Artist and Designer, Jennifer Lycke, does custom oil portraits and oil paintings and is involved with the Painting a Day movement

I need a very clear photograph to use as reference. This means a clear photo with good coloring, lighting, and contrast. Facial features need to be clearly distinguishable in the photo and any important details should be clear. The better the photo, the greater potential of the painting. If you have multiple photos, I can choose which photo I think would make the best painting. I will return all photos to you when the project is completed. Also, if you live in the Hampton Roads, Virginia area, I can take photographs for you, so I have more control over the lighting and composition. If you would like something small (such as an unnecessary background item) removed from the photo, please indicate so. I require a down payment of 50% of the total cost of the portrait before I start working. The remainder of the payment will be paid upon completion of the project.

The actual time required to create a painting or drawing will vary by the size of the artwork and the complexity of the photo. A painting would take at least twice the time as a pencil drawing. The pricing schedule for portraits is reflective of this time requirement. For instance, a 16 x 20 painting with one face in it would take less time than a 24 x 36 portrait with three people in it.

I usually ship using United States Postal Service, unless you specify a different delivery service. My standard shipping and handling rates are $10.00 for most packages. If you need me to use a different mail service, then I will modify the shipping fees accordingly. I use padding with my shipping and try to make sure that the package will reach you in good shape. I will send you a tracking number by email when your package has shipped.

A section of the contract we sign states that I have permission to paint the photograph(s) you provide, whether you are the photographer, know the photographer, and/or the picture was taken professionally.

I require a down payment of 50% of the total cost of a commissioned painting or a website upon signing the contract, before I begin working on the project. The remainder of the payment will be paid upon completion of the project. I accept checks and PayPal. You must be registered with the PayPal service to use this option but registration is easy and free.

Time frame is typically 4-8 weeks, from analysis to delivery. This is largely determined by website complexity and size, other scheduled projects, and having the content provided in a timely manner.

Yes, I will use metadata keywords, titles, descriptions, and alt tags to help your website get higher ranking on search engines. I will manually submit your website to all of the major search engines, such as Google, Yahoo, MSN, Altavista, and Hotbot.

No, but I can make recommendations for webhosting services, based on your needs. If requested, I can help you get set up with the webhosting service. Webhosting requires a separate monthly fee which is determined by you and the webhosting service.

To help you get started, I have a client questionnaire for you to use. I suggest that you print it out and take your time. This will help you organize your thoughts and get an idea of what you want and need. The answers you provide will also allow me to assist you and provide you with a successful solution.

Web designers use graphic design skills to create a unique interface and eye-catching graphics for a website that stands out. They can build a successful and complete site, which is usually all that's necessary for a small business. Web developers use more complicated programming, such as database integration, to build a web application, or a large e-commerce site.

I create only custom websites to provide a site that's unique for you. There are no “canned” or templated techniques.

Website maintenance is a monthly fee to add, change or remove your website content. Most good websites regularly update the content so visitors have a reason to return.