Welcome to my latest blog post about how to commissions a pet portrait in 2025. The Complete Guide! Commissioning a pet portrait is one of the most meaningful ways to celebrate your beloved companion. Whether you want to capture the mischievousness of your dog in a play bow with their toy or the regal pose of your horse, a hand painted or drawn portrait creates a lasting tribute that photographs simply cannot match.
After 28 years of creating pet portraits, we have guided hundreds of clients through this special journey and we thought writing a blog post gathering all of our knowledge all in one place would be a great idea. This comprehensive guide will walk our prospective clients through everything they need to know about commissioning a pet portrait in 2025.
What is a Pet Portrait Commission?
If you are new to all of this, you might well be asking yourself this question. When we started our job nearly 30 years ago it was a very unusual profession. Perhaps not so these days. So a pet portrait commission is when you hire a professional artist … like ourselves, to create a unique, hand painted artwork of your pet.
Unlike mass produced prints or digital illustrations, a traditional commissioned portrait is created specifically for you using traditional artistic methods. As an example, we work from your photographs to paint or draw not just the physical likeness of your pet but also their unique personality and character.
Both Nicholas and I specialise in two traditional mediums: graphite pencil drawings and oil paintings. Each medium offers its own distinct qualities. Pencil portraits provide classic elegance with beautiful tonal variations, whilst oil paintings offer rich colours and depth that bring your pet to life on canvas.
Understanding the Different Types of Pet Portrait Commissions
Traditional Hand Painted Portraits
Going back decades, oil portraits probably were the medium to work in, think of the old masters. Oils along with watercolour, sepia drawings and sketches (think Michelangelo) and pastels were a favourite too. Traditional portraits are created using time honoured techniques that have been refined over centuries. Each medium requires specific skills and produces unique results. As we mentioned above we offer two of the classic mediums. Oils and Pencil.
Oil Paintings are renowned for their rich colours, depth and longevity. The medium allows for subtle blending and layering, creating portraits with detail and emotional impact. Oil portraits often become family heirlooms passed down through generations.
Pencil Drawings offer timeless elegance with their monochromatic beauty. Graphite allows for fine detail, particularly in capturing fur textures and wonderful expressions of your pets. Pencil portraits have a classic, sophisticated appeal that complements any home décor.
Digital vs Traditional Art: Understanding the Difference
In today’s world — especially with AI evolving at such a pace — it’s becoming harder to tell the difference between a genuinely hand-painted portrait and something created digitally. Many clients are surprised to discover that what they thought was a traditional painting was actually made on a computer and printed onto canvas.
While digital artwork certainly has its place, there’s something very different about a portrait that’s been created by hand — with real pencils or paint, by an artist sitting at an easel. Every mark is intentional, and once it’s on the paper or canvas, it stays there. The result is something you can see and feel. Real texture, depth and character that simply can’t be replicated by a screen or printer.
If you are thinking of commissioning a portrait, it’s always worth asking whether it will be created using traditional materials. Paint, pencil, paper, canvas or whether it’s a digital piece. There’s no right or wrong answer but the experience, the value, and the final result are very different.
The Complete Commissioning Process: Step by Step
Step 1: Choosing Your Artist
Selecting the right artist is the most important decision in your commissioning journey. Look for artists who specialise in pet portraits and have extensive experience in your preferred medium. Review their artwork carefully, pay attention to their ability to capture different breeds, coat types and expressions.
Consider these factors when choosing your artist:
- Experience and Training: Are they self taught or Professional trained? Both have their merits?
- Portfolio Quality: Look for consistency in quality in all of their commissions
- Client Reviews: Read testimonials from previous clients about both artwork quality and customer service
- Communication Style: Ensure the artist communicates clearly and makes you feel comfortable throughout the process
When you commission us, you know we are professionally trained, we have worked with some notable clients and our artwork is traditional.
Step 2: Selecting Your Medium and Size
The medium you choose plays a big part in how your finished portrait will look and feel. Take a look at the mediums available, these include:
- Graphite Pencil
- Coloured Pencil
- Pastel
- Watercolour
- Acrylic
- Oil Painting
Size is also something to think about. Smaller portraits (like 12×10 or 16×12 inches) are perfect for a single pet and are often more budget friendly. Larger pieces (18×14 and up) allow for extra detail and have real presence — ideal for two or more pets, or if you would like the portrait to be a real feature in your room.
Choosing Between Oil and Pencil: Making the Right Decision
Clients often ask us whether to choose pencil or oil for a portrait and it’s a great question. Both mediums can create beautiful, lasting results, and the right choice really depends on the look you’re after and what you’d like the portrait to capture.
When to Choose an Oil Painting:
Oil is a lovely option if:
- Your pet has distinctive colouring that you’d like to preserve in rich, natural tones
- You enjoy that classic, painterly style with depth and warmth
- You plan to hang the portrait in a central spot and want it to have real presence.
- You are including more than one pet or want a background that adds a sense of place
- You are aiming for something with a traditional or formal feel
Oil paint allows for incredibly subtle colour shifts — perfect for capturing that exact golden hue in a coat, or the soft warmth in a nose or paw. It’s also a more tactile medium, so you get a real sense of texture and richness in the final piece.
Step 3: Preparing Your Reference Photographs
The quality of your photos makes all the difference when it comes to creating a portrait you’ll love. While we can work wonders with what we are given, we can’t invent details that aren’t there. So a good reference photo is key.
What Makes a Good Reference Photo:
- High Resolution – Use the highest quality setting on your phone or camera. Blurry or pixelated images just don’t give us the detail we need.
- Natural Light – Soft daylight (near a window or outside on a bright but overcast day) helps show true colours and fine detail.
- Clear Focus on the Eyes – The eyes are the heart of the portrait. Make sure they are sharp and well lit.
- Good Composition – Try to fill the frame with your pet. Avoid photos taken from too far away — we want to see every whisker if we can!
Tips for Taking Better Pet Photos:
Getting that perfect photo takes a little patience. Early morning or late afternoon usually gives the nicest light and it’s best to avoid flash as it can cause red-eye and harsh shadows.
If your pet is full of beans, a bit of playtime beforehand can help them settle. For nervous pets, give them a moment to get comfortable with the space first. Take a few shots from different angles and expressions, sometimes the photo you didn’t expect ends up being the best. And the more choice we have, the better we can capture your pet’s true personality.
Step 4: The Design Process
Before we begin any portrait, we always have a chat with you to find out exactly what you are looking for. It’s relaxed, nothing formal, just a chance to go over your ideas, preferences and anything important you would like us to include.
What We’ll Discuss Via Email or Message:
- Background – Would you like a simple, plain background to keep the focus on your pet, or something more scenic that tells part of their story?
- Pose & Expression – Let us know what makes your pet ‘them’ — whether it’s a proud stance, a gentle look or a cheeky head tilt you see every day.
- Timings – We will talk through our current schedule and make sure the timeline works for you, especially if it’s a gift or needed for a special date.
- Special Details – If the portrait is a memorial, or there’s anything sentimental you would like us to include, we are always happy to work those in with care.
This stage is all about making sure we understand your pet and what you’d love to see in the final piece. No rush, no pressure just a friendly chat to start the journey.
Step 5: Understanding Timelines and Scheduling
Every pet portrait we create takes time, care, and plenty of attention to detail. These aren’t quick sketches — they are hand-drawn or painted pieces that aim to capture your pet’s character and charm for years to come.
Most people are surprised by how much work goes into each portrait. A pencil drawing can take anywhere from 15 to 25 hours, and our detailed oil paintings often take between 30 and 50 hours — sometimes more, depending on the complexity.
We also work to a commission list, especially during busy times like Christmas. If you are hoping to give a portrait as a gift, it’s always best to get in touch early, ideally at least 1 to 2 months in advance.
How Our Process Usually Works:
- Chat and photo review – We will go through your ideas and confirm everything with you.
- Waiting list – Depending on the time of year, you might expect to wait 1 – 3 months to start your portrait.
- Creating the portrait – This takes around 2–4 weeks, depending on the medium and complexity.
- Approval and delivery – Once it’s finished, we will send you a photo to approve before we carefully pack and post it to you (usually within a week).
If you have a specific date in mind, just let us know, we always do our best to make it work where possible.
Step 6: The Creation Process
Once we begin your portrait, we will keep you updated throughout the process so you can see it come to life. Depending on the type of portrait and your preferences, we might send over progress photos at key stages. We always want to make sure everything is shaping up just as you hoped.
- Starting Off – We begin by sketching out the composition and making sure the basic shapes and proportions are just right.
- Building Detail – This is where we gradually add depth, texture, and character, bringing out all the little features that make your pet unique.
- Refining – We go over everything carefully, adjusting tones, sharpening features, and ensuring it all feels balanced and true to life.
- Finishing Touches – Once the artwork is complete, we’ll send you a final photo for approval before we prepare it for posting.
It’s a thoughtful process — not rushed — and every stage is handled with care. If there’s something you’d like us to tweak along the way, we are always happy to chat before packing and sending.
Step 7: Review and Approval
We always want you to be completely happy with your portrait. Once it’s finished, we send you a final photo so you can take a good look before it’s packed and posted.
If you spot anything you’d like us to adjust, just let us know. Small tweaks are absolutely fine and included in the commission — things like lightening an area slightly or softening a detail.
The most helpful thing you can do is let us know clearly and promptly if something’s not quite right — that way we can make any changes before the portrait is packed.
Step 8: Delivery and Presentation
The presentation of your finished portrait is almost as important as the artwork itself. As professional artists, we take great care in packaging and presenting your commission.
Your portrait should arrive:
- Properly protected during shipping
- In presentation quality packaging
- With care instructions for long term preservation
- Ready for framing
When to Choose a Pencil Drawing:
Pencil portraits are a wonderful choice if:
- You are drawn to that classic, timeless feel
- Your pet has distinctive markings or patterns that stand out beautifully in black and white
- You want to focus more on expression and detail than colour
- The portrait will be displayed alongside other black and white photographs
- You are working to a particular budget and pencil feels like the right fit.
There is a quiet elegance to pencil that works well in both modern and traditional spaces. It’s particularly good for showing texture — whether that’s soft curls, wiry fur, or the silky coat of a sleek cat. And because it’s monochrome, it draws the eye straight to your pet’s features, expressions and character.
Understanding Pricing: Investment Levels and Options
Pet portrait pricing can vary quite a bit depending on a few key factors.
What Affects the Cost of a Portrait:
- Artist Experience – Established artists with years of training and a long track record (like us!) may charge more, but you’ll know exactly what to expect in terms of quality and service.
- Medium & Complexity – Oil paintings are more expensive than pencil drawings, mostly due to materials and time. Portraits with multiple pets or detailed backgrounds take more work, so the cost reflects that.
- Size & Detail – Larger portraits take longer and use more materials. Little extras like collars, name tags, or background elements can add to the time involved.
- Timelines – If you need a portrait for a particular date and we need to prioritise it, we may need to add a rush fee.
If You are Working to a Budget
There are plenty of ways to keep your portrait affordable while still getting a beautiful result:
- Choose a smaller size – 12×10 or 16×12 still make beautiful portraits, in fact they are our favourite sizes
- Go for a pencil drawing – A more accessible option that still offers fine detail and elegance
- Focus on one pet – Multi pet portraits take longer and are priced accordingly
- Keep the background simple – Plain or softly shaded backgrounds allow us to focus all the detail on your pet
Premium Options
If you are looking for something a little extra special, we can create:
- Large format pieces – 24×18 and above, perfect as a focal point in your home
- Oil paintings – Full of depth, warmth, and timeless beauty
- Detailed compositions – Multiple pets, scenic backgrounds or meaningful items included
- Priority scheduling – For specific dates like birthdays, anniversaries, or memorials
We’re always happy to chat through your ideas and help find the right option for you. Whether it’s a small pencil sketch or a large oil painting with all the bells and whistles, every portrait gets the same care and attention.
Special Occasion Commissions
Pet portraits make exceptional gifts for special occasions, but each situation requires different consideration.
Wedding Pet Portraits
Pets are such a big part of the family, it’s no surprise that more and more couples are including them in their wedding celebrations whether in person or in spirit. A custom pet portrait makes a truly special way to mark the occasion and celebrate that bond.
Here are just a few lovely ways to include a wedding pet portrait:
- An engagement gift for the couple featuring their pet
- A surprise portrait revealed during speeches at the reception
- An anniversary commission to celebrate their first year of marriage
- A thoughtful thank-you gift for friends or family who helped with pet care during the honeymoon
Whether the pet walked down the aisle or stayed home snoozing on the sofa, their place in the couple’s story is just as important and a portrait is a beautiful way to honour that.
Memorial Portraits
Memorial portraits are among the most meaningful commissions we work on. They often come with strong emotions, and while older or limited photos can be a challenge, the importance of these pieces always outweighs the technical side. It’s an honour to help preserve the memory of a beloved companion in this way.
If you are thinking about commissioning a portrait in memory of your pet, here are a few things to consider:
- Gather as many photos as you can, especially those that show their eyes, markings, or familiar expressions
- Share their personality – we love hearing stories and little details: their favourite toy, quirks, or habits that brought you joy
- Give yourself time – this process can be emotional, so we approach it with care and at a pace that suits you
- Think about tone – some clients prefer a soft, formal tribute; others want something brighter, more celebratory. We’ll always tailor the portrait to what feels right for you
These portraits often become cherished keepsakes — a way of keeping your pet close even when they are no longer by your side.
Holiday & Anniversary Gifts
Pet portraits make incredibly thoughtful gifts — personal, heartfelt, and completely unique. Whether it’s for a birthday, anniversary, or Christmas, planning ahead is key to making sure everything arrives on time and without stress.
- Christmas – We recommend booking by August to allow time for consultation, creation, and safe delivery before the holiday rush.
- Birthdays – If it’s a surprise, you might like to team up with family members to quietly gather reference photos.
- Anniversaries – First anniversary is paper!
Working with International Clients
We are lucky to work with pet lovers from all over the world, and we’re always happy to ship portraits internationally. It just takes a little extra planning.
Shipping & Delivery
- Your portrait will be carefully packaged using professional-grade, protective materials
- We take care of customs paperwork, so you won’t need to worry about the details
- Delivery times vary depending on your location — we’ll keep you fully informed along the way
Caring for Your Portrait
Each portrait is created using traditional materials and techniques designed to last for generations. A little care goes a long way in keeping it looking its best.
Framing Advice
- Pencil drawings should be professionally framed with conservation grade materials, including acid-free mounts and UV-protective glass
- Oil paintings are typically framed without glass. If you’re considering using glass (for example, in high-traffic or humid areas), feel free to check with us and we’ll advise on the best approach
- Try to avoid hanging portraits in direct sunlight or rooms with high humidity, like bathrooms
Long-Term Care
- Dust gently using a clean, dry cloth or soft brush
- If your portrait is of significant sentimental or financial value, consider including it in your home insurance policy
Where to Display
Choose a location that:
- Has soft, even lighting (avoid strong direct sun)
- Maintains a stable temperature and humidity level
- Fits your interior style and allows you to enjoy the portrait every day
Avoiding Common Commission Mistakes
Commissioning a pet portrait is a lovely and personal experience. There are a few common hiccups that can easily be avoided with a little planning and open communication.
One of the biggest issues is using low-quality photos. Blurry phone snaps or pictures taken from too far away can make it tricky for us to see the details we need. We always recommend taking a few clear, well lit photos, especially ones that show your pet’s eyes, markings and overall shape. It’s also best not to leave things too late. If the portrait is for a special occasion, start the process at least 2 to 3 months in advance to allow time for everything to come together calmly.
Good communication is also key. It’s easy to assume that your artist will know exactly what you’re imagining, but unless we talk it through properly, things can be missed. That’s why we always include a consultation to go over your ideas in detail — from background and expression to the story behind your pet. Once work begins, it’s important to stick to the plan as much as possible. Major changes partway through can affect the flow and feel of the portrait.
Finally, expectations matter. Hand drawn and painted portraits take time, they are crafted with care, not churned out quickly like mass produced prints. And while it’s tempting to compare prices with those of online shops or digital filters, original artwork is something completely different. It holds emotional value, quality and uniqueness that can’t be replicated.
Questions to Consider Before Commissioning
If you are thinking about commissioning a pet portrait — whether it’s your first time or you are coming back to us for another — it’s always good to know what to expect. We are more than happy to chat through everything but here are a few questions you might like to think about ahead of time:
You might want to ask about the artist’s background. How long they’ve been creating pet portraits, what kind of styles they offer. Whether they have worked on pieces similar to what you are looking for. It’s completely fine to request examples of previous work, especially if you have something specific in mind.
It’s also worth talking through the process. How long it typically takes from start to finish, whether you’ll see any progress photos along the way. Also how revisions are handled if something isn’t quite right.
Materials are another important area. You may want to ask what materials are used. How long the artwork is expected to last How colour is matched especially for oil paintings. If you’re providing older or less-than-ideal photos, don’t worry — we’ll let you know what’s possible and guide you as best we can.
And finally, the practical side. It’s helpful to understand exactly what’s included. How payment works, and what would happen in the rare case the artist becomes unavailable. Some clients also ask about certificates of authenticity, and we are happy to provide those on request.
The Future of Pet Portrait Commissions
As we move through 2025, the world of pet portraiture continues to evolve. Not by replacing tradition, but by quietly weaving in new ideas that enhance the experience for clients and artists alike.
Embracing Helpful Technology – Things Have Changed Since 1996!
While hand drawn and hand painted portraits remain at the heart of what we do, a few modern touches are helping to improve the process:
- Enhancing reference photos using software like Topaz can help with accuracy, especially when photos are blurry and out of focus.
- Photoshop to help us create compositions.
- Facetiming Clients around the world to chat about their portraits and meet their pets virtually makes it easier to work with clients internationally.
- Using iPads to work from rather than printing photos. Allowing us to zoom in to see details.
These tools don’t replace our traditional methods, they simply support them, helping us to work more smoothly and stay connected with our clients wherever they are.
A Thoughtful Approach to Sustainability
We’ve also noticed more awareness around the materials and packaging used in commissions — and it’s something we care about too. Small choices can make a difference, so we aim to:
- Source high-quality, lasting materials that won’t need replacing
- Choose eco-friendly packaging wherever possible
- Support UK-based suppliers when sourcing our materials
- Work with longevity in mind, creating artwork that endures
Sustainability doesn’t mean compromising on quality — it just means working with care, both for the artwork and the world around us.
Increasing Personalisation
Portraits have always been personal, but more and more clients are looking to include little touches that tell a fuller story:
- A favourite toy, collar, or blanket included in the composition
- Backgrounds that reflect a pet’s personality or favourite place
- Layouts with multiple poses, especially in memory pieces
- Considering how the portrait will fit with home décor and framing choices
These additions make each portrait even more unique — and we’re always happy to discuss creative ideas with our clients to help bring them to life.
Making Your Decision: Ready to Commission
Commissioning a pet portrait is a very special way to honour the bond you share with your companion. It’s an investment not just in artwork, but in preserving memories — something personal, lasting, and made with care.
The process does take a little time and trust. When you find an artist whose work speaks to you and who takes the time to understand your pet the result is something truly meaningful. A portrait that captures more than just appearance, but spirit and personality too.
While it can be tempting to choose the lowest price, the best value comes from finding someone whose style you love. Whose experience puts you at ease. Plus whose approach makes you feel supported and involved from start to finish.
Whether you opt for the soft elegance of pencil or the rich colour of oils, whether it’s a small, intimate portrait or a larger piece for your home. The most important thing is choosing an artist who understands that this isn’t just a picture. It’s a way of holding onto a relationship that means the world.
How to Commission a Pet Portrait in 2025
A portrait becomes more than just decoration on the wall, it becomes part of your story. Something that, even years from now, will bring a smile or a tear as you remember the joy and comfort your pet brought into your life.
If your pet is with you now full of life and character, don’t wait for a special occasion or until the time becomes more emotional. Celebrate them as they are today, in the prime of your time together.
When you are ready, gather your favourite photos and start a conversation. A part of your family’s story, captured forever in pencil or paint.
We hope you have enjoyed our blog post How to Commission a Pet Portrait in 2025. If you missed our last post head over to How much does a pet portrait cost in the UK. We hope that its a valuable resource.
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