WHO ARE THESE MODELS?
What models? 99% of my portraits are women all over the world who commissioned me to create beautiful artworks of them as self esteem boosters, hierlooms, investments, unique gifts ideas for birthdays, weddings, engagements, Christmas gifts and more. None are models but I make them as beautiful as they want to be. I'd be honored to paint you.
I WANT A PORTRAIT BUT I AM NOT "SO PRETTY"!
Look at my "before and afters" to fully appreciate the transformative process I carve into each piece. You would be surprised how many of women I paint aren't traditionally "photogenic", "model-esque". Many felt intimidated pre-portrait. Most are real women via Instagram, Pinterest, Twitter, Facebook, and from over 40 countries.
It's a passion of mine to excavate the deepest inner beauty every woman posseses and to show her true reflection the look and feel beautiful because I think ALL women are beautiful. As long as your eyes have soul, I can make you shine a little bit brighter. Want to add curves? Reduce a few bumps? Need hips? A wasp-hourglass shape? Long locks? Curls? Not a problem. Since I make up the body, hair and wardrobe from imagination, anything is possible.
HOW LONG DOES IT TAKE?
Depending on the complexity, portraits take 4 - 10 months to complete.
HOW LONG IS YOUR WAITING LIST?
Much like a popular tattoo artist, I have a current waiting list at 45 people deep. ( 4 - 10 month wait for those who've already made deposits ) I have a first come first served policy. The sooner I can lock you into my calendar with the deposit, the faster you get to the final product. However, if payment is made upfront in full, you cut the line from #45 to #10 and get you it around 4 month turnaround rather than the 10 months wait.
SHOULD I HOLD OFF UNTIL WAITING LIST SUBSIDES BEFORE MAKING DEPOSIT?
A deposit is the only way to get on my calendar / waiting list. First come first served with exception to full upfront payment. At a 4 - 10 month wait with 2 people booking me a week that pushes my calendar further ahead. In other words, you won't get art until 5 years from now. To see current wait, visit the "side column" in my blog. I list all the people currently waiting for their portraits. Clients love to feel part of the process and this is like having there right here.
I DON'T HAVE NICE / PERFECT PICS.
If you look at my before and after images, you will see that the majority of my portraits are based on simple, candid, sometimes cheesy camera phone pics. I use them as the base of inspiration to create many of these highly professional pieces. (As long as images aren't too small or blurry.)
In no way do your images have to be finished, polished or professional. I am the artist responsible for perfecting the transformation. It's my job to use my imagination for everything else adding to your beauty and make some magical images.
DO WE MEET IN PERSON?
If you are local we can arrange an impromtu photo shoot, however,
The digital age brings us closer together via Facebook, Skype, Instagram, and Skype. I make up the body, hair, and wardrobe so I would only need the face photos. Since my client base is worldwide, I hardly meet any of them in the flesh.
WHAT IS THE PROGRESS ON MY ARTWORK?
I post sneak peek details of the progress on my blog. Your will be included.
CAN I GET MY ART SOONER?
if payment is made upfront in full, you cut the line getting your art around a 4 month turnaround rather than the 10 months wait.
WHAT IS YOUR TECHNIQUE?
Classical painting and airbrush techniques applied with modern tools. I am a traditional artist for 21 years that has fell madly in love with digital painting for the past 18 years. But by no means does that suggest things are easier. They are in fact harder. I apply old world techniques in the modern era. However the final result is a mixture of inks, solvents, acrylics, and oil on canvas.
FRAMED?
I provide minimal framing for 16 x 20 sizes only. I will gladly assist in the frame selection on larger canvases, however they do not come framed.
WHY ARE YOU SO PRICEY?
My prices are very reasonable for the amount of labor and craftsmanship I pour on these t
ransformations. View my videos. Just you have an idea of what other portrait competitors are charging visit : http://www.americanartcollector.com/portrait-artists.php
If you were looking for something more affordable, I can certainly recommend other artists.
I JUST NEED A SIMPLE JPEG FOR MY CELLPHONE.
Thanks, but I'm not the artist for you.
FREE PORTRAIT?
Sign up to my mailing list. Occasionally I hold contests and portrait specials
If you have any questions regarding costings that haven't been answered here, please don't hesitate to email me and I will be more than happy to help.
Thanks.
-Santiago-