Pet portraits
Pet portraits for all needs and purposes, that tell a story too.
from $150 · About two-three weeks from the day payment is received and reference photographs are submitted.
Some I have made
Whether your wanting a portrait of your dog to adorn your living space, have a curiosity for what you're cat would look like as a wizard, or want to immortalize your companion who has recently passed, I can make a pet portrait for you that's more than a replication of a picture. I can capture their story, from their personality to their traits and also their likes.
You will receive a digital file of your portrait to do whatever you like afterwards (so long as it isn't commercial), and there is also an option to receive a physical print of your pet, printed in my home studio and delivered with a certificate of authenticity. Pick a template below, and we can get started. Have a question? Take a look through the Q&A.
What you get
- Three opportunities for revisions
- Certificate of authenticity, including completion date, dimensions, and medium used
- A TIFF file, AKA a virtual copy in full resolution. JPEGs, PNGs, and PSDs are also available if required.
- (Optional for an extra fee) a physical print in high-quality matte paper
How it works
- Information and specificationsThis is our introduction. I'll need the breed of the animal, specific wants for the final portrait such as background colour, and anything else you want reflected such as personality
- Photographic reference2-3+ more photos are required for reference, specify if you want a direct illustration of your pet or a different angle of them than what you have. This step can also coincide with the 1st one as well.
- Progress beginsYou will receive at least 4 thumbnail sketches, which one of will be chosen and may have anything else change from that point on. From there, you will receive in progress updates periodically, open to feedback and allotted revisions.
- It arrivesThe finished file(s) lands in your inbox after final payment
Tell me about them
This is the whole start of it. Say who the piece is of, and I will write back within one business day to ask for photos and agree the timing.
Questions people ask
What photos should I send?
2-3 images, preferably more. I usually draw directly from a reference to ensure the likeliness of the animal and its features are correctly proportioned.
How do I know if what I want for my portrait falls within the simple or detailed range?
Simple details fall under a background that's a flat colour, gradient, or very simple texture such as wood or concrete or even a galaxy (as those are simple to paint, if that's your style). They include one decorative motif around the subject such as flowers, toys, ornamentation, or anything that's simple. Surface can be included in this as well additionally, such as a pillow case or a bed. The portrait strongly follows a pre-existing photograph, though slight alterations/fixes like a crooked ear can be made.
A detailed portrait would be one with a complex background that depicts multiple subjects in itself. This is most commonly a landscape. The pet's pose may be very different from the reference photos sent, such as them wearing a costume or in some kind of scenario like driving a tractor. More revisions may be required as well.
The price is higher based on what takes longer to do. If you request a portrait that is either more or less detailed than what you asked for, I will notify you and send a new quote to reflect that.
Can I ask for changes?
Yes. I show you the first sketch before I commit to it, and one round of changes is included. Anything bigger after that is usually possible, and I will always tell you the cost before I start.
Is it drawn by hand?
Yes, fully. No generative AI is used in my work. I use digital software on a drawing tablet which replicates many different traditional mediums, just in a digital space. Physical prints are made-in studio using an inkjet printer.
For print delivery, can I have it shipped by a certain day?
It depends, the usual window of domestic (Canadian) shipments ranges from 1-2 weeks, and the soonest I can make a print is within a business day or more depending on external conditions. If you need a print urgently, such as a gift for the Holidays, I recommend ordering a commission as soon as possible. Additionally if the print cannot reach you by a certain day as a gift, you can still send/show the recipient the finished piece from the digital file that's sent to you.
Do you do memorial portraits?
Of course. Pet portraits can be for any occasion, and I understand memorial portraits are important pieces of art for people who have recently lost their animal companion. A good idea for these is to feature a specific trait of theirs, such as their favourite toy or feature their favourite place in the background.
Can you paint my horse/lizard/bird/insect/rabbit/etc?
Yes, I can paint any species of animal.
Can the owner/someone else be included with the pet?
Yes, I can do human portraits with a pet. Selfie's (of the human, animal doesn't have to be included) are the best reference to have for this or any other kind of casual photo, along with certain accessories or expressions that are wanted.
However, this doe's then count as "two subjects", and will amount to a higher commission rate.
Can I have text on the portrait, such as dates, quotes, or names?
Yes, this count's as a simple detail and won't amount to an extra charge. Information such as the pet(s) names and/or date of birth/death are a good additional element if you want it.
Can I get a portrait done of just a person/myself?
Yes. See my private commissions section please.
I have a very specific idea in mind, can I send you additional reference photos of elements I want and other inspirations?
Yes, absolutely. Coming in with a plan for what you want is the best way to start a pet portrait.
I'm not sure what I want for my pet portrait in terms of background or decorations, what should I do?
It's totally ok not to have a plan in mind. We can brainstorm ideas together; the most important thing I need to know is the subject count and complexity. One idea I can immediately give is to have your portrait match your decor, such as accent colours or patterns.
Will my pet portrait be shared online?
It may, unless you ask for me not to share it, in which case that'll be honored. I will also ask permission to share online after the commission is complete, and will only do so with your permission.
I only upload pet portraits online for self promotion and examples for other clients. Platforms currently only include X, Instagram, and Art Station, as well as my personal website. No client details are released, and pet names if they are included can be removed. Private pet portrait commissions are also never sold in my print store.
What I want doesn't fit in the template's provided, can I still get a comission?
Yes, please contact me through the standard commission tab to explain what you have in mind. I can give you a quote on it and discuss it further.
Can you do full body portraits?
Yes, and as a bonus it will still count as a subject. This is best recommended for horizontal portraits. Specify this if you have this in mind when contacting me.
Can I sell products using this pet portrait?
No. These portraits do not come with a commercial license. You may print the file elsewhere for private use such as on paper or a different material, but the illustration cannot be used for commercial purposes for monetary gain.
If you are wanting a portrait of a pet/animal for commercial purposes, please use the standard commission page to reach out. This can still be arranged, but this service is intended for private, non-commercial portraits only.