If the portrait does not match the agreed reference photo or brief, we will address it. One revision is included in every order. The most important step is starting with a clear photo and a clear brief, that is what protects both sides.
What the revision policy covers
The included revision covers meaningful corrections: a feature that does not match the reference photo, an expression that differs from what was requested, a background element that was not what was agreed. It does not cover a change of mind about style or medium after the work is done.
What causes most dissatisfaction and how to avoid it
In our experience, the vast majority of issues trace back to one of three things: a low-quality reference photo (blurry, low-res, heavy filters), a vague brief ("just make it nice"), or a change of mind after seeing the result that was not a quality issue but a preference shift.
The fix is simple: send a clear photo, describe what you want in specific terms, and review the progress photo carefully before approving. That process eliminates almost all surprises at delivery.
What We Do When A Client Doesn’t Immediately Love Their Portrait
In most cases, when a client feels unsure about a finished portrait, it’s not because the work is “bad.” It usually comes down to interpretation, especially around facial age, expression, or depth.
I’ve had two clear situations like this that shaped how I now handle every single commission.
Case 1: “He looks older than I expected”
The client was very direct. Their concern was simple: they wanted the subject to look younger, but felt the portrait made him appear older instead.
My first response was not defensive. I just said I would take a closer look at it from a critical point of view.
What I noticed was not a mistake in likeness, but a shading issue. The technique I used created slightly stronger shadows, which naturally added more maturity to the face.
To fix it, I:
- softened and blended key edge areas
- adjusted contrast to reduce heaviness in the facial structure
- added subtle highlights to bring back freshness and life
I also created a side-by-side collage of the portrait and the reference photo and sent it to the client. This helped both of us zoom into the exact areas we were discussing instead of relying on memory or emotion.
After the revision, it took about two rounds before we got to a point where the client said, “I think it’s fine now.”
The difference in tone was clear. The first reaction was uncertainty. The final reaction was calm acceptance.
Case 2: “It doesn’t fully look like him”
The second client had a different energy. They trusted the process more but still felt the face wasn’t fully capturing the subject.
This was a pencil drawing, and the issue again came down to depth and realism. The initial shading was a bit too soft, which reduced the strength of the facial features.
For this one, I:
- increased depth in key facial areas
- strengthened highlight placement for realism
- refined structure without overworking the drawing
This time, I was more intentional with comparison. I kept building a collage between each revision and the reference so I could see both side by side clearly before sending anything back.
After review, the client’s response shifted from hesitation to: “this is a lot better.”
What I Learned From Both Cases
One thing became clear. After spending days on a piece, your eyes stop seeing small deviations. You start memorizing the artwork instead of truly seeing it.
So I changed my process.
Now, after every portrait:
- I create a side-by-side collage with the reference
- I step back and review it as if I’m a new viewer
- I only send it when I’m confident the features are accurate
If something still feels off, I fix it before the client even sees it.
This single habit reduced revision back-and-forth significantly.
How I Now Handle Revisions
Revisions are not treated as failure. They are part of the process.
But they work best when:
- the reference photo is clear
- the brief is specific
- feedback is honest and early
In both cases, I also encourage clients to point out anything they notice, because a fresh eye always sees things differently from the artist who has been staring at the piece for days.
That collaboration is what led both clients to finally say they were happy with the work.
Final Thought
When a client says “something feels off,” it is not a rejection of the artist. It is usually a signal that alignment is still being refined.
My job is to listen, adjust, and make sure the final piece feels like them, not just technically correct.
That’s why I now build revision prevention into the process itself, instead of treating it as something that only happens after delivery.
What about the refund policy?
Because each portrait is custom-made, refunds are not issued for subjective preference changes. Where there is a genuine quality issue or clear deviation from the agreed brief, we work to resolve it first through revision.
Our reputation depends on our clients being happy, we do not disappear when there is an issue.
Because each portrait is custom-made, refunds are not issued for subjective preference changes. Where there is a genuine quality issue or clear deviation from the agreed brief, we work to resolve it first through revision. Our reputation depends on our clients being happy, we do not disappear when there is an issue.
Questions about ordering or the process?
Read our full FAQs here or contact us before placing your order if you have any concerns about the process.
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