Frequently Asked Questions
GENERAL QUESTIONS
How are our drawings produced?
We our caricatures by hand using Photoshop rather than pencil to paper. We find that our customers prefer this way of doing things as it allows them to make adjustments at the approval stage if necessary. This means that our caricatures are still hand drawn, but are also in a digital format.
How long will my drawing take?
For drawings of up to 5 people we aim to have your drawing done within 5-6 working days. If you have a closer deadline we may well be able to accommodate you but please e-mail us at enquiries@stephssketches.co.uk first just to double check. Please note that lead times may be longer during the Christmas period.
What do the frames look like?
We use a good quality black wooden frame. Our standard framed option does not come with a mount, however some of our products offer a mounted frame option. A mounted frame is available upon request. Instead of glass we use a high quality perspex which looks like glass, but will not be damaged in the post.
Can I still order online if I want my pet included? Are pets charged as extra?
Pets are charged in the same way as people are as they take the same amount of time to draw. If you want to include pet you must count them as a person when ordering. For example, if you want a drawing of one person and one dog, select 2 people from the drop-down box.
Do I get to approve the drawing before it's sent out to me?
Absolutely yes. Your drawing will be e-mailed to you first for approval. If you have any adjustments at this stage we will be able to make those for you so that you are 100% happy before it's sent out to you.
When is payment made?
Payment is required upfront before we can start work on your drawing, and once the drawing is ready and there's anything you're not completely happy with, we will work with you to make changes until you are 100% satisfied with your drawing.
Can I order a drawing of larger groups and how is payment taken?
If you would like more than 5 people in your drawing please e-mail your requirements to enquiries@stephssketches.co.uk and we will give you a quote. Once you've accepted the quote and e-mailed us photos we will send you an electronic invoice which you can pay with paypal or any debit or credit card
Do I have to upload my photos through the website?
If you would prefer to e-mail us your photos, please place your order as normal through the website and then e-mail your photos and requirements to enquiries@stephssketches.co.uk once payment has been made.
Can I include props and a background in my drawing?
All orders include up to 3 props per person. For example wearing a specific outfit, holding a drink in one hand and a cricket bat in the other. If you're going to need more, please e-mail us first with your requirements so we can give you a custom quote. A background option can be selected when ordering online BUT if your background requires a lot of personal detail and drawing work, this may be subject to an extra charge so if you're unsure, please e-mail us at enquiries@stephssketches.co.uk
REFUNDS AND RETURNS
We always make sure that you are 100% happy with your drawing before it's posted out to you. Once the final design is approved, no further changes can be made and no refunds can be issued after this point. HOWEVER if the drawing is damaged in any way by the time it reaches you, we will happily send out a replacement and refund the difference between an e-mail only version of the drawing and the option you ordered.
I have always loved drawing faces. Obsessively in fact. Since I was a child. Drawing has always been the centre of my world and after completing a marketing degree in my early twenties, I eventually figured out a way to commoditise my art in the form of selling caricatures. Steph's Sketches was born in 2012, and personalised gifting became my ecommerce business and my full time job.
Funny. Flattering. Full of personality.
A good caricature should make someone laugh, and still want to hang it on their wall.
That balance matters to me. I want people to recognise themselves in their drawing, enjoy the little details and feel that someone has really thought about them. The favourite pub, the ridiculous hobby, the office catchphrase: those are the things that turn a portrait into their portrait.
A small team behind every frame
I do most of the work myself. When you get in touch to talk through an idea, you’re speaking to the person who will bring it to life.
My husband, Ben, also helps put together elements of the drawings.
I draw digitally on an iPad, using a stylus rather than pencils and paper. This lets me bring together separate photographs, add all those personal details and make adjustments before you approve the artwork. Once you’re happy, Paper & Pixel in Banbury, take care of the printing, framing and packaging.
It’s a small, hands-on operation, with care going into both the drawing and the finished gift.
Whether you’re celebrating a big birthday, saying goodbye to a colleague or capturing your wonderfully chaotic family, I’d love to help you make it personal.
Over 14 years of Creating
It’s a small, hands-on operation, with care going into both the drawing and the finished gift.
Whether you’re celebrating a big birthday, saying goodbye to a colleague or capturing your wonderfully chaotic family, I’d love to help you make it personal.
Got someone in mind? Explore the portraits or get in touch and tell me about them.
Tell me about your project
