FAQ – Frequently Asked Questions
Ask a Question
Have a question about commissioning a pencil portrait? You’ll find answers to the most common questions below.
If you have a question that is not answered below or within this website, please send me an email, or fill out the contact me form at the bottom of the page and I will respond within 24 hours.
Your Questions Answered
Please click on any of the frequently asked questions below to see the answer.
About Angela & Pencil Sketch Portraits
Q: Who is behind Pencil Sketch Portraits?
Pencil Sketch Portraits is the business name of Angela Maher, a professional pencil artist based in Milton Keynes, UK. Angela has been drawing commissioned portraits professionally since 2008 and has created hand-drawn artwork for well over 2,000 happy customers.
Q: Are Angela’s drawings hand-drawn or AI-generated?
Every drawing is 100% hand-drawn by Angela — there is absolutely no AI-generated content in any of her work. Each portrait is a unique, original piece of art created entirely by hand using pencils.
Q: Does Angela draw in colour or black and white?
Angela works primarily in graphite pencil, producing beautiful black and white portraits. She occasionally adds a touch of colour — such as bringing out a subject’s eye colour, or highlighting a special object — to add emphasis or visual interest. You’re welcome to discuss this when placing your order.
What Can Angela Draw?
Q: What kinds of subjects can Angela draw?
Angela will draw virtually anything that can be photographed. Her work falls into four main categories: People (including babies, children, adults, couples, families, and celebrities), Animals (including dogs, cats, horses, rabbits, and wildlife), Vehicles (including cars, motorbikes, boats, aircraft, and more), and Buildings & Places (including family homes, landmarks, wedding venues, and landscapes).
Q: Can Angela draw more than one subject in the same portrait?
Yes — Angela regularly draws group portraits featuring families, couples, or multiple pets. Just let her know what you have in mind when you get in touch.
Q: Can I request something unusual or unique?
Absolutely. If you can photograph it, Angela can draw it. She welcomes unusual and unique requests, so don’t hesitate to ask.
Commissioning a Portrait
Q: How do I commission a pencil portrait from Angela?
Simply get in touch via the How to Order page or the Contact page. You’ll need to provide a clear photograph of your subject, choose your preferred size, and confirm your order. Angela will guide you through the process from there.
Q: What quality of photograph do I need to provide?
The better the photo, the better the portrait. Angela works best from clear, well-lit, high-resolution photographs where the subject’s features are easy to see. Avoid heavily filtered, blurry, or very small images where possible. If you’re unsure whether your photo is suitable, just ask.
Q: How long will my portrait take?
Turnaround times vary depending on the complexity of the portrait and Angela’s current workload. A typical portrait is usually completed within four weeks of deposit payment. If you need your portrait sooner, Angela also offers a Priority Service for an additional £20, which allows you to jump the queue — portraits ordered with priority are usually completed within one week of deposit payment. Please contact Angela directly if you have a specific deadline in mind.
Q: Can I request a portrait as a gift?
Yes — pencil portraits make wonderful personalised gifts for birthdays, Christmas, Mother’s Day, Father’s Day, Valentine’s Day, wedding anniversaries, and memorials. If you need your portrait by a specific date, please mention this when ordering so Angela can accommodate where possible.
Pricing & Payment
Q: How much does a pencil portrait cost?
Pricing depends on the size of the drawing and the complexity of the subject. Full details are available on the Sizes & Prices page.
Q: What payment methods does Angela accept?
Details of accepted payment methods can be found on the Payment Options page.
Q: What currency are your prices in?
All prices are in pounds sterling (GBP). If you’re ordering from outside the UK, Angela is happy to quote in your local currency. Alternatively, you can pay via PayPal and let it handle the currency conversion automatically — you pay in your local currency and Angela receives payment in GBP.
Delivery & Presentation
Q: How will my portrait be packaged and delivered?
Angela takes great care with packaging to ensure your portrait arrives safely. Portraits can be sent flat-packed with protective packaging, or rolled in a hard tube — whichever you prefer. All UK portraits are dispatched via Royal Mail First Class Recorded (Signed For) delivery.
Q: Do the portraits come with a picture mount?
Yes, Angela includes a black card picture mount free of charge with every portrait.
Q: Can I order from outside the UK?
Yes, Angela accepts commissions from customers outside the UK. Please get in touch to discuss international delivery options and any additional postage costs.