Frequently Asked Questions

Alison Chinn - Pet Portrait and Wildlife Artist

Artwork FAQs

  • Yes! My work mostly consists of commissions. Pet Portraits are most popular but I also create wildlife pieces and bespoke artworks for individuals or companies. Please visit my Commissions Page for more info.

  • Coloured Pencils! I’ve dabbled in many different mediums over the years including acrylic paint, which I hope to do more with, soon! I find colour pencil to be a really elegant way to work by adding multiple layers of pigment to achieve a realistic, high quality portrait. You can see examples of my work here.

  • Yes! When it comes to drawing, the technique is all about the type of pencil stroke and layering that creates the art, not the animal itself. Most of my portraits may be cats, dogs, and horses - but I’m more than happy to create any animal you like!

  • Yes! If you would like to book a commission, at least one high quality photograph is required for me to create the artwork. You can send as many to me as you like! For more information on what photographs are good to use, please visit my blog post.

  • It’s not a problem. High-quality doesn’t necessarily mean professional, although they are perfect to work from! A decent high-spec phone camera will do, lots of natural light and a steady hand. Read my photography blog post for tips on how to take the best reference photos.

  • As many as you like! My prices are based off one subject, with additional costs for second and third. But if you require many multiples, get in touch for an accurate quote.

  • I try my very best to accommodate all deadlines, whether it’s for a birthday, an anniversary or an event. If your event is coming up soon, I may be able to fit you in depending on the time frame, but availability is not guaranteed. Get in touch to ask whether I can meet your deadline.

  • My prices are based on one subject per paper size. The price reflects the number of hours that goes into my art, the quality of the materials used and my skill. You will always receive a portrait to a good size in proportion to the paper (on Mock Up approval). Please see the pricelist on the commissions page.

  • Yes! I work with a brilliant local framer (Fine Art Trade Guild member) that houses a variety of different frame styles. I purchase the glazing separately from another local supplier - however if you are outside the UK, framing may or may not be possible, so please discuss with me your requirements first.

  • As a standard, I offer my clients UV-resistant, anti-glare glass glazing for portraits, known as Art Glass AR70. This is the best glass option for reflection-free and neutral viewing. It also incorporates a 70% UV filter to protect valuable artwork from fading over time. The visible difference between this and standard glass is incredible, which is why it’s my preferred choice. However, if you’d rather opt for Perspex, a lighter and cheaper option, this is also UV-protected but as it’s plastic, it will attract more dust and require more cleaning than glass.

  • By Collection or arranged Delivery. If you live locally, you’re more than welcome to arrange a collection! Otherwise, the portrait will be posted to you via a tracked service. I have a standard rate for postage in the UK, though bigger sizes and abroad will be different. Please see my pricing on my commissions page for more details on this.

Shop FAQs

  • Shop orders are dispatched within 3-5 working days.

    Standard UK Delivery: delivery within 2-5 days of dispatch

    Express UK Delivery: delivery within 1-3 days of dispatch

    If you are ordering from outside the UK, please visit my Etsy shop instead.

  • Oh no! Please wait at least 5 working days for your order to show up, if it’s still not with you or you’d like me to see if I can track it - please get in touch and I’ll do my best to locate it for you.

    Please be aware Royal Mail strikes may affect shipping times, and these are unfortunately out of my control.

  • If you have any issues with your order please get in touch to discuss with me, and I’ll do my absolute best to sort the problem out with you.

  • If you’re not satisfied with your order for any reason, please get in touch to let me know. Returns can only be made within 30 days of purchase, and I’ll review them on a case-by-case basis.

  • Yes! Please get in touch to ask for framing options according to your requirements, I work with my wonderful local framer who have multiple options available.

  • As a small business, I feel it’s really important that I take care of my business footprint. I always aim to reduce, reuse and recycle as much as I can. Your portrait, will arrive packed with recycled, recyclable and or biodegradable material. Wherever I work, I try to avoid unnecessary packaging and paperwork. Most of all, I strive to create gifts that are not single-use or disposable, but should be treasured and last a lifetime.

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