Shelly Denning Creative

Credentials

FAQs

• What should the customer know about your pricing (e.g., discounts, fees)?
  For portraits, I have basic pricing for several mediums and sizes. That pricing can be found by clicking "Pricing" on my website. Pricing can be affected by the medium, size, number of subjects, unusual surfaces or if editing is required (such as merging several photos together). Please contact me for an accurate quote. Here's pricing for an 8"x10" portrait of one person in a realistic style based off a single photo with no additional editing: Oil on canvas: $397 Acrylic on canvas: $347 Watercolor on paper: $329 Pencil on paper: $595 Charcoal on paper: $325 Colored Pencil on paper: $661 The same piece as a 24"x36" would be: Oil on canvas: $3,866 Acrylic on canvas: $3,336 Watercolor on paper: $2,000 Pencil on paper: $2,800 Charcoal on paper: $1,499 Colored Pencil on paper: $4,453 For murals, the price can fluctuate greatly depending on the size, location, detail, etc. Mural pricing is done on a case-by-case basis. If detailed art is too pricey, I can do something more simple like a line drawing or pop-art style of work. This can lower the price greatly. I can also set up payment plans if needed.
• What is your typical process for working with a new customer?
  After the initial quote is made, I like to have a conversation with the customer. This can be done over the phone, through e-mail or face-to-face. If the customer is ready to hire me based on the final quote, a 50% deposit is made for the work and the commission agreement is signed. If new designs are being created, a nondisclosure agreement must also be signed. Sketches are done based on the customer's needs. Once approved, we decide on a time for me to begin the work. Progress photos are sent during the process. When I'm able, I also do a time lapse video of the work. Once complete, the artwork is delivered, picked up or presented (for murals) and the remainder of the payment is due. I also provide the customer with a maintenance statement that details the materials used in the work and how to take care of it.
• What education and/or training do you have that relates to your work?
  Over the years, I practiced any medium I could get my hands on. My teachers were Bob Ross and other painters demonstrating their skills on television. In middle school, I didn't have time in my schedule to add art classes, so I would visit with the art teacher at lunch or after school. He would give me the assignments that his class was given and I would turn them in for critique. In high school, I opted to take orchestra and theatre over art until my senior year when I finally gave up on theatre. I approached the art teacher and showed her my work. She placed me in the level 3 art class. ​Upon graduation, I attended the University of Texas at Arlington, majoring in illustration. Due to events beyond my control, I had to drop out after one year. For years, I kept myself educated by watching videos, reading books and practice, practice, practice. In 2019, I decided to return to school after a 23-year hiatus. I am currently attending The University of North Texas in pursuit of my BFA in Studio art with a double concentration in sculpture and drawing/painting.