Terms and Conditions
Hopefully everything here is what you would be expecting but it’s always worth making sure you are happy with the details.
Copyright
The artist retains full copyright on all artwork that is produced, including mock-ups and prints. This means I can create prints and calendars etc. using the image of the artwork created. When a portrait is commissioned, I reserve the right to display it on my website and on my social media pages. Clients who do not wish their commissioned portrait to be shown online must notify me before work commences. The client does not have the right to sell copies of the work in any way without permission from the artist.
Reference photo
The photographs provided for reference images must have been taken by the client, or permission for their use obtained by client from the person who took them. If the project is to be a gift, the client accepts responsibility for sourcing and using images that are of the recipient’s pet. By sending me reference photos you grant me permission to use them in my publicity and advertising media (such as showing a comparison between the reference photo and the final artwork).
Quotes
Each commission is different so the prices on the website are only there as a guide. Once I understand your particular requirements, I will be able to give you a more accurate quote. The quote will be valid for 30 days, although if you alter some aspect of the brief or the commission changes in some way, I may need to update the quote. I will always let you know if any of the changes you want will have an effect on the overall cost of the commission.
Timescales
I will give an estimate of the date I aim to start the artwork, and the date you should expect to receive it by, but these are only estimates and not a guarantee. While I will work hard to meet any deadlines you may have, factors outside of my control like issues with the postal service, may mean that is not be possible. I will, though, keep you up to date with any changes to the estimated time of arrival.
Payment
Before committing to completing a commission, and starting work on drawing it, the payment of a non-refundable 25% deposit is required. Then, once you are happy with the finished artwork and have paid the complete amount plus postage and packaging, it will be posted to your specified address.
Cancellations
You are under no obligation to pay the full amount until you are happy with the final result. If, for any reason, you want to cancel your commission before the final payment is made, you are free to do so at any time and will not need to pay any outstanding amount. I will, however, retain the deposit (and any amount already paid) to help cover loss of business, and any time spent on the project so far. If you haven’t paid 30 days after notification of completion, and I have not heard otherwise, I will assume you want to cancel the commission.
Shipping
All orders are posted securely with a tracking number to the address you provide. If the item is a gift, I can post it directly to the recipient. Just let me know the address you would like me to send it to.
Shipping damage
My portraits are packaged extremely well, however in the unlikely event that damage occurs during transit please send a photo of the damaged artwork to me immediately. Depending on the extent of the damage, the artwork must be returned to me and a new portrait will be drawn at no cost. The new portrait will be added to my client waiting list so might take some time to complete.
Data protection
The artist will not sell, distribute or lease your personal information to third parties.
Prints
Whilst every care has been taken to assure accuracy of reproduction of prints according to their originals, the artist cannot guarantee a 100% likeness due to scanning and printer settings, and individual monitor/screen settings.
Import Duty
Payment of import duty may be liable in some countries, which is the sole responsibility of the client.
Gift Vouchers
Gift vouchers are non-refundable and must be used before their expiry date (indicated on the voucher) which will usually be 12 months from the date of purchase.
A voucher can be used as full or part payment for a pet portrait including any postage and packaging.
If the value of the voucher is less than the deposit required for the commission, the user of the voucher will need to pay the difference to start the commission and secure their place in the commission queue.
If the value of the voucher covers the deposit amount, any outstanding amount not covered by the voucher will need to be paid once the picture is approved by the client and before it is posted to them.
If the value of the voucher is more than the total cost of the commission, including postage and packaging, then the remaining amount is lost. It is not refundable or useable at a later date. However, a voucher can be used for more than one picture if they are commissioned and paid for together at the same time.
Only one voucher can be used at a time for any particular commission.
The website gives current estimates of prices for different sized portraits, however, these are subject to change, and a final quote will be given at the time the voucher is used. If the price of a portrait, including postage and packaging, has increased since the voucher was purchased, the recipient will need to pay the new cost of the commission.
The voucher code can only be used once. It is the responsibility of the purchaser and recipient, therefore, to keep the code secret so that it is not used by anyone without their knowledge or consent. Once the voucher has been used to book a particular commission, it cannot be used again for another commission.
A place in the commission queue will be assigned at the time the voucher is used (that is when the specifications of the portrait are confirmed and a mock up approved), rather than when the voucher is purchased.
The voucher is only redeemable to commission an original pet portrait by Sophie Ella Fine Art, and not for any other item from her online shop.
