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Q: Why do you paint fantasy artwork?
A: I've been asked this question many times, especially by my mom! I paint fantasy artwork because that's what interests me. I like non-fantasy paintings, such as scenery and animals, but to me that extra magical element (like wings) makes a painting special. Painting fairies, angels, mermaids, angel cats, and other fantasy creatures also lets me use my imagination as much as possible! Q: What are your inspirations?
A: My biggest inspiration is my own imagination, which for some reason, has always been over-active! My parents encouraged me and my sister to read instead of watching television, which I think helped a lot. As a result, I've been making up stories as long as I can remember, and each of my paintings has its own story. Of course, nowadays I'm also inspired by fantasy movies, such as Lord of the Rings, which I often have on while painting! Q: How long does it take you to paint each piece?
A: This is a difficult question to answer, since I often go back and work on pieces a few weeks or months after it's "finished." Altogether a piece may take me as long as 200 hours or as few as 4 hours, depending on the medim and level of detail. Q: What do you use to paint?
A: Most of the time I do my painting on the computer. I use the programs Photoshop and Painter, as well as a Wacom tablet. However, my paintings are still done from scratch; I paint every brushstroke! I also use traditional mediums, such as watercolors, acrylics, colored pencils, and ink. Sometimes I combine both digital and traditional mediums! Q: What do you use to make your prints?
A: Melissa prints each piece herself using a professional Epson printer on Ultra Premium Luster Paper, which ensures each print is of the highest quality. The Epson ink itself is archival, meaning it can last up to 200 years if properly protected. Framing prints and keeping them out of direct sunlight is the best way to preserve them. Q: What sizes do your prints come in?
A: Melissa currently offers two sizes of prints: 5 x 7" and 8.5 x 11". The 8.5 x 11" prints have an actual image size of 8 x 10" or 8 x 11," which is specified below each picture. Q: Do you offer collector's prints?
A: Yes we do! Our Collector's Gallery contains Limited Edition prints, Artist Proofs, and original paintings. Please see the gallery for more information about these three special items! Q: How do I order from your website?
A: Simply select the item you want and click the "Buy" button below it. This will take you to a checkout page, where you can either check out or continue shopping. On this page you can readjust the quantity of an item and enter a coupon code if you have one; just remember to click "Recalculate" each time! Q: Is my order secure?
A: Yes it is! We do our best to insure your information will be protected. By using PayPal as our payment method, your information is as secure as we can make it; your payment information stays with PayPal and we don't even see it. Q: Do I have to have a PayPal account to order?
A: No, you don't! Now you can use your credit card through PayPal without actually having a PayPal account; once again, it stays on the secure PayPal website. Q: How long before I receive my order?
A: Orders will be sent out four days after your payment is processed by PayPal. Most orders are mailed via USPS Priority Mail; shipping time varies based on your distance from Oregon, USA. If you need to rush an order, please email Melissa at melissadawn@spellboundwings.com, and we can send you a PayPal invoice for any additional shipping charges and make sure you get it ASAP. Q: What if there's a problem with my order?
A: While we strive to fill each order perfectly, mistakes do happen. If there is a problem with your order, please let us know immediately so that we can correct it. Undamaged merchandise may be returned up to 30 days after purchase. Q: Does Melissa do commissions? A: Melissa accepts commissions on a limited basis. Since she is working hard to add new paintings to her galleries, Melissa currently only has time to do a few commissions. However, she is always happy to discuss doing a commission with you, so don't hesitate to ask if you have a commission in mind! Q: What kinds of commissions does Melissa do? A: Melissa can do a variety of projects-- everything from paintings to logos to anything that needs an image to be painted! While Melissa mainly paints fantasy artwork, she can do non-fantasy commissions as well. Q: How much do commissions cost? A: This is impossible to answer without knowing the details of a commission. Commission prices are based on the size, detail, and medium of a painting, so it can range from $50 to approximately $500. Melissa is happy to provide a free, non-obligatory quote! Q: Can I purchase Melissa's work wholesale? A: Melissa happily accepts wholesale orders! Please see our Wholesale page for current ordering information.  |
