commission cathy

Get in touch as soon as you can - even if it’s only idea stage. Where you are looking for a piece to be done by a particular deadline, please let me know and I’ll always try to facilitate you as best as I can.  Most commissions take between 1–4 weeks, but if you have a specific deadline (such as a birthday, anniversary, launch, or event), just let me know and I’ll do my best to accommodate. Waiting times will depend upon how busy I am at any given time, however, I will always be able to give an approximate completion date. 

Christmas & Seasonal Commissions

Please note that Christmas is the busiest time of year for commissions, especially for window illustrations, personalised gifts and printed artwork. Due to printing lead times and postal delivery deadlines, I have a limited number of slots available in the lead-up to the festive season.

To avoid disappointment, it’s best to book Christmas commissions by September-October but if it is later it’s still worth getting in touch to check.

I need the best images you can send me & the more the better! This will help me deliver the best result for you.  Please take a clear picture with no flash and in natural daylight. If I live near you I am more than happy to pop by! Internet screenshots & photos and Whats app or social media sharing can be limiting. 

My style is to add personality so we will work through how simple or stylised you’d like your commission. Thinking about colours, architectural structures, hobbies or family members can add personality. 

Home portraits - I will ask for as much detail as possible including gardens, brick details, paths & walls. 

Pet Portraits - Send a photo of your loved animal as you would like him / her portrayed. For example a pose you love. Show full head to toe, side to side depiction. And if the eyes are not clear additional photos with clarity on your pets eyes and colour is key. Eyes bring a pet portrait alive.

Venue portraits - similarly, the more information & details such as architectural delights or colours & themes the better (might be from indoors, such as wallpaper or schemes)

Usually customers want an art piece and will receive a fine-art print. Sometimes the digital file is required for use too. Sizes can be agreed during the process and will offer advice where needed.

I favour the quality and benefits of fine art giclée printing over standard digital printing. My fine art prints are on the highest standard 300gsm cotton rag archival paper. This means that this paper will resist deterioration or yellowing over time and will preserve all colours printed on it.

Giclée printing is a high-quality digital printing method used to produce fine art reproductions. It involves using specialised inkjet printers to spray microscopic droplets of archival-quality inks onto fine art paper or canvas. The process is known for its exceptional detail, colour accuracy, and longevity, making it a popular choice for artists and photographers. 

A commission can be completed to any size. My process is mainly hand-drawing but I will format the illustration in Photoshop. If it is personal commission, choose a size you would like, depending on the space you intend to hang your artwork. If it is for personal use. I usually recommend a minimum size of A3 or you will lose the detail which is in my work. If you hope to have an off the shelf / pre-made frame (e.g. From John Lewis, BGA etc) I recommend you check which sizes are available. Some common sizes include A3, A4, 40x40cm”. 

Bespoke sizing can mean bespoke framing but it can add a premium aesthetic to a premium artwork.

I provide the Illustration / artwork printed, as per my prints in my shop, using giclée fine art printing on cotton rag 300gsm paper. I don’t usually frame unfortunately. I can offer framing for collection only. This is subject to certain sizes and the frames I stock frames for my own work.

I can of course provide an idea of what will work best with your artwork within the space it's intended for. 

I can recommend framers I use locally in Cheshire and Stockport. Just let me know and we can discuss the best options for you!

I can ship all unframed pieces worldwide. All unframed commissions are sent via registered mail with Royal Mail - the UK postal service. Alternatively if you would like a courier service this can be explored but may incur additional cost.

A4 sized unframed pieces are sent flat in a special padded envelope. All A3 & larger pieces are sent in a large postal tube to ensure your piece arrives safely. I recommend unpacking your piece as soon as it arrives & lying flat.