Commissions Pet Portrait
Commission People Portrait
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Let's Create Something Together
Every portrait begins with a story. Whether it's your favorite photo, a beloved pet, or an idea you've always wished existed, we'll work together to create a painting that's uniquely yours.
How to begin:
1. Send me your photo
Choose the image that best captures your pet or loved one's personality. It doesn't have to be perfect and I can work from multiple photos. Not sure if the photo works? Send it anyway and I'll tell you if we need a better one.
2. Photo tips:
Natural lighting is the best. Photos taken outdoors or near window usually show the most accurate colors and details. Avoid any heavy filters. Clear eyes make a big difference. Eyes are my favorite thing to paint and I'm often told the eyes are what stands out the most. If I can see them clearly, then I can better capture their unique expression and personality.
3. Do you have a favorite story or moment:
I love to know more about the person or pet and it makes a difference in the final painting. I'm not just painting from a photo. I want to capture who they are and the stories build so much more character into the paintings.
4. I will send you a sketch:
Once I know the size and the subject, I'll confirm your price so there are no surprises. Once you approve the sketch, a 50% deposit secures your spot.
5. I'll send progress photos along the way:
You're not left wondering what's happening for weeks. You'll get a peek at the piece as it comes together. This is a partnership and I want you to love this painting whether you're keeping it for yourself or giving to a loved one.
6. Final reveal + one round of small touch-ups:
I'll send a photo of the finished piece. If something small needs adjusting (a color, a detail), I've got you covered. One round of minor touch-ups is included. Bigger changes at this stage (different pose, new background) are treated as new round of work and billed separately. But don't worry - we will be working together throughout this process so major changes shouldn't be a surprise to either of us.
6. Balance due, then it ships:
Once you're happy, remaining balance is due and your painting is on its way.
Frequently Asked Questions
What kind of photo should I send?
Clear, well-lit, and in focus. Ideally something that shows their actual personality, not just a posed shot. Not sure if yours works? Send it over anyway; I'll tell you honestly if we need something else.
My pet has passed away and my only photos aren't great, can you still do it?
Yes. I've worked from old, blurry, or low-res photos before, and I can combine details from a couple of photos if it helps get the personality right. This is one of the most meaningful commissions I do. Send what you have.
Can you combine two photos into one painting? (e.g., two pets who were never photographed together, or a person + their pet)
Yes, happy to walk through what you're picturing and I'll let you know what's possible.
How long does it take?
2 to 3 weeks, depending on my current queue. If you need it by a specific date (birthday, holiday, anniversary), tell me upfront and I'll let you know if it's doable. Rush requests may carry a small additional fee.
Do I get updates while you're working?
Yes, I’ll send progress photos so you're not left wondering what's happening. It's part of the fun.
What if I don't love the finished piece?
This is rare, because we lock in the composition together at the sketch stage before I ever pick up a brush so by the time paint hits canvas, we already agree on what it should look like. If something small still needs adjusting once it's done, one round of minor touch-ups is included.
What's your revision policy?
Sketch stage: change away, that's what it's for. Once you approve the sketch, that's the plan. After the painting is finished, I include one small round of touch-ups. Bigger changes beyond that are billed separately, just so we're both clear going in.
How does payment work?
A 50% deposit secures your spot in the queue. The remaining balance is due once you've seen and approved the finished piece, before it ships.
Can you do more than one subject in a piece? (two pets, a person + pet, a family)
Yes, for an additional fee per extra subject. Let me know what you're thinking and I'll quote it.
Do you offer framing?
I don’t frame as a standard part of a commission, but I’m happy to help if you’d rather not deal with it yourself. Depending on what you’re going for, I can pick up a simple frame, source something custom-made, or help you find the right fit. Just let me know what you’re after and I’ll take care of it. Framing is billed separately based on what we choose together.
How does shipping work?
Every painting is carefully packed to arrive safely. Packaging costs range from $15 to $25 depending on the size of the painting. Shipping is calculated separately and depends on where it’s going. I’ll confirm the cost before your final balance is due.
Can I give this as a gift?
Absolutely and if you don't have great photos of the recipient's pet/person, I can often still work with what you've got (see above). Let me know if it's a surprise and I'll keep progress photos off social media until it's revealed.
Do you sell prints, or is it always an original?
Yes, this comes up a lot, especially with pet portraits. The original goes to whoever commissions it, but I can make prints of the same piece for other family members who want their own copy. Pricing depends on print size, so just let me know how many you’re thinking and I’ll work up a quote.
Will my pet’s portrait be sold to other people as prints?
The original is yours and it’s a one of a kind that no one else will ever own that specific piece. As the artist, I do retain the rights to my artwork, which means a pet portrait may later be offered as a print in my shop. This only applies to pets and plants. I will never offer prints of my people commissions.
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