WHAT IS A DREAM FACTORY SESSION?
“We are such stuff as dreams are made on.”
— William Shakespeare
Commissioned Artwork, Built From a Photograph
Every Dream Factory Portrait begins with a photograph - or several when different subjects will be featured. The photographs used may be created specifically for the artwork or ones that you already have - even cellphone pictures!
The photographs serve as the foundation for the final piece, ensuring the subject remains accurate and recognizable. From that starting point, the portrait is digitally painted and refined to create a single, commissioned work of art.
The finished artwork is printed on framed museum-quality canvas. The canvas is then manually embellished with acrylic paints and gels, adding subtle texture and painterly depth.
Each Dream Factory Portrait is created individually as a one-of-a-kind piece. No templates. No mass production. One finished artwork, built carefully from the photograph that started it.
Is a Dream Factory Session Right For You?
A Dream Factory Portrait Session may be the right fit if you:
-
want to honor a beloved pet, especially one that has crossed the rainbow bridge
-
have an imaginative or symbolic portrait idea
-
are drawn to storytelling or fantasy artwork
-
value custom artistry over speed or volume
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Is this photography or digital art?
Dream Factory Portraits are mixed-media works of art. They begin with photography, are transformed through digital painting, and are finished with hand-applied acrylic paints and gels on canvas. Each piece is created individually and exists as a physical artwork intended for display.
Do I need a new photo session?
Not always. Some Dream Factory portraits begin with a session created specifically for the artwork, while others start from an existing photograph - even a cellphone picture - that holds special meaning. During our consultation, we’ll decide which approach will work best for your vision.
Can you create something that doesn’t exist in real life?
Yes — and that’s the heart of Dream Factory work. The setting, mood, and environment are defined by you. Whether it’s a meaningful place like your front porch, a symbolic scene, or an imagined world, the artwork is designed around your story rather than limited by what can be photographed in reality.
How much does a Dream Factory Portrait cost?
Dream Factory Portraits require a $500 retainer credit to begin. This reserves creative time and planning and will be applied toward your final artwork purchase.
Finished Dream Factory pieces start at $1200 for a simple portrait, with pricing varying based on complexity, scale, and any optional hand embellishment. Full pricing is reviewed during your consultation so there are no surprises.
Will I be able to see it before it goes to print?
Yes. You’ll be shown a preliminary proof before any painting or finishing work begins. This allows you to review the overall concept, composition, and direction of the artwork. Your approval is required before I move forward with the painting and final production.
What is the final artwork printed on?
Your finished portrait is produced as a premium fine-art canvas from Loxley Colour in Scotland, a professional lab known internationally for its craftsmanship and archival quality. A digital copy of the image is, of course, included.