Life Illustrated - Personal Hand Drawn Story Illustration From Your Photo

Each Life Illustrated piece begins as an original artwork, created entirely by hand by Andrea.

Working from the photo you upload, Andrea first creates a hand drawn outline sketch. This captures the character, posture, and emotion of the moment and forms the foundation of the final artwork.

Andrea then develops the piece digitally, building colour, depth, and atmosphere while staying true to the spirit of the original sketch.

You’ll receive a watermarked preview of the fully coloured artwork by email. This is your opportunity to request small refinements, such as subtle colour adjustments or minor detail changes.

If you feel it isn’t right at this stage and choose not to proceed, a refund can be offered.

Once the coloured artwork is approved, the piece is considered commissioned and moves to print. From that point onward, refunds are no longer available.

From the moment your photo is received, I usually complete the initial sketch within up to three working days.

Once the sketch is ready, I move into developing the full coloured artwork. This stage typically takes a further two to three working days, depending on detail and refinements.

You’ll receive a watermarked preview of the completed coloured illustration for approval before anything goes to print.

After approval, your artwork is sent directly to print and fulfilment. Delivery times then depend on whether you’ve chosen a print only or a mounted and framed option.

In most cases, you can expect to receive your finished Life Illustrated piece within approximately ten to fifteen working days from photo upload, assuming approvals are prompt.

Every piece is created individually, so timings are always an estimate. If you’re ordering for a special occasion, I’m always happy to advise before you place your order.

The sketch approval stage is designed to give you confidence before the pastel artwork begins.

At this point, you may request minor adjustments, such as small changes to expression or detail. As the sketch is created entirely by hand, we’re unable to redraw the artwork or make major changes.

If the sketch does not feel right for you and you choose not to proceed, a full refund is offered at this stage.

Once the sketch is approved and the pastel process begins, the artwork is considered commissioned and refunds are no longer available.

In most cases, you can expect:

• Original artwork only to arrive within around 7 to 13 working days from photo upload
• Framed artworks to arrive within around 12 to 20 working days from photo upload.

These timeframes include the creation of your Companion Portrait and delivery, and assume your photo is received promptly and the outline sketch is approved without delay.

Every portrait is created by hand, so timings are always approximate. If you’re ordering for a special occasion or working to a specific date, we’re very happy to advise before you place your order.

In most cases, you can expect:

• Original artwork only to arrive within around 7 to 13 working days from photo upload
• Framed artworks to arrive within around 12 to 20 working days from photo upload.

These timeframes include the creation of your Companion Portrait and delivery, and assume your photo is received promptly and the outline sketch is approved without delay.

Every portrait is created by hand, so timings are always approximate. If you’re ordering for a special occasion or working to a specific date, we’re very happy to advise before you place your order.

Each Life Illustrated artwork is created digitally by Andrea from your photograph, beginning with a hand drawn sketch and carefully developed into a fully coloured illustration.

• The artwork is created at A4 size, in portrait or landscape depending on your photo.
• A4, A3 and A2 options are produced as fine art giclée prints from the final approved digital artwork.
• Prints are professionally produced on premium textured cotton paper, chosen for its soft surface and rich colour depth.
• All printing uses an archival giclée process designed for longevity and clarity.
• Framed options are available in high quality standard frames in white, black or natural wood.
• Each framed piece is paired with a clean off white mount, allowing the artwork space to breathe.
• Frames include lightweight acrylic glazing for durability and safe shipping.

All sizes shown refer to the approximate artwork size. The mount and frame are added around this.

Life Illustrated makes a beautifully personal gift, something thoughtful, meaningful and entirely unique.

If you don’t yet have a photo, that’s absolutely fine. You can place your order first and send the image later, either when you’re ready or when the recipient is ready to share it.

If this is a surprise, I’m very happy to help keep it that way. You can add a short gift note at checkout, and if you’d like, I can email the recipient with a gentle message inviting them to send their photo without revealing too much.

Every Life Illustrated piece is created slowly and carefully, so it feels less like a purchase and more like something truly made for them.