Frequently Asked Questions
I hope these frequently asked questions will help you when ordering! Any questions you have which aren't answered here please feel free to send me a message and I'll do my best to answer you!
General Info
How do I commission a pet portrait?
Whether you're looking for a special keepsake of your beloved pet or a unique gift for a friend or family member, this guide will help you through the ordering process. From choosing your favourite photos to receiving the finished portrait, this guide covers all the necessary steps and information you need to know. So lets get started!
Step 1 - Choose your photos
- Find your favourite photos of your pet.
- Choose at least 3-5 if possible.
- Ideally, the photos should be well-lit and high-quality so that I can see all your pet's features.
- Please provide multiple reference photos to help me capture your pet's likeness and personality.
Step 2 - Contact me
- You can contact me via Facebook, Email, Website Inbox, Instagram, or Ko-fi.
- Show me the photos of your pet and tell me a little about them.
- Let me know their name, personality, and any style preferences you have in mind.
- If you have a particular vision for your portrait, let me know and I'll see if I can work to your brief.
- Please notify me of any deadlines you have in mind.
Step 3 - Sending Payment
- You can pay for your portrait via my website, Etsy, or Ko-fi.
- Alternatively, I can provide bank transfer details if you're in the UK.
- A 50% non-refundable deposit is required before starting the portrait, or full payment if you prefer.
- I don't accept Venmo, CashApp, Paypal or any other payment methods.
- You will receive a confirmation email if you pay via my website, Etsy or Ko-fi. If you pay via bank transfer, I'll let you know when I receive it.
Step 4 - Waiting
- Please wait patiently for your portrait to be completed, my average turnaround time is between 3 weeks to a month, depending on the complexity of your portrait.
- If you need your portrait for a certain date, please let me know and I'll do my best to work to your timescale.
- Once your portrait is ready, I'll message you the finished piece to confirm you're happy with it before I post it.
- I'd love to see a photo of your portrait framed once it arrives! And please feel free to post a review to my social media pages or shopping platforms.
If you have any more questions please send me a message and I will be happy to help, alternatively refer to my Frequently Asked Questions.
What is the cost of a pet portrait?
My costs vary wildly depending on size and style. The best places to see my prices for each size and style are on my website, please visit my commissions page.
How long does it take to complete a pet portrait?
What kind of reference photos do I need to provide?
- The best reference photos are high quality photos with great lighting (outdoor lighting is best) however I know they aren't always available so I will try my best to work from any photo available.
- Please send more then one photo if possible as although it possible to create a portrait from only one photo, it’s much easier for me to capture your dogs likeness.
- For more information on the ideal photo reference see ‘Ideal Photo Reference for Pet Portrait Commissions’
How do I pay for the pet portrait commission?
- You can pay for your portrait via my website, Etsy, or Ko-fi.
- Alternatively, I can provide bank transfer details if you're in the UK.
- A 50% non-refundable deposit is required before starting the portrait, or full payment if you prefer.
- You will receive a confirmation email if you pay via my website, Etsy or Ko-fi. If you pay via bank transfer, I'll let you know when I receive it.
What is your refund or cancellation policy?
No refunds for custom pet portrait commissions, but under special circumstances I will accept cancellations made before I’ve started a portrait. For merchandise sales refunds will be accepted for damaged products As long as I’m notified with 30 days of the items arrival.
Artistic Process
What kind of materials do you use?
I use only the finest professional artist quality products for my portraits. This ensures your portraits don’t fade or detioriate over time. I use 300gsm cold pressed acid free watercolour colour paper for my paintings. For my pencil portraits I use 200gsm heavyweight cartridge acid free paper.I use Winsor and Newton professional artist watercolours along with Dr PH Martin's Hydrus watercolours, Winsor and Newton Designers Gouache and Winsor and Newton brushes for my paintings.
Can I request a specific style or medium for the portrait?
Yes! I’m happy to create your portrait with whatever vision you have in mind! Please let me know your style and medium preferences when you message me!
How do you ensure that the portrait captures my pet's unique features?
How do you handle background or composition of the portrait?
The background or composition is heavily based on the reference photos. Sending a range of high quality reference photos give me more possibilities when creating a portrait. A well posed full body photo has the most possibilities. If you have a particular vision for your portrait ensure that the reference photo you send aligns with what you imagine.
Can I request revisions or changes to the portrait?
Yes, but only to a certain degree. I can only edit things slightly rather then redo whole sections of a portrait . I can edit colours and slightly modify the shapes if you feel they aren’t quite right.
Can I see a sketch or preview of the portrait before it's finished?
- Typically, I don't offer previews of the portrait before it's finished, unless it's for a certain style or a significant project.
- Previews tend to disrupt my workflow, and while my portraits are still in progress, they might not look their best. I prefer to wait until the portrait is completed before sharing it with you.
- Rest assured, I strive to create a beautiful final product that captures the essence of your pet.
Customisation and Themes
Can you create a portrait of my pet in a specific expression or mood?
Yes! I love to create portraits of all sorts of expressions! In particular smiling portraits are my favourite as you can’t help but to smile when you see one!
Can you create a portrait of my pet with multiple poses or expressions in one image?
Yes! As long as I have multiple reference photos to work from! For example I can paint the same dog twice in a portrait, once as a pup and once as an adult. Please select the multiple pet option whilst you purchase your portrait.
Can you create a portrait of my pet that includes other family members or pets?
Yes and no. I do not offer human portraits but I do paint multiple pets on one portrait. Depending on the photos I can either do headshots only of all pets or if the photos are suitable then full body portraits. Please note I am unable to draw more then 1 pet on A6 and most A5 size portraits.
Can you create a portrait of my pet in a costume or clothing?
Yes! I love to paint pets in their signature style! I think it’s adorable to capture your pet in their most favourite outfit and helps to reflect their personality!
Can you create a portrait of my pet in a specific location or setting?
Yes! If you don’t have a photo of your pet in that location I can work with you and paint the background according to your chosen reference photos!
Can you create a portrait of my pet with a specific object or toy?
Yes! I have painted many pets with their favourite toy, whether that be a cuddly plushie, a ball or a squeaky toy! I think it’s a great way to express your pets character!
Pet Portrait Specialization
Can you create a portrait of any kind of pet?
Yes! Although I paint a lot of dogs, I can also do cat portraits, small animal portraits, reptiles, horses and more. If you wanted to commission me to paint wildlife from a photo you took I would also be up to the challenge!
Do you specialize in specific breeds or types of pets?
Dogs! I adore painting dogs, they are my favourite muses. In particular I love toy dogs, they are small, elegant and dainty and I love to capture their cuteness. The toy dogs I love to paint the most are: Cavaliers, Shih Tzus, Chihuahua, Pomeranians and Mini Schnauzers!
Can you create a portrait of a pet that has passed away?
Yes! I would be honoured to be chosen to paint a memorial portrait of your special friend that has passed! I always take extra special care with memorial portraits! <3
How do I choose the right style of portrait for my pet's personality or temperament?
I would say all my styles are versatile enough to fit any kind of personality. Most important is to send me phto reference that accurately represents your pets personality so I can capture it well no matter the style!
Shipping
How do you handle shipping or delivery?
I ship worldwide.
All paper portraits are packaged in a sturdy boardback envelope.
All canvas portraits are wrapped in bubble wrap and then posted in a bubble wrap envelope or a plastic mailer.
Uk deliveries are via 1st Class Signed for and I can post special delivery by 1pm if needed. All international portraits are posted tracked.
Merchandise is shipped directly from my supplier.
Do you offer rush or expedited services for pet portraits?
Yes, depending on the circumstances you may be upgraded for free. Though in most cases there will be an extra charge for the upgrade.
Do you offer any payment plans or financing options?
Yes, both my website and Etsy offer payment plans. However I try to keep my prices affordable so this option isn’t nessacery for most. I believe whilst art is a luxary it should still be somewhat affordable.
How do I provide feedback or reviews on the portrait and your services?
Please visit my website Reviews. Thank you so much for proving feedback!
Displaying and Care
Do you offer framing or matting services for the portrait?
Not currently, matting may be something that I do offer in the future. I recommend you go support your local matting and framing business.
How do I care for and maintain my pet portrait over time?
Properly matting and framing your artwork will protect it for a long time.
How do I choose the right size of portrait for my space or display area?
If unsure please send me a photo of the space with measurements and ask for my recommendation.
Gifts, Promotions and Ordering Options
Can I gift a pet portrait to someone else?
Yes! Just send me their address and make sure to let me know its a gift, I will remove my branding on request and write a personal message on your behalf.
Can I purchase a gift card for a pet portrait?
Yes! Just message me to let me know as I’ve yet to offer this on my website yet but it is something I do offer.
Do you offer any promotions or discounts for multiple pet portraits?
I’m always open to providing a discount for large orders, if you kindly ask me when you message me then we can negotiate!
Can you create a portrait of my pet in a different art style or artist's style?
Yes, I will do everything I can to create the artwork to your vision. However I won’t copy another artists work, if you would like their style I suggest you contact them first otherwise I can loosely use them as inspiration for the piece
Can I order prints or other merchandise featuring the pet portrait?
Depending on the portrait I will offer prints or merchandise. If you would particularly like your pets portrait on a specific merchandise please let me know and I can design some for you to purchase. Please do not use the artwork for merchandise without my permission, there may be an added fee for a commercial license if you wish to do so.
Can I request a digital file?
Yes! That’s most certainly fine, I scan each portrait using my professional scanner before posting your portrait. All digital files are 300dpi and will be the size of the original portrait.