COMMISSION A PORTRAIT ARTIST

• We discuss your requirements over a phone or video call (approx 5-10 minutes)
• You send us good quality photos as reference material – preferably natural light
• Live sittings are optional
• We give you an exact quote, and then take a deposit (balance due on completion)
• Portraits usually take around 6 weeks to complete
• Video / photos are sent regularly to ensure we exceed your expectations
• You can have calls with the artist at any time during the process
• You can feedback on any adjustments such skin / hair color
• Super high res photos and video sent of final portrait for you to sign off
• Final payment is made only when you are ecstatically happy
• The portrait is shipped by courier to your home after the painting has dried
• Tissues are provided for emotional reactions to the portrait (tears of joy are not unusual!)
• You love the painting so much that you order another to hang elsewhere 🙂
• The artist can even do an exact copy of the painting to hang in a 2nd home

Why Commission a Portrait in North Dakota

In a world that moves fast and often forgets, the people of North Dakota have always known the value of remembering—of honoring what came before, what matters now, and what’s worth carrying forward. A hand-painted portrait is more than an image; it’s a testament. It’s the quiet kind of treasure that speaks louder with time.

To commission a portrait is to pause long enough to preserve something real. Not a fleeting photograph, but a lasting work of art that captures the feeling behind the face—the story within the silence. A portrait becomes a legacy, passed from one hand to the next.

Whether you’re discovering this tradition anew or have long appreciated the depth of fine portraiture, we meet you where you are. We guide you with care, ensuring the journey feels as personal as the portrait itself. Whether to celebrate, honor, or remember, every detail matters.

At The Portrait Agency, we represent artists who know that great portraiture is more than technique—it’s perception. It’s patience. It’s the ability to see not just who a person is, but what they mean to the ones who love them.

Unmatched Artistic Excellence

Our artists are chosen not only for their skill but for their rare ability to capture character. A good portrait doesn’t just resemble its subject—it reveals them. And that’s what separates art from imitation.

Whether painted in oil, drawn in charcoal, or rendered in soft pastels, the portraits we deliver are rich with subtlety, story, and soul. They carry the warmth of a memory and the weight of a legacy.

A Process Built on Trust and Simplicity

Commissioning a portrait is more than hiring an artist—it’s a collaborative journey. From the first conversation to the day your painting arrives, we take care to make the process seamless and personal. You’ll work closely with a Portrait Consultant and the artist to ensure your vision is realized with clarity and care.

A Range of Styles

North Dakota is a place of contrast and character, and the portraits we offer reflect that diversity. Whether you prefer classical realism, soft impressionism, or a more modern aesthetic, our artists are versatile and deeply attuned to their craft. Whatever the medium or style, your portrait will feel true to you.

Crafted with Purpose

The portraits we create aren’t mass-produced or rushed. They are made with intention, with the best materials available, and with a commitment to quality that ensures the work will endure. This isn’t just decoration—it’s heirloom art, made to last and to mean something.

An Investment in Memory and Meaning

To commission a portrait is to say: this moment matters. This person matters. And when you make that choice, you’re investing in something timeless. A portrait becomes part of your family’s legacy—a treasured piece of your story to be passed down through the years.

Peace of Mind with Every Step

We know that commissioning a portrait is a decision rooted in trust. That’s why we take every step with care and clarity. Our agency stands behind every piece we help create, and we are committed to your complete satisfaction—from start to finish.

Conclusion

There’s something deeply North Dakotan about taking time to honor people properly. The Portrait Agency gives you a chance to do just that—to slow down, to capture what matters, and to hold onto it through the quiet power of fine art.

Choosing an Artist

North Dakota is a state full of stories—some told wide across the land, others tucked gently into a family’s living room. Here at North Dakota Portraits, we help people turn those stories into lasting works of art. Whether you’re in Fargo or Bismarck, Grand Forks or Minot, our artists are ready to help you preserve what matters most.

Whether you’re marking a turning point in someone’s life or just want to hold on to a cherished memory, the right portrait can do it with dignity and beauty. Our artists don’t just paint—they listen, they understand, and they reveal.

If you already have a meaningful photograph or just a vision in mind, our Portrait Consultants will guide you every step of the way. We’re here to help shape that vision into something extraordinary.

When a Portrait Speaks More Than Words

There are moments in life that go beyond what we can say. A portrait holds that feeling. It gives shape to memory. It captures presence. It brings someone into the room even when they’re gone, or far, or changed by time.

Why North Dakotans Trust Us

North Dakotans trust their instincts. And from Fargo to Bismarck, our clients tell us the same thing: we listen, we understand, and we take our time. The artists we work with know how to create something honest and heartfelt—something that carries the weight of memory without saying a word.

The Journey of a North Dakota Portrait

It starts with a story. Yours. We listen closely, then connect you with the artist who’s right for your vision. The process is careful, intentional, and never rushed. Each step—sketches, composition, painting—is handled with skill and purpose. And in the end, what you receive is more than art—it’s an echo of what you love most.

Made to Last, in Every Way

North Dakotans value what endures—land, legacy, and the deep bonds between generations. The portraits created through The Portrait Agency are crafted to last. From museum-quality materials to archival framing options, your artwork is made with permanence in mind, so it can be cherished now and handed down later.

A Centerpiece for Your Home

A fine portrait doesn’t just decorate a space—it becomes part of it. Whether displayed in a family room, study, or office, your portrait will quietly ground the space, inviting reflection and honoring connection. Over time, it becomes not only a beautiful object—but a personal landmark.

Once you have picked the perfect artist and you’re ready to go ahead, we take a 50% deposit and book in the time with the artist. We’ll regularly communicate with them on your behalf to ensure the brief is understood and you get exactly what you are hoping for. You can contact us with any questions that may come up- we are here for you throughout the entire process.

We will keep you updated throughout this exciting journey and share images and/or videos of the paintings progress.

DECADES OF EXPERIENCE

With over 30 years of experience in the Art Industry, we are confident that we can offer an unrivaled level of service throughout the entire process of having your portrait created. We are happy to answer any questions that you might have and give you total assurance that the end result will surpass your expectations.