The secret to a great custom cartoon portrait is not the artist alone, it is the photo you start with. A clear, well-lit photo lets every detail come through: the shape of the smile, the color of the eyes, the curl of the hair, the pattern on your dog's fur. Here is everything you need to know to pick (or take) the best photo.
The 7 rules of a great portrait photo
1. Faces must be clear and in focus
Zoom in on your photo: can you clearly see each person's eyes, nose and mouth? If the faces are blurry, small or pixelated, the portrait will lose its likeness. Photos taken with a recent smartphone are usually perfect.
2. Good, even light
Natural daylight near a window or outdoors in the shade gives the best results. Avoid very dark photos, strong backlight (a bright window behind the person) and harsh flash that washes out skin and fur colors.
3. Faces looking at the camera
Front-facing or slightly turned faces are ideal. Profiles, faces hidden by hands or hair, and big sunglasses make the portrait less recognizable.
4. No heavy filters
Beauty filters, black-and-white effects and strong color filters change skin tone, eye color and face shape. Send the original photo whenever possible.
5. Show what matters
If a detail is important (glasses, a beard, a hat, a favorite sweater, a special necklace), choose a photo where it is visible, or mention it in your order notes.
6. Several people? Several photos are fine
You don't need a perfect group photo. If everyone is never in the same shot, send a good individual photo of each person (and pet); they can be combined into one family portrait.
7. The bigger, the better
Upload the original file rather than a screenshot or a photo sent through a messaging app, which often compresses the image and reduces quality.
Tips for pet photos
- Get down to your pet's eye level.
- Use a treat or a squeaky toy to get their attention right above the camera.
- Make sure the eyes are sharp and the fur colors look natural.
- Pick a photo that shows their unique markings.
Quick checklist before you upload
- ✓ Faces are sharp when you zoom in
- ✓ The photo is bright, without strong shadows
- ✓ Eyes are visible (no sunglasses)
- ✓ No filters
- ✓ Original, full-size file
- ✓ Names and any special requests written in the order notes
What happens after you send your photo?
With a ToonifyMe Christmas Pack, you upload your photo directly on the product page. We create your cartoon or caricature portrait and send it to you for approval. Nothing is printed until you are happy with it. Then your poster, mug, cards or calendar are printed and shipped with free Express shipping to the USA.
Not sure which style to pick? Read cartoon vs. caricature: which style should you choose. Looking for gift ideas? See our personalized Christmas gifts for families.
⏰ Christmas deadline: order by December 14 for delivery before Christmas.