Let's talk
Every commissioned piece starts with a conversation. I want to get to know you a little—what you have in mind, the main topic of course, if you have pictures to go with, the size of the artwork, your colour preferences (if any), and whether you’d like an HD file for personal use.
You can leave it all to me, or we can go over the details together—it's up to you, as I want you to be happy with the final painting.
Based on this, I’ll send you a quote. Easy!
Custom Illustration Topics and Options
You can request a wide range of custom illustrations, from murals and portraits to buildings, landscapes, pets, dragons, birth & wedding announcement, tattoos, and images for a logo (not the type though).
Just ask me, and I’ll let you know if I’m keen or not :)!
The Quote
The quote will depend on various factors: size of the painting, complexity and details, whether a digital file is included, and copyrights if you require the image for commercial use.
I'm happy to split the payment into 3 or 4 installments if needed.
The Sketching Phase
Once we’re on the same page, I create one or two sketches on my iPad. This allows me to edit easily, avoid paper waste, and sometimes even results in a little timelapse video for you.
The sketches help finalise the composition and colour palette.
Since they’re digital, the colours will look slightly different once painted with real pigments on paper, but they give a solid idea of the final piece.
Time to Paint
This is where the magic happens! Once you approve the sketch, I start painting on Arches 300gsm hot press paper, ranging from A4 to A2 sizes.
watch the painting process on this video
When the painting is finished, I scan it and send you a preview. If there’s anything small to tweak, we can discuss it. But since watercolour can’t be erased or layered endlessly, we can only make minor adjustments by adding small details here and there.
Certificates of Authenticity
All my original paintings come with a certificate that includes the name of the painting, the date, and my signature. You’re very welcome to name the painting yourself, or you can leave it to me.
I sign the painting in the bottom right corner and emboss it with a second almost invisible signature.
Safe Shipping
Once everything is perfect, I carefully pack and ship your artwork.
If it’s A3 or smaller, it goes in a super-strong flat pack with plenty of "fragile" tape. Larger pieces are rolled and shipped in a sturdy mailing tube.
In over 10 years of shipping, I’ve never lost a painting! But if something does happen, I’ll either refund you or create a new one, even better.
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Timeframe & Payment
I usually have a waiting list of one to two months before I can start on your painting. Once I begin, it typically takes about a week to complete—assuming we quickly agree on the sketch and composition. After that, shipping time depends on your chosen postage option.
Regarding payment, you can either pay in full upfront or make a 50% downpayment before I start. Once the illustration is finished and you receive the scanned image, I ask for the remaining balance before shipping your painting.
Digital Files & Copyright
You can also request an HD file of your painting for personal or commercial use (for an additional fee). However, I always retain the copyrights to my illustrations, meaning I have the right to create prints of commissioned pieces if I choose.
And that’s it! A fun, collaborative process that turns your idea into a beautiful, one-of-a-kind artwork.
Ready to bring your vision to life?
bonjour@blule.fr