Cartoon & Stylized Portraits

A familiar person, drawn with a little more freedom.

Custom cartoon and stylized portrait illustration by Adelya: expressive faces, distinctive silhouettes and the details that tell you who is in the picture. For personal gifts, avatars and scenes with a story.

Discuss a stylized portraitExplore all portrait styles

Packages from €45 · 10+ years of illustration · 350+ clients worldwide · What each package includes

A face,
and the things around it.

Recent avatar portraits: the person first, then the small details that say who they are—stars, pencils, a favourite colour.

Stylized avatar portrait of a woman with a dark bob and earrings, surrounded by stars, hearts and pencils, by AdelyaStylized avatar portrait of a woman with a dark bob and earrings on a teal background, by AdelyaStylized avatar portrait of a woman with long dark hair, hoop earrings and a yellow top on a green background, by AdelyaStylized portrait of a woman with long dark hair on a terracotta background, by Adelya

Choose the degree
of exaggeration.

Curly hair, on pink
Curly hair, on pink

Soft & expressive

Gentler proportions, rounded forms and attention to the eyes and expression. This direction can feel warm and personal without depending on a complicated background or a large amount of detail.

Wednesday, with Thing
Wednesday, with Thing

Graphic & bold

Stronger shapes, sharper silhouettes and a more deliberate palette. Clothes, glasses, hair and posture can do much of the storytelling, especially when the image needs to remain clear at a small size.

Birthday card with a bearded man
Birthday card with a bearded man

A character in a scene

The person becomes part of a place or a small narrative. A favorite street, a companion, an activity or a meaningful object can make the portrait feel like a moment rather than a headshot.

The examples below show different approaches within Adelya’s work. They are a starting point for discussing the treatment of your own subject.

Keep the details
that belong to them.

Woman in glasses, on pink
Woman in glasses, on pink

A stylized portrait does not need to exaggerate everything. A familiar pair of glasses or the way someone holds their shoulders may say more than an oversized feature.

Tell Adelya what makes the subject recognizable to you and how playful you want the result to be. A celebratory gift, a family scene and a professional avatar should not all receive the same treatment.

For a family cartoon portrait, begin with who will be included and how they relate to one another. The composition can then be discussed as a group rather than assembled from unrelated poses after the fact.

Small avatar?
Whole illustrated scene?

Girl in an orange coat
Girl in an orange coat

An avatar needs a readable crop and a clear silhouette. A larger personal artwork has room for clothing, objects, companions and atmosphere. Mention all intended uses before the artwork is composed.

A square profile crop, a portrait print and a wide website banner are different formats. Adaptations can be scoped together, but one finished composition does not automatically fit every shape.

For a pet-led image, visit pet portraits. For a more restrained likeness, compare the broader portrait illustration portfolio.

Agree the character
before finishing the details.

The photograph to start from
The photograph to start from

1. References & intention

Send clear images, identify the important features and explain the occasion or intended use. Choose a few portfolio examples for the level of stylization you like, rather than asking for an exact copy of another artist’s work.

Pencil portrait study
Pencil portrait study

2. Shape & composition

The agreed sketch stage establishes the pose, crop, proportions and relationship between subjects. This is where the degree of exaggeration can be checked before the final line, color and texture develop.

The finished avatar
The finished avatar

3. Review & delivery

Feedback follows the stages and revision allowance in the quote. The approved artwork is exported for the agreed use. Printing, source files, extra crops and commercial licensing are included only when specified.

Read the process · Plan the commission budget

A likeness with character.
Priced before you write.

Drawn from your photos in a playful, stylised way. The price is confirmed in writing before work starts.

An avatar in a yellow top
An avatar in a yellow top

Head and shoulders

€45

One person, head and shoulders, on a plain or colour background.

People
1
Background
Plain or colour
You receive
Square file + print file
Ready in
3–5 days
Revisions
2
Choose this package
A full figure, leopard jacket
A full figure, leopard jacket

Full figure

€75

One person in full, with a pose, outfit and a prop that says something about them.

People
1
Background
Simple setting
You receive
Print-ready file
Ready in
5–7 days
Revisions
2
Choose this package
Friends, not food: a group of three
Friends, not food: a group of three

Group or scene

€130

Up to four people or pets together in a small scene.

People
Up to 4
Background
A full setting
You receive
Print-ready file
Ready in
7–10 days
Revisions
2
Choose this package

Add to any package

Add them on your order page once you have chosen a package.

Westie mom badge
Westie mom badge
Another person or pet
+€25
Commercial use (brand, merch)
+€40
Faster delivery, when the schedule allows
+40%

Half is paid to start and half when you approve the final. If the sketch still isn’t right after the included revisions, your deposit comes back. Not sure which package fits? Send the brief and Adelya will suggest one.

In their words.

Birthday card for Nikita
Birthday card for Nikita

I love working with her, it will not be my last time for sure, thanks for making my vision come to reality

aliamohammed421 · Portrait sketch · Fiverr

Aduk, thank you so much for the drawing. It's really, really cool. I admire people who can create something like this with their hands. All I can do is fry chicken.

Syunya · Portrait drawing · Commission · Telegram

I'm even a bit of Neo now :) I really love how you drew me. I just look at it and admire it.

Aduuuk, you're a wizard!

Damir Z. · Superhero portrait · Commission · Telegram

Read all testimonials

Useful things to decide first.

Will the portrait still look like the person?

The aim is recognition through a chosen illustrated treatment rather than photographic reproduction. Clear references and agreement on the level of stylization help establish what matters most. Review the examples to judge whether this approach fits your expectations.

Can a family portrait use separate photographs?

That can be discussed after the references are reviewed. Differences in perspective, pose and image quality may affect what works. Send the complete group and explain the intended arrangement at the beginning.

Can you include clothing, hobbies or a pet?

Include those ideas in the brief. A meaningful jacket, instrument, animal companion or location can become part of the composition, with the additional detail reflected in the agreed scope.

How much does a custom cartoon portrait cost?

The quote depends on the number of subjects, detail, background, output formats and usage. A head-and-shoulders avatar is a different project from a family in a detailed setting. Send your idea and budget range for a tailored quote.

Can I use the portrait as a brand mascot?

A personal portrait and a reusable commercial mascot need different planning and permissions. Explain the business use before ordering; a broader character or brand illustration brief may be more appropriate.

Are prints and editable files included?

The order states the delivery formats and rights. Physical printing, layered files and extra versions should be requested explicitly. General conditions are available in the current terms.

Avatar with a necklace
Avatar with a necklace

Put this direction into a useful brief.

Bring a relevant portfolio example and describe what you like about it: the handling of colour, the expression, the texture or the composition. Then describe your own subject and where the artwork will appear. The reference starts the discussion; the new work is developed for your particular purpose.

Build a short project brief · Ask about using an existing artwork

Who would you like
to see illustrated?

Send the reference, the intended use and the kind of character you want the portrait to have.

Start a cartoon portrait briefEmail Adelya
Book a project pre-callPrefer to talk it through? Choose a time with Adelya.