How is the artwork authenticated?

I take great pride in the presentation of my work:

Original Paintings: Hand-signed, embossed with my studio seal, and accompanied by a physical Certificate of Authenticity.
Exclusive Prints: Hand-signed and embossed.
Mini Prints: Hand-signed by the artist.

How do I care for my watercolor painting?

While I finish each original with a professional-grade UV varnish to protect the pigments and paper, watercolors remain light-sensitive. To ensure your investment lasts a lifetime:

Avoid Sunlight: Do not hang the piece in direct, harsh sunlight.
Framing: I recommend framing under UV-protective glass.
Environment: Avoid areas with high humidity, such as bathrooms or kitchens, to protect the paper fibers.

Artwork & Care Guide

Shipping & Returns

Where do you ship?

I ship worldwide! All artwork is flat-packed or tubed with heavy-duty materials to prevent bending or moisture damage.

How much does shipping cost?

Shipping is paid for by the purchaser. To provide the most accurate pricing, shipping estimates are calculated in real-time at checkout based on your specific location and the size of the piece.

What is your return policy?

All sales are final. Due to the delicate and one-of-a-kind nature of original art, I do not offer returns or exchanges for change-of-heart.

Damaged Items: If your artwork arrives damaged during transit, please contact me at studio@surelytheraven.com within 48 hours of delivery with photos of the packaging and the damage so I can assist you with a claim or solution.

Pricing & Payments

Do you offer payment plans?

Yes. Through my website checkout, you can access "Buy Now, Pay Later" options (such as PayPal Credit or Klarna) depending on your region. This allows you to pay in installments while I ship your art right away.

How is your art priced?

Rather than approach it at an hourly rate, I price my work on size and complexity. I offer base prices on three sizes and then have flat fee addons based on the complexity of the piece. Minimalist continuous line art is priced as an 8 x 'basic' and can be delivered physically or digitally.

How do commissions differ?

I apply a flat $125 Commission Fee in addition to my standard original artwork rates. This includes our initial consultation, one-on-one communication, and one round of minor revisions during the preliminary pencil sketch phase.

Additional changes are outlined below by phase of the composition:

[Sketching Phase]

I want to ensure the composition is perfect before I touch the final paper. If you require additional rounds of sketching or a complete redesign of the initial concept, a $50 Revision Fee will be applied per round to cover the extra studio time

[Painting Phase]

Because I work with permanent, professional-grade watercolors and archival inks on 100% cotton paper, the medium does not allow for "undoing" a stroke.

Painting Minor Tweaks: If a change is physically possible (such as deepening a shadow or adding a small ink detail), a $50 flat fee applies.
Restarting: If a change requires me to abandon the current piece and start over on a fresh sheet of archival paper (changing a pose, the layout, or the entire color palette), a Restart Fee of 50% of the original artwork price is required.

Commissions

Licensing

How frequently do you take commissions?

Typically, I accept a limited number of commissions--typically 2 to 3 per quarter--to ensure each custom piece receives my full artistic focus.

How does the process work?

Every commission begins with a consultation to discuss your vision, subject matter, and the vibe. Once we agree on the direction, I require a 50% non-refundable deposit to secure your spot in my studio calendar. I will provide one rough pencil sketch for your approval before I begin the final piece on archival paper.

Can I request changes?

Your commission includes one round of revisions at the pencil sketch stage. Because watercolor is a permanent medium, major structural changes cannot be made once the painting process has begun. Substantial changes requested after the sketch approval may incur additional fees. See examples in the pricing FAQ section.

How much does a commission cost?

To bring a custom vision to life, I apply a flat $125 Commission Fee in addition to my standard original artwork rates. This fee covers our collaborative consultation, the creation of a preliminary pencil sketch for your approval, and the dedicated studio time required to translate your story into a museum-grade original. See the pricing FAQ for more detail on original art rates.

How long does the process take?

Typically, the process takes 2–4 weeks from the date of the deposit, depending on the complexity and size of the piece. If you have a specific deadline (like a birthday or anniversary), please let me know during the consultation so I can check my availability for a rush order.

Who owns the right to the art?

As the artist, I retain the copyright to all works I create, including the right to produce prints or use the image for promotional purposes. Your purchase grants you ownership of the physical original for personal display. If you are interested in a commercial license (for logos, branding, or merchandise), please specify this in your initial inquiry.

Can I make my own prints of the art?

Purchasing an original does not grant the right to scan, reproduce, or sell copies of the artwork. If you would like additional prints for family or friends, I am happy to provide high-quality professional prints at a discounted rate for commission clients.

Can I use the art for my business or brand?

If you intend to use the artwork for a logo, website branding, social media marketing, or any product packaging, a Commercial License is required. See the Licensing FAQ for more details.

What is your refund policy?

Due to the custom nature of commission work, all deposits and final payments are non-refundable. If a piece is damaged during transit, please contact me immediately with photos of the packaging and the artwork so I can file an insurance claim and discuss a replacement.

Can I post the art on social media?

Absolutely! I love seeing my work in its new home. If you share a photo of the piece, I simply ask that you credit Surely the Raven Studio or tag my account.

However, you may not use the image as a digital asset (like a profile header or post background) for a business account without a license.

Can I license your artwork for my brand?

I am open to licensing my illustrations for commercial projects, products, or branding. Please reach out via my contact page with details regarding your project, timeline, and budget to discuss terms.

What is the difference between buying a painting and licensing an image?

Buying a Painting: You own the physical object (the paper and pigment). You can hang it, move it, or resell the physical sheet of paper.

Licensing an Image: You are "renting" the right to use the digital version of that image for a specific purpose (e.g., a book cover, wine label, or website banner). The physical painting remains in my possession (or a collector's), but you have the legal right to reproduce the image.

Can I license an artwork that has already been sold?

Yes. Unless the original collector purchased the exclusive rights, I retain the copyright to every piece I create.

What types of licenses do you offer?

I categorize licenses based on how the art will be used:

Non-Commercial/Personal: Using an image for a personal blog, a one-time wedding invitation, or a private digital wallpaper.
Commercial/Marketing: Using the art to promote a business (social media ads, website headers, email newsletters).
Retail/Product: Printing the art on physical products for resale (apparel, stationery, packaging).
Editorial: Using the art to accompany an article in a magazine, book, or journal.

How are licensing fees calculated?

Licensing is not a flat fee. It is calculated based on The Three Pillars of Value:

Usage: How will it be used? (A billboard costs more than a social media post).
Duration: How long will you use it? (1 year vs. Perpetual).
Exclusivity: Do you want to be the only one using it, or can I license it to others simultaneously?

Do you offer exclusive licenses?

Yes. If you need the artwork to be synonymous with your brand and want to ensure no one else uses it, we can negotiate an Exclusive License. This carries a higher premium because it prevents me from making further income from that specific image.