Custom Pet Portrait Process

How My Custom Pet Portrait Process Works

Introduction
Creating a custom pet portrait is a collaborative and heartfelt process, designed to capture your pet’s unique personality and the bond you share. From the first conversation to the final artwork, every step is tailored to ensure your vision comes to life in a one-of-a-kind keepsake.

Here’s how it works:

Step 1: Consultation
The process begins with a conversation about your pet and your goals for the portrait. The conversation usually takes place by email or text so that I can retain the things we discussed, but we can discuss by phone if you would prefer. During this step, we’ll discuss:

• Your pet’s personality, quirks, and what makes them unique.
• Any specific details you’d like highlighted, such as their favorite toy or a distinctive marking.
• Preferred size, and considerations.

Step 2: Estimate & Approval

I will then create and send to you an estimate of the cost of the work. You will let me know if you accept the estimate, and we discuss any adjustments that need to be made until we come to an agreement.

Step 3: Invoice & Deposit

I will then email you an invoice for the agreed-upon price.

Upon receipt of the invoice you will send me a deposit in the amount of 50% of the estimated price. This deposit is not refundable.

Step 4: Photographs

After receipt of the deposit I will request a variety of photographs of your pet. I understand that you may not have all the kinds photos I request, and that’s fine. Try to find photos that depict as many of these features as possible:

1. A clear photo of the pet’s face from the front.
2. A clear photo of the pet’s face from the side.
3. A photo of the pet’s whole body from the side. Even if we don’t include the whole body in the portrait, it helps me to know how pet is built to get a good likeness. I want to know how long the legs and torso are, the muscularity, and how the fur lays.
4. A few photos of your pet’s classic pose or expression. These are photos that make you think, “That’s our Bubby!”
5. Photos of your pet playing.
6. Photos of your pet sleeping.
7. Photos of your pet with their favorite toy.
8. Photos of your pet’s favorite toy or favorite type of toy just so I can see what it looks like.
9. Give me access to your social media if you have lots of pet photos there.

Step 5: Personality Profile

What do you want me to know about your pet so that I can create a heartwarming likeness?

1. What do you like best about your pet?
2. What do visitors or people you meet say about your pet?
3. What are the personality quirks that make them who they are? Are they confident, shy, bossy? Is there a favorite trick they do, or a place they like to play?

Step 5: Style

If you have hired me to create your painting, I know that you want me to use my unique creative style and vision, but I want to incorporate your preferences, too.

1. Where will the painting be displayed, if you know? What are the main colors in that space? Send a photo of the space if possible.
2. What is your preferred decor style? Minimalist, boho, maximalist, contemporary, elegant, etc.
3. Are there any colors you absolutely do NOT want in your painting. I can’t promise those colors won’t be used in creating your painting, but I can make sure they are not predominant.
4. Background: Do you prefer a simple, classic background, such as the first photo below, or would you prefer that I use a more “active” background style such as the second or third?
   
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I can also include objects that are sentimental to you or your family. For example, I once did portraits with dinosaurs and ancient ginko leaves scattered around the background since dinosaurs are a particular interest of the owner. Her cattledog balanced things on their nose, thus the dandelion!

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5. Progress Report: Once I have vision for the painting, I will hunker down in my studio for days or even weeks, depending on how involved the work will be. When I have made enough progress, I will send you progress pictures. At this point you can make suggestions and I will let you know what will happen next.

I may ask questions during the process, or I may have enough to work with and just be silent as I work. You are free to contact me at any point during the process if you want to know how things are going. I take great care to create artwork you’ll love.

6. Approval: When the painting is nearly complete or complete, I will send you a photo and request your approval. At this point only minor changes can be made.

7. Final Payment: Once you approve the painting, I will request the remaining 50% of the payment.

8. Delivery: Once the final payment is received, your custom portrait will be carefully packaged and shipped to you, ready to display or give. If you are local, we can arrange a personal handoff. If the painting is shipped, I add insurance just in case, but fortunately I have never had to use it!

9. Receipt: This is not required, but I am always delighted to receive photos and comments about the painting after it’s in it’s new person’s hands. Please let me know that it has arrived safely.

10. Living with your painting: Check out this blog article about caring for your artwork in your home!

11. Returns and refunds: Click for policy.

12. More about commissioned works: Click for policy.