.webp)
A custom portrait illustration, digital portrait or family portrait is a trendy, creative way to capture an image. Whether it is for you, your family, or your neighbor's dog, it is an imaginative way to capture a moment in time!
5 Things to Know About a Custom Portrait Illustration
If custom portrait illustrations are not in your wheelhouse, do not fear...we have you covered! The following outlines what exactly custom portrait illustrations, digital portraits, and custom family portraits are.
We also explain the difference between custom portrait styles, and how to choose the right one for you (or the person you are buying it for!).
1. What is a Custom Portrait Illustration?
A custom portrait illustration is a work of art created from a photo of you (or your brother, or your cousin's aunt by marriage...you get the drift!). It takes an image and recreates it in a digital style of your choosing.
2. What Does a Custom Portrait Illustration Look Like?
Custom portrait illustrations are available in a wide variety of styles. Some of the most frequently purchased styles include photorealistic, pop art, realism/expressionism, abstract, and hand-drawn renditions.
Photorealistic
A photorealistic artist will recreate a portrait using an artistic medium, such as paint or a digital software program. The end result will closely resemble the original photo, and in some cases it may be difficult to see the differences between the two.
Pop Art
Pop art is our jam! Pop Art artists specialize in creating illustrations that resemble popular, trendy art. For instance, a Cartoonely artist can fashion a custom Simpsons family portrait that looks like it belongs in a Simpsons episode. Or, is Manga or Disney more your style? Our mind-blowing artists will work with you to create a masterpiece that will make you smile from ear-to-ear.
Realism & Expressionism
Artists using realism or expressionism to produce portraits will capture the image of a subject, but it will likely look a little more whimsical and colorful. While it will be instantly recognizable, it will not look exactly like you in real life.
Abstract
While abstract illustrations will resemble your photo, the end result will look very different than the original still image. Portraits made in this style will not always be instantly recognizable, and will usually incorporate more rigid shapes and darker or bolder colors into the piece. While the illustration might incorporate movement, it will not necessarily look more lifelike.
Hand-Drawn
Custom-drawn art can sometimes be confused with hand-drawn art. While custom-drawn art can include hand-drawn art, the latter usually means that an artist is creating a hand-drawn pencil portrait. Depending on how skilled the artist is, hand-drawn art can very closely resemble a photograph with the use of proper shading and lighting in the piece.
Other hand-drawn art can be done in a more simplistic or abstract way, which will resemble the photo but not look like a near-exact rendition.
3. Custom Digital Portrait by (Real-Life) Artists
A custom digital portrait is an illustrated portrait that is drawn digitally. Some companies use artificial intelligence (AI) to create the image. Other companies (like ours!) create artwork that is custom-drawn. That means a real artist will recreate your portrait down to the finest details.
Your image will not simply be uploaded to a software program for a computer to recreate. Instead, Cartoonely uses a real-life human (yep, you read that correctly!), to custom-draw your illustration. We may still use digital software, but our artists are behind the screen capturing all those intricate details that make you, well...you!
4. Creating a Custom Family Portrait Illustration
One of the newest trends in family portraits is to have a custom cartoon portrait illustrated of the whole family. Many families are choosing not to go the more traditional route of having family portraits taken by a photographer. Instead, they are embracing their creative side and having their family photos illustrated instead!
One of the great things about our custom family portrait illustrations is that you do not need to provide us with a single family portrait. We can create your one cohesive, detailed work of art using several different photos. That is because we only need to see each person's face. Then, we will work closely with you to stylize and pose the rest of the illustration.
A Custom family portrait illustration is a great way to showcase your unique family style. Hang it in the hallway, use it for your next holiday card, or change out your social media profile picture for something a little more exciting! It will be a dynamic talking piece at the next family dinner!
5. How to Choose the Right Custom Portrait for You
When trying to decide which custom portrait is right for you, there are a few things to consider.
Consider Your Home or Project
Is this artwork something that you will showcase in your or someone else's home? If so, consider the style of the home. Is there a color palette to think about?
Or if it is for a different type of project such as a holiday card or photo book, is there a specific frame that you want to use around the image? Be sure to think about where you will use the artwork to help you narrow down the look and style you want.
Consider the Style
Who are you purchasing the artwork for? You will want to match the style to personality of the person that you are ordering the illustration for.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are you ready for a custom digital illustration or portrait, but have a few more questions? Don't worry, we love to talk about ourselves and don't mind answering a few questions!
Will the Portrait be Realistic?
Yes! Custom portrait illustrations are extremely realistic to the people in the photo. Unique features, details and quirks that make you special will be included.
Is the Artwork Made Using Digital Software?
The artwork is custom-drawn by a real artist. There is no AI used!
Will I be able to see my drawing before I make a purchase?
We will communicate with you for any revision requests and portrait approval prior to printing!
Are You Ready to Order Your Custom Portrait?
Are you ready to order a custom portrait or illustration for you or someone special to you? Cartoonely can help! Our epic artists are waiting to create an awe-inspiring, spine-tingling work of art for you! If you still have questions, don't worry! We will happily answer anything you need to know. Contact us today!