In One Word - Pawsome!
I recently won second place in Pinshape’s 3D printing wall art contest (Here’s my entry). The prize? A super cool opportunity to get a portrait done by ArtCorgi! Don’t know what ArtCorgi is? I didn't know either (strange since they have gotten a lot of press) but since I redeemed my prize and received my portrait, I’ve been telling everyone I know about it.
Here’s why: it’s really a great service. ArtCorgi is like a tasting table of artists. You browse samples, choose an artist that has a style you like, and commission that artist to create a work of art just for you. Art commissions for all!
Portrait of a Cavalier with His Hunting Dogs
No longer must you be a 16th century aristocrat to commission a portrait of you and your faithful hound! Today, ArtCorgi democratizes the process so that anyone can commission a portrait of themselves and their faithful hound. And I did exactly that.
The process was easy, more so in my case because Simone Collins (one of the founders of ArtCorgi) contacted and congratulated me on my Pinshape prize and outlined how we were to proceed. She presented some ideas as to what others have commissioned:
- Facebook / Twitter avatar (or cover photo)
- Computer desktop background
- Gift for a friend or family member
- Pet portrait
- Holiday card or stationery design
I immediately focused on the notion of a Pet Portrait because I am slightly obsessed with my dog Lola. I have tons of photos of her but because I am always behind the lens, I have very few pictures with her. This was my chance to fix that.
I emailed Simone back my intention and she very quickly presented me with a list of artists and links to their galleries. One of the artists had a style very similar to Patrick Nagal, whose work I am fond of, and I immediately emailed back “I want me and Lola - Patrick Nagal style!” I forwarded her some photos of me and of the lovely Lola and waited.
A couple days later I had an email with an attached sketch - a digital proof for me to examine to make sure I liked where things were going. I liked. My only critique was that I wanted us to look a little happier - because, this was a happy occasion! Me and Lola in frame together!
Lola and Jeremy Sketch
A few days after I approved the sketch I opened my email and there was the final Patrick Nagal inspired portrait of Me and Lola. Perfect for printing, using as a Facebook photo (my current photo) or anything else I could imagine - for personal use. Sadly, I could not use the portrait commercially on say, a line of t-shirts (which I am sure would fly off the shelves). Oh well. I’ll just have to stick with doing a canvas print for my home office!
Lola & Jeremy - There we are gazing off in the distance.
The whole process was very easy and fun. I’ve had a ton of compliments on the portrait - though my wife simply shook her head saying, “Of course. You and the dog.” (Sometimes I think she’s jealous.)
I highly and whole heartedly recommend ArtCorgi to anyone who wants to create a unique gift for family or friends (or enemies if you want to make them jealous with rage). It’s so unique and very reasonably priced. Yes, this one was free for me but I suspect I will be back money in hand for some more portraits of me and Lola, I mean my family.
Visit: ArtCorgi | http://artcorgi.com/
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