Presenting the portrait to the client

[Kimberly Dow]

I do not have nearly as many commissioned portraits as others here, but I'll throw in what I do. I invite the client to my studio for final approval, making it clear that I am pleased, but it has been explained before that they need to be 100% happy.

I have a few sheets prepared as well - their invoice - which is paid off then, one of my cards and a sheet I typed up about care and cleaning for oil portraits. I always tell them verbally, but not in the contract, that they have 30 days if they see something later that bothers them, say perhaps a wisp of hair, they can bring it back in and I will fix it. No one has done that so far.

I do not include a frame, but I do have a deal with a local framer for 20% for all my clients. So, if all is well I offer to go with them right then to the framer's and help them choose a frame. They really seem to appreciate that aspect. Most of my clients seem overwhelmed at the choices and do not have the patience to chose well. So I immediately grab some that would be classy and lay them out for them. It has worked out well so far for me. And I am pushy enough to get price quotes immediately for them and they usually let me know how much they have to spend - so I am kind of the go-between so they do not have to have the framer pushing the expensive frames.



I would love to present my portraits with a frame...it's a great idea when I have more coming in.