Frequently Asked Questions

What types of things can you draw?

I can draw people, animals, buildings, cars, landscapes- pretty much anything.  If you have a photograph that you want me to draw, email me and we can discuss it.  Please refrain from sending copy-righted images, as well as pornographic materials. 

Does it really take 2 weeks to do a drawing?

Kind of.  2 weeks is just a general time frame that I give out.  It actually varies by size, amount of detail, and if any adjustments are needed.

For example- an 8 1/2” x 11” drawing of people or even one animal usually only takes a few hours to complete.  But due to the fact that I work an 8-5 job that is not drawing related, that few hours, sometimes, gets stretched over a few days.

What’s that you say?  A few days isn’t 2 weeks?  You’re right.  I include in that 2 weeks time, a grace period for you to request any adjustments that may need to be made to your drawing.  I’m also allowing for shipping.  So on the day that you request a drawing, within 2 weeks- you should have your drawing in your hands (it could be less than 2 weeks!  How exciting is that??!!). 

But again, it all varies.  The 18” x 24” drawing takes upwards of a month or more to complete- and that’s not including shipping time. 

Also, there are several times of the year where I am bombarded with requests, and the length of getting a drawing done may take a little longer than 2 weeks. 

The easiest way for you to know if I will be able to draw something for you, is to send me an email and ask.  I will be able to give you a better estimate that way.  But please, do request 2 weeks or more in advance, just in case. 

Do I have to provide you with a professional photograph in order for you to draw it?

Absolutely not.  I just ask that whatever photograph you want me to draw, make sure that it’s clear- not blurry; That the subject in the photo look accurate to you; The image can’t be super dark otherwise I won’t be able to see details clearly.  I stand by the motto “I draw what I see, not what I know is there”, so please keep that in mind when selecting a photo for me to draw.  If a subject is squinting and you want them to look like their eyes are open fully, then provide me with a picture where the subject has their eyes open fully- as I don’t know the subject, and have no way of knowing what they look like other than what they look like in the picture provided. 

If you have questions on whether or not I would be able to draw a photograph, please send me an email: ASBTSF@gmail.com and I will be able to let you know upon seeing the photo.  If I am unable to draw it, have no fear- I will give you the photo back (if you mailed), or delete it completely from my computer (if you emailed it). 

Why do I have to approve the drawing?

The reasoning behind this is customer satisfaction.  I would hate to order something from someone and have absolutely no idea what it was that I was buying.  Therefore, I send you a scanned image of what it is that I drew for you, via email for you to see.  If you see anything that you want adjusted (more detail, darker shadows, less glare on glasses, etc.), nows the time to let me know.  And feel free to be honest.  Chances are, I’ve been looking at the drawing for a few days, at which point it’s hard for me to see it clearly if I missed something.  I want you to be 100% happy with the drawing, so please give me your input so I can provide you with the drawing you want.  If you tell me that you approve the drawing, you will be getting that exact image on paper, and I will assume no refund is needed. 

Where is the hidden shipping fee?

Technically there is no shipping fee.  What you are paying for is the drawing.  However I do ship using FedEx, so I suppose a small amount of that price does go toward shipping.  But the way I have everything priced, you are not paying for shipping.

Can you do colored pencil/color portraits?

In the artistic sense- yes I am able to- however at this time, I do not currently offer colored portraits.  They are more time consuming, more expensive, and a little more on the complicated side of drawing.  Matching skin tones, and exact colors is a difficult process.  I am working on this to make it available in the future.  But currently, no I do not accept colored portrait requests.

Do I need a special credit card to complete my purchase using PayPal?

Nope, no special credit card is needed.  You don’t even need an account with them.  Once I send you the payment link -just click on it and you can pay using your credit card.  Currently they take Visa, Master Card, American Express, Discover, and Bank cards.

What can I expect to see when my drawing arrives?

Besides a fantastic pencil drawing?  Well when it arrives, it will probably come in a large cardboard envelope with stickers identifying it is coming from A Shade Better Than Stick Figures.  Once you open it (and please do be careful opening all parts of the package as you might damage the drawing), there should be a manilla colored “envelope” (which contains your drawing), the drawing, 1 or 2 brochures, a few business cards, a post card, and on occasion (when available) a button or two.  If you mailed a photo for me to draw from, I will also have that in the package- so please keep an eye out for it.  

How do I remove my drawing from it’s wrapping without damaging it?

When you get your drawing it will be covered with a thin manilla colored paper that is taped.  There will either be blue or tan tape on the edges- peel the tape off- don’t cut it.  Once you have one edge fully  exposed, you should be able to slide the drawing out.  Don’t be alarmed if a manilla file folder falls out (on 8 1/2” x 11” drawings only), I use them to give added protection to the drawing.  Your drawing is inside, I promise.  If you slide it out and you only see white paper, please carefully lift the paper- there will probably be at least 2 extra sheets of paper protecting the drawing.  Then Voila!  You have your drawing (please be careful, it might smudge)

Why don’t you use a spray fixative on the drawings to prevent them from smudging?

I have tried many different types of sprays to prevent smudging and smearing- however most that I have tried, continue to let the pencil smear and smudge even after applied and dried.  Also, another reason- the smell of most of those sprays is strong, and would take a month of airing out before I would be able to ship it. 

I am still working on finding one that would work, as I know everyone wants a drawing that doesn’t smudge...and doesn’t smell of spray fixative.

**Update**- I have now begun to use a spray fixative that does not have a strong odor...however I have tested it and if you purposefully try to smudge the drawing- it will still smudge.  But it is not as bad as it was prior to using the fixative.  If you have any “smell” allergies or are sensitive to fragrances- please let me know before I ship your drawing, and I will avoid spraying it all together.

What do you suggest I do to display the drawing?

The best thing I can suggest is to put it under glass, asap.  Find a frame at your local craft/hobby/frame store, that comes with a mat and glass and put the drawing in.  If you want to hang the drawing on a wall, I would suggest finding a wall that isn’t in direct sun light, as over time the direct sunlight could yellow the paper (I use acid free paper, and the protection of the glass should help, but I’m still afraid that it might cause yellowing over time).