Legacy Design & Consultation

Blakely’s Red Carpet Portrait Commission – Museum-grade hyperrealistic portrait created after her Legacy Design & Consultation with Kevin G. Saunders at KGS Studios San Antonio
A Gilded Age Tradition, Reimagined. The Red Carpet Commission continues the grand tradition of masters like John Singer Sargent for a new era of patronage.

The Thoughtful First Step Toward a Lasting Heirloom


At KGS Studios, every great portrait begins not with a camera, but with a private, no-pressure conversation. The Legacy Design & Consultation is your dedicated time with Master Artist Kevin G. Saunders to align vision, logistics, and expectations before any commitment is made.
This session is the foundation of the entire commission experience. It ensures your finished portrait becomes a true physical heirloom: museum-grade, hand-created, and built to last more than 200 years.

What the Legacy Design & Consultation Includes

  • A private 60–90 minute discussion (in-person at the studio preferred, or via high-quality Zoom for destination clients)
  • Deep exploration of your story, goals, and vision for the finished portrait
  • Expert guidance on scale, style (monochrome or rich color), wardrobe, setting, and finishing options
  • Full transparency on investment, timeline, and the complete commission process
  • Personalized preparation recommendations so your sitting is relaxed and highly productive
  • Clear next steps and a detailed custom quote

Download the Legacy Portrait Preparation Checklist (PDF)

In-Person or Remote

As a destination studio in San Antonio, we strongly recommend an in-person consultation. Seeing the actual studio, lighting, and projection wall provides clarity that cannot be replicated remotely.

For clients outside San Antonio, we offer professional Zoom consultations (both computer and phone camera) so you can tour the studio, ask detailed questions, and complete your due diligence from anywhere.

Preparation & Logistics Guidance

We help you prepare thoroughly so the actual sitting focuses entirely on creating your legacy.

Furniture & Setting

For commissions 30 × 40 inches and larger, we offer complimentary furniture pickup and return using our dedicated moving trailer (local San Antonio area). You may bring your own furniture or select from studio options. Additional crew fees apply only if extra labor is required.

Wardrobe, Hair & Makeup

Detailed wardrobe guidance is provided in advance, including advice on texture, tonal contrast, and timeless choices for both color and black-and-white. Complimentary on-site hair and makeup services are included for commissions 34 × 50 inches and larger (we can often extend this benefit during the consultation for slightly smaller confirmed works).

Session Flexibility

  • Multiple looks in a single session are encouraged
  • Both black & white and color options can be captured
  • Sessions are available seven days a week, including holidays, to accommodate busy schedules
  • Unlimited time philosophy, we take as long as needed for exceptional results

Download the Legacy Portrait Preparation Checklist (PDF)

This checklist covers wardrobe guidance, mindset preparation, common roadblocks (including spousal objections), how to break the pattern of ordinary “family pictures,” and how to maximize the value of your session.

Who This Consultation Is For

  • Families beginning or expanding their legacy collection
  • Individuals seeking a powerful personal or professional statement
  • Matriarchs, patriarchs, and milestone celebrations
  • Interior designers and architects specifying for clients (Trade Program)
  • Destination clients who want full confidence before traveling

Begin Your Legacy

The Legacy Design & Consultation is the single most valuable step you can take. It ensures your commission is executed with clarity, authenticity, and the highest possible artistic outcome.

Schedule your private consultation today. Whether you are local or planning from afar, we will make time for you.

Book Your Legacy Design & Consultation

Download the Legacy Portrait Preparation Checklist (PDF)

Or call 888-814-0485

Frequently Asked Questions

How long is the Legacy Design & Consultation?

Most sessions last 60–90 minutes. This gives us enough time to listen deeply, explore options, and provide clear guidance without feeling rushed.

Is the consultation a sales meeting?

No. This is a discovery and alignment session. There is no pressure to commit. Many clients leave with a clear vision and quote, then take time to decide. It is also an opportunity to see portraits at this scale and quality that are simply not readily available anywhere else in the country, if not the world.

Is the consultation in-person or remote?

In-person at the San Antonio studio is strongly recommended, as there is no substitute for seeing Kevin G. Saunders’ work, the actual space, and having a face-to-face discussion while looking at examples. For destination clients, we offer professional Zoom consultations (both computer and phone) so you can tour the studio remotely and complete your due diligence from anywhere.

Do you offer complimentary hair and makeup?

Yes, for pre-session-confirmed and funded commissions, 34 × 50 inches or larger. We can often extend this benefit during the consultation for slightly smaller confirmed works based on the final vision.

Can I bring my own furniture for the sitting?

Absolutely. For qualifying sizes (30 × 40 inches and larger), we offer complimentary furniture pickup and return using our dedicated moving trailer (local San Antonio area). You may bring your own furniture or select from studio options. Additional crew fees apply only if extra labor is required.

What if my spouse or family has objections to commissioning a portrait?

This is very common. During the Legacy Design & Consultation, we provide proven language and perspective that helps address concerns about cost, time, and priority. We also share our most helpful resources, including:
The Patron’s Briefing: A CEO’s Guide to the Strategy of a Tangible Legacy
The Matriarch’s Dilemma: The Psychology of a Modern Legacy Portrait
Many families find that the consultation itself transforms hesitation into shared excitement, turning the portrait into a unifying family decision rather than a point of debate.

How soon after the consultation can we schedule the sitting?

We maintain flexibility and can often accommodate busy schedules, including weekends and holidays. Sessions are available seven days a week so we can always make time for committed clients. Our goal during the Legacy Design & Consultation is to either book your portrait session on the spot or schedule the next meeting that results in a confirmed commission. Clear next steps are defined before the consultation ends.

When is payment due, and why?

Payment is due in full before we begin any commissioned work. This follows the long-standing tradition of fine art patronage and creates a clear, focused partnership between you and the artist. It allows the studio to dedicate full attention to creating your heirloom without administrative distractions. This approach has proven to deliver the highest-quality results and the smoothest experience for our patrons.