GiveAcaricature.com - Frequently Asked Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between a caricature and a cartoon?
Is this just a face drawn on a pre-drawn background?
What kind of photo is required?
How do I get photos to you?
Do I get my photos back?
Can I send you a scanned photo?
What kind of scene description should I provide?
I want to include an animal or pet, how do I handle this?
Do I get to see the artwork before you print it?
What if I need revisions to the artwork?
If I want a caricature with multiple people, can I provide separate photos of each?
Are the digital caricatures you provide suitable for printing?
What is the difference between personal use and commercial use?
I bought a print, can I also get the digital version?
Can I get additional prints?
When is my credit card charged?
How long does it take?
How do you ship?
How do I check the status of my order?
How do your prices compare?
What is your guarantee?

What is the difference between a caricature gift and a cartoon gift?

For this purpose, a caricature and cartoon are the same thing except the word cartoon is a whole lot easier to spell and pronounce :). We even set up a website address at GiveAcartoon.com just to make it easier for our customers.

What kind of photo is required?

We recommend two photos if possible. Obviously big and clear are better. The artist needs to see the shape of the face and the subject's features so a front or 1/4 turn view is good. The photo should capture the persons typical smile or common expression and not show uncommon expressions that can change the structure and demeanor of the face such as squinting eyes or a bashful expression. Please select pictures that are representative of the subject, as this is how the caricature will be drawn. If you want the person drawn smiling, then we will need a photo of the person smiling. See the examples below:

EXAMPLES OF GOOD PHOTOS	EXAMPLES OF BAD PHOTOS

Bigger & clear pictures are better - head should be larger than half-dollar Front or 1/4 turn view. We need to see the shape of the face. Photos should clearly show the subject's facial features, including the eyes. Show them smiling or a typical expression.	Small, blurry or dark. Head turned face obstructed by hands etc. Slated or bashful face is bad because it changes the structure and demeanor of the face and shows an expression that is rare. Squinted eyes.

Is this just a face drawn on a pre-drawn background ?

NO! This is a fully custom caricature drawn based on the scene you describe and the photos you provide during checkout. Of course, if you love one of the samples provided in our gallery, feel free to reference it during checkout

How do I get photos to you?

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

Do I get my photos back?

As much fun as we have looking at pictures of your friends and family, we don't want to keep them. We will return any pictures when we ship your caricature. We don't control the mail so it's always safer to provide us with photos or copies that you don’t need back or better yet, a digital copy.

Can I send you a scanned photo?

Yes. If you are scanning a photo, we recommend scanning it at 200 dpi and saving it as a hi-resolution .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 kind of scene description should I provide?

The scene description that you provide about the subject(s) is just as important as the photo itself. It enhances the fun and is what makes this a truly personal gift. What we do ask is that you include all of your direction up front before our artist produces the Artwork Preview to avoid the time and potential cost of significant changes.

Each situation is different but here are some things that you might want to incorporate: occasion, special event, sport, hobby, occupation, mannerism, quirk, or the way they dress.

The level of detail you provide is up to you but please be concise (please don't write a book). You can be more open ended and allow the artist more creative leeway or if you really have something in mind, you can provide that direction too. Please bear in mind that we try to keep the pricing on our website simple by pricing on a per person basis. If the level of detail results in a significant increase in the artist time involved, we will contact you about additional charges and will not begin work until we receive your approval.

I want to include an animal or pet, how do I handle this?

Pets can be people too (at least for the purpose of a caricature). If you are requesting a specific breed, and/or the animal / pet is focal to the artwork, include a picture and choose the appropriate number of subjects when ordering. If it is just a general description of one generic animal or pet (i.e. small black dog) then we will include that at no charge as part of the background (note, some common breeds MAY be done at no charge also, i.e. labs, poodles, retrievers).

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

Yes, we provide you with a low-resolution preview of your final caricature on-line so you can review it to ensure that it is in accordance with your original instructions. Upon your approval, we queue your order for printing and final processing. Note that revisions (not included in your original instructions) may result in additional charges and may delay the delivery of your order. Once you've approved your order, it is placed on our "orders to print" queue - if you request revisions after we've printed your order, this can result in additional charges as well - please review your order carefully, including spelling of any words, before you approve your order.

What if I need revisions to the artwork?

Our artists spend considerable time and effort creating your artwork, and the majority of our caricatures are approved with the first Preview; however, occasionally customers want some tweaking after the initial review. We will do minor revisions (color changes, adding text or small objects) one* time at no additional charge. However, changes such as "Can you redraw George sitting on a bench, looking at John?"...or "Can I send you a different photo of George"...or "I really wanted the background to include city highway instead of a country road." are considered major changes and will result in additional charges. Keep in mind; the caricatures are produced from the photos and instructions that you initially provide to us. Please select pictures that are representative of the subject, as this is how the caricature will be drawn. Revisions (not included in your original instructions) may result in additional charges and may delay the delivery of your order.

*Due to the time and effort involved, any additional revisions after the 1st one will be assessed a $25 charge. Revisions due to our artists missing something in your original description will always be done at no charge, unless we've already printed and/or shipped your order.

If I want a caricature with multiple people, can I provide separate photos of each?

Yes.

Are the digital caricatures you provide suitable for printing?

We offer two digital packages (for Personal Use and for Commercial Use) both of which are provided at 150 dpi and are suitable for high resolution printing. Please note that the difference between them is ownership rights (see next section).

What is the difference between Personal Use vs Commercial Use?

Your caricature is yours to keep and you can make all the copies you want for personal use. We retain limited rights on the art so that we can use it for marketing purposes (like for our website) on a royalty free basis.

If you would like to use your caricature for commercial purposes such as for company web sites, presentations, business cards, logos, marketing collateral or other uses please see our commercial package which provides you with full commercial ownership rights and a high resolution digital image suitable for this purpose.

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

Yes, you have the option of adding a digital version to your order for a small fee. You can add these items during the checkout process at the bottom of the order review screen. Simply hit the "Continue Shopping" button, then the "Add-Ons" order button, then make your selections. If you have already ordered and want to add items go to "Place Order" and scroll down to the Add On section. If your original order has not shipped yet then call us to combine shipments.

Can I get additional prints?

Yes, you can order additional copies of your caricature for a small fee. You can add these items during the checkout process at the bottom of the order review screen or you simply hit the "Continue Shopping" button, then the "Add-Ons" order button, then make your selections. If you have already ordered and want to add items go to "Place Order" and scroll down to the Add-On section. If your original order has not shipped yet then call us to combine shipments.

When is my credit card charged?

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

How long does it take?

It depends on what you order and the shipping method you choose. See our timing matrix. Items leave Portland Oregon in 11 business days or less and delivery depends on the shipping method chosen. You can speed things up by selecting an Artist Rush option (up to two persons, otherwise please call for pricing) and/or expedited shipping during checkout. In addition, you also impact the timing based on how quickly you get quality pictures to us and how quickly you review and approve the preview of your caricature. Keep in mind that your final product is shipped from Portland, Oregon. UPS Ground shipping will take a week to get to the East Coast.

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. For international orders: UPS shipping methods provide tracking and are insured. USPS Global Express Mail 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).

How do I check the status of my order?

You can check the status of your order by calling us, emailing us, or to see where your order is in the process, clicking on ORDER STATUS. You will need to enter your order number and last name to check the status of your order online.

How do your prices compare?

We offer fully custom caricatures in a unique style, created by talented caricature artists. The caricatures are printed at high resolution on high quality paper using rich color ink that will last. We don’t skimp! You won’t find a better price for the level of quality, reliability, and customer satisfaction and you won't find a guarantee like ours. Our company has a proven track record of being reliable and making sure our customers are satisfied. See our price list.

What is your satisfaction guarantee?

We have been in business since 2002 because we pride ourselves on total customer satisfaction. Our process allows you, the customer, to review and approve the artwork to make sure that it is in accordance with your initial specifications BEFORE we send your gift. Our artist will work with you until you are COMPLETELY SATISFIED and in the rare case that you are not, we will give you your money back. Note that additional charges may be necessary depending on the revisions requested. After your approval and shipment, we guarantee the product to be defect free or we will replace it.