First, I'd like to explain why I make reference to "the animal." I refer to the subject as "the animal" because I'm assuming some people may want to have a painting done of their favorite animal they view from their picture window or at the local zoo, etc. and not necessarily their pet.

Please read this entire page BEFORE contacting me. This will help you understand what you can expect of me and what I will need from you.

• First, you'll need to contact me using my Availability Request Form to verify my availability. I may be booked with other commissions and unable to take you immediately. I will attempt to get back to you as soon as possible either way.
• If I am available, we will discuss the particulars of the project and agree upon a final price, anticipated completion date, etc. and I will send you a contract. The contract will be written to protect you, the consumer, as well as myself.
• Once we agree upon the particulars of the project and I receive the signed contract, I will begin the project.
• Before officially starting the project, I will send you a rough draft/quick sketch of what I think you're wanting. At this point you will have the right to approve or disapprove of the work. At this point you are also able to get out of the contract without any obligation.
• If you are satisfied with what I have sent you at this point, we will begin the project. At this point a 20% non-refundable deposit will be due.
• Once I have received the deposit, I will begin the official painting process.
• There will be several phases to the project. I guarantee all my work and therefore, during each phase you will be sent a copy of the work-to-date for your approval before work will proceed. In other words, you don't have to worry that you'll receive the final artwork and it be nothing like what you expected. You will be involved in each step and be able to tell me if you don't like what you see so far. To see an example of the process, please click here.
• Depending on the complexity of the project, it may take 4 - 6 weeks to complete the painting. Once completed, you will be sent a final copy of the artwork. Once you approve the final artwork, the balance will be due. Installment payments can be arranged for your convenience, if needed. I will be more than happy to work with you. However, the original artwork will not be shipped until payment is received in full.

• Good photographs of the animal.

• I will need good quality .jpeg or .gif files of the photograph you want to use as the pose as well as other pictures of the animal. I prefer that they be .jpeg files since they are more suitable to photos. Most photo editing software create .jpeg files.
• It is also very important that the photographs are your's or a friend's. I will not accept any copyrighted or published photographs. If you have not personally taken the photographs, I will need written approval from the photographer to use the photographs - even if it is just a friend of yours. I feel very strongly about copyrights and infringement protection.
• Please make sure that the animal is quite visible. Do not take pictures of the animal at odd angles, such as from above.
• The closer the animal is to the camera the better but, too close is also bad. It is difficult to paint an animal realistically based on a photo shot from across the room. It is also diffucult to paint the animal from a picture of strictly the eyes and nose of the animal. Just use common sence and you'll be fine.
• Please send several different photos so I can get an idea of what the animal looks like, but please make sure to identify which one is the pose you want to use for the painting.

• A physical description of your animal.

• Describe your animal's distinguishing physical features. Since most manual cameras do not do justice to an animal's eyes, I need to know the eye color. For example: light brown with a hint of green; light green; dark brown; dark brown, almost black, etc. Describe any physical characteristic that may not appear on the photos. Example: white spot on nose, bent whiskers, notch in an ear, or any other distinctive characteristic unique to your animal.
• As best as you can, tell me the breed or mix of the animal. For example: my cat is a Siamese Tabby.

• A description of your animal's personality traits.

• To know the animal's personality will help me while painting to add life to the artwork. Each animal has a unique personality that seperates them from the pack and endears them to your heart. Let me know why you want to create this everlasting tribute to your animal.

• A description of your vision for the painting.

• I need to know what you're looking for in the painting. Be able to explain the painting you want me to create. If you have them, provide me with examples of other paintings similar to what you want me to paint.

I sign all my commissioned work and they all come with a Certificate of Authenticity (COA), which is also proof of your ownership of the artwork. Please read your Owner Rights and Responsibilities as the owner of a work by Vicky Seymour.

Thank you for your interest in commissioning me to paint your special friend. I look forward to hearing from you soon and know that together we can create a masterpiece for your family to treasure forever.

Thanks, Vicky