Thank you for visiting El El Illustrations!
Pastel pet portraits and custom cut mats, at your service!
Hello, I am El El and I am the creator of El El Illustrations.
I've been drawing for over fifteen years now. I taught myself over time, I started off drawing as a way to pass the time while working at an art supply shop during slow summer days. It soon became a part of life rather than just way to pass the time. Thank you for visiting!
I work in two sizes:
5x7 inches - This is a great gift for someone's desk so it makes a perfect gift for a coworker or any friend with an office!
8x10 inches - This size is better for hanging on the wall.
I understand that those might be on the smaller size, but with these sizes I can offer lower prices and faster turn around times. If you are looking for a low cost gift that still holds a lot of sentimental value then a pet portrait is perfect for any occasion.
I made El El Illustrations primarily to focus on creating pastel animal portraits, but I have been cutting mats for picture frames for over twenty years. I started off cutting mats to save money framing my own college art projects and soon began cutting mats to save my classmates money on framing their projects as well.
Later in life I worked as a professional custom framer for over five years. Working at custom frame shops I charged people A LOT more money for the same projects I am offering to you through this website.
I understand that you don't want to waste money on getting a hole cut out of a piece of fancy cardboard… so don't. Just tell me the dimensions of your photo, drawing, document, license, diploma, etc and I will cut a mat ready to fit it in a pre-made frame. This can save you hundreds of dollars when compared to a full custom frame job.
Check out my Etsy: www.etsy.com/shop/ElElIllustrations
Check me out on Instagram: www.instagram.com/elelillustrations
Shop policies
Shipping
Processing time
The time I need to prepare an order for shipping varies. For details, see individual items.
Estimated shipping times
North America: 7-14 business days
I'll do my best to meet these shipping estimates, but cannot guarantee them. Actual delivery time will depend on the shipping method you choose.
Returns & exchanges
I gladly accept returns and exchanges
Only items that are damaged upon arrival can be returned or exchanged.
Contact me within: 14 days of delivery
Ship items back within: 45 days of delivery
I don't accept cancellations
But please contact me if you have any problems with your order.
The following items can't be returned or exchanged
Because of the nature of these items, unless they arrive damaged or defective, I can't accept returns for:
Custom or personalized orders
Digital downloads
Items on sale
Conditions of return
Buyers are responsible for return shipping costs. If the item is not returned in its original condition, the buyer is responsible for any loss in value.
Frequently asked questions
My picture is falling through the mat opening. Why is this happening?
I cut mat windows exactly to the sizes given to me. If you measure to the outside edges of a picture and I cut a mat at that size the image is likely to fall through or will be difficult to line up. I would suggest subtracting a 1/4 inch from the image size to allow some space for the edge of the mat opening to rest around your picture.
How are the pre cut mats sized?
The pre cut mats such as the ones with 4x6 or 8.5x11 windows are all cut in by 1/8th of an inch. Keep this in mind in case a signature or something like that is right at the edge of your picture, because the lip of the mat could cover it slightly.
What color mats do you have available?
I always have white, black, and off-white mats. Other colors may vary depending on what is available at my local art store. For mats 16x20 or smaller I can custom make a mat of a large variety of colors by using photo mount spray and large sheets of artist paper. This process is archival and all the materials used are pH neutral. Please visit the Mat Services page for pictures of mats like this.
The drawing looks like the picture I provided, but I found a better picture.
I offer a lower price on drawing redos rather than charging full price for another drawing. Please refer to the item description of the drawing listing for that price.
I smudged the drawing while moving it.
Please be careful when transferring a drawing from the packaging to wherever its destination may be. My drawings are not fixed so they will smudge! I highly suggest using a sharp blade to cut the sides of the plastic holder the portrait is shipped in and peeling the plastic away rather than sliding the drawing out of the sleeve.
I would also suggest having me either mat or mat and frame the image to fully protect it from being touched.
If a drawing is smudged I offer a touchup fee to repair it. Please refer to the item description of the drawing listing for that price.
I wanted a dark green mat but you sent me a light green mat!
Please please please be ready to check your email/Facebook/Instagram/Etsy messenger!. I am very available when it comes to being contacted through that. If you order a mat and I see that you ask for a color mat I will always send you pictures of whatever shades of that color mats are available. If I don't get a response in a day or two I will choose a shade, typically the medium shade of all the options, and go with that.
Please either be as specific as possible with your color description, or be available to choose from the options I send you through email/Facebook/Instagram/Etsy messenger conversations. Otherwise I will send the medium shade of the color asked for.