FAQs - Give A Masterpiece - Personalized Fine Art From Photos

Frequently Asked Questions

How does the process work?
How long does it take?
Is the artwork created by hand or using filters?
What is a Giclée?
What is your satisfaction guarantee?
What kind of photo is required?
How do I get photos to you?
Can I send you a scanned photo?
What is considered a subject?
Can you add something to the art that is not in the original photo?
Do I get to see the artwork before you print it?
Are the digital artwork files you provide suitable for printing?
I bought a print, can I also get the digital version?
Can I get additional prints?
Licensing and use restrictions?
How do you ship?
How do I check the status of my order?
When is my credit card charged?
What is wrapped canvas?
Do you accept credit cards for all international orders?

It's simple and it's fast! First, after taking a look at examples of our work and deciding on the art style that you want, go to the ordering page for that particular art style. On that page you can select from various options to customize and price your order. Second, either upload a photo during the order process or shortly thereafter by logging into your account. Third, at the time you order, you are given the option to select a proof, and if you choose 'yes', you will be given a date when you can expect it. If you selected a proof, you will receive an email with a link to view and approve your artwork on or before your proof date (you may also log into your account - please make sure that proof@giveamasterpiece.com and svc@giveamasterpiece.com are on your safe senders list). Last, we print, frame (if applicable), and ship your order based on the selections that you made in your order.

How long does it take?

Generally, artwork is done in 3-6 business days. Non-canvas orders will be ready for shipment from Arizona in about 2-4 business days. Canvas orders will be ready for shipment from North Carolina in about 5-6 business days. Delivery is dependent on the shipping method chosen. You get a firm artwork completion date at the time you order. Click here to get a real time estimate of when a Proof would be available if you ordered right now - it considers our capacity, order volume, holidays and vacations. You can always speed things up by selecting the Art Rush option and Expedited shipping during checkout.

Is the artwork created by hand or by using filters?

All of our artwork is created by hand by talented artists who specialize in the style that you choose. The process is different for each of the art styles but in all cases you receive a high quality fine art print that looks just like the original work (optional Giclée' printing is also available). Graphite sketches and watercolors are created the old fashion way without the computer, then digitized for final touches and a high quality printing. Artists painstakingly create our Oils by hand using digital brush strokes that are very visible in the artwork. This style CANNOT be created using filters. Like Oils, the other styles are created by hand using digital tools that require all the same artistic talent as traditional methods.

What is a Giclée?

It is a French word meaning "to squirt". It is a high-tech digital printing process used to make fine art prints. The process is known for its rich color (or rich gray tones in the case of pencil sketches) and razor-sharp detail and is the closest duplication of an original artwork that is humanly, mechanically or technically possible. The resulting art print has every nuance of the original image. The Giclée art print has become a standard in the art industry embraced for its exceptional quality by major art galleries and museums worldwide.

What is your satisfaction guarantee?

GiveAMasterpiece.com is part of Leading Edge Gifts LLC. We have been in business since 2002 and our great success is due to the fact that we bend over backwards to exceed our customer’s expectations. Our confidence in our talented artists and high-quality products allow us to offer a complete satisfaction guarantee. At the time you order, you are given the option to request a Proof of the completed artwork (recommended). If selected, we do not proceed with printing and framing until you are completely satisfied with your artwork and approve it. You may request reasonable changes as long as they are the same style you selected originally and use the same photo (for example, you can’t ask the artist to create a Sketch style after he/she has created an Oil style, or you can’t ask the artist to paint using a new photo after having the work done with the original photo). Our artists will work with you until you are COMPLETELY SATISFIED and in the rare case that you are not, you may cancel your order and get a full refund. Sometimes people do want to change the scope of the work a little or a lot. If the changes required will result in additional charges, we will get your approval before doing the work. After shipment, we guarantee that the artwork you receive is what you approved and that it is defect free or we will replace it. If you do NOT choose to receive a Proof, we will guarantee that the artwork is defect-free or we will replace it. See our refund policy for more details.

What kind of photo is required?

Quality photos are the key to fantastic artwork. Here are some important guidelines:

For best results, photos should be at least 500 x 500 pixels and at 150 dpi

Photos should be sharp and in-focus. For most styles, our artists need to be able to clearly see the subject's eyes if he/she zooms in.

Lighting and contrast should be good. The photo should not be too light or too dark and should not have too much shadowing unless you want that in the artwork.

Artwork always looks better when the subject(s) fill up the majority of the picture frame. We can't overemphasize this enough. Take a look at the gallery and you will see that the close-ups yield stunning results. The Lich style particularly lends itself to ultra close-ups. You can crop photos yourself or select the option for use to do it for you.

Our artists base the artwork on the photo so make sure its a good one!

Check out our Photo Tips for examples of good and bad photos.

How do I get photos to you?

You can upload your photos during the order process. You can also upload photos after the fact by going to our Send Photos page. We generally do not accept photos by email because it can cause confusion and add time/cost. We accept all normal file types (.jpg, .gif, .tif, .png, pdf, .psd).

For those who only have hardcopy photos, we recommend getting them scanned at a high dpi and then uploading them.

As a last resort, you can mail your hardcopy photos to us (see address) or email your photos to us and we will upload them for you at a cost of $3.00 per photo. Note that your proof due date gets adjusted for when photos are received and uploaded. Always include your order number when sending photos.

If acceptable photos are not recieved within 1 business day of placing your order, we may need to recalcluate your proof date.

Can I send you a scanned photo?

Yes. If you are scanning a photo, we recommend scanning it at 300 dpi or higher and saving it as a .jpg file. Just about any mail, office supply, or copy store will offer scanning services. Examples include UPS stores, FedEx/ Kinko's, Office Depot and Staples.

What is considered a subject?

Artwork prices are based on the number of subjects in the finished artwork. A subject can be a person, pet, house or whatever else you want our artists to paint/draw. Just call or email if you are not sure.

Can you add something to the art that is not in the original photo?

Our prices are based on drawing/painting what is in the photo but email us with what you want and we will let you know if we can do it. Also, in the case of the Pen/Ink, Car Caricature, and Obama styles, you are given the option to provide text to be included.

Do I get to see the artwork before you print it?

Yes, if you select Proof at the time of your order, you get a date that your proof will be ready to view. On or before that date, we alert you that it is ready by email. You simply log into your account and view a low resolution version of your final artwork. You are then able approve it or if there is something wrong, you can request changes. Note that some changes may result in further charges but we always let you know up front. Once you approve your artwork, we print, frame (if applicable) and ship per your order.

Are the digital artwork files you provide suitable for printing?

We provide a hi-resolution digital file perfect for printing. To be specific, the digital file will be at least 8x10 at 150 dpi. If your requirements are different, just contact us..

I bought a print, can I also get the digital version?

Yes, just select the "add a digital file" option during your order. If you have already placed your order, place a new order and scroll to the Add-on section..

Can I get additional prints?

Yes, you can order additional copies of your artwork during the checkout process by clicking the "Continue Shopping" button at the bottom of the order review page, then scroll to the "Add-Ons" section and make your selections. If you have already placed your order, place a new order and scroll to the Add-on section..

How do you ship?

Our shopping cart offers FedEx (canvas orders only), UPS, and USPS shipping methods depending on what is ordered. UPS/FedEx shipping methods provide tracking (emailed at time of shipment) and are insured. Please choose the option that best suits your needs in terms of timing, tracking and insurance.

In terms of tracking and insurance, note that USPS Express Mail International is insured but tracking is limited, and all other USPS options are NOT insured and do NOT provide tracking so if you choose these options, you assume the risk of loss.

Timing: See the FedEx map and UPS map to see transit times for Ground shipments. UPS/FedEx do not deliver on Saturdays or Sundays (In certain cases, UPS can deliver on Saturdays, but you must contact us to make special arrangements for a UPS Saturday delivery). Note that delays by UPS, FedEx or USPS due to bad weather or some other reason are out of our control. We will submit claims when possible and pass along any proceeds that we recover to impacted customers.

Licensing and use restrictions?

Artwork comes with Personal License meaning that the artwork is yours to keep and you can make all the copies you want for personal use. We retain full copyright of the artwork, and we retain all rights to use the artwork that we generate on a royalty-free basis. In addition, real estate professionals purchasing artwork as a client gift is also allowed under the Personal License as long as the artwork is of the clients property.

If you would like to use your artwork for commercial purposes such as for company web sites, presentations, business cards, billboards, logos, stationary, marketing collateral or other uses please select the Commercial Use option when ordering which provides you with commercial ownership rightsfor this purpose. A Commercial Use license does NOT give you the rights to modify or resell the artwork in any form (such as on t-shirts, promotional material etc.) without written permission from Leading Edge Gifts LLC. We may be very willing to grant a licence for this use but need to understand the anticipated uses first. As with personal use, we retain full copyright of the artwork, and we retain all rights to use the artwork that we generate on a royalty-free basis.

How do I check the status of my order?

You can check the status of your order by clicking on ORDER STATUS and logging in to your account with your last name and order number. You can also call or email us

When is my credit card charged??

Since work begins on your artwork right away, your credit card is charged when your order is received. See our satisfaction guarantee

Do you have any art suggestions?

Everyone's taste and home decor is different but here are a few helpful hints based on our experience::

Close up pictures generally yield the best results. The more the subject(s) fills the frame of the picture, the better.
Especially when it comes to canvas art that will be hung on the wall - bigger is better. People have a tendency to underestimate the size they need.

What is wrapped canvas?

Wrapped means that the artwork actually wraps around the sides. If you choose the .75" wrap, the outside 3/4" of the artwork will show up on the side and if you choose the 1.5", it will be the outside 1 1/2". Wrapped canvas provides a unique feel that is attractive to most art styles, particularly Oils and Lichtenstien.

Do you accept credit cards for all international orders?

We accept credit cards on most international orders. We perform a fraud check that may flag high risk orders for more information or a different payment method like a wire transfer. The flags consider high risk countries like Russia, Malaysia, Indonesia and other high risk countries in Asia, Africa, and Eastern Europe. It is unfortunate that a few bad apples can ruin it for everyone. We apologize for any inconvenience but we are a small company that has been burned by fraud in the past.