Welcome to our latest blog post, all about how to commission a pet portrait, everything you need to know! Whether you have been thinking about it for a while or you have just started looking, I hope this guide helps to make the whole process feel a little less daunting and a lot more exciting.
Over the years, Nicholas and I have worked with hundreds of clients from all over the world. Many of them commissioning a piece of artwork for the very first time. It is one of the most personal and meaningful things you can do, and we absolutely love being part of it. So if you have ever wondered how it all works, read on!
Step One: Finding the Right Pet Portrait Artist
The first and most important step is finding an artist whose work you genuinely love. Every artist has their own style and personality that shines through in their work. So take your time browsing galleries and portfolios before making a decision. Try to ask yourself –
- Do you prefer a highly detailed, realistic style or something a little more painterly and expressive?
- Do you like traditional black and white portraits, or would you prefer full colour?
- Do the animals in the portfolio look natural, full of character and truly lifelike?
When you find an artist whose work consistently makes you smile, you are probably on the right track. You can browse our own galleries here. Nicholas creates all of our traditional oil paintings and I create the detailed classic pencil portraits. We always work from your own photos.
Pencil or Oil? Which Medium is Right for You?
One of the first decisions to make is which medium suits you best. Both are beautiful in their own way, and it really comes down to personal taste and where the portrait will hang in your home.
My pencil portraits are drawn in graphite on off white / cream professional art paper and have a timeless, classic feel. They are perfect if you love the elegance of a black and white portrait. They look wonderful framed under glass with a mount.
Nicholas’s oil paintings are rich and full of colour, hand painted on fine grain linen canvas. They are perfect if you want something vibrant and striking, something that really stands out on the wall. Oil paintings don’t need to be framed behind glass, which means they can be beautifully displayed in a traditional frame.
If you are not sure which to go for, we have a helpful page where you can compare oil and pencil portraits side by side.
Getting the Reference Photos Right
Because most pet portraits are created from photographs rather than live sittings, the quality of your reference photo really does make a huge difference to the finished portrait. The best reference photos usually have –
- Natural, even lighting, ideally taken outdoors or near a window
- A clear, sharp focus on your pet’s face, especially the eyes
- A relaxed and natural expression that shows off their personality
- Plenty of fine detail in the fur or coat
Don’t panic if you don’t have a perfect photo. We are very experienced at working with what we have, and can often combine features from a few different images to create the ideal composition. We have a full page of tips on choosing the right reference photo which is well worth a read before you get in touch.
Discussing the Commission Details
Once you have chosen your artist, the next step is to chat through the details of the portrait. This is one of my favourite parts of the whole process, getting to hear about your pet and what makes them so special! Here are some of the things we will usually discuss –
- The size of the portrait
- Whether you would like one pet or multiple
- The pose and composition
- Background style or colour
- Any particular features or details that are especially important to you
We are always happy to offer guidance and suggestions especially if you are not sure where to start. You can read more about our full process on our how it works page.
Pet Portrait Prices — What to Expect
Prices for commissioned artwork vary depending on the medium, the size and the complexity of the portrait. We always provide a clear, upfront quote before any work begins, so there are no surprises.
It is also very common for artists to ask for a deposit before starting work. This is completely normal practice and it protects both the artist and the client. It also means your place in our schedule is confirmed and we can get started!
If you would like to go into more detail before getting in touch, we have put together a really comprehensive pricing guide. It covers everything from the different sizes and mediums through to what affects the overall cost of a commission. It is well worth a read if you like to have all the information to hand before making a decision. You can find it here – In-Depth Guide to Pet Portrait Pricing.
Alternatively, if you would just like to know how much our portraits cost, you can find full details of our pricing on our pet portrait commission information page.
Trusting the Artist and the Process
Once the commission has begun, the most important thing you can do is trust the artist you have chosen. You picked them because you love their work, so giving them the creative space to produce their best work is always the best approach!
Nicholas and I both work carefully and meticulously, building each portrait layer by layer over many hours. All of our oil painting clients have access to our private client portal where they can watch the painting develop in real time, which people absolutely love.
The final reveal is honestly one of the most exciting moments of the whole process. We always look forward to sharing the finished portrait with our clients.
A Portrait That Lasts a Lifetime
A hand drawn or hand painted portrait is something truly special, something very different from a photograph. It captures not just what your pet looks like, but their personality, their presence, the little things that make them so uniquely them.
Many of our clients commission portraits to celebrate a beloved companion, or to create a lasting tribute to a pet who meant the world to them. These are pieces that hang proudly on walls for many years and become truly treasured parts of the home.
We also offer memorial pet portraits for those who have sadly lost a much loved animal, it is one of the most meaningful commissions we do and it is always an honour to be trusted with it.
Are You Ready to Commission Your Pet Portrait?
We hope that you have enjoyed reading our blog post ‘How to Commission a Pet Portrait – Everything You Need to Know’. If you would like to read our previous post bout How to Find a Pet Portrait Artist using AI, have read and we hope you find it helpful.
If you are thinking about commissioning a portrait of your own dog, cat or horse, we would absolutely love to hear from you. Whether you have lots of questions or you are ready to go, please don’t hesitate to get in touch. We are always happy to help.
You can also take a look at our pet portrait FAQ page if there is something specific you would like to know. Perhaps head over to our contact page to send us your photos and get the ball rolling.
We can’t wait to meet your pet!
How to Commission a Pet Portrait – Everything You Need to Know – Written by Artist Melanie Phillips
Contact Us!
If you have a question or you would like to commission a portrait, contact us at any time. Don’t forget to subscribe to our YouTube Channel too.