Privacy Policy Last updated: March 19, 2026
At Art of Pencil, operated by Ophelia Loom (referred to as “we”, “us”, or “our”), we respect your privacy and are committed to protecting your personal information. This Privacy Policy explains what information we collect, how we use it, who we share it with, how long we keep it, and your rights.
This policy applies to https://artofpencil.com and all related subpages, tutorials, contact forms, and any email newsletters you may subscribe to.
1. Information We Collect
We collect only the information necessary to provide our services and improve your experience.
Information you provide directly:
- When you contact us via the contact form: name, email address, and the message content.
- If you subscribe to our newsletter (if available): email address (and optionally name).
- If you ever commission custom artwork (in the future): name, email, description of request, payment details (handled securely by third-party processor — we do not store card data).
Automatically collected information:
- Device and browser data: IP address, browser type/version, operating system, device type, language, referring page, pages visited, time spent, approximate location (city/country level only — no precise geolocation).
- Cookies and similar technologies: We use essential cookies (for site functionality) and analytics cookies (via Google Analytics or similar) to understand how visitors use the site. We do not use advertising cookies or trackers for personalized ads.
- Embedded content: Some tutorials may include embeds from Pinterest, YouTube, or similar — these platforms may set their own cookies.
We do not collect sensitive personal information (health, race, religion, etc.), precise location, financial data beyond what’s needed for commissions, or data from children under 16.
2. How We Use Your Information
We use your information only for legitimate purposes:
- To respond to your messages or inquiries (contact form).
- To send newsletter updates about new tutorials, tips, or site news (if you subscribed and gave consent).
- To improve the website: analyze anonymous usage patterns (e.g., which tutorials are most popular).
- To prevent abuse, ensure site security, and comply with legal obligations.
- For custom commissions (if applicable): to fulfill and communicate about your order.
We do not sell your personal information. We do not share it for cross-context behavioral advertising.
3. Legal Basis for Processing (GDPR)
- Consent: for newsletter subscriptions and non-essential cookies (you can withdraw anytime).
- Legitimate interests: responding to contact form messages, site analytics (anonymized), basic security.
- Contract: if you place a commission order.
- Legal obligation: if required by law.
4. Cookies and Tracking Technologies
We use:
- Essential cookies: necessary for the site to function (e.g., remembering form inputs temporarily).
- Analytics cookies: Google Analytics (or Matomo/self-hosted alternative) — anonymized IP, no user-ID linking.
You can manage cookies via our cookie banner (if implemented) or your browser settings. For more details see our [Cookie Policy] (create a separate page if needed, or link to a section below).
5. Sharing Your Information
We share data only with trusted service providers who help us run the site:
- Email service provider (e.g., Mailchimp / ConvertKit / Brevo) — for newsletters (if used).
- Analytics provider (Google Analytics) — anonymized data only.
- Hosting provider (e.g., SiteGround, Vercel, etc.) — for site operation.
- If commissions: secure payment processor (Stripe / PayPal) — they handle payments directly.
All providers are bound by strict data processing agreements and are located in jurisdictions with adequate privacy protections (or we use Standard Contractual Clauses where required).
We do not share your data with third parties for marketing purposes.
6. International Data Transfers
Our site is hosted in [укажи: e.g., EU / USA]. Some providers (like Google) are in the US. Where transfers occur outside the EEA, we rely on:
- Adequacy decisions, or
- Standard Contractual Clauses, or
- Other approved mechanisms under GDPR.
7. How Long We Keep Your Data
- Contact form messages: up to 12 months (unless needed longer for legal reasons).
- Newsletter subscribers: until you unsubscribe or request deletion.
- Analytics data: Google Analytics retains up to 26 months (configurable).
- Commission records: 7 years for accounting/tax purposes.
After that, data is deleted or anonymized.
8. Your Privacy Rights
Depending on your location, you may have rights including:
- Access: see what data we hold about you.
- Correction: fix inaccurate data.
- Deletion: request erasure (subject to legal exceptions).
- Restrict processing / object: in certain cases.
- Data portability.
- Withdraw consent: for newsletters or cookies.
- For California residents (CCPA/CPRA): right to know, delete, opt-out of sale/sharing (we do not sell/share), non-discrimination.
To exercise any right, email us at: [email protected]We respond within one month (extendable if complex). Verification may be required.
9. Children’s Privacy
Our site is not directed to children under 16. We do not knowingly collect data from children. If we learn we have, we will delete it immediately.
10. Security
We use reasonable technical and organizational measures (HTTPS, secure hosting, limited access) to protect your data. However, no transmission is 100% secure.
11. Changes to This Policy
We may update this policy. Changes will be posted here with a new “Last updated” date. For material changes (e.g., new data uses), we may notify via email or site notice.
12. Contact Us
Questions? Reach out: Ophelia Loom Email: [email protected]
Thank you for trusting us with your creativity and time. We’re here to help you draw — and to keep your privacy safe. 🖤