Frequently Asked Questions

Q. How much does it cost?

A. Click here for our complete price & shipping cost guide.

Q. How soon after ordering will I receive my toon?

A. Delivery times vary depending on how busy we are and the type of shipping option chosen. The current turnaround times are posted on our home page under "Update" and are based on when we receive the completed order info (photo, payment etc.).

Q. What kind of photo should I send?

A.When snail-mailing in a picture of the subject(s), the best results will be achieved from a close-up, front-facing head shot photo. The more the face(es) fill the frame, the better. If you're scanning in a photo for direct upload or e-mail delivery, the higher the resolution, the better. Choose a setting of 600 - 1000 dpi (depending on the size of the original image). If saving as a jpeg, the conversion should be processed at 0 compression & 0 smoothing. You may also upload .bmp and .gif files. It doesn't matter the size of the file, our cable connection allows for quick downloads of very large files. A minimum head shot image dimension of around 400 x 500 pixels is prefered.

Here is how a 400 x 500 pixel size photo would look on your computer screen…

Note: We don’t do a fast-sketch, subjective caricature of the subject. The likeness we create is time consuming and matches the provided photo. People can look remarkably different from shot to shot, so be sure to send a picture that best represents the look you want for the “toon”.

Q. How do I get a photo to you?

A.If you are ordering a comic cover, there is a field on the second page of the ordering system where you can upload a photo directly from your computer. Our mailing address is also there should you want to send the photo via regular mail. You may also email the photo to info@getintoon.com. If you are ordering an animation cel, our confirmation response will contain the info@ email address along with our mailing address for regular delivery of the photo.

Q. What happens to the photo that I mail in?

A. It is returned to you, shipped with your completed order. No photos are harmed in the making of your "toons".

Q. How are the personalized comic covers produced?

A.Once the hand-drawn likeness is rendered (line drawing, color, shading and tone), it is inserted into the chosen cover design along with the info from the order form (Title, word balloon text etc). The cover (actual comic book size) is then printed onto premium glossy paper using archival pigment inks (lightfastness up to 200 years when framed). It is attached to a custom cut mat. Framing is optional. If kept out of direct sunlight, your cover can last several lifetimes without losing color definition… so be sure to put it in your will!

Q. How are the personalized animation cels produced?

A.Once the hand-drawn likeness is rendered (line drawing), it is attached to the chosen body style then photocopied onto an animation cel. It is hand-painted in the traditional animation process using industry premium cel paints, then combined with a laser copy of the chosen background. The combination is attached to a custom cut mat. Framing is optional.

Q. What kind of frames do you use?

A.We use premium quality black metal frames and Plexiglas panes. We only add about 25% percent to our cost of the framing supplies, as opposed to the 100 to 500% markup added by custom frame shops. The big expense is the Plexiglas pane, which has risen dramatically lately and is now about 6 times the cost of regular glass! However, because the post office cannot comprehend the word “Fragile” and their insurance will not cover broken glass, we have to go with Plexiglas.

Q. What is an animation "Cel"?

A. A "Cel" is the clear plastic sheet on which traditional hand-painted animated tv shows and movies are produced. The character bodies are photocopied onto these "cels" and the colors are painted on the back. They are then placed on a background and readied for the camera.

Q. Can I have a cover parody created based on a comic book that I supply?

A. Yes, that would be our "From Scratch Cover Swipe" category. Please click here for the info.

Q. I'm choosing one of the basketball character body types but I'd like to have the gigantic ape background instead of the basketball court. Can I match these two?

A. You bet! You can match any background to any character body situation. We've included suggested matches that work best in our lists but you can mix n' match all you want. Some matches work better than others and some don't work at all... but it's all up to you!

Q. Our family plays different sports. One of my sons plays hockey while the other likes baseball. My daughter plays soccer. Can I have all three different categories on the same animation cel?

A. As with the question above, you can mix n' match all you want. The fun part will be in choosing a background and title for that combo!

Q. I have a question regarding skin tones. I would like to order the 50' woman cover for my girlfriend. She is East Indian, the woman on the cover is Caucasian - do you make adjustments for an individual's skin color?

A. Yes. All our comic cover or animation cel character bodies can accommodate any manner of skin tone. As a matter of fact, you can have any color you desire. We've even had requests for blue, green and purple skin! Whatever you want!

Q. Do you provide a proof of the cover?

A. The process really doesn't lend itself to a proof. Since the likeness pretty much matches the provided photo exactly, it cannot be changed unless a different photo is used, and a new likeness rendered. As described above, we do not do subjective caricatures, our drawing process matches the photo of the subject.

Q. Can I request changes or additions to the designs?

A. Yes. However, there may be an extra fee depending on the extent of the alterations. For the stated price, we can incorporate any small requests such as: (for the cels) - specific color requests; names or initials on clothing; hats on heads etc. (for the covers) - specific costume color requests; issue contents title (e.g. "THIS ISSUE: SEE SUPERTEACHER BATTLE CAPTAIN BADGRAMMER!") etc. Major changes are time-consuming and will incur an additional fee. The extra charge will be on a $18.00 per 1/2 hour basis. From the information that you provide in the "Special Requests" box on the order form, or via a preliminary e-mail, we'll determine if the alterations warrant the "Additional Graphics" fee, and what the calculated charge (if any) will be.

Q. Do your comic book covers cause cancer and deplete the ozone layer?

A. Huh? What the... ?