Custom Pet Portrait Commissions
Commissioning a custom pet portrait is a personal decision.
For many people, it begins with the relationship they share with their pet. That bond may be part of everyday life, or it may be something they’re carrying forward after loss. In either case, the goal is not just to create a likeness, but to make artwork that reflects what that relationship has meant over time.
My role is to guide you through a thoughtful, collaborative process so the finished piece feels considered, accurate, and true to your experience. This page outlines the available portrait styles, explains how the process works, and answers common questions so you can decide whether this is the right fit for you.
The sections below walk through the portrait options and explain what to expect at each stage of the commission process.
CHOOSE YOUR PORTRAIT STYLE
SIGNATURE PORTRAITS
Signature Portraits focus on expression and form, using a refined painted background to keep attention on the subject. This approach is well suited for those who want a timeless presentation that centers on the presence and character of their pet. These portraits are often chosen for memorial pieces, as well as for living companions, when the goal is a simple, focused representation without added narrative elements.
STORYSCAPES
Storyscapes place your pet within a meaningful environment, such as a favorite trail, backyard, or historically inspired setting. This option is a good fit for those who want the artwork to reflect not only their pet, but also the places or experiences that shaped their time together. Storyscapes add context and narrative, resulting in a more layered and personalized piece that tells a broader story.
Want to learn more about Storyscapes? Read this blog post!
No matter which style you choose, each portrait is crafted with care to create a lasting, meaningful work of art. If you’d like help deciding which option best suits your vision, I’m happy to guide you through the decision.
THE Commission Process
1. Initial Connection & Vision
We start with a conversation. When you reach out through the contact form, you’ll receive a brief introductory questionnaire designed to help you share your pet, your ideas, and what you’re hoping to create.
This early step helps establish direction, whether you have a clear vision already or are still sorting through what feels most important. It also gives us a thoughtful starting point for our first conversation.
2. Reference Images & Inspiration
You’ll be invited to share photographs, stories, and supporting materials that help communicate personality and character. Images don’t need to be perfect. Even older or lower-quality photos can be useful. If there are styles or examples you’re drawn to, those are always helpful as well.
3. Design & Consultation
Once the direction is defined, you’ll receive a quote, contract, and invoice for the design and consultation fee, which is applied toward the final cost of your portrait. This stage includes concept development, composition planning, and the creation of a preliminary mockup based on our discussions.
You’ll review the mockup and provide feedback so the direction can be refined before the artwork moves forward.
4. Concept Approval, Agreement & Timeline
After the mockup is approved, we finalize project details including scope, pricing, and timeline. At that point, the remaining balance is invoiced and the creation phase begins.
Most portraits move through the creation and finishing stages over the course of about three weeks, with timing adjusted as needed around holidays or vendor schedules. Any scheduling considerations are communicated clearly along the way.
5. Creation Process
I develop the digital painting to establish composition, expression, and detail. You’ll review the artwork and request minor final adjustments before it moves into the finishing stage.
Once approved, the artwork is professionally produced on fine art canvas through a trusted print partner selected for quality and consistency. I then finish the piece by hand with acrylic painting to add texture, depth, and subtle surface variation.
The result is a finished canvas designed for lasting display in your home.
6. Final Review & Delivery
You’ll receive images of the completed artwork, and we’ll coordinate delivery of your finished portrait with care. Many clients enjoy sharing photos once the artwork is in place, and you’re always welcome to send one along.
TIMELINE - HOW LONG DOES IT TAKE?
Most commissions are completed within approximately three weeks after the design and consultation phase is complete and the mockup is approved. The early planning stage can vary, depending on how quickly reference images are gathered and decisions are made. Once the direction is approved, the creation and finishing stages follow a more predictable timeline. If timing is important due to travel, holidays, or events, this is always discussed early so expectations are clear.
Below you’ll find practical details about investment, reference images, revisions, and how the commission works.
FAQ
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Because each piece is designed specifically for your pet and your home, the final investment depends on size, composition, and whether a Signature Portrait or Storyscape is selected.
For current pricing details and size options, please visit:
All commissions begin with a one hundred dollar design and consultation fee. This stage includes concept development and a detailed mockup so you can see the direction clearly before any painting begins. That amount is applied toward your final investment if you decide to move forward.
Once the design is approved, you’ll receive a clear quote for the completed piece. Flexible payment plans are available, and finished artwork is released once payment is complete.
If you have budget considerations, it’s appropriate to mention them early so we can structure the commission in a way that feels manageable.
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The design and consultation stage exists so decisions can be made carefully before the final artwork begins. During this phase, feedback and refinement are part of the collaboration, and we take the time to make sure the direction feels right before moving forward.
Once the design is approved and the creation phase begins, the commission moves ahead based on that agreed direction. Because a significant amount of time and artwork development happens at that stage, payments made beyond the design fee are not refundable.
If a payment plan is selected, the pacing of the creation phase simply follows the agreed structure. Nothing is sent to print or delivered until the balance is complete.
The goal is clarity from the beginning so you can move forward feeling confident in your decision.
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Clear photos with good lighting are helpful, but perfection isn’t required. Older images, phone photos, or images taken in less-than-ideal conditions can still be useful, especially when multiple references are available.
The goal is to understand expression, structure, and personality.
Rather than selecting one “perfect” photo, I prefer to review a small collection. For most commissions, five to fifty images works well. This provides flexibility to combine the strongest elements from multiple photographs and create a natural, polished result.
You’re also welcome to include inspiration images, whether they reflect backgrounds, lighting, poses, or artwork styles you’re drawn to. These do not need to feature your dog.
A private Dropbox link will be provided for uploading files. If you’re working from a single image and would like that exact photograph painted, you may simply send that file.
If you’d like a clearer sense of what tends to translate well into artwork, you’re welcome to browse the portfolio or read this blog post
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While much of my commissioned work focuses on pets, I also take on select non-pet projects when they are a good fit. This has included memorial portraits of people, landscape work, and other subjects approached with the same care and painting process.
If you’re considering a project outside of a traditional pet portrait, you’re welcome to reach out so we can discuss whether it’s a good fit.
If you’re unsure where to start, reaching out is the easiest first step.
Need Something Different? Not every project fits into a standard frame. Because the original artwork is created digitally, portraits can be adapted for unique applications such as breed advertisements, RV graphics, or other custom uses. If you have something specific in mind, reach out and I’ll be happy to provide a tailored quote.
IS THIS COMMISSION A GIFT?
Maybe you don’t have the best photo to use as a reference but would like to gift a painting to a friend or family member. Purchase a gift certificate to allow the recipient to choose their own reference images for a painting.
Gift Certificates are available and can be used as a deposit if the recipient would like to upgrade sizing and framing!
If you’d like more detail on specific topics, these articles may be helpful.
