This information is designed to provide you an idea about the
ordering process for my custom painted and drawn animal artwork.
Having years of experience in commissioned work, I have adapted to
meet my client's needs and wishes on a personal level.
Professionalism doesn’t stop there though. In order to achieve
their highest satisfaction, I aspire to exceed expectations for each
piece of artwork by offering advice on the best way to approach a piece
along with giving email updates on the progress of your piece.
Please review the following pricing, sizing and information for my work and note that
I may increase my prices without notice given that material costs are on the rise. Consider that the
Holiday season is my busiest time of year and I cannot guarantee any delivery the
closer we come to December. Take the opportunity and order as
soon as possible and lock in a price with a quote!
I have a waiting list so please contact me for current delivery dates if you have a
deadline. If you still have questions and would like some more help when
ordering your project, please do not hesitate to contact me at any time.
I do not generally offer a framing service so factor in your cost and time to have this done by
your selected framing service. If framing is an absolute must, I will attempt
to either give direction as to where this can be done or quote out a price for having it framed prior to shipment.
I cannot guarantee another's framing service and that cost on framing
is highly dependent on your choice.
Please also consider a Gift Certificate if we cannot meet your timeline! See below details.
- Email or call me to initiate the process.
    ken@tails-to-tell.com
 / 516.647.1474
- Upon our first conversation, I will require you to send me additional information such as a detailed
photograph(s) of the subject (see Photo Tips to achieve the best submission) along with some of your
personal information (full name, address, phone #, where you heard about Tails To Tell).
In addition, please provide details of the type of background you desire including photographs if the
detail is high (see below pricing charts for options).
If other services are desired (see below charts), please state all additions in your request.
If you are unsure of certain details or wish me to provide a backdrop for your painting, please let me know.
Also provide a completion date required if you have one (please be aware that there is a waiting list).
- If the photos and information are sufficient to achieve a quality piece of work, I will inform you of
such. If not, I will contact you requesting more details.
- If all information received is sufficient, I will then send a quote (valid for 14 days) stating the details including lead time, expected
completion time and shipping/packaging costs. I highly recommend you secure insurance for the
item given the expense, as all responsibilty for the item falls with the carrier once I have handed it to them.
- If you are satisfactory with the quote, please supply a non-refundable 25% deposit to secure a position on the waiting
list. This deposit will cover material costs of your piece which I will then order
(Paypal, U.S. Postal Money Orders or cash please). I will also require a signed and dated
quote from you verifying you are satisfied by all terms. You can either mail it to me
(I will provide mailing address) or you can email me a copy.
- I will provide you proof of deposit with a copy of the fully signed deposit upon clearance of payment.
This will have my signature as well.
- I will notify you once the painting has been started.  Please note that the lead time will be dated from your
signature date of the signed quote.
- As part of the service, one simple rough sketch will be provided to help clarify the direction of the piece.
Additional sketches may be provided at no additional charge but this will be depend on the circumstances. If the
circumstances require significant time to produce additional sketches, a fee may be incurred which is due before beginning
actual piece so please consider all information you provide.
- While I'm working on your portrait, I take photos and email them periodically at major stages. At these points,
please contact me if you have issues. Note that any significant changes at these points can impact on delivery date
and you may incur additional costs. I will work with you to the best of my ability.
- Upon completion of artwork, I will send a picture at which point if you approve, I will move to any final services requested
such as varnishes and edging. If you have requested framing services, I will send painting out for this service.
- Once all services have been performed, I will send you a final picture of completed product.
- At this point, I will require the full payment of the balance due stated on your signed copy of the quote.
- Upon clearance of payment, I will pack and ship your product with care instructions.
- Please note that given the nature of custom work, it is possible for extenuating circumstances to occur which might delay
the delivery of your product. I will notify you of any such issues as they occur and work with you to full satisfaction
- These guidelines provide the general steps that are taken to secure a well-balanced agreement between Tails To Tell and you.
Since our services offer more than doing paintings and drawings, other steps may apply to the process.
* The listed price is a comparative price estimate and may or may not represent the prevailing price on your quote in every area on any
particular day.
** We do not warrant that product descriptions or other content of this site is accurate, complete, reliable, current, or error-free.
The following pricing is meant as a guideline to give you an idea of the final cost but does not necessarily reflect the quoted cost. The sizing are standard sizes but other sizing is available. For actual pricing and sizing, please contact us for a quote. All pricing in U.S. Dollars.
Full Color Single Animal Head - Brushed/Mottled Background
Grayscale paintings are approximately 10% less in most cases.
SIZE | ACRYLIC | OIL | WATERCOLOR/ INK |
GRAPHITE | COLORED PENCIL | PASTEL/ CHARCOAL |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
9" x 9" | $175 | $325 | $125 | $50 | $75 | $75 |
8" x 10" | $200 | $350 | $135 | $50 | $75 | $75 |
9" x 12" | $225 | $375 | $150 | $75 | $100 | $100 |
12" x 16" | $275 | $425 | $175 | $125 | $150 | $150 |
16" x 20" | $350 | $500 | $225 | $175 | $200 | $200 |
20" x 24" | $425 | $575 | $275 | $225 | $250 | $250 |
24" x 36" | $550 | $700 | $325 | $325 | $350 | $350 |
Full Color Full Animal Body - Brushed/Mottled Background
Grayscale paintings are approximately 10% less in most cases.
SIZE | ACRYLIC | OIL | WATERCOLOR/ INK |
GRAPHITE | COLORED PENCIL | PASTEL/ CHARCOAL |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
9" x 9" | $200 | $375 | $150 | $60 | $90 | $90 |
8" x 10" | $225 | $400 | $160 | $60 | $90 | $90 |
9" x 12" | $250 | $430 | $175 | $90 | $125 | $125 |
12" x 16" | $325 | $500 | $200 | $150 | $175 | $175 |
16" x 20" | $400 | $575 | $260 | $200 | $230 | $230 |
20" x 24" | $490 | $675 | $325 | $260 | $290 | $290 |
24" x 36" | $650 | $800 | $375 | $375 | $400 | $400 |
Full Color Added Cost of Detailed Background (see images to clarify difference)
Grayscale paintings are approximately 10% less in most cases.
SIZE | ACRYLIC | OIL | WATERCOLOR/ INK |
GRAPHITE | COLORED PENCIL | PASTEL/ CHARCOAL |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
9" x 9" | $75 | $150 | $50 | $50 | $50 | $50 |
8" x 10" | $90 | $175 | $60 | $50 | $50 | $50 |
9" x 12" | $100 | $200 | $75 | $75 | $75 | $75 |
12" x 16" | $175 | $250 | $100 | $100 | $100 | $100 |
16" x 20" | $250 | $325 | $125 | $125 | $125 | $125 |
20" x 24" | $325 | $400 | $150 | $150 | $150 | $150 |
24" x 36" | $400 | $525 | $175 | $175 | $175 | $175 |
Detail examples of painting backgrounds
Basic - No detail Basic - No detail Medium Detail Medium Detail High Detail High Detail
Full Color Added Animal (price based for each full body animal)
Grayscale paintings are approximately 10% less in most cases.
SIZE | ACRYLIC | OIL | WATERCOLOR/ INK |
GRAPHITE | COLORED PENCIL | PASTEL/ CHARCOAL |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
9" x 9" | $75 | $150 | $50 | $50 | $50 | $50 |
8" x 10" | $90 | $175 | $60 | $50 | $50 | $50 |
9" x 12" | $100 | $200 | $75 | $75 | $75 | $75 |
12" x 16" | $175 | $250 | $100 | $100 | $100 | $100 |
16" x 20" | $250 | $325 | $125 | $125 | $125 | $125 |
20" x 24" | $325 | $400 | $150 | $150 | $150 | $150 |
24" x 36" | $400 | $525 | $175 | $175 | $175 | $175 |
COMPUTER GRAPHIC | PHOTOGRAPHY |
---|---|
1 Color Vector Graphic/ Digital File with 1 (One) 8.5" x 11" Sample Print - $75 |
Digital B/W File Only 3504 x 2336 Pixels - $5 per Photo |
2 Colors Vector Graphic/ Digital File with 1 (One) 8.5" x 11" Sample Print - $90 (+$15/Color) |
Digital Sepia File Only 3504 x 2336 Pixels - $5 per Photo |
8.5" x 11" B/W Raster Graphic/ Digital File with 1 (One) 8.5" x 11"/300dpi Sample Print - $175 |
Digital Full Color File Only 3504 x 2336 Pixels - $5 per Photo |
8.5" x 11" Full Color Raster Graphic/ Digital File with 1 (One) 8.5" x 11"/300dpi Sample Print - $225 |
Photo Restoration - Call For Pricing |
* Please note that personal photography only available in the Long Island, NY region.
** Higher resolution photography on Tails-To-Tell.com is available for individual print and licensing. Please call for details and a quote.
SIZE | GESSOED MASONITE | TRIPLE PRIMED CANVAS PANELS | CANVAS STRETCHED | CANVAS STRETCHED | CANVAS STRETCHED | CANVAS STRETCHED |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
- Triple Primed Acrylic Gesso in White or Black - Sealed edging and back to prevent moisture absorption - Wetsanded to a smooth surface for high detail - 1/4" thick masonite (MDF) |
- (White or Black) - (Medium Grain/Acrylic Gesso Primed) - 1/8"" Thick |
- Cotton - (Medium Grain/Acrylic Gesso Primed) - 3/4" Thick |
- Cotton - (Fine Grain/Acrylic Gesso Primed) - 7/8" Thick |
- Linen - (Medium Grain/Clear Primed) |
- Linen - (Fine Grain/Clear Primed) |
|
9" x 9" | $15 | $10 | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
8" x 10" | $20 | $10 | $10 | $25 | Call For Pricing | Call For Pricing |
9" x 12" | $25 | $10 | $10 | $25 | Call For Pricing | Call For Pricing |
12" x 16" | $35 | $15 | $10 | $30 | Call For Pricing | Call For Pricing |
16" x 20" | $50 | $20 | $15 | $35 | Call For Pricing | Call For Pricing |
20" x 24" | $75 | $25 | $20 | $50 | Call For Pricing | Call For Pricing |
24" x 36" | $100 | $30 | $25 | $75 | Call For Pricing | Call For Pricing |
SIZE | DRAWING PAPER | DRAWING PAPER | WATERCOLOR PAPER | WATERCOLOR PAPER | OTHER |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
- Bristol Board - Hot & Cold Press - White |
- Cartridge paper - White |
- Cold Press | - Hot Press |
- E.g. Wood, metal, glass, fabric, etc. |
|
9" x 9" | $5 | $2 | $5 | $5 | Call For Pricing |
8" x 10" | $5 | $2 | $5 | $5 | Call For Pricing |
9" x 12" | $5 | $2 | $5 | $5 | Call For Pricing |
12" x 16" | $7 | $5 | $6 | $6 | Call For Pricing |
16" x 20" | $10 | $5 | $10 | $10 | Call For Pricing |
20" x 24" | $15 | $7 | $15 | $15 | Call For Pricing |
24" x 36" | $25 | $10 | $20 | $20 | Call For Pricing |
Cotton vs. Belgium Linen - There is a significant cost difference between Cotton and Linen canvas
(Linen being the more expensive of the 2). The advantage of linen over cotton is that first and
foremost, it is far more durable a material. Linen is less susceptible to ultraviolet light and
moisture and will hold its form and strength under these elements giving it better longevity. It
also has better antibacterial/antifungal properties which leads to preservation of the piece.
Linen also presents a better surface for painting on so detail in the painting generally can be
achieved on a higher level. This is not to say that cotton is a poor surface though. For certain
situations, cotton may be more than sufficient for your needs.
Gessoed Board - Gessoed board (generally masonite) is one of the best substrates to use for a
painting. When properly prepared with several wetsanded coats of gesso, and a sealed back, this
surface yields the best level of paintability and it is a perfectly smooth surface. A high level
of detail can be maintained using this substrate. Given the proper adhesion of varnish and gesso,
this board can be made impervious to moisture and thus deterioration and warping.
Watercolor Paper - These papers come in a few different types. There are rough textured papers
that exhibit an uneven surface and are highly absorbent of the paint. This paper may not be great
for detail but will yield a nice painterly end piece. There are cold pressed papers that exhibit
less surface texture but still absorb the paint. The last type is hot pressed paper. This is the
best for higher detail as it does not absorb the paint as readily. All types of paper are fine to
use but their use is dependent on the type of finished piece you desire. These papers come in
several weights (common are 300lb, 200lb, 140lb and 90 lb). Heavier weights are generally more
condusive to the painting process.
Drawing Paper - The most common papers used for professional drawings are acid-free archival
paper and cartridge paper. These types of paper are available in a variety of weights, colors
and sizes (although cartridge paper is generally white). Bristol board is also frequently used as
it has a smooth finish and is great for achieving high detail. Many of these papers are also
conducive for ink drawings.
Other - In some cases, you may wish to have your piece done on some other substrate material that
you have in your own possesion. If you have a particular item that you wish a drawing and/or painting
done on, please provide as much detail as possible. Please note that in some cases, a primer of some
type may need to be applied before work can be done on your item.
SIZE | PAINTED EDGE | VARNISH | MOUNTING |
---|---|---|---|
9" x 9" | Call For Pricing | $5 | Call For Pricing |
8" x 10" | Call For Pricing | $5 | Call For Pricing |
9" x 12" | Call For Pricing | $5 | Call For Pricing |
12" x 16" | Call For Pricing | $5 | Call For Pricing |
16" x 20" | Call For Pricing | $5 | Call For Pricing |
20" x 24" | Call For Pricing | $10 | Call For Pricing |
24" x 36" | Call For Pricing | $10 | Call For Pricing |
Painted Edge - In some situations, you may not wish to frame your final piece.
This may arise a need for having a decorated edge on the substrate. Please let us know your needs.
Varnish - A final coat of either gloss, satin or matte can be applied to the finished piece.
It is recommended that you have some sort of protective covering applied as this will help to
protect the piece. You may choose to do this yourself but please note that I will not be held
accountable for anything done to the piece after delivery.
Mounting - You may wish to have the final piece mounted to a secondary surface. Please let me
know the details and we can discuss the best options.
All items purchased from Tails To Tell are made pursuant to this shipment contract. All artwork is packed carefully with protective sheeting and wrapping and then sealed within a custom or standardized cardboard box when shipped via a carrier. Oil paintings require specific packaging and handling. Some protective covering will be provided if product is delivered personally. Packaging costs are considered differently from shipping costs but will be quoted as a whole cost. I generally ship via Fedex but from time to time there may be carrier issues so a different carrier may be used. We will provide all tracking information to you. All shipping costs and insurances will be in original quote and shipped to the given address in quote. Please note that if the address changes, you must notify me before shipping and that additional charges may be incurred. A refund of partial shipping costs may be applied if shipping changes lead to a lower cost such as personal delivery. Personal delivery to any point on Long Island will not exceed $25USD. Personal delivery is not offered outside of the Long Island (Nassau County/Suffolk County/Eastern parts of Brooklyn and Queens) region. Changes by you in any other quoted shipping arrangements may incur additional cost. We guarantee that goods will be well packed to help insure that your product will arrive in tact, however I cannot guarantee the handling of any shipper once product has been turned over to them. It is your responsibility to settle any issues related to the carrier if they should arise. It is highly recommended that you secure shipping insurance as part of the initial quote. Carrier delays or mishandlings resulting in late or damaged shipments is not the responsibilty of Kenneth Mann or Tails To Tell.
I have the discretion to set the terms of payment. Unless otherwise agreed in writing from Kenneth Mann, 25% non-refundable payment must first be received by Kenneth Mann prior to the acceptance of an order. Unless a credit term has been agreed upon, payment for the product(s) shall be made by Paypal, cash or United States Postal Money Order. Money orders will be made payable to Kenneth Mann. Paypal payments can be made via my Paypal link on the site. Address information will be made available by email or by phone. No work will be started until receipt of a deposit. I have all discretion to cancel or deny any or all orders. I am not responsible for pricing, typographical, or other errors in any offer by myself and reserve the right to cancel any orders arising from such errors.
I am not obligated to provide a refund if you have changed your mind about a purchase, so please consider your purchase carefully. If the goods are "faulty", I will meet our obligations under applicable laws, but all goods in question must be returned to me before any settlement is honored. Refunds on shipping costs (excluding packaging costs) will only be provided if I deem that the cost to deliver your finished product is less than the signed quoted price. I understand there may exist from time to time extenuating circumstances, so I will work with you to our mutual satisfation.
Sometimes I have long waiting lists and can’t always work on tight deadlines for occasions such as
birthdays, weddings or Christmas. If you are late for that special occasion or simply don’t have
proper photos of the subject you would like me to immortalize, a popular service that I provide
are Gift Voucher packages. To purchase a Gift Voucher, simply contact me with your
details and I will set it up for you.
I offer two different Vouchers.
First option: A simplistic voucher in a decorative envelope wrapped in ribbon. There is no additional charge for this voucher. Simply pay whatever amount you wish first towards the project and this will be printed on the voucher.
Second option: Customized quality gift box and bespoke voucher accompanied with promotional material and business cards. There is an additional charge for any custom voucher with gift box. I will quote a price to you based on our conversation.
With your order I will need some basic information about the recipient. If you are ordering an email
voucher package, I will also ask for details about how you would like me to design the personalized
voucher. Once created, I will email the bespoke design for your approval.
* Please note that I use a password protected system for the vouchers that I will provide to you to protect against counterfeiting.
Please do not provide this password to anyone except the recipient of the voucher as it is only valid for a single project.
Multiple projects will require an equal number of multiple vouchers.
Please enter the amount of the quoted price on your invoice if you wish to proceed. If you are paying for an initial order, please
send a 25% deposit (deposit amount will be available on the quote). If you are paying for the balance, please submit the amount of
the invoice less the initial deposit. Please be certain to enter the quote number in the comments section. I will notify
you of receipt of payment within 3 business days.
I thank you for your business!
Unauthorized use and or duplication of this material without express written permission from Kenneth Mann is strictly prohibited.
Excerpts and links may be used provided that full and clear credit is given to Kenneth Mann and Tails To Tell with appropriate and specific direction to the original content.
Tails To Tell is not affliated with any other organization, corporation and/or society by the same name known or unknown.