Custom cartoon portraits have become one of the most popular personalised gifts, and also one of the most confusing to shop for. Some are drawn by artists, some are generated by software in seconds, and the price range runs from free apps to several hundred dollars. This guide explains the differences so you know what you are paying for.
Hand-drawn or AI: how to tell
AI tools and filters apply a style to your photo. They are fast and often free, but they cannot do three things a human artist does without thinking: put people from different photos into one scene, change an outfit or a hairstyle on request, and draw a background that does not exist in any photo. If a shop offers unlimited revisions and custom scenes, a person is drawing it. If the result appears in seconds, software is.
At Simpsonize Me every portrait is drawn from scratch by an artist on a drawing tablet. That is why we ask for 2-3 days and why we can draw your grandmother next to your dog even though they have never met.
What a custom cartoon portrait costs
- Apps and AI generators: free to around $10. No revisions, one style, you do the work.
- Hand-drawn digital portraits: typically $20-$40 per person for a shoulders-up drawing and $30-$60 for full-body. Our prices start at $20 per person.
- Printed portraits: add $40-$150 depending on size and whether it is a poster, a framed print or a canvas.
- Traditional commissioned art: $200 and up, with weeks of lead time.
How long it takes
Expect a preview within 2-3 days for a hand-drawn digital portrait, then a day or two for revisions if you ask for any. Printing adds 2-3 business days plus shipping. For Christmas, order printed portraits by mid December and digital ones any time.
How to order one (and get a great result)
- Pick the style. Shoulders-up is cheaper and works well for profile pictures and mugs. Full-body shows outfits and poses and suits canvas prints.
- Choose a background. Ready-made scenes are included; custom scenes (your home, your city) are usually a small extra.
- Send good photos. One clear, well-lit photo per person, face visible, no sunglasses unless you want them drawn. Separate photos are fine; the artist combines them.
- Write notes. Names, who stands where, props, pets, the outfit you want. The more specific, the fewer revisions.
- Review the preview carefully. Check faces, hair, glasses and spelling on any text before approving.
Common questions
Can I use the portrait anywhere? Yes, with us the file is yours to print, share and post.
What resolution do I get? Ours is 3600 x 4800 px, large enough for a 24 x 36 inch canvas.
Can pets be included? Yes, each pet counts as one character.
Ready to see yourself in yellow? Start your hand-drawn portrait.
