Power (Spirit Animal) Commissions
What is a Spirit (Power/Totem) animal?
In Native American mystical traditions the medicine and healing power of animals - birds, insects, mammals, and reptiles - are sacred, protective, and hold spiritual significance for the individual. The Native Americans have special dances and songs for different animals which call upon a specific animal for assistance - for example, a wolf would be called upon before battle to lend its strength.
We use the term Spirit, power, and totem animals interchangeably, and where they do hold different and deeper meanings to Native communities, I am going to speak in general terms about their significance so to keep it simple for those who are new to these topics.
It is often thought that a power animal is assigned to a person because they are thought to possess similar character traits and qualities - or sharing the animals medicine or power. Actually, the reverse is true - the animal adopts the person. It is believed that a person adopts the trait or quality of their spirit animal as a result of a spiritual union, rather than acquiring the animal because of a certain trait.
Power animals are usually wild, not domesticated animals. There are exceptions such as cats and dogs, but these are thought to be softened versions of their wild counterparts - like the lion for cats, and the wolf for dogs.
Ways to honour your Spirit animal
To honour your spirit animal allows for their medicine to be more effective in your life. Here are a few ideas of how you can start honouring your power animal
Hanging pictures of them (this is where I come in!)
Drawing pictures of them
Reading and learning as much as you can about them
Buying figurines of your animal
Purchasing small tokens and images of your animal and gifting them to friends
Donating to wildlife charities and organisations with time or money
Dancing - learn to mimic your totems behaviour and movements
How it works
First, you send me an email including a picture of your Power/Spirit/Totem animal, a brief description of what you are wanting, and the time scale you are looking to have it it by. My waitlist is 6-8 weeks which tends to get busier around the festive period, so it’s best to get requests in as early as possible. If you need your Power animal in a shorter space of time, then please indicate this in your email and I will see if I can accommodate.
If your picture is a physical photograph, no problem, you can post it or drop it off to me in person (if you’re local). I can scan it into digital format and return your photograph with your completed artwork.
Ideally, the picture needs to be clear (not blurry!), high resolution, and one that really captures the essence and personality of your totem (not essential, but something I’m sure you wont regret!). I do have the option to edit your photo on Photoshop if, for example, your photo needs enhancing or lightening.
Next we can discuss any further questions or special requests you might have, for example maybe you would like me to work with a specific crystal or intention whilst creating your piece. I’m open to all suggestions and will do my best to accommodate.
Once you are happy with everything and would like to go ahead with the commission, I will ask for a 30% non-refundable deposit. Once this has cleared, I will get started!
What you can expect
Materials
Each original animal portrait is drawn using the highest quality Faber-Castell Polychromos and Caran d’ache Luminance coloured pencils. Both of these are artist grade and have a high lightfastness - meaning these portraits will stand the test of time. I only use 100% cotton, Hot-Pressed papers. These are super smooth, acid free, and allow the portrait to jump off the page with all the fine details that can be added in.
Timelapse video
Each commission comes with a Timelapse video capturing your power animal coming to life on the paper. I edit these videos so can customise the length, include music or text you might like, maybe a photo or two, just let me know and I’ll do my best to accommodate - This is something we can discuss in our call or email exchange mentioned above.
If you would like an example of what a Timelapse video looks like, please click here. Disclaimer - many of the timelapse videos shown are from me playing around for my personal use so they might not represent the exact quality or style you will receive.
Postage & Packaging
Postage and packaging for all unframed artwork is included in the price for UK customers only. Framed artwork will incur a postage surcharge of £6.99 to account for weight, size, and additional packaging.
For international customers postage is not included and will be added to the total.
All pieces will be sent Royal mail special delivery.
All unframed artwork will be sent sandwiched between thick cardboard sheets bound together and enclosed in a ‘Do not bend’ envelope or bubble wrapped jiffy (depending on size).
Framed artwork will be carefully packaged using bubble wrap and thick card to protect the frame and glass. Corners will be padded and taped. This will also be enclosed in a large padded (sturdy) jiffy bag.
This gorgeous bear is an example of a high resolution clear picture!
Keep scrolling to the bottom to see some of my creations…
Sizing/Pricing
8x10 £400 (unframed) + £50 framed
Suitable for portrait + shoulders
10x12 £550 (unframed) + £50 framed
Suitable for portrait + shoulders. (Possibly suitable for full body)
12x16 £1000 (unframed) + £60 framed
Suitable for portrait + shoulders and full body
16x20 £1500 (unframed) + £75 framed
Suitable for portrait + shoulders and full body
If the size you are wanting is not listed here, we can discuss alternatives.
Deposits & Payments
I ask for a 30% non-refundable deposit before I start work and the balance is due upon completion before shipment. I can also offer instalment payment - please contact me for more information.
Payments are accepted via bank transfer.
