10 Questions to Ask Before You Commission a Portrait
A custom portrait is a meaningful purchase, and a little due diligence up front saves you from the two things that can go wrong: spending more than you expected, or ending up with a painting that doesn't quite look like the person you love. The good news is that a few clear questions tell you almost everything about whether a service is trustworthy. Here's the checklist — and the answers a good service should give.
The ten questions
1. Is this hand-painted in oils on canvas, by an artist? You want a clear yes. Some "portraits" are printed photos with a gel coat brushed on top to mimic texture — fine for what they are, but not the same as a real painting. (Here's the honest oil painting vs. print comparison.)
2. Will I see a proof or mockup before any painting begins? This is the single most important safeguard. You should be able to approve how the portrait will look before committing to the full piece. Never pay a full balance sight-unseen.
3. Will I approve a photo of the finished painting before it ships? A good service shows you the completed work and lets you request reasonable adjustments before it leaves the studio.
4. Can you combine multiple photos, or make changes? The answer should be yes — combining people, adjusting a background, removing a distraction. This flexibility is part of the value of a painting over a photo.
5. What exactly is included in the price — and is it the final price? Get clarity on canvas size, framing (included or extra), number of revisions, shipping, and insurance. A trustworthy service shows the full price up front with no surprises at checkout. (See our cost guide.)
6. How long will it take — and can you meet my date? If it's a gift or tribute tied to a deadline, confirm the timeline before you order, and build in a buffer.
7. What size do you recommend for my wall and number of subjects? A good service will help you choose rather than just upsell. Bigger isn't always right — but undersized is the most common regret.
8. What's your guarantee if I'm not happy? There should be a clear answer — a satisfaction or money-back policy of some kind. Hesitation here is a red flag.
9. What kind of photo do you need from me? The answer reveals whether they understand their craft. They should ask for a clear, well-lit photo and tell you honestly if yours needs to be better. (See how to choose the perfect photo.)
10. Can I see examples of your work? Real before-and-after examples (photo to finished painting) tell you more than any sales copy. Look at the eyes and the likeness in their samples.
Red flags to watch for
- No preview before full payment. The biggest one. If you can't see what you're getting before you're committed, walk away.
- A "starting price" that balloons at checkout with vague add-ons.
- No clear guarantee, or evasiveness when you ask about one.
- Pressure and false urgency — "only today" countdowns on a handmade heirloom rarely reflect reality.
The reassuring truth
When a service answers all ten of these clearly and warmly — yes to a preview, yes to approving the finished piece, an honest price, a real guarantee — the risk of a custom portrait largely disappears. You know what you're getting before you're committed, which is exactly how a purchase this meaningful should feel.
We answer all ten — see for yourself, free
At the National Portrait Service, you see a free mockup before you pay anything, you approve the finished painting before it ships, the price is clear up front, and every portrait is hand-painted in oils and backed by our guarantee. Upload your photo and we'll send your free mockup within 48 hours — no payment to start.
New to the process? Start with our complete guide on how to commission an oil portrait from a photo.