FAQs - Give A Masterpiece - Personalized Fine Art From Photos

Frequently Asked Questions

How does the process work?
How long does it take?
Is the artwork created by hand or using filters?
What is a Giclée?
What is your satisfaction guarantee?
What kind of photo is required?
How do I get photos to you?
Can I send you a scanned photo?
What is considered a subject?
Can you add something to the art that is not in the original photo?
Do I get to see the artwork before you print it?
Are the digital artwork files you provide suitable for printing?
I bought a print, can I also get the digital version?
Can I get additional prints?
How do you ship?
How do I check the status of my order?
When is my credit card charged?
What is wrapped canvas?

It's simple and it's fast! First, after taking a look at examples of our work and deciding on the art style that you want, go to the ordering page for that particular art style. On that page you can select from various options to customize and price your order. Second, either upload a photo during the order process or shortly thereafter by logging into your account. Third, at the time you order, you are given the option to select a proof, and if you choose 'yes', you will be given a date when you can expect it. If you selected a proof, you will receive an email with a link to view and approve your artwork on or before your proof date (you may also log into your account - please make sure that proof@giveamasterpiece.com and svc@giveamasterpiece.com are on your safe senders list). Last, we print, frame (if applicable), and ship your order based on the selections that you made in your order.

How long does it take?

Generally, artwork is done in 3-5 business days (watercolors take the longest) and the finished product will normally leave Oregon (or North Carolina for canvas) in 5-8 business days. Delivery is dependent on the shipping method chosen. You get a firm artwork completion date at the time you order. Click here to get a real time estimate of when a Proof would be available if you ordered right now - it considers our capacity, order volume, holidays and vacations. You can always speed things up by selecting the Art Rush option and Expedited shipping during checkout.

Is the artwork created by hand or by using filters?

All of our artwork is created by hand by talented artists who specialize in the style that you choose. The process is different for each of the art styles but in all cases you receive a high quality fine art print that looks just like the original work (optional Giclée' printing is also available). Graphite sketches and watercolors are created the old fashion way without the computer, then digitized for final touches and a high quality printing. Artists painstakingly create our Oils by hand using digital brush strokes that are very visible in the artwork. This style CANNOT be created using filters. Like Oils, the other styles are created by hand using digital tools that require all the same artistic talent as traditional methods.

What is a Giclée?

It is a French word meaning "to squirt". It is a high-tech digital printing process used to make fine art prints. The process is known for its rich color (or rich gray tones in the case of pencil sketches) and razor-sharp detail and is the closest duplication of an original artwork that is humanly, mechanically or technically possible. The resulting art print has every nuance of the original image. The Giclée art print has become a standard in the art industry embraced for its exceptional quality by major art galleries and museums worldwide.

What is your satisfaction guarantee?

GiveAMasterpiece.com is part of Leading Edge Gifts LLC. We have been in business since 2002 and are one of Portland Oregon's Top 50 Women Owned Businesses , a distinction we have earned because we bend over backwards to exceed our customer’s expectations. Our confidence in our talented artists and high-quality products allow us to offer a complete satisfaction guarantee. At the time you order, you are given the option to request a Proof of the completed artwork (recommended). If selected, we do not proceed with printing and framing until you are completely satisfied with your artwork and approve it. You may request reasonable changes as long as they are the same style you selected originally and use the same photo (for example, you can’t ask the artist to create a Sketch style after he/she has created an Oil style, or you can’t ask the artist to paint using a new photo after having the work done with the original photo). Our artists will work with you until you are COMPLETELY SATISFIED and in the rare case that you are not, you may cancel your order and get a full refund. Sometimes people do want to change the scope of the work a little or a lot. If the changes required will result in additional charges, we will get your approval before doing the work. After shipment, we guarantee that the artwork you receive is what you approved and that it is defect free or we will replace it. If you do NOT choose to receive a Proof, we will guarantee that the artwork is defect-free or we will replace it. See our refund policy for more details.

What kind of photo is required?

Quality photos are the key to fantastic artwork. Here are some important guidelines:

For best results, photos should be at least 500 x 500 pixels and at 150 dpi

Photos should be sharp and in-focus. For most styles, our artists need to be able to clearly see the subject's eyes if he/she zooms in.

Lighting and contrast should be good. The photo should not be too light or too dark and should not have too much shadowing unless you want that in the artwork.

Artwork always looks better when the subject(s) fill up the majority of the picture frame. We can't overemphasize this enough. Take a look at the gallery and you will see that the close-ups yield stunning results. The Lich style particularly lends itself to ultra close-ups. You can crop photos yourself or select the option for use to do it for you.

Our artists base the artwork on the photo so make sure its a good one!

Check out our Photo Tips for examples of good and bad photos.

How do I get photos to you?

The best way is to upload your digital photos during checkout. Digital photos should be in a standard format such as jpg, tif, pdf. You can also upload digital photos after the fact by going to our Send Photos page or by mailing your hardcopy photos to us (see address). Please note that we do charge a $3.00 per photo scanning fee for photos that are sent via regular mail and that your pictures are returned when we ship your order. Always include your order number when sending photos.

Can I send you a scanned photo?

Yes. If you are scanning a photo, we recommend scanning it at 300 dpi or higher and saving it as a .jpg file. Just about any mail, office supply, or copy store will offer scanning services. Examples include UPS stores, FedEx/ Kinko's, Office Depot and Staples.

What is considered a subject?

Artwork prices are based on the number of subjects in the finished artwork. A subject can be a person, pet, house or whatever else you want our artists to paint/draw. Just call or email if you are not sure.

Can you add something to the art that is not in the original photo?

Generally the art is strictly based on what is in the photo but email us with what you want and we will let you know if we can do it. Also, in the case of the Pen/Ink and Obama styles, you are give the option to provide text to be included.

Do I get to see the artwork before you print it?

Yes, if you select Proof at the time of your order, you get a date that it will be ready to view. On or before that date, we alert you that it is ready by email. You simply log into your account and view a low resolution version of your final artwork. You are then able approve it or if there is something wrong, you can request changes. Note that some changes may result in further charges but we always let you know up front. Once you approve your artwork, we print, frame (if applicable) and ship your order.

Are the digital artwork files you provide suitable for printing?

We provide a hi-resolution digital file perfect for printing. To be specific the digital file will be at least 8x10 at 150 dpi. If your requirements are different, just contact us..

I bought a print, can I also get the digital version?

Yes, just select the "add a digital file" option during your order. If you have already placed your order, place a new order and scroll to the Add-on section..

Can I get additional prints?

Yes, you can order additional copies of your artwork during the checkout process by clicking the "Continue Shopping" button at the bottom of the order review page, then scroll to the "Add-Ons" section and make your selections. If you have already placed your order, place a new order and scroll to the Add-on section..

How do you ship?

We generally use UPS for domestic shipping. USPS is generally more economical for international orders. Our shopping cart allows you to choose the mode of shipment and uses both UPS and USPS live rate lookup to calculate the shipping cost. You will receive an email notification with a tracking number upon shipment on UPS orders.

UPS shipping methods provide tracking and are insured. USPS Express Mail International is insured but tracking is limited, and all other USPS options are NOT insured and do NOT provide tracking so if you choose this option, you assume the risk of loss. Please keep in mind that if timing is a concern, we ship from Portland, Oregon and UPS Ground generally takes a week to get to the East Coast. UPS does not deliver on Saturdays or Sundays (In certain cases, UPS can deliver on Saturdays, but you must contact us to make special arrangements for a UPS Saturday delivery).

At GiveAmasterpiece.com we will meet or beat our shipping commitments but we are at the mercy of UPS and USPS to deliver your order to you. Delays by UPS or USPS due to bad weather or some other reason are out of our control. We will submit claims when possible and pass along any proceeds that we recover to impacted customers.

How do I check the status of my order?

You can check the status of your order by clicking on ORDER STATUS and logging in to your account with your last name and order number. You can also call or email us

When is my credit card charged??

Since work begins on your artwork right away, your credit card is charged when your order is received. See our satisfaction guarantee

Do you have any art suggestions?

Everyone's taste and home decor is different but here are a few helpful hints based on our experience::

Close up pictures generally yield the best results. The more the subject(s) fills the frame of the picture, the better.
Especially when it comes to canvas art that will be hung on the wall - bigger is better. People have a tendency to underestimate the size they need.

What is wrapped canvas?

Wrapped means that the artwork actually wraps around the sides. If you choose the .75" wrap, the outside 3/4" of the artwork will show up on the side and if you choose the 1.5", it will be the outside 1 1/2". Wrapped canvas provides a unique feel that is attractive to most art styles, particularly Oils and Lichtenstien.