The process
Made by hand, strand by strand.
Every portrait begins with your photograph and ends as an heirloom. In between are weeks of patient handwork in David’s studio in Accra, Ghana. This is how it happens.
David drawing a French bulldog onto canvas from the owner’s photograph.
How it’s made
From a photograph to an heirloom
Follow one portrait, a French bulldog with a pink flower, through each stage.
The photograph
Every portrait begins with a photograph. We look for the image that holds their presence: the tilt of the head, the look in the eyes, the expression you know best.
Drawing on canvas
The photograph is projected and drawn by hand onto canvas. This drawing is the map for every thread that follows, so each line is considered before the first strand is placed. You approve it before any silk work begins.
Silk threading
Adhesive is applied section by section, and thousands of silk threads, sourced in Accra, are placed one by one, following the natural form of the subject. Over 2 to 4 weeks, texture, depth and light are built from silk alone.
The finished piece
The portrait is signed and archived, with a certificate of authenticity. Then it is carefully packed and sent from Accra with DHL, tracked and insured, wherever you are in the world.
Time & craft
No two pieces are ever the same.
“It begins with a pencil sketch and ends in a story hand threaded into form.” David Kofi Boateng
Each portrait needs weeks of handwork. Every strand is placed by eye, so the result belongs to one companion only. Up close you can follow the direction of each thread through the fur, the whiskers and the light in the eyes.
Your journey
What happens after you apply
About 5 weeks from the start of your portrait to your door. You’ll hear from us at every stage.
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Day 1
Share their story
Send one photograph and tell us about your companion, through the form, a DM or a call. We reply within 3–5 business days.
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Confirm
Confirm your portrait
We agree the size and details together. Full payment is made before work begins, by bank transfer, Zelle or crypto, and is non-refundable once paid.
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Week 1
Approve the sketch
Your companion is drawn onto canvas and sent to you to approve, with up to 2 rounds of changes.
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Weeks 1–4
Threaded by hand
Silk is placed strand by strand over 2 to 4 weeks. We send you progress updates at the beginning, middle and end, by WhatsApp or email.
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Week 4–5
Signed and certified
The finished piece is signed and archived, with a certificate of authenticity, and packed with care.
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Week 5
Home with you
Shipped from Accra with DHL, tracked and insured, in 3–5 working days. Shipping is included.
Choosing the photograph
The photo makes the portrait
You don’t need a professional photo. A phone picture works well if it follows these simple points. If you’re unsure, send a few and we’ll help you choose.
Good light
Daylight from a window or outdoors in the shade. Avoid flash and dark rooms.
Eyes in focus
Sharp and clear, at their eye level. The eyes carry the whole portrait.
Their expression
Choose the look you know best: curious, calm, playful. Personality matters more than perfection.
Full resolution
Send the original file, not a screenshot or a photo sent through social media, which loses detail.
Caring for your portrait
Made to last for generations
Silk is delicate and lasts for generations with simple care. Keep your portrait away from water and avoid humid places, such as bathrooms. Portraits are sent unframed, so you can choose a frame that suits your home.
Begin with a photograph.
Tell us about the companion you love. We’ll reply within 3–5 business days.
Begin your companion pieceFrom $3,000 · Shipping included worldwide · Read the FAQ