Timeline & Milestones

Portrait Commission Timeline

Unlike conventional portrait sessions, Legacy Couture Portraits are thoughtfully planned and produced over a period of weeks or months, allowing every detail to be considered with intention and artistry. Each commission is individually tailored and may vary according to location availability, seasonal considerations, couture requirements, travel arrangements, and artwork specifications.

Most Legacy Couture Portrait commissions are completed within approximately 3–9 months. Commissions involving a made-to-order couture garment may require a longer timeframe to ensure every element receives the care and attention it deserves.

Following acceptance of your commission, a personalised timeline will be developed to guide you through each stage of the experience.

Initial Consultation

1–2 Weeks

The journey begins with a personal consultation approximately 1 hour in duration to discuss the chapter of life you wish to honour, your motivations for commissioning a portrait, and your aspirations for the finished artwork.

This conversation marks the beginning of our creative collaboration, allowing us to explore the story you wish to preserve and the artwork we will create together.

Portrait Brief & Creative Direction

1–3 Weeks

During this phase, the creative concept for the commission is developed and documented within a comprehensive portrait brief.

Together, we establish the artistic direction of the project, including:

• Archetype selection

• Mood boards and visual inspiration

• Colour palette development

• Wardrobe and couture considerations

• Preliminary location concepts

• Lighting and posing approach and artistic atmosphere

• Post-production storytelling, editing and retouching direction

• Artwork objectives and presentation considerations

This stage defines the visual narrative of the commission and determines the scope of the finished body of work, including the number of portraits, wardrobe changes, and artistic elements required to achieve the desired outcome.

The completed portrait brief serves as the creative blueprint for all subsequent planning and production.

Styling, Couture & Location Planning

2–8 Weeks

With the creative direction established, attention turns to coordinating the practical elements required to bring the portrait brief to life.

This may include:

• Couture commission planning (if applicable)

• Wardrobe selection

• Hair and makeup recommendations

• Location research and scouting

• Venue enquiries and bookings

• Floral and prop planning

• Seasonal scheduling considerations

• Transport arrangements

• Catering and accommodation bookings (if required)

This phase transforms the creative concept into a fully realised production plan.

Production Planning

1–3 Weeks

Final preparations are undertaken to ensure the portrait session proceeds smoothly and efficiently.

This stage may include:

• Confirmation of locations and permits

• Session scheduling and run sheet preparation

• Wardrobe and couture preparation

• Lighting design and equipment planning

• Weather contingency planning

• Supplier and venue coordination

• Final client preparation guidance including a run sheet

By the conclusion of this phase, all logistical and production requirements have been finalised.

Portrait Session

1 Day

The portrait experience takes place.

Sessions are intentionally unhurried, allowing time for wardrobe changes, creative direction, lighting refinement, and the creation of a carefully curated collection of images aligned with the portrait brief.

Image Selection & Artwork Design

2–4 Weeks

Following the portrait session, images are reviewed, refined, and prepared for presentation to the client by appointment online or in person. Clients are invited to select their preferred portraits and finalise artwork specifications, including:

• Print sizes

• Framing options

• Wall collections

• Fine art albums / presentation media

This stage determines how the finished artwork will ultimately be experienced and displayed.

Artwork Production

4–8 Weeks

Selected artworks are professionally produced using museum-quality materials and archival processes.

This may include fine art printing, framing, finishing, quality control, and preparation for delivery.

Production times may vary according to framing requirements, specialist materials, and supplier schedules.

Artwork Delivery

1–2 Weeks

Completed artworks are prepared for collection or delivery.

Where applicable, artwork care, handling, and preservation guidance is provided to ensure your portrait can be enjoyed for generations to come.

Portrait Commission Milestones

Note: The following payment schedule applies to most Legacy Couture Portrait commissions. Additional travel, venue hire, couture commissions, accommodation, specialist suppliers, or bespoke artwork requirements may be quoted separately where applicable.

Milestone 1 — Commission Accepted

What Happens

• Commission accepted

• Commission Agreement issued

• Initial consultation completed

• Commission dates reserved

• Access to The Client Salon provided

Payment - 25% Non-Refundable Reservation Fee

Purpose

• Reservation of commission dates

• Consultation and administration

• Project commencement

• Access to The Client Salon

Client Receives

• Commission Agreement

• Welcome Pack

• Access to The Client Salon

Milestone 2 — Creative Direction Approved

What Happens

• Portrait brief completed

• Archetype selected

• Creative direction established

• Artwork objectives defined

• Preliminary production plan approved

Payment - 25% Creative Development Instalment

Purpose

• Portrait brief development

• Creative direction and concept refinement

• Archetype planning

• Artwork planning and visual development

Client Receives

• Portrait Brief

• Creative Direction Summary

• Preliminary Production Plan

Milestone 3 — Production Commences

What Happens

• Portrait brief approved

• Locations confirmed and booked

• Wardrobe and couture arrangements finalised

• Hair and makeup planning completed

• Production schedule confirmed

• Portrait session preparation begins

Payment - 25% Production Instalment

Purpose

• Production planning and coordination

• Location bookings and permits

• Supplier and venue coordination

• Session preparation

• Lighting design and equipment planning

Client Receives

• Production Update

• Portrait Session Details

• Preparation Guidance

• Session Schedule and Requirements

Milestone 4 — Artwork Selection

What Happens

• Portrait session completed

• Images reviewed and artistically refined

• Artwork presentation appointment conducted

• Final artwork selections made

Payment - No payment required at this stage.

Purpose

• Image review and curation

• Artwork design consultation

• Selection of final portraits

• Finalisation of presentation options

Client Receives

• Curated Image Presentation

• Artwork Design Consultation

• Artwork Recommendations

• Final Artwork Proposal

Milestone 5 — Completion & Delivery

What Happens

• Artwork production completed

• Printing, framing and finishing completed (if applicable)

• Final quality review undertaken

• Artwork prepared for collection, delivery, or installation

Payment - 25% Final Balance

Purpose

• Fine art printing

• Framing and finishing

• Quality control

• Packaging and delivery preparation

Client Receives

• Completed Artwork

• Artwork Care Instructions

• Certificate of Authenticity

Image Credits: Photography & Creative Direction: Olivia Torma. Model, Hair & Makeup: Naomi Bright @naomi_art1.  © Olivia Torma, 2025.