About Just For You Studios

Store owner sitting at her paint desk by a window in a home office setting.

About the Artist

Hi! My name is Lydia Lake, and I’m the artist behind Just For You Studios.

I've grown up in the South, but have traveled all over the country living in an RV with my family. That experience was the most impactful time in my life for my art, because do you know how many things you can do while sitting in an RV for hours at a time driving to the next campground every week? Not many. And so I drew. Like, a lot.

There were a lot of people and little moments (like my mother accidentally traumatizing some seals with her cherry Coke, or my youngest sister showing everyone her new, pink cap gun) that I wish I could've captured on paper, but didn't. 

However... I can capture your small moments and your special people on paper. 

And I'm not charging $200-plus either. There are people who do that, and for good reason - their work is incredible. But not everyone can afford artwork like that, so that's why I'm here: to bring affordable, custom portraits and commissions to you. 

Studio Values

  • A Faith-Based Business

    As a Protestant Christian, I pray that, Lord willing, I run my business like one. I believe in the Holy Trinity of God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit. I believe the Bible is the infallible true Word of God. I believe Jesus died and rose again for our sins. I believe that every human being is created in the image of God. I believe in the coming resurrection of the saints, and I believe that Jesus loves us.

    All of this means that I reserve the right to refuse service to anyone requesting that I paint anything which goes against God's Word. I will of course offer a full and swift refund should a situation like this arise, and hope to use respectful communication throughout the order cancellation process. 

  • Zero Use of AI in Artwork

    You can find a lot of "watercolor" portraits online out there, but the unfortunate reality is that those artists simply feed your photo through ChatGPT to make something you could've done yourself - for free. 

    Instead, I use real paint, on real paper, so when you receive your artwork, you get something with human hands and intent behind it. AI can be a wonderful tool, but it can never connect with its subject or client, and that's the difference. 

  • Accesable Portraits & Gifts

    Money can be great, but not everyone has it. That's why all of our custom portraits and art prints are miniature, or "keepsake size," as I like to call them. The smaller the painting, the easier it is for me to maintain low prices without ever compromising on quality. This also ensures a faster turn around time than most watercolor portrait services.

Get Started

1) After I reach out to let you know I got your email, you (the customer!) send me a reference photo, I ask a few clarifying questions, and work out a price. If you still wish to move forward, then you will be charged for a 50% deposit. 

2) I then do some practice sketches, and send you my final sketch. If you have any changes or additions you'd like me to make, I do so, send you the reworked sketch, and move on to painting. 

3) I begin the underpainting, and send you another photo of the artwork. This is the stage where alterations become limited, but if any are wanted, I accommodate as best as I can. 

4) Finally, I send a final proof of the finished painting! After the second and final payment is processed, either a print or the original artwork (depending on what was decided beforehand) will be shipped flat and secure to your provided address.