Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Hopefully any questions you have will be answered below. If you are still unsure of anything, feel free to send me a message!

Art Quality & Materials

I use professional-grade watercolor paint (such as Holbein, White Night, Mijello, Shinhan PWC, Kusakabe…) which are highly lightfast. This means your painting won't fade when exposed to light, unlike student-grade paints. Combined with professional-grade watercolor paper, your artwork is "archival," meaning it is designed to last for a decade or more without yellowing or deteriorating.

While not mandatory, I highly recommend it for physical originals (+ small extra fee). Traditional watercolors are usually kept behind glass because they are sensitive to moisture. My professional varnish adds a microscopic layer of protection against dust and humidity.

Note: This adds 3 days to the timeline because the varnish must cure in a dust-free environment before I can safely package it in a stay-flat mailer.

I typically work in standard sizes to ensure you can easily find "off-the-shelf" frames. The exact size of the painting is noted in the description section or confirmed before each commission project.

  • Custom Sizes: If you have a specific heirloom frame you’d like to fill, I can cut my paper to fit your exact dimensions.
  • The "Breathe" Space: I usually leave a small white border around my paintings to allow for easy matting and framing without covering the art.

Watercolor is a delicate medium. To preserve your investment:

  • Avoid direct sunlight: Even with artist-grade pigments, UV rays can eventually affect the paper.
  • Use UV-Protective Glass: If possible, frame your piece with museum-grade or UV-filtering glass.
  • Avoid humidity: Do not hang original watercolors in bathrooms or poorly ventilated kitchens where steam can affect the paper fibers.

Digital Products

Digital files and tutorials are for personal use only. You may not resell the files, share the download links, or use the designs for commercial products without a specific licensing agreement.

Shipping & Gifting

Yes! I can ship directly to the recipient. Please ensure their address is correct at checkout. I am happy to include a handwritten note with your message at no extra charge. Just leave your message in the "Notes" section of your order or contact me. 

While I cannot control the postal service, I am committed to your satisfaction. If your tracking hasn't moved for 14 days (domestic) or 30 days (international), or if the art arrives damaged, please email contact.hathodao@gmail.com with photos of the packaging. I will review each case to provide a replacement or a solution. More details about Return & Refund policy.

Partnership and Realtor Services

Yes! I love working with real estate professionals to create unique closing gifts. If you are looking to order 10 or more portraits per year, please contact me at contact.hathodao@gmail.com for my professional partnership pricing

My standard commission fee covers personal use (displaying in your home or gifting). If you would like to use the illustration for a business logo, wine labels, menus, or marketing materials, a Commercial License is required. This ensures you have the legal right to reproduce the art for profit.

Art Commissions

I work best from high-resolution, clear photos taken in natural daylight. Ideally, the photo should show the building from the angle you wish to see in the final art.

  • Pro Tip: Don't worry about "ugly" details like power lines, trash cans, or a neighbor's car. I can easily omit those to focus on the beauty of the architecture.
  • Combining Photos: If you have one photo with the best lighting and another with the best angle, send both! I can combine elements to create the perfect composition.

I can certainly work from architectural blueprints, 3D renders, or "work-in-progress" photos! This is a popular request for new homeowners or developers. As long as I have a clear idea of the intended materials and colors, I can bring the future building to life on paper.

Absolutely. One of the benefits of a hand-painted portrait over a photograph is the ability to "curate" the scene. I can remove distracting power lines, neighboring houses, or trash cans. I can also "plant" a garden that isn't there yet or add a beloved family pet sitting on the porch. Just include these requests in your initial inquiry.

While my specialty is architectural exteriors, I am open to painting meaningful interior spaces, such as a favorite library corner, a cafe interior, or a wedding altar. These are handled as custom commissions; please reach out to discuss the complexity of the scene.

Absolutely. If you are unsure, contact me. Generally:

  • Watercolor is for those who value the "soul" of a physical original - the way light hits the pigment on textured paper. It is a singular, tangible heirloom.
  • Digital is for the modern collector. It offers high precision, vibrant color, and the ability to avoid international shipping costs. It is perfect if you plan to use the image for stationery, branding, or social media.

Normally, no. My primary focus is on the architecture, the lines, and the "soul" of the building itself. However, I understand that sometimes a beloved pet on the porch or a specific figure is what truly makes a house a "home." In certain cases, I can add them if it makes sense for the scale and composition of the piece. Since this requires extra detail and planning, please contact me to discuss your idea before we begin the sketch stage.

No. In a world of generated images, I pride myself on the "human touch." Every stroke in a watercolor painting is done by hand with a brush, and every line in a digital illustration is drawn by me using a stylus on a tablet. You are commissioning a piece of human skill and observation.

As the artist, I retain the copyright to all my work. This means I can use the image for my portfolio, social media, or prints. You receive the right to display the piece personally. If you need the art for commercial use (e.g., a business logo or marketing), please let me know so we can discuss a commercial license.

I value the "reveal"! I will never post a commission on social media until I have confirmed it has been delivered to you. This ensures that if the art is a surprise gift, I don't spoil it for the recipient.

If you are on a tight deadline for a birthday or anniversary, please let me know immediately. While I cannot guarantee a spot, I can sometimes accommodate a "Rush Order" for an additional fee. This covers the overtime required to move your piece to the front of the queue.