The portrait commissioning process explained by a professional artist
Commissioning a portrait is an artistic and personal process. Whether it’s a souvenir, a gift or a work of art to mark an important moment, understanding the process allows you to approach the experience with serenity and confidence.
With over thirty years’ experience as a professional illustrator, notably for luxury houses and exceptional events, here I explain the different stages of a portrait commission.
1. Initial contact and exchange
Every order begins with a discussion. This interview is essential: it allows me to understand your expectations, the use of the portrait (personal, gift, event), the desired style, as well as the deadline. It’s also the time to answer any questions you may have. Are you aware that I only draw digitally on a tablet? Do you like my style, and is it consistent with your brand or expertise?
How many guests will you have? Are you aware that I draw portraits in about 10 minutes, which means 5 to 7 portraits per hour depending on the finishing touches? All these questions are to guide you in your choices, so that the portraits correspond fully to your expectations and you are completely happy with the service.
2. Choosing visual references for remote on-demand portraits
For a commissioned portrait from a distance, quality photographs are essential. I’ll help you select the most appropriate images: posture, expression, lighting, outfit. These elements play a key role in the success of the portrait, enabling me to capture the essence of the person while maintaining a faithful and elegant artistic interpretation.
3. Style and format validation
Each artist has a signature. The style, technique (drawing, illustration, line, color) and final format are defined beforehand. This step guarantees perfect consistency between your expectations and my artistic universe.
When working on commissions for luxury houses or prestigious events, this phase is particularly important in order to respect the brand’s identity and image. My style is in me, and I can only design in that style. If this works for you, that’s great, because you can be perfectly confident that your drawings will come out perfectly.
4. Making the portrait
Once all the elements have been validated, the creation can begin. The time required depends on the type of portrait, but each work is executed with the same exacting standards and attention to detail. The objective is not only likeness, but above all emotion, presence and elegance of line.
For on-demand portraits, I will send you a digital proof prior to validation. Once your approval has been given, you will receive the portrait printed on fine art paper, at your address. At live portrait eventsthere is no validation, as the main thing is to draw as many guests as possible.
5. Delivery and finishing
The portrait is delivered to you within the agreed time (maximum 10 working days after your approval), carefully packaged. I deliver portraits worldwide using FedEx or UPS, depending on the destination. Portraits are delivered unframed, but I can also offer plexiglass framing on request.
A tailor-made artistic experience
Commissioning a portrait is not a trivial act: it’s a collaboration between the artist and the client. My role is to accompany you every step of the way, with discretion, professionalism and an eye for detail, in order to transform an idea or a moment into a unique, timeless work of art. Contact Véronique Jacquart today today for expert advice and tailor-made support.
Frequently Asked Questions
The process begins with a discussion to understand your expectations, followed by validation of the style, details and deadline before the portrait is produced.
You’ll usually need to provide reference photos, style preferences, portrait usage and any other important information to personalize the work.
Turnaround time depends on the type of portrait and its complexity, but a portrait can be produced in a few minutes for events, or in several days for a customized order.
Yes, you can choose a style based on the artist’s portfolio, to ensure that the result matches your expectations and your project.
Yes, artists often offer services at events, with live portraits taken for guests.