How Personalised Digital Portraits Work (And Why They Make Meaningful Greeting Cards)
You’ve probably seen them around — those charming custom illustrations that look just like you, but a little dreamier, more colourful, maybe even holding your favourite flowers or wearing your signature outfit.
For a while, personalised digital portraits were mainly something you commissioned from an artist. But today, there’s another way to create one — by designing it yourself.
So what exactly is a personalised digital portrait now? And how does it work in my shop?
Hi, I’m Jun-Yi — I paint people. Not just how they look, but who they are.
And instead of commissioning me to customise every detail, you now get to build your own portrait using the same illustrated elements I’ve created — and turn it into a personalised greeting card.
Let me explain.
What is a personalised digital portrait?
A personalised digital portrait is a custom illustration of real people — created using illustrated elements like hairstyles, outfits, facial features and accessories.
In my personalised greeting card collections, you:
- Choose how many people are in the portrait
- Select hairstyles and features
- Pick outfits
- Add optional small details
- Write your own message
You’re essentially building your own illustrated portrait — and turning it into a physical greeting card (with envelope) or an e-card.
It’s still a digital portrait.
But now, you’re the one in control of the design.
How Does It Work?
It’s simple:
- Choose your card type (birthday, Mother’s Day, Lunar New Year, etc.)
- Select how many people are in the portrait
- Customise the portrait directly on the product page
- Add your personal message
- Place your order
Your card is then professionally printed and delivered to you — ready to gift.
No back-and-forth emails.
No waiting for previews.
You design it instantly.
Can I Customise Everything?
The portraits are built from curated illustration options that I’ve carefully designed to work beautifully together.
This means:
- You get flexibility
- The design stays cohesive
- The end result still looks like my artwork
For some occasions, you can add small symbolic details (like a tiny heart for Valentine’s Day), but the overall aesthetic remains clean and focused on the people — because that’s what makes it meaningful.
How Long Does It Take?
Because you’re designing it yourself, there’s no illustration waiting time.
If you’re in the Netherlands, your printed card typically arrives within a few working days. E-cards are delivered digitally.
Why Are Personalised Portrait Cards Meaningful Gifts?
Because they feel intentional.
Anyone can buy a generic card from a supermarket.
But a personalised portrait card says:
“I thought about you.”
“I chose this hairstyle because it looks like you.”
“I picked this outfit because you always wear blue.”
It turns a simple card into something personal — without the price or wait time of a fully commissioned artwork.
And unlike flowers, it can be kept.
What About Fully Hand-Painted Portraits?
I still create hand-painted watercolour portraits for commissions and live painting events. Those are separate from the greeting card builder and are more bespoke.
But if you’re looking for something meaningful, accessible, and ready to personalise today — the greeting card builder is the easiest place to start.
Want to Design Yours?
You can explore my personalised greeting card collections and start designing directly in the shop.
Or, if you’d like to see new themes and behind-the-scenes updates, you can sign up for my newsletter.
And if you have a question, just send me a message. I’m always happy to help.