Commissioning a custom portrait is unlike purchasing artwork from a gallery or store. Every portrait begins with a conversation about the people, relationships, and memories you want to preserve.
For many clients, this is their first experience commissioning original artwork, and it’s natural to have questions. How does the process work? What kind of photos do you need? How long will it take? What happens after I inquire?
This guide walks you through each step of the LRT Studio portrait commission process, so you can move forward with confidence and know exactly what to expect.
Is a Portrait Commission Right for You?
People choose to commission portraits for many different reasons.
Some are celebrating joyful milestones, while others are preserving memories that have become increasingly precious over time.
You might be considering a portrait to:
- Celebrate a wedding or anniversary
- Preserve your growing family
- Honor a beloved pet
- Remember someone who has passed away
- Commemorate an important milestone
- Give a meaningful, one-of-a-kind gift
- Create artwork that reflects the people you love most
Whatever brings you here, the purpose is the same: to create something personal that can be lived with, shared, and treasured for years to come.
What Makes a Commission Different?
A portrait commission is a collaborative experience.
Rather than choosing artwork that’s already finished, you’re inviting an artist to create something made specifically for you. Every decision, from composition and color to size and presentation, is shaped by your story and the people it represents.
At LRT Studio, my goal isn’t simply to recreate a photograph. It’s to create a painting that feels like the person, relationship, or memory you’re trusting me to preserve.
What to Expect
Share Your Story
Every commission begins with an inquiry.
You’ll tell me a little about the portrait you’re envisioning, who you’d like included, the occasion, and any important details you’d like me to know. You don’t need every decision made before reaching out. That’s what our conversation is for.
Whether your idea is fully formed or you’re just beginning to explore the possibility of a portrait, I’m happy to help guide you through the process.
Helpful Reading: How to Choose the Right Size for a Portrait Commission.
Receive Your Personalized Proposal
After reviewing your inquiry, I’ll recommend a portrait size based on your subject, the number of people or pets included, and where you imagine displaying the finished artwork.
You’ll receive a personalized proposal outlining the recommended size, investment, estimated timeline, and next steps.
If we’re a good fit, a signed commission agreement and a 50% non-refundable deposit reserve your place in my commission schedule.
Select Your Reference Photos
Reference photographs provide the foundation for every portrait.
If you already have photographs you love, wonderful. If not, I’ll help you determine which images will create the strongest painting.
In many cases, multiple photographs can be thoughtfully combined into a single composition, making it possible to create portraits of loved ones who were never photographed together or to preserve memories using older family photographs.
The stronger the reference material, the more confidently I can create a portrait that feels authentic to the people it represents.
Your Portrait Comes to Life
Once everything is finalized, painting begins.
Over the following weeks, your portrait gradually develops through layers of color, texture, and careful observation.
Every portrait is painted by hand, allowing each decision to support the story behind the commission rather than simply reproducing a photograph.
Creating artwork takes time, and I believe meaningful work deserves that care.
Bringing Your Portrait Home
When your portrait is complete, I’ll share final images with you before arranging delivery or local pickup.
The remaining balance is due before shipping.
Every portrait is carefully packaged to help ensure it arrives safely and is ready to become part of your home from the moment it’s unwrapped.
Throughout the Process
I understand that many clients have never commissioned original artwork before.
Questions are always welcome.
My goal is to make the experience feel thoughtful, comfortable, and collaborative from our first conversation through the day your portrait arrives.
The process should feel just as meaningful as the finished painting.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes. It’s common for loved ones, family members, or pets to have never been photographed together. When appropriate, I can thoughtfully combine several reference images into a cohesive composition.
Not necessarily. Many beautiful portraits begin with everyday photographs. Clear lighting, natural expressions, and good image quality are often more important than whether the photograph was professionally taken.
Absolutely. Older photographs often carry tremendous sentimental value. I’ll review your images and let you know what’s possible based on their quality and condition.
Most LRT Studio portrait commissions are completed within four to five weeks after all reference photographs, paperwork, and the initial deposit have been received. Larger or more complex commissions may require additional time.
Yes. Companion animals are an important part of many families, and pet portraits are one of the meaningful ways clients choose to preserve those relationships.
Yes. Memorial portraits are created with great care and sensitivity, honoring loved ones and preserving the memories that continue to shape our lives.
Yes. Completed portraits can be shipped throughout the United States or picked up locally in Lafayette, Louisiana.
Ready to Begin?
Every portrait begins with a conversation.
Whether you’re celebrating a new chapter, honoring someone you’ve lost, or preserving the people who make your life meaningful, I’d be honored to help create a portrait that feels at home in your life for years to come.
If you’re ready to begin, the first step is simply reaching out. We’ll talk about your ideas, answer your questions, and decide together whether a portrait commission is the right fit for your story.