FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Before you call or email me with any questions see if you can find the answer on this page.
1. What is a digital painting?
My digital paintings are created directly on the computer. I use a graphics tablet with a pen and Photoshop. The pen works just like a paint brush, but without the mess of real paint.
I don't apply filters in Photoshop to just make it look like a painting.
Painting digitally is a detailed process, but it allows me to easily make changes at any time.
2. Why would I want a painting? Can't I just print the photo on canvas?
You can print your photo on canvas if it's good enough in resolution and size, but if it's too small it will end up looking pixelated when you enlarge it. My paintings are created at a fairly big size, even from small pictures, and I use specific software to enlarge them further if needed.
3. How do I order a painting?
To get started all you have to do is email me your photo(s).
Click here to read about the complete ordering process.
4. How much do your paintings cost?
5. How and when do I pay for my painting?
I accept payments through PayPal. I require a $50 nonrefundable deposit before I start the painting process. The remaining balance is due after you approve the final proof. Your painting will be ordered as soon as I receive the final payment.
If you ordered the digital files you will receive an email with a link and a password to download your files shortly after I receive the final payment.
6. Do I have to pay any money up front?
Yes. I require a $50 deposit to cover my time and expenses in case you decide to cancel the project during the painting process. I will refund you the $50 if you cancel the project before I start painting. Once I started my work the $50 are nonrefundable.
7. How much do you charge for shipping?
Ground shipping within the US is FREE, no matter how big the canvas is. Please contact me for shipping charges to other countries.
8. Can I send you a real photo instead of emailing one?
No. I currently accept only digital images. Most photos are taken with digital cameras and cell phones these days. If you have an older photo you would like me to paint please have it scanned and send me the digital image to avoid that it gets lost or damaged in the mail.
9. What are your photo requirements?
The original jpg from your camera will work best if it's taken at a high resolution.
Click here for more detailed requirements and Photo Tips.
10. Can you work with a photo I took with a cell phone?
Maybe. Cell phones take pretty good pictures these days. If the size and resolution are high enough I can probably work with it. Email me the picture and I will let you know.
11. Can the painting have a different background than the photo I'm sending you?
Yes. I can easily change backgrounds. Just let me know what you're looking for. I can also recommend what would look nice and show you a few options before I start painting.
12. Can you combine objects from different photos?
Yes. You can email me several photos and let me know how you would like me to combine them. I can show you a few combinations before I start painting.
13. Can you make changes if I don't like something?
Yes. If you're not satisfied with the proof I upload to the website we can discuss any changes you would like me to make. I'm happy to rework your painting until you're satisfied with it.
Small changes are free, but I will charge a fee for major changes.
14. How long does it take you to create a painting?
It takes about 3 - 4 hours to paint a photo with one subject and I'm estimating about 1 additional hour for changes and file preparation.
How long it will take me to create your painting depends on how many subjects are in your photo and how many orders are ahead of you. The paintings are created in the order they are received. I can email you an estimated waiting time, if there is one, once I receive your order.
15. Can I see the painting before it gets printed?
Yes. When your painting is done it will be uploaded to this website for your approval.
16. Can I see what the painting would look like on my wall before it gets printed?
Yes. I can create a mock up of the painting on your wall if you email me a picture of where you want to hang it.
17. Can I cancel my order?
You can cancel your order, but keep in mind that your $50 deposit is nonrefundable after I started your painting.
Once you approved the final proof and the remaining balance is paid your order cannot be cancelled anymore.
18. What if I'm not happy with the painting once I receive it?
I want you to be 100% happy with your purchase. If you're not satisfied with the final product please contact me to let me know why.
If you're not happy because the painting is damaged in any way when it arrives, please email me a picture to show the damage and you will receive a replacement.
19. How is the quality of the canvas prints?
The cotton-blend canvas is of great quality. It's a thick, high-quality artist canvas with a matte finish. Poly-cotton blend makes this canvas ultra durable. Stretched orders are coated with eco-friendly protective satin coating and wrapped on a 1.5" wood frame.
20. How do I take care of the painting?
I recommend that you don't expose your canvas print to continuous, strong sunlight or moisture. You can dust it off with a dry cloth, but don't clean it with a wet or damp cloth.
21. If I order a painting from you will anybody else be able to buy it as well?
Yes. As the copyright holder of the paintings I create I will sell prints and other gift items featuring my art in my Gift Shop and other websites like Etsy and CafePress.
As a professional courtesy I will refrain from selling any paintings if they show recognizable people, or if you specifically asked me not to sell it to anybody else.
If you don't want me to reproduce the painting I made from your photo, please let me know in an email and I will respect your decision.
22. Can I sell prints of my painting, or have it printed on other products I'd like to sell?
No. All copyrights and reproduction rights on commissioned art remain with me, Stefanie Velzy. My art may not be reproduced without my written permission.
If you purchase the digital files you are free to do anything you want with the images as long as it is for personal use and not for commercial use. This means you cannot sell the digital file or prints you make from it. You also cannot use it for your logo, share a high resolution file online or sell it on products through websites like CafePress or Zazzle.
You can contact me for any commercial use inquiries.