A little monthly chance to own bespoke artwork for just £30
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Sketch Sunday is my monthly event, created to give more people the chance to own an original hand-drawn sketch, even if a larger commissioned portrait isn’t currently within budget.
On the first Sunday of every month at 6pm, I post the monthly Sketch Sunday thread on my Facebook page, where you can upload your chosen photo for the chance to be included.
Each sketch is a 4 x 6 inch unmounted graphite single subject portrait for £30, designed to be simple, full of character, and beautifully true to your pet, or person!
I work through as many as I can realistically fit into that month around my regular commissions. All sketches are picked at random from the entries that month.
If your photo doesn’t get picked, please don’t worry, it’s never personal, and you’re always welcome to re-enter the following month.
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A Little More About Sketch Sunday
Sketch Sunday originally started as my way of giving something back to the people who support my work, especially those who may not have the budget for a full bespoke commission.
I truly believe that everyone should be able to own art, and that bespoke artwork should feel personal and accessible rather than something only available at a luxury price point.
That’s why these sketches are intentionally:
• small
• simple
• single subject only
• graphite only
• unmounted
• no background
• no consultation process
• no digital mockups
• no multiple alterations
• completed within a general timeframe rather than an exact booked slot
The process is simple:
you upload the photo you love, and if picked at random, that is the one I draw.
Little tweaks such as removing a lead rope, or tidying fur or mane are absolutely fine.
Keeping them simple is what allows me to keep them at £30, even with rising fees, packaging, and postage costs.
They are designed to fit around my larger commissioned portraits, which is why they cannot be directly commissioned outside of the monthly post.
That flexibility keeps Sketch Sunday:
• fun
• fair
• affordable
• and manageable around my full-time commission work
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Photo Tips for Sketch Sunday
Choosing the right photo gives your sketch the best chance of capturing real personality and a strong likeness.
Use clear, well-lit photos
If the whole subject is very dark and the details are hard to see, it may not work well for the sketch.
Close-up photos work best
A good rule is to zoom into the eye.
If the eye is just a dark shape rather than clearly visible, the image may be too far away.
Upload the original image if possible
Screenshots can reduce quality, so the original photo is always the best choice.
Single subjects only
Because these are small 4 x 6 sketches, they work best with one pet, horse, animal, or person only.
Large landscapes or multiple subjects won’t suit the format so sadly won’t be picked.
Choose a photo you already love
Sketch Sundays don’t include big redesigns or pose changes, so please upload a photo you’re already happy with.
Pick a photo that feels like them
A cheeky expression, a soft look, a favourite pose, or a classic head tilt often creates the most special sketches.
Use your own images
Please only use your own images. Watermarked photos will not be accepted unless they are photos taken by you, or you have permission by the photographer to use them.
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How to Add More Than One Photo
If you’d like to share multiple photo options or multiple pets, please make ONE main comment on the monthly Sketch Sunday post, then reply to your own comment with any extra images.
This keeps all your photo options together so I can easily track your entry and won’t miss any extra reference choices.
If the images are spread across separate comments, there’s a chance I may not realise they all belong to the same submission.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Can I commission a Sketch Sunday directly?
No, Sketch Sundays are only available through the monthly post on the first Sunday of the month and are picked at random.
Why are they lower cost than commissions?
They are smaller, simpler, unmounted, graphite only, and don’t include the consultation, mockups, alterations, or fixed booking slot that comes with a full commission.
Does lower cost mean lower quality?
Not at all. The difference is time, materials, and admin — not care or likeness.
How many do you complete each month?
As many as I can realistically fit around my regular commissioned portraits.
What if my photo doesn’t get chosen?
You are always welcome to add it again to the following month’s Sketch Sunday post.
Can you post outside the UK?
Yes, worldwide submissions are welcome but incur extra shipping costs.
If you are outside the UK please let me know in your comment so I can quote the correct delivery cost.
(Please note, I am not in charge of postal costs and sadly can’t offer shipping any cheaper. It’s expensive to some countries but unfortunately there’s simply nothing I can do about that!)
Can I request alterations?
Small tidy-ups like removing a lead rope or tidying mane/fur are fine, but larger changes are not included.
Can you do me a larger portrait or more than one pet/person in the sketch?
No, Sketch Sunday sketches are 4 x 6 inches and done in graphite only. They only fit one pet or person and more subjects or a bigger sketch can only be requested as a commissioned portrait. Keeping Sketch Sunday sketches small and single subjects is how I can offer them for such an inexpensive price.
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Ready for the Next Sketch Sunday?
The next post goes live at 6pm on the first Sunday of the month over on my Facebook page! The post is ‘pinned’ to the top of the page and you can add photos at any time during the month.
Choose your favourite photo, pop it onto the monthly post, and keep everything crossed that I can fit your sketch into that month 💛