Question 1

What makes Spence Portraits unique?

Accepted Answer

Spence Portraits are 100% hand drawn.  That means there is no digital manipulation or enhancement.  You receive the original work of art drawn on high quality paper, matted and ready to be framed.  Unlike other portrait services, our portraits are made right here in the U.S.A. with no outsourcing.  Additionally, we've made our portraits affordable so this specialized service can be available to everyone.  Plus, Spence Portraits is a small-business husband and wife team where you are dealing directly with the people who are creating your work of art.  Learn more about us.

Question 2

How does the process work?

Accepted Answer

First decide which size you'd like - Small (11" x 14"), Medium (16" x 20"), or Large (18" x 24") on the Shop page.  Then choose your personalized options on the Product page such as framing preferences and the number of subjects your portrait will include.  Make sure to upload your photos, either on the Upload Photos page, or after you have completed your order. We will contact you within 24 hours to finalize your photo selection and to discuss any other details so that your portrait is personalized for you.

Question 3

What are the sizes, options & prices?"

Accepted Answer

We offer three Standard sizes: Small (8"x10" drawing, 11" x 14" with matting) - $95 Medium (11"x14" drawing, 16" x 20" with matting) - $135 Large (12"x18" drawing, 18" x 24" with matting) - $200 ***Sizes indicate the size of the portrait with the included white matting.  Custom sizes available - just ask!   Framing is available at an additional cost, depending on size. The framing options are Black, White, Natural, as well as Custon Framing for that added personalized touch.  Prices are on the Shop page for your convenience.  Pictures of the frames can be viewed on the Product page, once you choose your portrait size.

Question 4

What is included in my purchase?

Accepted Answer

You will receive the original, hand drawn work of art.  Each portrait comes in high quality white matting so it is ready to be framed. If you choose to include custom framing in your order, your portrait comes ready to be hung on the wall!  Additionally, each portrait is tastefully packaged making it gift-ready for any occasion.

Question 5

How many subjects / people can fit in each portrait size?

Accepted Answer

Small: 1-2 subjects Medium: 1-3 subjects Large: 1-4 subjects   These recommendations are meant to get the most detail into your portrait.  We are happy to include extra figures and/or background into any of the sizes at an extra cost.  The costs are on the Shop page and vary depending on the size of your portrait.

Question 6

How do I upload my photo(s)?

Accepted Answer

You can upload 1-3 photos prior to making your purchase via the Upload Photos page. Or, you can simply upload your photo(s) on the 'thank you' page after you've purchased your portrait.

Question 7

How do I know if my photo will make a good portrait?

Accepted Answer

It's all about resolution!  The more detailed the photo, the more detailed and stunning the portrait.  Sometimes we may suggest the photo be cropped slightly to take out any negative space or to center the figures.  We will make sure you are happy with the template before we begin.  Aside from this, as long as the photo is meaningful to you or the gift recipient, it is sure to make a beautiful portrait! Check out the Gallery to get some ideas and see how your portrait will look compared to the original photo.

Question 8

Can I combine multiple photos into one portrait?

Accepted Answer

Yes!  We are happy to combine multiple images.  You can upload up to three photos on the Upload page and communicate your vision for your portrait in the additional info section.  We will be sure to communicate with you as to what you would like and make sure that it will work as a portrait.

Question 9

How does the review process work?

Accepted Answer

The revision process is where we make sure you are 100% happy with your portrait.  You will receive a scan or photo of the completed portrait and you can then make any suggestions or revisions.  Only when you are satisfied will we mail your portrait to you.  If, for some reason, you are not pleased with your portrait let us know; we are happy to work with you.

Question 10

How long does it take?

Accepted Answer

Portraits take anywhere from 10-20 hours to create, depending on size and number of subjects.  We can have your portraits delivered to your door within 2-3 weeks, depending on current demand.  As soon as we approve your photo and get started we can let you know a more exact expected delivery date.

Question 11

How much does shipping cost?

Accepted Answer

Shipping is 100% free!  Standard shipping takes around 4-5 days to be delivered.  Expedited shipping takes 1-3 days and is available with an added cost.

Question 12

What if I need it by a certain date?

Accepted Answer

We are happy to work with you.  Often we can shuffle projects around in order to complete the most urgent project first.  Also, expedited shipping is available at an additional cost.

Question 13

How does Matt Spence do it?  How is my portrait created?

Accepted Answer

Matt Spence starts by outlining the basic proportions of your photo, making sure it's ready to be filled in with shading and detail.  He uses 8B or 9B pencils to fill in the darkest parts and makes sure the contrasts between light and dark are captivating and realistic.  Most importantly, he works to capture the essence of the figure, most often found in the details of the face.  A subject's face will generally be given much more attention and be more hyper-detailed. This is where extra photos of the subject can be helpful, if the reference photo happens to be blurry.  Even when a portrait looks finished, there are always more details to be worked on and Matt Spence doesn't finish a portrait until he (and you) are completely happy with it.

Question 14

Is there any kind of guarantee?

Accepted Answer

The revision process is where we make sure you are 100% happy with your portrait.  You will receive a scan or photo of the completed portrait and you can then make any suggestions or revisions.  Only when you are satisfied will we mail your portrait to you.  If, for some reason, you are not pleased with your portrait let us know; we are happy to work with you.

spence portraits

FAQ

Need help with sizing?

Large

Medium

Small

No time to frame?

want your portrait delivered ready to display?

custom sizing & FRAming available

spence portraits

Please reach out

with any Inquiries

Shop

Gallery

About

FAQ

Reviews

Upload Photos

FAQ