How it works: from your photo to a finished cartoon
Ordering a cartoon works like this: send your photos via WhatsApp or info@decartoonist.com and choose a style, pay in advance via a Tikkie on WhatsApp, receive a proof within 3 days of payment, ask for changes in one revision round and get the final high-resolution file without a watermark. There is no upload tool or account; you simply talk with the cartoonist.
The six steps of ordering a cartoon
- Send photos. One or more clear photos of each person or animal, via WhatsApp or email.
- Choose a style and purpose. Tell us the style, the occasion and where the cartoon will be used: print, gift, profile picture or website. You then hear the price.
- Pay via Tikkie. Once the price is confirmed, you receive a Tikkie on WhatsApp and pay in advance with iDEAL. Work starts as soon as the payment is in.
- Proof within 3 days. Hans Esser makes the cartoon with AI tools and his own drawing and finishing, and sends you a preview within 3 days of payment.
- One revision round. You give feedback on likeness, expression, colours or text, and the cartoon is adjusted in one revision round.
- Final file. After your approval you receive the cartoon digitally, in high resolution and without a watermark.
Photo tips for a recognisable cartoon
The photo is the raw material, so a few minutes of choosing pays off. A good photo is:
- Sharp, especially around the eyes.
- Taken in daylight or soft light, without a harsh flash or strong backlight.
- Showing the face large enough; crop a group shot rather than sending a tiny face.
- Without beauty filters, which remove the very features a cartoonist needs.
- Recent, unless you deliberately want someone at a younger age.
For groups: send one good photo per person. For pets: photograph at eye level. For surprises: make sure you have permission to use the photos of the people involved.
The proof and the revision round
A proof is a preview of the cartoon before it is final. It shows the composition, the likeness and the style, so you can judge whether it feels right. Be specific in your feedback: “make the smile a bit wider”, “her hair is darker”, “change the text to…”. Changes to details are part of the one revision round that is included; further changes after that, a completely different style or extra people are possible by arrangement at an extra charge.
File formats and delivery
The final cartoon is delivered digitally via email or WhatsApp. You receive a high-resolution image file, suitable for screen and print. Mention in advance if you need:
- a specific format or size for a print shop;
- a square version for a profile picture;
- a plain or different background.
Delivery time: your cartoon or proof arrives within 3 days of payment, for every style. What affects the cost is explained on how cartoon prices are set.
What the end result can look like
Curious where the four steps lead? The finished examples by De Cartoonist show finished cartoons, from caricature to comic panel.
Frequently asked questions
How does ordering a cartoon from a photo work?
Send your photos via WhatsApp or email and choose a style, pay in advance via a Tikkie on WhatsApp once the price is confirmed, receive a proof within 3 days of payment, give feedback in one revision round, and get the final high-resolution file without a watermark.
How do I send my photos for a cartoon?
Send your photos via WhatsApp or info@decartoonist.com. Send the original images rather than screenshots where possible, and add a short message with the style, the occasion and any text you want in the cartoon.
Why is there no upload tool on the website?
There is no upload tool because every cartoon starts with a conversation. Sending photos by WhatsApp or email keeps them in a direct exchange with Hans Esser, who can ask questions and advise on style before he starts.
How many photos should I send for a cartoon?
Send at least one clear photo per person or animal. Two or three photos from different angles help with the likeness, especially for caricatures and pets with distinctive markings.
Which photo works best for a recognisable cartoon?
The best photo is sharp around the eyes, taken in daylight or soft light, and shows the face large enough. Avoid harsh flash, strong backlight and beauty filters, because they hide the features a cartoonist needs.
Can I use an old or low-quality photo for a cartoon?
Often yes. An older or slightly blurry photo can work, particularly for a memory of someone or a pet, although fine details may need to be interpreted. Send it and you will hear honestly what is possible.
How do I choose the right cartoon style?
Choose a style by thinking about where the cartoon will be used: a profile picture, a framed gift, a card or a website. If you are unsure, describe the person and the occasion and ask for advice when you send your photos.
What is a proof and why do I get one first?
A proof is a preview of your cartoon before it is final. It shows the composition, the likeness and the style, so you can judge whether it feels right and ask for changes before the final file is made.
What can I change during the revision round?
In the one revision round that is included you can adjust details such as the expression, hair, colours, clothing or text. Be specific, for example “make the smile a bit wider”. Further changes after that are possible at an extra charge.
Does Hans Esser use AI to make the cartoons?
Yes, as a tool. AI helps with a first layout, speed and style, while Hans Esser draws, corrects and finishes each cartoon himself. It is neither a pure AI filter nor entirely drawn by hand, and you always approve the result.
Can several people or pets from separate photos be combined in one cartoon?
Yes, people and animals from different photos can be brought together in one cartoon. Send one good photo of each and say how they should be arranged, for example the whole family on the sofa with the dog.
In which file format do I receive my cartoon?
You receive a high-resolution image file, delivered digitally via email or WhatsApp and suitable for screen and print. Mention in advance if a print shop needs a specific format or size, or if you want a square version.
How long does it take before I receive my cartoon?
You receive your cartoon or proof within 3 days of payment. Payment is made in advance via a Tikkie on WhatsApp, so for a birthday or event, send your photos and pay at least 3 days before the date, plus time for the revision round.
Can I order a cartoon as a surprise gift?
Yes, a cartoon makes a personal surprise gift. Choose photos that show the person well, and make sure you are allowed to use them. The proof comes to you, so the recipient only sees the finished cartoon.
When does the cartoonist start on my order?
Work starts as soon as your payment is in. After you send your photos and the price is confirmed, you receive a Tikkie on WhatsApp and pay with iDEAL; from then on the 3-day delivery term runs.
Ready to see yourself as a cartoon?
Send one clear photo, tell us the style you like, and the cartoonist gets to work. You see a proof before anything is final.