Custom Order Tips
Your custom kit is only as good as the photo you send. These quick tips help us turn your image into a sharp, true-to-life piece you’ll be proud to hang.
1. Send the highest-quality photo you have
Bigger and sharper is always better. A clear, well-lit photo lets us capture detail in the face, fur or scenery. Blurry, dark or heavily filtered images lose detail when converted to drills — and no chart can add back detail that isn’t there.
2. Good light beats everything
Natural, even light (near a window, or outdoors in shade) gives the truest colours. Avoid harsh shadows across the face, strong backlight, and heavy phone “beauty” filters.
3. Get close to your subject
For portraits and pets, the face should fill a good part of the frame. The more the subject dominates the photo, the more detail survives in the final canvas. A tiny figure in a wide landscape won’t render well as a small kit.
4. Pick the right size for the detail
Detail needs room. A single face works from a medium canvas; two or more people, or a full body plus background, need a larger size to stay crisp. When in doubt, size up — and check the size guide for guidance.
| Your photo | Recommended size |
|---|---|
| One pet or one face, simple background | Small–Medium (30×30 to 40×40 cm) |
| Portrait with detail / two subjects | Medium–Large (40×50 to 50×65 cm) |
| Group, full body, or busy scene | Large (50×70 cm+) |
5. We send a free proof before printing
After you order, we convert your photo and email you a digital proof. You approve the crop and colours — or ask for free revisions — before a single drill is printed. Nothing goes to production until you’re happy.
Round or square drills? For portraits and pets we recommend square drills — the edge-to-edge tiling holds fine detail best. Round drills are lovely for softer, larger scenes.
Read more on the difference in our how it works guide.
What makes a great custom subject
Almost any photo can become a custom kit, but some subjects simply translate into diamonds better than others. The best results come from images with a clear focal point and good contrast between light and dark.
- Pets and portraits — a single, well-lit face is the most popular and reliably stunning choice.
- Couples and family — beautiful on a larger canvas that gives each face room to stay sharp.
- Places and landmarks — a honeymoon beach, the family home, a favourite city view.
- Special moments — a wedding day, a new baby, a graduation, kept forever as art.
Very dark, very busy, or heavily filtered photos are the hardest to convert well, because fine detail gets lost when the image is broken into coloured drills. When in doubt, choose the clearer photo over the more sentimental blurry one — or send us both and we’ll advise.
How the custom process works
Ordering a custom kit is simple, and nothing is left to chance:
- Upload your photo and choose your size and drill shape at checkout.
- We create a digital proof and email it to you — usually within a couple of business days.
- You review it and approve the crop and colours, or request free revisions until it’s right.
- We print and ship your finished kit, tracked worldwide, only after you’ve said yes.
Because each custom kit is made just for you, this proofing step is how we guarantee you’ll love the result before a single drill is produced.
Custom kit questions, answered
How long does a custom kit take?
Custom kits take a little longer than standard ones because of the proofing step. After you order, we prepare your digital proof within a couple of business days; once you approve it, we print and ship, tracked worldwide. The proof stage is worth the short wait — it’s how we make sure the finished piece is exactly right.
Can I use a photo from my phone?
Yes — modern phone photos are usually more than good enough, as long as the image is sharp, well-lit and not heavily zoomed or filtered. Send the original rather than a screenshot or a heavily edited version, since those lose detail.
What if I’m not happy with the proof?
Just tell us. Revisions are free, and nothing is printed until you’re completely happy with the crop and colours. Your satisfaction with the proof is the whole point of the process.
Ready to create yours?
Upload your photo and we’ll take it from there — free proof, free revisions, and tracked worldwide shipping once you approve. Questions first? Contact us or read the FAQ.