Graphite Portraiture

Khaakkhana

Realistic graphite portraits, drawn by hand — one likeness at a time.

Graphite·Charcoal·Custom Commissions·Pakistan· Graphite·Charcoal·Custom Commissions·Pakistan·
Selected Works

Faces, rendered in graphite.

Graphite portrait sketch, profile view
Profile Study Graphite on paper
Graphite portrait sketch, close-up detail
Close Study Graphite on paper
Graphite portrait sketch of a woman resting her head on her shoulder
Quiet Moment Graphite on paper
Graphite self-portrait sketch, hand raised to the face
Half-Lit Graphite on paper
Graphite still-life sketch of a vintage lantern
The Lantern Graphite still life
Graphite portrait sketch of a woman resting her chin on her hands
Resting Gaze Graphite on paper

New commissions added regularly — follow @khaakkhana for the full archive.

How a Commission Comes Together

From reference to graphite.

01

Consultation

Share a clear reference photo along with the size and format you have in mind. Every piece starts with a good source image.

02

Under-sketch

Proportions and structure are blocked in first, checked carefully against the reference before any shading begins.

03

Rendering

Layer by layer, graphite builds tone, texture, and likeness — the slowest and most deliberate stage.

04

Delivery

The finished piece is signed, photographed, and handed off — framed or unframed, your choice.

Rates

Starting prices, by size.

A5 · Small Study
Portrait Sketch
$10 starting

A focused study — a single face, cropped close. Ideal as a first commission or a gift.

A3 · Statement
Large Portrait
$30 starting

A larger, framable piece — extra detail, longer sitting, built for display.

Prices shown are starting estimates — the exact quote depends on complexity, number of subjects, and turnaround time. Message for an exact price before committing.

Khaakkhana studio scene
The Artist

Behind the pencil.

Khaakkhana began on paper and graphite, long before it became a name. Behind the pencil is Bilal — an energy systems engineering student by day, and a portrait artist by instinct.

Every commission is built up in layers: light, shadow, and the small imperfections that make a face recognizable rather than just resembled. No filters, no shortcuts — just graphite, patience, and an eye trained to notice what a photograph flattens.

Good to Know

Frequently asked.

Most pieces take 7–10 days from confirmed reference to finished sketch, depending on size and how full the queue is. Rush timelines can sometimes be arranged — ask when you reach out.

Clear, well-lit, and in focus — natural light works best. Straight-on or three-quarter angles render most reliably. Avoid heavy filters or very low-resolution images.

Local clients can pay via bank transfer, EasyPaisa, or JazzCash (PKR equivalent). International clients can pay via bank transfer or other agreed methods. A deposit secures your place in the queue, with the remainder due once the piece is finished and approved.

Small adjustments during the under-sketch stage are no problem. Once rendering begins, major changes to pose or composition may affect the timeline.

Yes — physical pieces can be shipped by courier anywhere, and a high-resolution digital scan is always included. Local pickup or delivery can also be arranged.

Commissions Open

Have a face worth remembering?

Fill in a few details below — it opens a pre-filled email in your mail app, ready to send with your reference photo attached.

Note: attach your reference photo directly in the email once it opens — this form can't upload files on its own.

Message on WhatsApp Instead