Frequently Asked Questions:
How long does it take to get a portrait done?
Please allow 14 days for portraits up to 14x18 with 2 subjects, plus shipping time. I will not require any more time than 14 days unless I receive a large number of orders in a short period of time. November and December are usually my busiest months because of Christmas, so the earlier you order portraits for Christmas gifts, the better. Larger portraits which require more detail may take slightly longer. If you are ordering a larger portrait, please contact me to discuss turn time before you place your order. I will quote you a turn time according to my current schedule.

How do I place my order?
Ordering from me is simple -- all you have to do is send an email to me at SloanPortraits@cox.net to get started. If possible, attach a copy of the photograph you want me to use for the portrait. Once I receive your e-mail and photograph, I will contact you to discuss the size, pricing, current delivery schedule, and any other requests that you may have. If it is more convenient for you, you can also contact me using the form on my contact me page and I will respond quickly.

What if I don't like my portrait?
I will e-mail you an image of your finished portrait before shipping so that I can make sure you are satisfied. Once you see your portrait and are satisfied, I will ship the portrait as soon as I receive your payment. I will do everything I can to make sure you love your portrait and will treasure it forever. I have never had an unsatisfied customer.

Can you use colored charcoal or pastels for my portrait?
No, I currently only do black-and-white charcoal portraits. I may expand my services in the future to include portraits in oil, but right now, my time only permits me to do black-and-white charcoal portraits.

Can you paint portraits in oil?
Although I paint portraits in oil, I currently do not offer this service because of my full schedule. However, please e-mail me if you are interested in oil portraits and I will be glad to discuss the possibility.

How much will it cost to get my portrait framed?
Unfortunately, I do not offer framing services at this time. If you would like, I can draw your portrait in a standard frame size so that you can fit it in a pre-made frame to save money. I furnish mat and frame sizes, color recommendations, and other tips with every order to give you the option of framing yourself. Custom framing prices vary, so check around in your area for the best prices. Offering framing does not seem practical for me at this time, as shipping is more difficult and it will cost you more money.

Do you recommend matting the portraits before framing?
Yes, I do recommend adding a mat to black-and-white charcoal portraits. They are sprayed with a fixatif so that the charcoal will stay put, and I use only acid-free paper which helps prevent yellowing over time. UV glass is always a good idea to help preserve the bright white paper, especially if the portrait will be hung near a window or under florescent lighting. Standard glass will also work fine in most cases. Depending on the size of the portrait, I recommend double matting with a 2.25 (for my small portraits) up to a 3 (for larger portraits) white mat and a thin 1/4 black mat in the center. These mats can be cut inexpensively at your local hobby stores, and using my recommended mat sizes will also enable you to frame the portraits yourself in standard size frames. These colors bring out the contrast in the portrait and make them look their best. Darker mats, such as black or charcoal grey, also help highlight the brightest areas in the portraits. Colored matting, especially light or pastel colors, often takes away from the portrait, making them look dirty and gloomy due to the nature of the dark charcoals used. They also do not let the bright areas in the portrait stand out as well. My portraits look nice with silver or black frames, but other metal and wood frames also look nice. Once you receive your portrait, use your judgement in your framing choices, and feel free to ask me any questions you may have to assist in choosing your mat and frame
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Do you accept credit cards?
Payments accepted include Visa, Mastercard, PayPal, personal check, money order, and cash for local delivery only. Sales tax applies to orders shipped to Louisiana addresses only.

Can I pay for my portrait after it is complete?
Yes. I will e-mail you a photo of your portrait when it is complete, and once you see it and are satisfied, you will then submit your payment. Once I receive your payment, I will ship or deliver it to you within 24 business hours.

Where are you located?
I am located in Denham Springs, Louisiana and can deliver in the Baton Rouge area. If you are outside this area, I will ship your portrait to you. I may also be able to deliver in the New Orleans area, depending on my current schedule.

What are your hours?
I am available by e-mail 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. I will respond to you as quickly as possible.

Do you charge for a consultation?
No. If you wish to send me your photographs before making the decision to place an order, we can discuss options and make sure I can satisfy all of your requests. There is no obligation to buy once you have had a consultation (but of course I would love for you to ).

Are there any former clients I can contact about your services?
Yes. Please e-mail me for references.

Additional information:
COPYRIGHTED PHOTOS: I cannot draw from professional copyrighted photographs because it is illegal. I can, however, accept professional photographs as supporting photos to better see a feature that was not visible in your own photo, or to get a better feeling of the persons unique expressions. Your best bet is to catch your subjects on your own camera playing, laughing, or enjoying a moment. Non-posed photographs usually make the best portraits, as smiles are more natural and I can capture the true essence of the individual. Natural, unposed shots make the best charcoal portraits, especially when working with infants and children.

DELIVERY TIME: For portraits up to 2 people on up to 14x18 board, please allow 14 days for the creation of your portrait, plus shipping time, which adds 1 - 5 business days inside the continental U.S. via UPS Ground. I generally complete them sooner, but this will depend on my current schedule. Rush orders may also available by request. Larger, more detailed portraits may or may not require additional time to create, also depending on my current schedule and workload. Please ask specifically if you are interested in turn time on a larger/more complex portrait.

SHIPPING: UPS Ground shipping in the continental United States is free Expedited shipping or shipping outside the U.S. is available at an additional charge. If you are in the Baton Rouge area, I can also deliver to you at no charge.

GUARANTEE: Your satisfaction is guaranteed. I will e-mail you an image of your finished portrait for your approval prior to shipping. If you are not satisfied and do not want the portrait, I will not ship the portrait and there will be no charge. Payment is due upon seeing a photo of your portrait, and I will ship as soon as payment is received. My goal is to provide you with a portrait that you will love and cherish forever and I have never had an unsatisfied customer.