage tracked?
All New Zealand postage options are tracked.
How long will delivery take?
Free standard New Zealand postage takes 2 – 5 business days and overnight courier takes 1 - 2 business days.
Do you offer international postage?
Yes, I ship worldwide - international shipping for small and medium portraits is $6NZD and large portraits are $28NZD. Both options are untracked. International Courier is also available for $50NZD and is tracked. Please allow up to 30 business days for international delivery.
Standard shipping is free within New Zealand. Overnight courier delivery is $10.
Is postage tracked?
All New Zealand postage options are tracked.
How long will delivery take?
Free standard New Zealand postage takes 2 – 5 business days and overnight courier takes 1 - 2 business days.
Do you offer international postage?
Yes, I ship worldwide - international shipping for small and medium portraits is $6NZD and large portraits are $28NZD. Both options are untracked. International Courier is also available for $50NZD and is tracked. Please allow up to 30 business days for international delivery.
REFUNDS AND CANCELLATIONS
What if I’m not happy with my portrait?
In some cases (eg. if I am combining more than one photo or if specifically requested) I will send an initial sketch for you to approve. When I have painted your portrait I will send you a low resolution photo of the painting. If you are not satisfied with the result I am happy to make minor changes or refund you. If you are happy with it I will email you a high quality scan and post you the original portrait.
What happens if my painting is lost or damaged in the post?
If your portrait is damaged in transit and you contact me within 7 days of delivery you can return your order for a refund. If your portrait doesn't arrive on time please contact me.
Can I cancel my order?
Yes, if you contact me within 2 days of purchase I can cancel and refund your order.
In some cases (eg. if I am combining more than one photo or if specifically requested) I will send an initial sketch for you to approve. When I have painted your portrait I will send you a low resolution photo of the painting. If you are not satisfied with the result I am happy to make minor changes or refund you. If you are happy with it I will email you a high quality scan and post you the original portrait.
What happens if my painting is lost or damaged in the post?
If your portrait is damaged in transit and you contact me within 7 days of delivery you can return your order for a refund. If your portrait doesn't arrive on time please contact me.
Can I cancel my order?
Yes, if you contact me within 2 days of purchase I can cancel and refund your order.
