How to Order a Custom Piece
Now that you've decided to have a custom Watercolor Digital Art Painting (WDAP) created of something meaningful to you (a person, place or thing) all you need to do is follow these simple steps below!
01
Select a Photo
The key to a great WDAP is the right image(s) in which to work from; clear, sharp, close-up photos that show detail work the best. The better the quality of the photo, the more detail I can see, hence, the better the portrait. Note that when it comes to faces, my style is more like a watercolor...they are not meant to be sharp, fine details. See photo tips and requirements here
I can compose a painting with subjects from different photos if need be.
If you need to snail mail your photograph(s) in lieu of emailing*, please write to me here for a mailing address. Your photos will be returned with the finished piece.
NOTE: I cannot use any pictures taken by a professional photographer without written permission from the photographer.
Inspired by Cooper & Elliott retains the reproduction rights on all of the original art work it creates. While the snapshot’s copyright belongs to you, once it is transformed into an original piece of art work, Inspired by Cooper & Elliott retains the copyright on the new original art work created from that image. All images created by Inspired by Cooper & Elliott will be placed in the Image Gallery for reproduction as prints or on merchandise.
*There is an additional $50 charge for photos that are sent via the mail. This is due to the delay in waiting to receive them as well as extra precautions to ensure the photos are kept safe and returned.
02
Complete the Order Form
Please select the Order Form button below and it will take you to an online form with "fill in sections" and "drop down menus" to choose certain details and items. This Order Form is used for all items being ordered from Inspired by Cooper & Elliott, not just a custom piece.
Fill out the sections that are applicable to your order and select "submit" at the end of the form. You will receive an acknowledgement that your submission was received.
Within the form you will be able to attach one photo. Please be sure it is 1MB at 300dpi resolution (be sure to check out photo requirements and tips here). If you are sending more than one photo, or your photo is larger than 1MB, please leave the photo option blank on the Order Form and send it regular email to HERE. Please be sure that your email includes your name, what you ordered and the date you submitted your Order Form. If you are sending your photo(s) by snail mail, please be sure to include a copy of the order form or a note with your name, what you ordered and the date you submitted your Order Form.
03
Invoice & Payment
After receiving your Order Form and photo(s), it will be reviewed. If more information is needed, or I have questions about the order (or the photos), you will be contacted either via email or phone to further discuss. If there are no questions, or once I feel confident that I have all of the right information, an invoice will be generated based on the Order Form and sent to you to review.
A 30% deposit (before shipping and handling charges, but with tax if applicable) is required before work begins. The deposit is non-refundable. If you are not ordering a custom piece, but are ordering a print from the Image Gallery and/or an Image Gallery image on merchandise, full payment is due with invoice.
Payment options are as follows:
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Zelle: Our preferred payment of choice. Use email: inspiredbyCE@gmail.com
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Venmo: Second preferred payment of choice. Use: @Deborah-Ervin
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Check or Money Order: You may mail a check or money order. If you choose to make a payment by mail, the check should be made out to Deborah Ervin (please email me here for the mailing address). Please note that if sending a personal check, work will not begin until the deposit clears, and the finished piece will not be delivered until the balance check clears.
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Cash : If you live in the Chicago area, and prefer the "cash payment method", cash is always welcome! We can make arrangements to meet at a convenient location. Please do not send cash in the mail.
The balance, shipping, handling and tax (if applicable) is due before your final piece is shipped. I will email a small thumbnail image of the finished image for your approval prior to having it framed and shipped. NOTE: The balance includes any additional Image Gallery prints and/or merchandise in your original order form.
04
The Creative Begins!
Your custom WDAP will be started after the deposit is received and any outstanding questions/issues are resolved.
The turn-around time for your piece really depends on the amount of orders I have in-house at the moment and how complicated it is. However, custom WDAPs usually are completed within 2 to 3 weeks, sometimes sooner. You will be kept informed of the process. Once your custom WDAP is complete, I will email a small image of the finished work to you. If there are minor tweaks that you would like, I will make them before sending to print. I want you to be happy with your finished piece!
05
Delivery
Once you approve your custom piece via the emailed small image, the balance of your invoice is due. Your custom piece will be completed - WDAPs will be sent to be giclee printed (matted and framed if applicable). Printing can take up t2 weeks.
If your piece is being shipped, it will be safely packaged and mailed to you. If physical photographs were supplied in lieu of being sent electronically, they will be returned in the same package as your custom piece.