Commissions

Susan Searway Art & Design is now offering custom digital art compositions based off of your photography.  The custom digital art compositions are created from scratch (these are NOT photo manipulations) using Illustrator and then Photoshop to create the final design.  Your photograph(s) of a pose/poses will be silhouetted in Illustrator, combined with a second or third pose if desired, and then converted into Photoshop where I will do a photomontaging technique on the interior with up to 100+ layers of figures.  Finally, I will provide 2-4 different color options before the final selection of the piece.

For other fine art media commissions, such as, paintings, drawings, watercolors, photography, etc. please contact Susan directly for an estimate. 

 CUSTOM DIGITAL ART COMpOSITIONS FAQ

LEARN ABOUT THE PROCESS 

Please note that by purchasing a custom digital art composition you are agreeing to our Commissions Policy

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Samples of Digital ART Work

What you Get & Process

This is an original work of art completed by Susan Searway-Fertig utilizing digital programs Illustrator and Photoshop.  The high resolution image of your artwork will be 11"x14" at 300 dpi. This gives you LIFETIME non-commercial printing rights. You'll be able to have your custom digital art compositions printed on anything you want as long as the image is not sold or used for profit in any way​​. 

Please be aware of the digital art rights agreement HERE 

Please read about the process after ordering HERE 

Your order confirmation email will contain information on where you can upload photos.

Process Step 1

I create watercolors of the figure, usually done in life drawing sessions that are finalized in my art studio #32 at Art Works Downtown

Process Step 2

You provide photo(s) of yourself in a dance pose(s) that I then will create a silhouette of you in Illustrator.

Process Step 3

I then combine 1 pose up to 2-3 poses in one of your compositions and send you a proof of the design for approval.

Process Step 4

Once the design proof is approved I will take the composition from Illustrator and bring it into Photoshop.  I will do a photomontaging technique on the interior with up to 100+ layers of figures from my watercolor figure studies.  This provides interest, texture, and colors.

Process Step 5

Once the interior of the composition is complete I then adjust the levels, color, and contrast to create 2-4 different color options for the final work.  I will send you proofs of these 2-4 color designs.  You pick the color pallet you desire and I will send you your high resolution image of your artwork that is 11" x 14" at 300 dpi.  

This gives you LIFETIME non-commercial printing rights. You'll be able to have your custom digital art compositions printed on anything you want as long as the image is not sold or used for profit in any way​​.
Please be aware of the digital art rights agreement HERE 
Please read about the process after ordering HERE 

FAQ on Commissioned Digital ArtWork 

All digital artwork are sent directly through email or WeTransfer to my clients. If you decide to use my print shop for ordering, all prints ship out from a separate facility and the carrier is chosen based on the print size/weight and your particular location. It is generally USPS, UPS or FedEx. 

• Pricing​
• Digital Art Custom Work:$500 – per composition (1-3 poses)
  This includes the high resolution image of your artwork - this will be 11" x 14" at 300 dpi. This gives you LIFETIME non-commercial printing rights. You'll be able to have your custom digital art work printed on anything you want as long as the image is not sold or used for profit in any way​​. Please be aware of the portrait rights agreement HERE
  
  I will also upload your commissioned work to my website where you can shop for prints or swag! There is no obligation here, just something I do to help save you a little time and effort. 
  
  
• How and when do I submit photos?
  Once you place your order you will receive an order confirmation email with instructions on how to send me your photos or your social media accounts, etc for reference of imagery. This is where you send photos that capture you dancing!  You can also let me know your favorite colors or ideas you have for your final composition. 
  
  
• How long is the waiting period?
  This entirely depends on when you get your order in. Most compositions take 2-3 weeks. 
  
  
• Do you work from photos?
  Yes! If you have a particular photo in mind for a pose you can send that one OR send a variety and I can help you figure out what would make a good digital art composition.  I need clear photos in good light.  Please make sure your images include hands and feet so I can capture the essence of the entire pose.  To help me capture the personality of your pose, the more photos the better! It helps me to see your personality so send photos that really showcase WHO you are! Even videos are welcome.
  
  
• How do I specify color?
  You can let me know at the beginning if you have a particular color pallet in mind or you can let me know what colors you like or don't like. You can also go through my other digital art compositions on my fine art side and you can reference a specific piece you like.  I usually create 2-4 different color options that you can choose your final composition.
  
  
• Can I get progress updates?
  I will always send you my initial silhouette design to make sure you like how I’ve depicted the pose/poses with the negative shapes (the black background).. Then oftentimes I share progress to my stories on my Facebook and Instagram page. If you don’t want progress shared on social media (if it is a gift for someone) then let me know this when you order.
  
  
• Will you post it to social media?
  I usually post finished products to my social media accounts for advertising.  If your order is a surprise gift for someone then PLEASE LET ME KNOW beforehand so that I can be sure to keep any updates hidden from public view. I would hate to ruin a surprise! And after you have gifted the commissioned piece please let me know so I can share my custom work!
  
  
• Can I get the high resolution file of my portrait?
  Custom Digital Art Work include the high res file. This gives you LIFETIME printing rights for NON-COMMERCIAL use only. You cannot redistribute, sell, or profit off it in any way. But you have complete freedom for personal use! You can use websites like my website at Self Made Orders (coming soon) to have your composition printed on a variety of prints and/or products. 
  
  
• Do you accept International orders?​
  Currently, no shipping internationally but I am looking to expand in the future.  By purchasing a digital art commission a digital file saves the hassle of shipping a product out internationally. Then you have the freedom to decide if you'd like to order the work on a print or product from a business local to you.
  
  
• How do you ship? 
  All prints ship out from a separate facility and the carrier is chosen based on the print size/weight and your particular location. It is generally USPS, UPS or FedEx.
  
  

IMPORTANT NOTE: MY digital artworks ARE NOT PHOTO-REALIStic.  EACH composition IS created FROM MY OWN INTERPRETATION OF THE SUBJECT. WHEN YOU PURCHASE A CUSTOM work, YOU ARE PURCHASING YOUR silhouette AS SEEN THROUGH THE EYES OF susan searway-fertig. PLEASE DO NOT ORDER IF YOU ARE EXPECTING AN EXACT REPRESENTATION OF YOUR photos. MY FOCUS IS TO PORTRAY the essence of the poses and dancer ABOVE ALL ELSE.

Once your Order is Placed

IMPORTANT NOTE: MY DIGITAL ARTWORKS ARE NOT PHOTO-REALISTIC.  EACH COMPOSITION IS CREATED FROM MY OWN INTERPRETATION OF THE SUBJECT. WHEN YOU PURCHASE A CUSTOM WORK, YOU ARE PURCHASING YOUR SILHOUETTE AS SEEN THROUGH THE EYES OF SUSAN SEARWAY-FERTIG. PLEASE DO NOT ORDER IF YOU ARE EXPECTING AN EXACT REPRESENTATION OF YOUR PHOTOS. MY FOCUS IS TO PORTRAY THE ESSENCE OF THE POSES AND DANCER ABOVE ALL ELSE.

• Ordering: 
  The process begins with you ordering your Digital Art Composition directly through my website - CLICK HERE
  
  
• Getting to know you as a dancer 
  Once you place your order, the order confirmation email will have information on where you can upload your photos, videos, social media posts, etc. and you can tell me about you as a dancer.  You can send a variety of photos that you feel best capture you dancing, your spirit, and your personality. We will discuss your favorite poses and expressions that commonly define you as a dancer. Any favorite colors or colors to avoid at this point would be helpful.
  
  
• Initial Silhouette(s) 
  Everyone is sent a proof of your composition in silhouette form. Once you provide me photo(s) of yourself in a dance pose(s) I then will create a silhouette of you in Illustrator. I then combine 1 pose up to 2-3 poses in one in a composition and send you a proof of the design for approval.  This is the part in the process where we can work together to make sure you'll have an end result we are both happy with. The silhouette proof will allow you to see the basic shape and posing as well as the essence I plan for your digital composition. Here is an example of a silhouette proof.
  
  
  
  
• Digital Art Composition
  I am an artist and I do my best work when allowed a certain level of artistic freedom. Once the initial silhouette proof is approved I will take that and do what I do best! 
  
  
• Colors and Final Approval 
  Once your composition is complete I will message it to you with 2-4 color designs for color selection and approval.  If you are wanting things changed then that is addressed on a case by case basis. Additional fees can apply depending on how much you want changed.  You pick the color pallet you desire and I will send you your high resolution file of your artwork that is 11" x 14" at 300 dpi. 

Commissioned LEGAL RIGHTS AGREEMENT

Rights of the Artwork 

By commissioning artist Susan Searway-Fertig to create a custom digital art composition, you understand and agree to the terms explained below: 

Digital Art Commissions: 

By choosing the option to purchase the high resolution file of the portrait you gain NON-COMMERCIAL reproduction rights. You as the buyer will not have the right to distribute nor sell the image created by artist in any way. You do not have the right to alter the image. You do not have the right to profit in any way off the image. This purchase of printing rights does not expire. Print rights are non-exclusive as Susan Searway-Fertig retains rights to reproduction as outlined below.  

By purchasing a custom digital art work, you hereby forever grant to Susan Searway-Fertig, his/her/its legal representatives, successors, assigns, licensees, advertising agencies, and all persons or corporations acting with his/her/its permission, the irrevocable and unrestricted right to use, reuse, publish and re-publish, and copyright your likeness, picture and/or created by artist Susan Searway-Fertig, in whole or part and/or composite representations, in conjunction with your own or a fictitious name, including alterations, modifications, derivations and composites thereof, throughout the world and universe for advertising, promotion, trade, retail, commercial or any lawful purposes.

This right shall include the right to use the property name or to combine the property likeness with others and to alter property likeness, by digital means or otherwise, for the purposes set forth herein.

You waive any right to inspect or approve the finished product, including written copy that may be created in connection therewith or the use to which it may be applied.  

You also waive any right to any future compensation as a result of commercial use of any artwork featuring your likeness. You acknowledge that the commissioned artwork/portrait was conducted in a completely proper and highly professional manner, and this release was willingly agreed to at its termination. You acknowledge that the Model (you as the dancer) is you, and certify that you have given your consent freely. You, hereby warrant that you are the the dancer named above, that you have read and understood this Release and have the legal authority to execute the above release without breach of any prior agreement or applicable law, including but not limited to prior agreements with modeling or talent agencies or any other person, company or entity. You hereby release and agree to indemnify the licensed parties and their respective successors and assigns, from and against any and all liability arising out of the exercise of the rights granted by the above dancer Release. You approve the foregoing and waive any rights in the artwork. This agreement shall be binding upon the artist and their heirs, legal representatives and assigns.