COMMISSIONS
CUSTOM PET PORTRAIT COMMISSIONS
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.
“Nothing erases the loss of a pet, but having this beautiful memorial piece makes me smile everyday when I see it. The process from beginning to end was easy and clear.”
— HOW IT WORKS
A collaborative process, clearly guided from start to finish.
Step 01
We start with a conversation
When you reach out, you'll receive a brief introductory questionnaire as a simple starting point. You share your ideas, your pet, and anything that feels important—photos, stories, or even just a sense of what you’re hoping for.
There’s no pressure to have it all figured out yet.
Step 02
We shape the concept together
Using your images and input, I develop the direction for your portrait. Once that’s established, you’ll receive a quote, contract, and invoice for the design and consultation fee to move into the mockup phase.
I then create preliminary mockups to explore composition, background, and overall feel.
This is a collaborative step. You’ll see how the piece is coming together and have the opportunity to refine it before anything is finalized.
Step 03
Details are finalized
Once the design is refined and approved by you, the full scope of the project is confirmed.
You’ll receive final pricing based on size, composition, and portrait style, along with a timeline for completion. At this stage, everything is clearly defined before the painting begins.
Step 04
Creation
With the design approved, the artwork moves into the creation phase.
The artwork is painted digitally, then printed on canvas and finished by hand with acrylic paint.
This is where the piece moves from an idea into something physical—something with depth, texture, and presence.
Step 05
Final review and delivery
You’ll see the finished painting before it ships.
This is often the first moment the piece fully comes together—when it shifts from something you’ve been working on to something you recognize.
From there, it’s carefully packaged and delivered, ready to become part of your home.
Step 06
The artwork in your space
This isn’t something that gets stored away or rotated out.
It’s something you live with—something that continues to hold meaning long after it arrives.
— TIMELINE
Most commissions are completed within approximately three weeks after the mockup is approved. The early planning stage varies depending on how quickly reference images are gathered and decisions are made. If timing matters due to travel, holidays, or an event, mention it early and we'll work around it.
— INVESTMENT
A clear understanding before anything begins.
Because each portrait is designed specifically for your pet and your home, the final investment depends on size, composition, and portrait style.
Design & Consultation Fee
All commissions begin with a $100 design and consultation fee. This covers 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. If you have budget considerations, it's appropriate to mention them early.
Not just a likeness. Artwork that reflects your relationship.
Two portrait styles are available — Signature Portraits, with a refined painted background that keeps full attention on your pet's expression and presence, and Storyscape™ Portraits, which place your pet within a setting that carries meaning.
Both are created from your photographs, refined collaboratively before anything becomes permanent, and finished by hand on archival canvas.
— COMMON QUESTIONS
The ones worth asking before you reach out.
WHAT MAKES A GOOD REFERENCE IMAGE?
Your best photos are the ones that show your pet's personality clearly — expressions, posture, the way they hold themselves. Phone snapshots are fine. A small collection from different angles is often more useful than a single perfect image.
If you're unsure what you have will work, share it anyway and I'll give you an honest assessment.
WHAT IF MY PHOTOS AREN’T PERFECT?
They don’t need to be. Even older or lower-quality images can still be incredibly useful. What matters most is having enough reference to understand your pet—how they looked, how they carried themselves, what made them them.
WHAT IF THIS COMMISSION IS A GIFT?
I can ship portraits directly to recipients with a gift message.
Gift certificates are available and can be used as a deposit. This works particularly well when you'd like to give the recipient the opportunity to choose their own reference images.
Still have questions?
If you'd like more detail on specific topics — reference images, sizing, framing, what to expect from the design fee, and more — these articles cover them in depth.
DO I NEED TO KNOW EXACTLY WHAT I WANT?
Not at all. Most people don’t. That’s part of the process.
WHEN IS THE RIGHT TIME TO DO SOMETHING LIKE THIS?
There isn’t a single right answer.
Some people commission a portrait while their pet is still part of daily life. Others wait until after a loss, when the need to hold onto something feels important.
DO YOU TAKE ON SPECIAL PROJECTS?
Not every project fits a standard frame. Because the original artwork is created digitally, portraits can be adapted for other applications — breed advertisements, RV graphics, and similar custom uses.
If you have something specific in mind, reach out for a tailored quote.
If you’re unsure where to start, reaching out is the first step.
Every portrait starts with a conversation. There's no pressure, no minimum spend — just a chance to talk about your pet and find out if we're a good fit.