Portrait Commission Guide

Welcome to Kaori Lockwood Art Commissions

Thank you for your interest in a custom portrait! This guide walks you through exactly what to expect from start to finish, so your experience is smooth and your portrait is something you'll treasure.

 

1. Reference Photos

Great portraits start with great references. Please send:

  • 3–5 clear photos of your subject (person or pet), taken in good natural light
  • At least one front-facing or three-quarter view showing the face clearly
  • Any detail photos you'd like captured — eye colour, markings, jewellery, etc.
  • A brief note on mood or style you're after (e.g. warm and joyful, moody and painterly)

Blurry, heavily filtered, or very small images make it difficult to capture accurate likeness. The better the references, the better the result.

2. Likeness & Approval

Capturing an accurate likeness is my priority. Here's how it works:

  • I'll share a sketch or initial composition for your approval before moving to the finished painting
  • At this stage you can request changes to pose, expression, composition, or proportion
  • Once you approve the reference, I proceed to the final artwork — changes to core likeness after this point may incur additional charges

3. Revisions

Each commission includes two rounds of revisions:

  • Round 1 — at the sketch/draft stage (composition, pose, proportions)
  • Round 2 — at the near-finished stage (colour, tone, minor details)

Additional revision rounds beyond these two are available at an hourly rate. Please consolidate your feedback clearly in each round to keep the process efficient.

4. Progress Updates

You'll receive updates at key milestones:

  • Sketch/Draft — for your approval before painting begins
  • Mid-progress — so you can see the work taking shape
  • Near-finished — final chance for minor adjustments

Updates are sent via email. Please keep an eye on your inbox (and spam folder!) and respond within 5 business days to keep your commission on track.

5. Timing & Turnaround

Current turnaround is approximately 3–6 weeks from deposit payment, depending on queue and complexity. You'll receive an estimated completion date when your commission is confirmed.

Rush commissions may be available — please ask when you enquire.

6. Exclusivity & Usage

  • You receive the physical artwork (for traditional commissions) or a high-resolution digital file (for digital commissions)
  • Personal use is included — you may print, frame, and share the portrait for personal purposes
  • Commercial use rights (e.g. merchandise, advertising) require prior arrangement and additional licensing
  • Kaori Lockwood Art retains the right to share process photos and the finished piece in portfolio and on social media, unless you request privacy at the time of commissioning

7. Delivery

Digital commissions: Delivered as a high-resolution file via email or download link within 1 week after final approval.

Physical commissions: Shipped tracked and insured once full payment is received. Shipping times vary by location — Australian orders typically arrive within 5–10 business days; international orders 2–4 weeks.

Ready to Commission?

Head to the Contact page to get in touch. Please include the subject "Commission Enquiry" in your message along with a brief description of what you'd like and your preferred size/medium.

I look forward to creating something special for you!