Frequently Asked Questions
Helpful answers as you get started
General Questions
What can I include in my keepsake?
You can include anything meaningful — drawings, paintings, school projects, doodles, collages, handwritten notes, early scribbles, certificates, and photos of 3D creations.
If you’re unsure, you’re welcome to send everything and I’ll help you choose the strongest pieces.
What types of artwork digitise best?
Bold colours, solid shapes, and confident lines reproduce beautifully. Paint, marker, crayon, and vivid pencil all scan well.
Fine, very light pencil or faint sketches may appear softer once digitised, and heavily folded or wrinkled pieces may still show some texture after editing. I’ll always do my best to enhance each piece and will let you know if anything isn’t suitable.
Are there any types of artwork you can’t use?
Most artwork digitises beautifully. Flat pieces on A4 or larger paper give the best results.
If an artwork is very wrinkled, folded, torn, or extremely textured, some marks may still show after editing. I’ll always let you know if a piece isn’t suitable or would need extra work before including it.
How should I prepare the artwork before sending it?
A little light preparation helps us digitise each piece cleanly. Before packaging your artwork:
Remove tape, blu tack, staples, and pins where possible
Remove artwork from frames or folders, if possible (unless they are glued in - like the Kindy books)
Gently flatten curled or folded pieces under a heavy book
Keep glitter, textured paint, and collage materials intact eg. separate from other artwork with tissue paper
Group sets or themed projects together
Include all pieces you want digitised, even small notes or scraps
If you’d like a specific order, number the backs lightly in pencil and let us know they are to be in order
These simple steps help ensure your artwork scans or photographs clearly and arrives ready for the design process.
How should I package my child’s artwork?
Protect flat pieces between two pieces of cardboard, wrap textured or fragile items gently, and use a rigid mailer or sturdy box so nothing bends in transit. Larger pieces can be bent carefully (not folded) or rolled into a cardboard tube. Make the package shower‑proof and label it “Fragile – Do not bend.” Adding your name and order number inside helps us match your artwork quickly.
Examples of packaging you can use
Here are some simple, everyday options parents can use:
Rigid mailer (the type used for photos, prints, or documents)
A4/A3 cardboard envelopes
A small or medium cardboard box from online shopping
Two pieces of cardboard taped together around the artwork
A flattened cardboard box used as a protective sandwich
A cardboard postage tube for rolled artwork
A plastic sleeve or zip‑lock bag inside the parcel to keep everything dry
Bubble wrap or tissue paper for fragile or textured piecesEnter your content...
Do you work with customers outside New Zealand?
Our Digital‑only Collage is delivered by email and can be ordered worldwide. eWAY payment is available for customers in New Zealand, Australia, Singapore, and Hong Kong. If you’re ordering from any other country, you’re welcome to order — you’ll just need to email me for international bank transfer details.
Artbooks are currently only shipped within New Zealand only.
Do you return my original artwork?
Yes. If you send in original artwork, you can choose to have it returned or responsibly recycled. You’ll select your preference in the Customisation Form after checkout.
Can I upload photos instead of posting originals?
Yes.
Artbooks: If a piece is very large, 3D, fragile, or you no longer have the original, you can upload photos instead. Originals are preferred for flat artwork.
Collages: Photo uploads are optional for Collages, although for the best quality, originals are preferred.
Phone photos are perfectly fine — the Artwork Guide shows you how to take clear, natural‑light images that work well for printing.
For best results, please send images at their full resolution (usually 2–5 MB per photo) with no filters or shadows.
How do I upload or send my photos to you?
After you order, you’ll receive a link to the Customisation Form where you can upload up to 20 photos.
If you have more than 20 images, I’ll share a private OneDrive folder where you can upload a larger batch easily. All files uploaded through OneDrive or email are automatically virus‑checked.
If you’re sending originals, the studio address will be provided after your order is confirmed.
Can I include artwork from more than one child?
Yes.
Just separate each child’s artwork into its own labelled bundle. You can combine siblings into one keepsake or create separate books. We can include a title page for each child.
If you’re ordering more than one book or collage, simply place a separate order for each child so the customisation form matches the correct artwork.
Can I send more artwork later?
Yes, as long as it’s within the agreed timeframe.
Additional pieces may affect your final price, and I’ll confirm this with you before adding anything to your design.
How long do I have to send my artwork?
Once your order is placed, and you have completed the customisation form, you can send your artwork whenever you’re ready. If I haven’t received it within a month, I’ll check in with you.
Your spot is held until your artwork arrives.
How will I receive my digital files?
If you’ve added digital files to your order, they’ll be delivered by email through a private OneDrive link. You can download everything in high resolution and keep the files permanently.
Artbooks
How much will my Artbook cost?
Artbook pricing is based on the number of artworks you include. You can view all current options and prices on the Artbook product page. Optional add‑ons such as digital files, full proofs, and duplicate books are also available.
What else can I include in my book?
If you’d like to add variety to your pages, you can include photos, quotes, notes, or other meaningful items alongside your artworks.
You can also add placeholder pages (for example, “My Sketches” or “My Quotes”) if you’d like space for future additions.
What can I put on the opening page?
Most families include a dedication message and a favourite photo. You’re also welcome to include a meaningful quote, and I can choose a complementary piece of artwork to sit alongside it if you’re not using a photo.
You can upload your dedication and photo in the Customisation Form after ordering, or email them to me.
Can I order additional copies?
Yes. You can add up to two duplicate copies when ordering. These are offered at a reduced rate and printed at the same time as your main book.
Will each artwork be displayed on its own page?
I design each book to best showcase your child’s artwork. Some pieces look best full‑page, while smaller drawings or themed pieces may be grouped together. The layout is customised for every book.
How much artwork can an Artbook hold?
Most Artbooks include up to 120 artworks, but larger collections are absolutely possible. Books can hold around 250 pieces depending on the size of each artwork and how they’re best arranged.
If you have a very large collection, I can advise whether it’s best to create one book, split it into two volumes, or prepare a custom quote.
What is the minimum number of pieces I can include?
Artbooks have a minimum of 20 pages so I recommend sending at least 20 artworks (or a mix of artwork and photos) to create a meaningful book.
If you’re sending the minimum number of pieces, A4‑sized or larger artworks fill the pages beautifully. Smaller pieces can be grouped together where it suits the design.
Can I send items for two or more books?
Yes.
Please place a separate order for each book, then complete the Customisation Form for each one. Just separate the artwork into two clearly labelled bundles so everything stays matched to the correct book.
Can more than one child’s artwork be included in a single book?
Absolutely.
You can combine siblings artwork into one book or create separate chapters for each child.
Just separate their artwork into labelled bundles.
Can I add photos to my book?
Yes.
Your book includes one photo for the dedication page.
Additional photos count as artworks and can be included in addition to your artworks.
Can I request a specific order for the artwork?
Yes.
If you want the artwork in a particular order, number the back of each piece lightly in pencil and send your artworks in the order you’d like them to appear. I’ll follow your sequence when designing (choose “Keep in sequence” on the customisation form - emailed to you after ordering)
Changes requested after the design is complete may incur an additional fee.
Can I add captions?
Yes.
Caption limits: Artbook 30 & 50 - up to 5, Artbook 80 - up to 10 and Artbook 120 - up to 20.
Write captions lightly in pencil on the back of the artwork, for example, 'CAPTION: Rainbow, aged 3.'
Can handprints and footprints appear actual size?
Yes — just mark the artwork lightly in pencil if you’d like it printed at its original size.
Otherwise, I’ll size it to fit the layout in the most visually balanced way.
Would it be easier for me to make the book myself?
Most families find that creating an artbook from scratch takes far longer than expected, often 30–40 hours. I take care of the photography or scanning, editing, colour correction, layout design, and print preparation so your child’s artwork looks its best. Your book is professionally designed, printed, and bound using premium materials.
When will I receive my Artbook?
Your book will be ready approximately 4–6 weeks after your artwork arrives. If you need your book sooner, express turnaround may be available on request, so please email me before ordering.
Collage
How many artworks can I include in a collage?
Most collages include between 4 and 60 pieces, with around 30 artworks being the sweet spot for a beautifully balanced design. I’ll create the layout to suit the number and size of the artworks you choose. Smaller collections work best in a grid layout, while larger collections suit a layered composition.
What shapes and sizes are available?
Collages can be created in rectangular portrait, rectangular landscape (default), square, or circular formats. Digital Collages are supplied as high‑resolution files. Printed Collages are available in A2 size, with smaller custom sizes available if selected on the Customisation Form.
Can I add a title or caption?
Yes.
You can add a title, name, date, or short caption when you complete the Customisation Form.
For Digital Collages, the caption is designed within the full‑bleed artwork so it prints correctly at any size. For Printed Collages, the caption can be placed beneath the artwork, or positioned neatly at the top or side, depending on the layout.
Can I include artwork from more than one child?
Yes.
Just separate each child’s artwork into labelled bundles.
You can combine siblings artwork into one collage or create separate collages - for two collage you will require a separate order for each.
Do I need to send originals, or can I upload photos of artwork?
Both options are available. Originals give the highest quality, but photos are a great choice if the artwork is very large, 3D, fragile, or you prefer not to post originals. You can upload photos at the Customisation Form stage, and the Artwork Guide shows you how to take clear, natural‑light images that print beautifully.
Can you include 3D artwork or sculptures?
Yes — simply upload photos of 3D pieces.
I’ll edit and integrate them into the collage so they blend naturally with the other artwork.
Can I request specific pieces to be more prominent?
Yes.
If there are favourites you’d like featured more prominently, just let me know.
Otherwise, I’ll arrange everything in the most balanced and visually pleasing way.
Do I get to approve the collage before printing?
Yes.
You’ll receive a digital proof to review.
You can request up to two small changes, such as adjusting the size or position of a piece.
Does a Printed Collage product include the digital file?
Yes. All Printed Collages include the high‑resolution digital file. If you choose a Digital Collage only, you can print it yourself or upgrade to a printed version later.
Can I receive the individual artwork files too?
Yes. If you send original artworks (not photos), you can add the Digital Files option to receive high‑resolution files of every individual piece used in your collage.
How long does a collage take to create?
Your collage will be ready in approximately 3–4 weeks after your artwork arrives. Express turnaround may be available if you need it sooner.
Proofing
Do I get to approve the design before printing?
Yes. All Collages include a full digital proof for approval.
For Artbooks, you’ll receive either a full proof or a sneak peek depending on the option you choose at checkout.
What changes can I make to a Collage proof?
You’ll receive a digital proof to review before printing. One round of changes is included, such as adjusting a title, colour, or artwork position. If you’d like further changes, these are optional and billed at my hourly rate.
What changes can I make to an Artbook proof?
If you choose the optional Artbook Proof, one round of changes is included, such as adjusting captions, swapping a few artworks, or refining the layout. If you’d like further changes, these are optional and billed at my hourly rate.
Can the whole book be redesigned after I see the proof?
Once the proof is created, the overall layout can’t be completely redesigned without additional editing time. One round of changes is included, and small adjustments are absolutely fine. If you’d like larger revisions or a full redesign, this can be done and is billed at my hourly rate.
What is included in the sneak peek?
A sneak peek is a preview of the cover and dedication page of your Artbook. It lets you check the spelling, title, and dedication details before printing. Small text edits can be made at this stage. The full internal layout isn’t included unless your order includes a full proof or you choose to add one.
Shipping
How do I send my artwork to you?
For Collages, you can upload photos or post the originals (NZ only). For Artbooks, I work exclusively with the original artwork.
You can choose to post your originals or drop them off — the Drop‑off / Collection option is available at checkout. If you’re posting your artwork, you’ll cover the cost of sending it to me.
After you place your order, I’ll send clear packing instructions and the studio address in Devonport, Auckland. If you’re posting originals, you can also read the Artwork Guide for tips on preparing and packaging your artwork.
How much does shipping cost for finished printed products?
Shipping for printed Artbooks and Collages is calculated at checkout. You’ll see the exact cost before you complete your order.
These are the current shipping costs for Artbooks or Printed Collages within New Zealand:
Auckland: $9.50
North Island (excl. Auckland): $17.50
South Island & Great Barrier Island: $26.50
Rural Delivery surcharge: + $7
Do I pay return shipping for my originals if I order a Digital Collage?
Yes. If you choose a digital-only product and want your originals returned, the return courier cost is added to your final invoice.
Do I pay return shipping for my originals if I order a Printed Collage?
For printed products, the shipping charged on your final invoice includes the return of your original artworks.
Do you ship finished products internationally?
Digital files are delivered worldwide. Printed products and original artwork returns are shipped within New Zealand only.
If there’s anything you’re unsure about, you’re always welcome to email me.