How To Commission A Portrait

1. Choose the size of portrait that you would like. I offer four different sizes from small to x-large, your choice may depend on the number of pets in your portrait and your budget. You can also choose whether you would like a head/neck portrait or a full body portrait. Click here for prices.

2. Choose whether you would like a black and white (monochrome) or coloured pencil drawing (see examples below).

3. Provide a good quality photograph of your pet(s) – see my guide below.

4. Get in touch to arrange your commission and discuss any questions that you may have.

Included with your Portrait

• You can pay in full or by a Fortnightly instalment plan using AfterPay and the total cost will include:

• Help and guidance with choosing the perfect reference photo.

• Backgrounds are left white, unless specified otherwise.

• Only the highest quality materials are used to produce your portrait.

• Progress pictures of your commissioned artwork.

• Portraits are Double Mounted with acid free conservation mount board.

• A Certificate of Authenticity and artwork care guide are included.

• Packed in a gift box and wrapped in acid free tissue paper.

My main rule of thumb is "the better the photo, the better the portrait". If you’re not sure which one to choose, feel free to email a selection and we can decide together. What I see in the photo is what I will draw so ensure you're happy with the pose, ears etc, although I can make some detail changes such as removing collars.

When choosing or taking the best picture, I recommend following these guidelines:

• If you’re taking photos for a portrait, please take lots. The more photographs you take, the more we’ve got to choose from to pick the best possible image to use for your portrait.

• Good Lighting. Is your picture light enough to see your pet? Use natural light where possible as flash photography can distort the image. Please ensure the light is behind you not your pet (this is especially important with darker furred pets).

• True eye colour. Ensure the picture shows the true eye colour of your pet.

• Pet’s Pose. If you can, photograph animals where they are already comfortable (for example resting on a couch or sitting on stairs) so that you will get them at their best.

• True fur colour. Ensure the picture shows the true fur colour of your pet.

• Visible fur direction. Ensure you can see the fur in detail, i.e. the direction it lies.

• Where to stand. Make sure that you are near enough to your pet to pick up all its features. Ideally be at the same eye level as your pet as this angle produces the best results.

• Background. I recommend not including a background in your final portrait as I think it’s better for the focus to be on your pet. However I’m happy to discuss this with you if you’d prefer a background to be shown.

Capturing Personality

Try photographing your pet doing something they love to capture their personality. If they are crazy for play time, try holding a squeaky toy or treats in one hand to help direct their gaze towards the camera while they are looking happy and energetic. If they are more of a couch potato, get down to their level and get a great snap of them looking to the camera with their soulful eyes. You know your pet best, so just keep in mind their personality when trying to get that perfect reference photo!

Pets That Have Passed Away

If you are looking at commissioning a portrait of a pet that has sadly passed away I understand you may have limited photos available, but please don't worry - send me as many photos as you can and we can work through them together. I will need to see photos of pets that have passed before I accept your commission, so I can check I can work from your photos.

Many portraits I do have been of deceased pets where taking new photographs is not an option or for surprise gifts for friends where photos at your disposal may be limited. A lot of my past clients have been just like this and while a great photo is preferable, I can always work with whatever you have.

Here to help you get the best possible portrait.

I want you to have the best experience and final portrait possible, so please don’t hesitate to ask if you have any questions or would like some help with choosing the best photo. Feel free to send me as many photos as you like, with no obligation at all - my advice is always free.