FAQ
Here are the questions I am asked most often. If you have a question that is not covered here, feel free to ask via theContact.
About commissions
I'm not sure yet whether to commission a piece. Can I just ask for advice?
Of course. You are welcome to contact me just to talk or ask questions, even while you are still deciding. Let's start with a conversation.
Do I need any special knowledge?
No, you don't. Feelings like "I like this color" or "I feel drawn to this" are enough. In the hearing, just share what you are feeling now, as much as you are comfortable with.
I'm not good at talking. Can you paint from photos or other materials?
Yes. Besides talking with you, I can work from photos, videos, images, or stories shared by the person giving the gift — whatever form works for you. We can also proceed by email, or you can send me photos — just let me know what works for you.
Is it okay if I don't know much about art?
Yes. You do not need any knowledge of fine art at all. Simply feeling drawn to something, or curious about it, is enough. When the piece is delivered, I will also tell you how to hang it and how to enjoy looking at it.
Can I see what the finished piece will look like beforehand?
I do not show a finished design in advance. The image becomes clear little by little as I give shape to the inspiration that comes up during our conversation. I will carefully ask about the colors, the mood, and where you plan to hang it beforehand.
I live far away. Can I still commission a piece?
Yes. The hearing can be done online (Zoom), by phone, or by email, whichever suits you best, so you can commission a piece from anywhere in Japan. The artwork is delivered to your home (shipping is included in the price).
Can I give a piece as a gift?
Yes. Please tell me about the person receiving it (their age, personality, work, and so on, as much as you are comfortable sharing), your relationship with them, and when you would like to give it. During the hearing, I will also listen to the feelings you want to give with it.
Can I commission a piece as a company or business?
Yes. I accept commissions as "BUSINESS ART," turning the philosophy or founding story of a company or business into one original painting. After hearing about where it will hang, its purpose, how it will be used, and your budget, I will propose a quote and a plan. Please note that I am not a registered issuer under Japan's invoice system.
Payment and delivery
How can I pay?
Payment is by credit card (Stripe). I will send you a payment link after the hearing. If this is difficult for you, bank transfer may also be possible, so please feel free to ask. The listed price includes consumption tax, domestic shipping, framing, and payment fees.
How long does it take?
I start painting once your payment has been confirmed, and the piece is usually shipped within 1 to 2 months. If the schedule changes because of my workload or the number of orders, I will contact you individually.
What happens after I apply?
After you apply, I will contact you to arrange a date for the hearing and explain the next steps. If anything is unclear, please feel free to ask me then.
Can I pay in installments?
You can use your credit card company's installment or revolving payment services (please choose this when you pay). If anything is unclear, please contact me.
Is the frame included in the price?
Yes. Every piece arrives already framed, so you can hang it the day it arrives. What you receive is the hand-painted original itself (no AI is used in making the work).
What is included in the price?
The price of ¥198,000 (tax and shipping included) covers one original Personal Order Art piece, a pre-commission hearing, a title made just for your work, an artwork message, framing, and domestic shipping. Details may change, so please confirm them again when you formally apply.
About the artwork
How big is the artwork?
PERSONAL ORDER ART measures about 280mm × 225mm framed (the painting itself is 122mm × 174mm). BUSINESS ART starts at about 360mm × 360mm framed, and the size can be adjusted to the space where it will hang. Sizes are approximate and may vary slightly depending on the frame.
What comes with the artwork?
Along with the framed original, you receive the title of the work and a letter describing the meaning I put into it. If you wish, after delivery I also offer a 15–20 minute online "after session," where I share again what I received while painting.
May I post the artwork on social media or a blog?
Yes, for personal use. If you like, please add my name or a link so people know it is a work by "Mermaid nao." For business use (displaying it in a shop or office, PR, commercial use, and so on), please contact me separately about the scope of use.
Who owns the copyright?
Ownership of the artwork passes to you, while the copyright remains with the artist (Mermaid nao). Please see the Terms of Use page for details.
Can I return the artwork if it is not what I imagined?
Because each piece is a one-of-a-kind original, I cannot accept returns, refunds, or exchanges because it differs from what you imagined or for other personal impressions. This is exactly why I take great care with the hearing before I start painting. If there is a problem caused on my side, such as damage during shipping, please contact me within 7 days of delivery.
Can I cancel?
Before painting begins, please contact me to discuss your situation. Once painting has started, cancellations and refunds are not possible. Please see the Cancellation and Refund Policy page for details.