Inside My Art Studio: How Your Custom Portraits Are Crafted

When you order a portrait, it doesn't get outsourced or generated by a computer. It starts here on this desk, where I manually layer graphite and charcoal on heavy 200gsm paper. Since every piece is handmade from scratch, I spend hours on the tiny details—like the texture of a saree or the glint in an eye—to make sure the final sketch feels real, not just a copy.

People often ask how a photo turns into a drawing. It is a slow, methodical process. I start by studying your reference photo, looking for the light and shadows that define the subject. For a standard charcoal piece, I use high-quality, acid-free cartridge paper that won't yellow over time.

Once the outlines are done, I begin the layering. I do not use shortcuts. If you choose color, I use oil-based pencils that allow me to build depth, layer by layer, until the skin tone and fabric look natural. For black and white sketches, I balance graphite for fine lines and charcoal for those deep, moody blacks.

The most important step happens at the end: the fixative spray. I coat every piece with a professional matte fixative to stop smudging, ensuring that the art reaches your home in perfect condition. It is a quiet, meditative process, and that is exactly why I love it. Whether you are in a metro city or a smaller town, I pack every piece in a reinforced PVC tube to make sure it travels safely across India. If you have an idea in mind, let us talk.