How the Custom Illustration Process Works (and Why It's Easier Than You Think)
Commissioning art can feel intimidating—where do you even start? Here’s the truth: bringing a custom illustration to life doesn’t have to be complicated. My process is simple, collaborative, and fun. By the end, you’ll have a one-of-a-kind piece of artwork that tells your story in a way no photo ever could.
Let me walk you through exactly how it works.
Step 1: Decide What You Want Illustrated
What do you want the star of your illustration to be? You don’t need to have all the details figured out (that’s where I come in). If you need inspiration, you can check out my portfolio. Here are the basics to think about:
A portrait of your family
A home or favorite travel destination
A portrait of your pet (s)
You can even combine these into one illustration—for example, your home with your family out front (dog included!). To commission this, you’d simply add the house, number of people, and number of pets to your cart.
Next we’ll choose a background or setting:
Solid or simple color
Pattern
A location - nature, city, iconic skyline
Finally you can add extras:
Small items ($25 each): plants, books, flowers, coffee cups, sports gear, etc.
Large items ($40 each): furniture, bookcases, bikes, seasonal items, etc.
For example: if you wanted a small living room scene, you might add 2 large items (chair + side table) and 3 small items (stack of books + two plants).
Step 2: Sketch + Concept
Once you’ve checked out, I’ll request photos. Don’t stress—these don’t need to be professional. I can even combine multiple shots (like one of your house, another of your family, and a pet pic) into a single cohesive illustration.
This is also when you can share notes: color preferences, style ideas, inspiration photos. I’ll then create a rough sketch to show you the layout and composition. This “blueprint” stage ensures we’re aligned before I dive into details.
Photos provided by client
Pencil sketch showing layout
Step 3: Refining the Artwork
After you approve the sketch, I bring it to life with ink and color. This is where your illustration starts to shine. You’ll see personality, details, and character added in—the things that make your piece uniquely yours.
You’ll also get one round of feedback here to make small tweaks if needed (like adjusting colors, adding a pet’s favorite toy, or refining tiny details).
Final Illustration
Step 4: The Final Piece
When everything looks perfect, you’ll receive a polished, high-resolution digital file of your illustration. From there, you can:
Print it as wall art
Use it on holiday cards (hello, keepsakes!)
Share it as a meaningful gift
Or simply treasure it for yourself
And because the file is yours, you can print and re-use it however you’d like—on stationery, framed art, or even future projects.
Why It Works
The best part?This process is collaborative but stress-free. You bring the inspiration, I bring the art. Together, we create something timeless that feels like you.
So whether you want to capture your home, your family, or a special milestone, commissioning a custom illustration is easier than you think—and the result is something you’ll cherish for years to come.
Frequently Asked Questions About Custom Illustrations
How long does it take?
Most custom portraits take 2–3 weeks start to finish (sketch, revisions, final delivery). If you’ve got a deadline (holiday, event, gift), let me know—I’ll always do my best to accommodate.
Do I need professional photos?
Not at all! Everyday snapshots work perfectly. I can even combine multiple photos—your house, family, and pet—into one piece.
Can you include pets, hobbies, or sentimental details?
Absolutely. Illustration is made for that. From dogs lounging in the yard to your favorite mug on the table, those small touches make your artwork personal.
What format will I receive?
You’ll get a high-resolution digital file (great for printing at any size), plus a web-friendly version for sharing online. Want it printed? Add it at checkout—I offer 5x7, 8x10, and 11x14 prints, as well as stationery and holiday cards.
Can I use the illustration for more than one purpose?
Yes! Once you have the file, you can print it as art, use it on cards, or create keepsakes. For commercial use (like business branding or products), I offer licensing options too.
What if I want changes?
Every project includes one round of revisions after the sketch and another at the color stage. You’ll feel confident every step of the way.
✨ Ready to get started? Learn more and commission your own custom piece on my Custom Portraits page.
