How to Commission a Custom Pet Portrait

Our pets are more than companions; they’re family. Immortalizing their personality in a hand-painted portrait is a truly meaningful way to honor their place in our lives. These custom portraits make thoughtful gifts, cherished memorials, or simply a way to enjoy seeing your pet’s spirit brought to life on canvas. Whether you’re exploring custom artwork for the first time or are a returning client, artist Katie Gomes guides you every step of the way.

Getting Started

1. Decide on Your Budget
   I offer a selection of services across different price points, so setting a budget in advance will help us find the best option for you.

2. Select the Perfect Reference Photo
   For the best results, choose a clear, high-resolution photo with good lighting. See the photo reference guide below for tips on selecting the ideal image.

3. Review Important Details
   Take a moment to read through the information provided, including the FAQ and Sample Form.

4. Submit Your Commission Request
   Once you’re ready to move forward, fill out the commission request form to confirm your interest.

Choosing the Right Reference Photo

The quality of the reference photo plays a big role in creating a portrait that captures your pet’s essence. To make sure your portrait is everything you envision, keep the following in mind:

1. Focus: Choose a sharp, clear, close-up photo that showcases your pet’s face in detail. Blurry or distant shots don’t translate well into portrait form.

2. Angle: Position the camera at eye level with your pet. Avoid high or low angles for a more lifelike representation.

3. Lighting: Good lighting is essential! Natural light is best, so if possible, photograph your pet outdoors. Indoors, use plenty of light to avoid shadows.

Take a look at the examples provided for inspiration on capturing a high-quality reference photo.

Excellent detail and a beautiful, shiny coat! The natural sunlight, high resolution, clear angle, and relaxed demeanor of this handsome boy make this an ideal reference photo.

This is a fair example of a reference photo; however, note the lower resolution, suboptimal lighting, and cropped-off ears. These factors may require some artistic inference, which can introduce slight inaccuracies.

This is an example of a less suitable reference photo due to low resolution and suboptimal lighting, which make it challenging to capture fine details and fully reflect your pet’s personality.

Keep in mind that professional photographs are not suitable for this purpose due to copyright protection. You should be the photographer.

Background Color and Other Details

Achieving an exact match to your interior decor can often be challenging. Instead, choosing a complementary background color is typically a better option. Consider a shade that enhances your pet’s natural coloring—for instance, blue or green can beautifully offset tans, browns, or reds, while shades like purple, blue, or green can bring out the eye color of pets with black, white, or grey fur. If you’re unsure which colors would best suit your pet, I’d be happy to discuss options with you.

Additionally, think about specific features you’d like to include: your pet’s collar, a signature expression, or a particular groomed look. Small details, like a playful tongue hanging out or a sleepy, half-closed eye, can add a lot of character to the final piece. Be sure to consider these elements when selecting a reference photo, so the finished painting truly reflects the essence of your pet.

All Set!

Once you’ve selected the perfect photo, decided on a canvas size, chosen a background color, and identified any important details, you’re ready to secure your portrait with a deposit. After both you and the artist sign the contract, an invoice will be sent to you via PayPal (a PayPal account is not required). Please be sure to review the FAQ section before committing to your purchase.

Should you prefer artwork other than what is offered in the store, requests may be accommodated by the artist for an additional fee. Shipping and Insurance costs are the responsibility of the client and will be added to the price of the portrait. An estimate will be given prior to payment.

A Note from Katie

As an 18-year-old artist starting my journey into the world of custom pet portraits, I’m genuinely excited to bring my passion for art to you and your beloved pets. This business is new for me, and while I’ll strive to make your experience as smooth and enjoyable as possible, I’m also learning the ropes. I ask for your patience and understanding as I navigate the business side of things for the first time. Your support and feedback mean a lot to me as I grow both as an artist and a business owner. Thank you for being part of this journey!