Terms & Conditions

These Terms & Conditions apply to all portrait commissions created by Sarah Mallett Portraits (“the Artist”). By booking a commission, the client agrees to these terms.

Enquiries can be made via the website or direct message. The Artist will confirm the size, number of subjects, background requirements, and preferred turnaround.

A commission slot is only secured once the 50% deposit has been paid. All commissions are booked on a first‑come, first‑served basis.

The Artist offers three turnaround tiers:

Standard Commission
£15 per hour · approx. 3‑week turnaround

Priority Turnaround
£22 per hour · approx. 7–10 days

Express Turnaround
£30 per hour · approx. 3–5 days

Priority and Express slots are limited and depend on current workload. A final hourly estimate is provided once the client has confirmed size, number of subjects, background requirements, and preferred turnaround.

A 50% deposit is required to secure your slot. If the commission is cancelled after the drawing has begun, the Artist will retain only the portion of the deposit that covers the hours already worked, charged at the agreed hourly rate, and the remainder of the deposit will be refunded.

The remaining balance is payable upon completion and confirmation of your satisfaction, before shipping or collection. Artwork remains the property of the Artist until full payment is received.

To ensure accuracy and a true‑to‑life result, all photos must be unaltered and free from filters. Edited or filtered images distort features and may affect the final portrait.

The Artist may request alternative photos if the originals are unsuitable. Angles, lighting and composition are assessed before work begins, and a rough mock‑up will be provided for approval prior to securing the commission.

Separate photographs can often be combined into one composition. Suitability depends on lighting, angles and clarity. A mock‑up will be provided for approval before work starts.

The Artist will send progress photos throughout the drawing process. Small tweaks can be requested during these updates.

Major changes may require additional time and cost. Once the artwork is complete, only minor adjustments are possible.

Estimated turnaround times are provided in good faith. Actual completion may vary depending on complexity, number of subjects, and current workload.

Commissions are currently only available to customers in the UK, and are shipped within the UK only. Postage is £4.00 for standard delivery or £5.50 for 1–2 day delivery. Local collection can be arranged free of charge (Devon).

Any transit damage must be reported within 48 hours of delivery.

Client cancellation
If you cancel before work begins, the deposit is refunded in full. If you cancel after work has begun, the Artist retains the portion of the deposit covering the hours already worked at the agreed hourly rate, and refunds the remainder. For example, with a £100 deposit at £15 per hour, cancelling after 3 hours’ work means £45 is retained and £55 refunded. If the hours worked exceed the deposit, the deposit is retained in full.

Artist cancellation
In rare circumstances, the Artist may need to cancel a commission. If this happens, the full deposit and any other payments made will be refunded.

The Artist retains full copyright of all artwork created. The client receives the physical artwork and may display it privately.

The client may not reproduce, sell or distribute the artwork without written permission. The Artist may use images of the finished artwork for portfolio, website and social media unless the client asks for it to be kept private, which they can do at any time — when booking, during the drawing process or after completion.

Gift vouchers are available in any amount and can be redeemed against any custom portrait (see Gift Vouchers). The recipient may choose their own subject matter and commission details.

Gift vouchers are valid for 12 months from the date of purchase, as shown on the voucher. The expiry may be extended at the Artist's discretion if the holder gets in touch before the voucher expires.

If the commission costs more than the voucher value, the recipient pays the difference. If it costs less, the remaining balance stays on the voucher and can be used towards a future commission, within the voucher's validity period.

Client contact details are used solely for communication regarding the commission and are never sold or used for marketing. Delivery details are shared only with the courier or postal service when a portrait is shipped. See the Privacy Policy for full details.