It’s that time of year again when we all search for the perfect gifts for our loved ones. I’ve always believed in giving something creative and personal—whether it’s handmade by my kids or commissioned from talented friends and artists.

Illustrated family portrait showing parents and children in a warm, colorful artistic style with detailed shading and professional composition The final masterpiece: Our family portrait by Carlos Valarezo

This year, I decided to commission a custom family portrait from Carlos Valarezo, a talented illustrator based in Ecuador. I provided him with a detailed brief and a collection of family photos, and he transformed them into the stunning artwork you see above.

About Carlos Valarezo

Carlos is a full-time professional illustrator who specializes in custom commissions. He’s married to Josie, who previously designed the theme for this blog and several other projects I’ve worked on. While I knew Josie’s design work well, this was my first time collaborating with Carlos on an illustration project.

Professional headshot of Carlos Valarezo, illustrator from Ecuador Carlos Valarezo, professional illustrator

The Commission Process

Timeline and Communication

I reached out to Carlos in November 2025 to discuss the project. The process was remarkably smooth:

  1. Initial consultation: We discussed my vision, agreed on pricing, and established a timeline
  2. Photo submission: I provided multiple reference photos of my family
  3. Regular updates: Carlos sent progress updates throughout the project, ensuring the artwork matched my expectations
  4. Refinements: After my wife saw the near-final version, Carlos made a few minor adjustments to perfect the piece
  5. Final delivery: High-resolution artwork ready for printing

What Impressed Me Most

  • Excellent communication: Carlos was responsive and proactive in sharing updates
  • Collaborative approach: He welcomed feedback and made adjustments willingly
  • Professional quality: The final artwork exceeded my expectations
  • Reasonable pricing: Great value for a custom, high-quality illustration
  • High resolution: The final image (4961 x 3508 pixels) is perfect for large-format printing

The Creative Journey

Below, you can see the evolution of the artwork from initial sketches to the polished final piece. This transparency in the creative process gave me confidence and allowed for input at key stages.

Rough pencil sketch showing initial family portrait composition with basic figure placement and proportions Stage 1: Initial composition and layout

Refined pencil sketch with improved character positioning, facial features, and body proportions clearly defined Stage 2: Refined character positioning

Clean digital line work with crisp outlines, defined clothing details, and clear facial expressions Stage 3: Clean line work

Flat color application showing skin tones, clothing colors, and background elements without shading Stage 4: Base color application

Initial shading added to faces and clothing, creating depth and dimension in the illustration Stage 5: Adding depth with shading

Detailed shading work on hair, fabric textures, and facial features with enhanced contrast Stage 6: Detailed shading and textures

Color adjustments and refinements to improve harmony, saturation, and overall visual balance Stage 7: Color refinement and adjustments

Final polished illustration with highlights, shadows, and finishing touches creating a professional result Stage 8: Final touches and polish

Commission Your Own Artwork

If you’re looking for a unique, personalized gift for a loved one, I highly recommend Carlos’s work. Whether it’s a family portrait, pet illustration, or any custom artwork, he delivers exceptional results at reasonable rates.

Contact Carlos Valarezo:

Supporting independent artists not only gives you a one-of-a-kind piece but also helps talented creators continue doing what they love. This Christmas, consider commissioning something special—it’s a gift that truly comes from the heart.