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. 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. I will paint your portrait then email you a photo to check you are happy with the result. I will then make any changes you have requested and get your final approval of the artwork before couriering it to you.
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 are 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 very 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 within 2 weeks. If you need it sooner let me know and I will do my best to work with you. 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 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. I will only use your email address to communicate with you about your portrait and will not share it with any third parties. When purchasing a portrait you have the option to allow me to share your portrait or keep it private. If you choose to keep your artwork private I will not publish your finished portrait on my website or share it on any social media.
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. 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. I will paint your portrait then email you a photo to check you are happy with the result. I will then make any changes you have requested and get your final approval of the artwork before couriering it to you.
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 are 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 very 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 within 2 weeks. If you need it sooner let me know and I will do my best to work with you. 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 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. I will only use your email address to communicate with you about your portrait and will not share it with any third parties. When purchasing a portrait you have the option to allow me to share your portrait or keep it private. If you choose to keep your artwork private I will not publish your finished portrait on my website or share it on any social media.
Packaging
How will my art be packaged?
Portraits A3 size or smaller will be carefully packaged in a clear cello bag with backing board and posted in a cardboard mailer. A2 portraits 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 board and posted in a cardboard mailer. A2 portraits 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?
Delivery within New Zealand is $10 nationwide via NZ Post overnight courier. Tiny portraits and gift certificates are $5.
Is postage tracked?
Yes it is - your tracking number will be provided once the portrait has been sent.
How long will delivery take?
Overnight courier takes 1 - 2 business days. Please allow for possible delays due to Covid-19.
Do you offer international delivery?
Yes, I ship worldwide - international shipping is tracked and costs $30NZD. Please allow up to 15 business days for international delivery.
Delivery within New Zealand is $10 nationwide via NZ Post overnight courier. Tiny portraits and gift certificates are $5.
Is postage tracked?
Yes it is - your tracking number will be provided once the portrait has been sent.
How long will delivery take?
Overnight courier takes 1 - 2 business days. Please allow for possible delays due to Covid-19.
Do you offer international delivery?
Yes, I ship worldwide - international shipping is tracked and costs $30NZD. Please allow up to 15 business days for international delivery.
Refunds and Cancellations
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?
If you would like to cancel your order please contact me within 2 days and I will cancel and refund your order.
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?
If you would like to cancel your order please contact me within 2 days and I will cancel and refund your order.
