Commission a piece that's made for you

Not sure where to start? Explore a few ways in — a memory, a letter, a story someone told you — and see what could become a piece of your own.

a peek backstage

6 hours, sped up to 14 seconds.

charcoal, in progress.

from blank page to this.

one pencil. no reference photo — just a phone call.

The Idea Trove

Four ways to begin — explore, then see where it leads.

Memory Extraction Sessions

No photo required. Tell Sophia a memory — a person, a place, a moment — over a short call, and she'll draw it in pencil, pen, or charcoal exactly as you describe it.

Illustrated Letters

Some things are easier to give as art than to say out loud. Combine your own words — an apology, a proposal, a thank-you — with original hand-lettering and illustration.

As They Told It

Not every story you carry is your own. Turn a moment someone else lived through — and shared with you — into an original piece, drawn from their account rather than a photo.

Held in Memory

A quiet way to hold onto someone. Begins with a conversation about who they were — the moments, the habits, the small things — and becomes an original piece made to sit with.

Begin here

Or, if you already know what you're after

Browse the broader range of work Sophia takes on, then book a short call to talk through your idea.

Personal & Gift

Traditional Portraits, Pet Portraits, Memorial Art, Milestone Gifts, House & Property Portraits (popular for real estate closing gifts), Family Heirloom Pieces

Publishing & Editorial

Book Covers, Children's Books, Graphic Novels, Magazine Features, Podcast Cover Art, Author Branding Sets

Science & Natural History

Anatomical Studies, Scientific Illustration, Museum & Educational Commissions, Conceptual Science Art

Animal & Nature

Wildlife & Exotic Animal Art, Whimsical Animal Illustration, Nature & Botanical Scenes

Business & Brand

Logo-Adjacent Illustration, Restaurant & Hospitality Art, Corporate Gifting, Event & Venue Art, Founder Story Panels

Answers To

Commission FAQs

Common questions about the process, materials, and what to expect.

Do I need to know exactly what I want before I start?

Not at all — that's exactly what the Idea Trove is for. Explore a few different starting points, see what resonates, and let the questions guide you. You can go back and change your answers at any point before submitting, so there's no pressure to have it all figured out ahead of time.

What happens after I submit the form?

Once you submit, Sophia reviews what you've shared and reaches out directly to confirm the details and answer any questions before work begins. You'll typically hear back within a few business days.

How long does a commission take?

Creation time varies by piece and complexity, but most commissions are completed within a set number of weeks from when details are confirmed. Larger or more detailed pieces, like multi-panel work, may take longer — Sophia will give you a specific timeline once your commission is confirmed.

What materials are used for a commissioned piece?

Every commissioned piece is created in pencil, colored pencil, pen, or charcoal — whichever medium best suits the piece. Once finished, it's printed on premium archival matte paper, the same materials used across the rest of the shop, so it's built to last for decades. (See the Materials section above for more on paper and framing.)

How is my piece produced and shipped?

Once your original artwork is complete, production and fulfillment are handled in-house by our print partner — meaning your piece is printed, and framed if you've chosen that option, under one roof rather than passed between multiple vendors. That keeps quality consistent from print to delivery.

How long until I receive the finished piece?

After the artwork itself is complete, production typically takes just a few days, plus shipping time. Most domestic orders arrive within about a week of production being finished. Combined with creation time, most commissions land in your hands within [X–X weeks] of getting started.

Do you ship internationally?

Yes — domestic orders ship quickly and reliably, typically arriving within about a week of production. International orders are also available, though shipping times and costs will vary by destination. If you're ordering from outside the U.S., reach out and Sophia can confirm specifics before you commission.

What if I need to make changes after submitting?

No problem — nothing is final the moment you submit. Sophia reviews every submission personally before work begins, so if anything needs adjusting, you'll have the chance to talk it through together first.