Traditionally silhouettes were a form or portraiture, cut from thin black card, originating in the 18th century. They are a lovely way to freeze a moment and time, and of course, work best when the subject is in profile, so you can identify their defining features. I made this digital version last week for my husband, and he was rather chuffed with it, I think it’s going into the office with him for his desk. I think these would work well with a nice white matte and a thin black or white gallery-style frame. Getting the outline right takes some patience, you have to make sure the image is suitable and work out beforehand how many colors you are using before you start the outline. The benefit of digital, of course, is the colors can be matched to your decor, or changed completely in a flash. If you fancy one of these for your home, or as a gift this Christmas, just drop me an email and we can get it all sorted in a jiffy. I loved creating this artwork and would love to make some more.
- You send me a photo to digitally create your silhouette from, faces need to be in profile for best results. Quality not a major issue, but needs to be good enough to get a good outline from. Stray wisps of hair and things just add to the charm. Email image or images to [email protected] before you buy so I can make sure your image is ok.
- Once we are all happy I can create what you want from your image, you need to buy your print using the Paypal button at the bottom of this post.
- I create the silhouette and email you a preview image, in your colors if you have specified them, or I will use creative judgment. A title can be added if you like, the print looks smarter with one. Color tweaks can be made at this point.
- Final print option A) I send you a high-resolution image for you to print yourself. I will provide an A4 300dpi version for home printing and an 8″x10″ version for printing with a photographic service such as Snapfish. Cost for this service is £20 (Please make sure your email account is able to accept large files, I can also post to Flickr if this causes a problem, but it’s more complicated)
- Final print option B) I print your image on my high-quality home printer on A4 glossy premium paper and post it to you. Cost for this service is £25 (the extra covers printing and postage costs)
- How long does this take? I will estimate a delivery date when you first email me your pictures, but these can be turned around in a few days.
However you buy, your final print will be designed to fit in a frame with an aperture suitable for a 10″x8″ (20x25cm) photo. The diagram below explains how big your print will be and how it will look mounted under a suitable aperture mount (clicky for larger image). You can buy mounts like this online, with or without a matching frame. I buy my mounts and frames at Habitat, Ikea also do a suitable frame with mount included for just £3.99.