Of course you do! And it would be my pleasure! That's what I hope to have the opportunity to do, to make you smile and possibly cry a bit (don't worry, I won't tell) with a unique and memorable representation of your Exalted Pets. My kids and their friends really served as wonderful models, nes pas? Well, let's pivot that easel towards your Exalted Pet and see what we can compose for them to show them the respect they deserve!
Let the ordering begin, shall we? But, how?
Email me! Let's get to know each other and let's shoot the dog poop a bit. Include your name and your email. Here's mine!
natalie.hirshman@gmail.com .
Gush. Tell me about your pet and your relationship with him or her (or them!) Sure, names and ages are essential, but what makes them special, what makes you laugh, what is it that "je ne se quoi" about your faithful child? No, really, I'm asking you what that may be...
Now that we're such good friends... Next, let me know what size you're thinking of, if you have a preferred style or color scheme, and where you envision your masterpiece to be displayed in all it's glory (hey, why don't you go nuts and take a picture of that area, too, to help me). If you don't have a fixed preference, we'll bounce around a few ideas together or maybe we won't, if you'd prefer a surprise! Also, tell me if you are working around a budget, that will help as well. Where there is a will, there is a way!
Pupparazzi, Pupparazzi!Email me some photos, as many as you want...good ones, though! Not one running around at dog park 100 yards away, for example. Think about ones with expressions or poses that you love, good close-up detail, defining marks, favorite toys, the like. If I need further clarification, trust me, I know where to find you. You may send me photos via snailmail as well, if you prefer. Just let me know and I'll furnish you with a mailing address.
From there you will be presented with these fun and fabulous offers:
I'll show you the money. And some schematics. The quote will include insured expedited shipping, handling, materials, as well as 25% of the total cost will be donated to the rescue organization of your choice. I'm a giver, I know you are, too. Can you imagine how thankful they'll be? Consider it now: "Hey there, Rescue Group of Choice, here's a bunch of money to support the amazingly great job you do. Love, Us". I know. Awesome.
**If you don't have a preference, three guesses which organization your generous donation will go to. Puh-lease. I'll give you three hints: 1. G, 2. P, 3. A....
Quotes will consider several factors: size, complexity of subject and technique, and estimated lead time. To give you an idea of what the pieces are worth on the website:
"The Davidson Four", Acrylic on Canvas, 24"x36" $850.00
"Angel....I Adore you", Acrylic and Acrylic Medium, "18"x36" $450.00
"Pappa", Acrylic on Canvas, 18"x24" $450.00
"The Magnificent Mr. Thomas", Acrylic on Canvas, 18"x24" $325.00
"Dream a Little Dream of....Rhinos", Acrylic on Canvas, 18"x24"$650.00
"Exalted Buckley", Acrylic on Canvas, 16"x18" $275.00
"Queen Lucy", Acrylic on Canvas, 16"x18" $550.00
"Little Buddha", Acrylic and Gold Leaf, 12"x16" $775.00
"Don't Feed Him After Midnight", Acrylic on Canvas, 12"x16" $350.00
"Lily and Louie", Acrylic on Canvas, 12"x16", price available upon request. Still a surprise to the recipient....
"The Twelve Greys of Christmas", Acrylic on Canvas, 4"x5" ea. $75.00. $900.00, sold as set only. $225.- donation to GPA.
*Again, costs would include shipping, handling, materials, as well as 25% donated to an animal rescue of your choice, upon completion of project. Those little fellas in need require all the help we can give them.
Once we've come to an agreement, I will send you an order confirmation and invoice via PayPal (or regular mail), so that we may complete payment and embark on our magical journey. That way, you may take comfort in knowing our transaction is fully secure, as well as having multiple payment method options at your disposal...credit card or electronic check, money orders or personal check. That's what I do for you. You're welcome.
Depending upon the scope of the project, your masterpiece will find its way to your home and into your excited little fingers within 14 days.
Of course, your satisfaction is an essential ingredient to the success of this crusade! Please refer to my FAQ list below, which reflects everything I can possibly think of that would be of interest to you (until 5 minutes from now, when I think of something I missed):
FAQ's:
Do you offer gift certificates? Why, yes I do! I'm so honored that you would consider bestowing your loved one and Owner of Exalted Pet with something so special! Good for you, you Mensch. Good. For. You. Email me your request, including your contact info, your recipient's contact info, denomination and message. Gift certificates are available in any denomination and are available in hard copy, therefore sent via snailmail. If I ever figure it out online, you'll be the first to know! At least this way, it looks all pretty and gift wrapped and makes you look like a supah-star. A hip, tasteful, tragically sophisticated "supah-stah", I might add.
Wow! I got one of your amazing gift certificates! How do I redeem this little wonder ASAP? Well, congratulations! I see you're as excited as I am! When you're ready to get started, contact me and let me know that you have received your gift certificate. We'll begin the process in the same manner listed above until your purchase agreement is finalized and the certificate may be applied to your total.
What kind of proofs would you be able to provide me with? Depending on what you're looking for, I will furnish you with a detailed explanation and preliminary sketch of what we're looking at. More will be submitted to you, if we're playing with style options or budget options. Think of it like a mock-up of the final piece (or pieces). We'll pull and tug at that thing as long as you wish until you give me a full paws up.
Are the portraits stretched? Yes. They will be ready to hang as is, or ready for local framer, depending on your preference! All canvases consist of high-quality 10 oz. canvas, gallery wrapped (meaning it's finished on all sides) on 1 1/2" solid pine stretcher bars. Large sizes will boast additional stability support.
Would you consider painting on something other than a traditional canvas? Sure, I'd say anything is possible, let's chat! I draw the line at body art, however, on you or your pet. That's just weird. Allow me to refer you to your local tattoo parlor as an alternative, which in itself, is totally awesome, by the way (for you, NOT your pet).
Do you paint in other mediums than acrylic? Yeah, I'm kind of awesome that way. I will warn you, watercolors are NOT my forte, but I'm working on that. I actually adore oil color, but I cannot commit to the lead times that would result in substantial delays while it cures, even with advanced drying techniques of the modern stone age. If you're truly pining for something specific and these minor adjustments in terms don't get your feathers in a ruffle, don't hold back and tell me what you want! Don't be shy! I am here for you. Anything is possible! Well, almost (see prior question).
Would you consider painting other "Exalted" things? Say, "Exalted" (Human) Children? Hey, family is family, how could I say no to that! Send it all over as usual and I would be honored to exalt your entire brood.
When is payment due? Payment will be due upon receipt of order confirmation and invoice. Your masterpiece will begin upon receipt of your payment via PayPal.
PayPal? What the heck is that? What's wrong with a good old-fashioned checkbook! Pfft! Nothing at all, my fine friend, nothing at all! Feel free to mail in a check or money order upon completion of your purchase order (I just have to wait for it to clear, but I will give you a minute-by-minute, play-by-play synopsis until it does). Upon confirmation, we'll do a small dance to the art-gods to celebrate your pet and get started right away!
Is full payment due?Well, yes. As much as I wish I could, I don't work for free, folks. While I love to dance and sing and toss my hard-earned dollars around in the support of non-profits, girlfriend has to run a profitable gig here in order to be able to do that, capiche? And did you ever wonder why they call us lunatics "starving artists"? These materials don't come cheap, my friend! Oh, no, only the finest for YOU! No, really, I won't disappoint you. That's one thing I can be serious about.
Do you offer framing services? Unfortunately, I must say no to this one. I did consider it for a while, but for me, finalizing a work of art is a very personal process with limitless options and budget considerations. I will leave that special touch for you and your professional framer.
Can I mail in my photos? You can do whatever you want, Love, just email me and I'll send you an appropriate mailing address.
Can I submit a photograph of my Exalted Pet that was taken professionally? Ummmmm.....let's not go there, only because a photographer's art is as personal as my own....it's also copyrighted, just like my own. If there's no other option available, we can put on our most "Pretty, Pretty Please" faces that our beloved pets have taught us all these years and see if your photographer would consider a copyright release. It's the right thing to do. We can't have any bad karma in our pet portraits now!
Aaargh! I'm so anxious! Can I get a "sneak preview" during execution? Actually, unless you or your loved one want to be fully surprised upon unveiling, I would love to show you a sneak preview just prior to completion. That way, if there's something a little off to you ("Um, Fluffy's eyes are green...") or you would like to see a last minute revision ("Hey, can we add a chinese proverb or a small halo over Fluffy's head?"), we can discuss that prior to packaging. Keep it within reason, though, folks. Remember what we so carefully agreed to, in detail, PRIOR to execution? Yeah, we're kinda going with that! Please, people! I'm crazy enough as it is!
Is it done yet? Is it done yet? Is it done yet? How 'bout now? Depending on the scope and scale of your masterpiece, a normal lead time will run around 14 days, for the sizes listed above. Now, perhaps you've asked for a billboard-sized canvas to display in your backyard that is visible from the freeway, complete with spotlighting and a running track of the theme from "Rocky"? Yeah, might be a smidge longer. We'll talk.
How will you ship my precious cargo? I will ship UPS overnight to you with delivery and signature confirmation, insurance included....UNLESS, you have a preferred method of shipping. As long as we can insure and package to our collectively immeasurably high standards, I cater to you. There will be no shortage of packing standards, trust me. This painting is my baby too, you know, so rest assured it will be everything shy of bullet-proof.
Will you consider shipping internationally? "Ja!" "Si!" "Oui!" (yeah, that' s all I know for now). I will have to furnish you with a separate quote on shipping costs, but we can discuss various carriers and delivery methods during our consulting phase.
Um, Nat....the dog literally ATE my painting. Problems, issues, concerns? Let's work those out together, shall we? I take pride in my work and really honor my subjects, as well as their owners (that means you). Let's respect and retain an open forum of communication and understanding. Let's grab a cup of coffee, sit down, and tawk. I'm confident we'll find a way to hug it out.
Um, Nat....Fluffy LOVES her painting! OMG, how can we thank you enough! Submit a testimonial! I definitely need to be certain that you're super satisfied with your new work of art and I'd love nothing more than to add a post to my site heralding you and YOUR Exalted Pets!
So, after diligently studying and coveting your terms and conditions, it's safe to assume the copyright to my original artwork remains with you? Amazing, my little grasshopper. I've taught you well. Besides, it's the law, no argument there. It's science.
Did I forget anything? Let me know! Email me and I'll add it to the FAQ's (and I won't forget to answer you either, naturally).
Thank you so much for your interest and support! I'm so grateful to share this experience with you!
Cheers! Natalie
