Good references show what matters.

Start with one clear view.

START WITH THE REFERENCES YOU HAVE

Missing an angle? Tell us what is unknown.

There is no single photo count that makes every project ready. A clear face view helps with a person; a full-body view helps with clothing and pose. For a pet, visible markings and proportions matter. Additional views help only when they answer a specific question.

I can take more photos

Use even light and avoid beauty filters. Keep the relevant face, outfit or markings visible. If different photos show different looks, label which one supplies each detail; do not leave us guessing which hairstyle or outfit you want.

I cannot photograph the person or pet again

Describe what the existing references do and do not show. Mark uncertain details as unknown. We can assess whether a simplified interpretation is suitable, but cannot promise to recover an unseen face, pattern or outfit accurately.

I have an illustration or an inspiration image

Explain whether it shows the subject, the desired pose or only a mood. A style reference is not permission to reproduce a protected character or somebody else’s commissioned design. Only provide material you are entitled to share and use for this project.

A short reference note is more useful than a long guess.

• Keep: three priority details, such as the round glasses, twin braids and red trainers.
• Can simplify: less important details, such as a very small fabric pattern, if agreed during review.
• Unknown: details the photos do not establish, such as the back of the jacket.
• Exact text: copy any name, date or message as you want it written; do not rely only on text inside a photo.

For more than one subject, label whose references are whose. Separate photographs can explain each person, but do not establish relative height, interaction or the final pose; those need notes and human review.

After submitting a brief, use the private project conversation for written clarifications. Adding references later does not automatically change an agreed quote or an approved design.

Upload from your private Reference library. Sign in, read the saving notice and add only images you have permission to share. This guide itself does not submit, upload or save anything.

From a photo to your private draft.

Uploading a photo, saving a subject and submitting a request are separate actions. Saving is not submission.

Keep source references and style references separate.

A source photograph explains the person, pet or object. A style reference explains a visual direction you like. A digital render is not proof of a physical material or finish, and a third-party product photograph is not an Own Object delivery example.

Use references you own or have permission to share and use for the proposed design. A reference does not automatically grant permission to reproduce someone else’s artwork, character or branded design.

Prepare less personal information, not more.

• Leave out identity documents, addresses, payment details and unrelated private information.
• Where practical, choose references without unrelated bystanders or private screens in the background.
• Keep your originals. Add reference images through the signed-in Reference library, not by email.
• Before uploading, check the accepted file types, size limits and saving notice shown in the Reference library. Read the privacy notice.

See how the enquiry and review process works → · Understand size and physical finish →