Creating a personalised portrait for a girl's birthday cake

When Lina, a baker, asked me to collaborate with her on an Encanto-themed birthday cake, I got really excited. I loved the film, its joyful spirit and multitude of colours.

Creating a personalised portrait is a unique and rewarding process that allows me to capture the essence of each individual. Whether it’s a custom digital piece or a traditional painting, I take the same care in studying the subject and choosing which details to focus on.

The cake was for a girl turning 7 years old, and the portrait would be of her, in a Mirabel style outfit.

First, I asked for photos of her face and hair, to get the colours and shapes as accurate as possible. Then, I searched for photos of Mirabel’s beautiful dress. I don’t shy away from drawing details and patterns! I think it gives the viewer more to look at.

My usual style for my custom portraits, whether digital or watercolour, is to make it look as “painted” as possible. A watercolour effect—obviously unnecessary on actual hand-painted work. But for this portrait, I chose to do it vector style; a type of illustration that relies on sharp, smooth lines and solid colours.

Whether it’s a digital or hand-painted portrait, I pour in the same amount of enthusiasm and energy to try to create the essence of my subject(s). It honestly gives me great joy seeing them appear out of my hands.

Personalised portraits make for meaningful, unforgettable gifts and timeless keepsakes. By customising every detail, I ensure that each piece resonates with the recipient in a truly special way. If you’re looking for a custom portrait that tells a story, feel free to reach out or browse through my portfolio for inspiration. Creating art that brings joy and captures life’s precious moments is what I do best!