Pet portrait guides & advice
Helpful guides for choosing, commissioning and understanding hand-drawn pet portraits.
From finding the right reference photograph to understanding prices, turnaround times and different types of pet portrait, you'll find practical advice based on my experience creating portraits from customer photographs.
Not sure where to begin? Start with the recommended guides below.
Start here
New to pet portraits? These featured guides cover the best place to begin, from understanding the process to choosing your photograph and knowing what makes a strong finished portrait.
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![Customer holding framed hand drawn pet portrait of three dogs]()
How to commission
See how everything works, from sending your photographs to receiving the finished artwork.
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![Reference photo of Maverick for his pet portrait]()
Choosing the best photo
Find out what makes a good reference, and why an everyday phone photo can work perfectly.
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![Close up of custom pet portrait of Parson Russell]()
A great pet portrait
Why recognisability matters and how the right photograph and drawing decisions come together.
All pet portrait guides
Browse the full collection of practical guides covering photographs, commissioning, prices, turnaround times and choosing the right type of pet portrait.
What makes a good pet portrait?
Discover what makes a great pet portrait, from recognisable likeness and reference photos to artistic style, materials and choosing the right artist.
How long do pet portraits take?
Learn how long hand-drawn pet portraits typically take in the UK, what affects turnaround times and when to order for birthdays, Christmas and special occasions.
How much do pet portraits cost in the UK?
Discover what affects pet portrait prices in the UK, from digital artwork to original hand-drawn commissions, and learn what influences cost.
Hand-drawn vs digital pet portraits: Which is right for you?
Compare hand-drawn and digital pet portraits, understand the key differences and discover which style is the right choice for you.
How to commission a pet portrait from a photo
Learn how to commission a hand-drawn pet portrait from a photo, from choosing reference images to approving your finished artwork and UK delivery.
How to choose the best photo for a pet portrait
Discover how to choose the best photo for a pet portrait with simple tips on lighting, focus, angles and reference images for the best possible result.
Looking for something specific?
Looking for advice about a particular type of portrait? These pages bring together the most useful information, examples and guidance for each.
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![Close up of framed working cocker spaniel pet portrait on wall]()
Dog portraits
Hand-drawn dog portraits created from your photos, from puppies and rescues to other furry friends.
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![Customer hanging a hand drawn pet portrait]()
Memorial pet portraits
A thoughtful way to turn a treasured photograph into original artwork that keeps a familiar face close.
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![Mabel holding her custom pet portrait of boxer dog]()
Pet portrait gifts
Looking for something personal? Turn their favourite pet photo into a one-of-a-kind hand-drawn gift.
See how real portraits come together
Every portrait starts with a photograph, but every commission develops differently.
Explore my portrait stories to see the original reference photos, drawing process and finished artwork behind real commissions.
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![Close up of custom pet portrait of Parson Russell]()
Dudley
Memorial Parson Russell Portrait
Dudley's portrait shows that a photo doesn't need to be perfect to become meaningful artwork.
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![Hand drawn pet portrait of cockapoo close up]()
Maverick
Cockapoo puppy portrait
Created from a garden photo, Maverick's portrait celebrates a first puppy with hand-drawn artwork.
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![Final pet portrait alongside reference photos of three dogs]()
Rocky, Dutch & Jessie
Multiple pet portrait
From 3 photos, this multi pet portrait brings Rocky, Dutch & Jessie together in one composition.
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![Custom cocker spaniel portrait next to reference photo]()
Tilly
Black Cocker Spaniel portrait
Combining several favourite photos, Tilly's portrait brings her expression and features together.
Ready to commission your pet portrait?
If you've found the answers you were looking for, you can choose your portrait size and start your commission online.
Every portrait is created personally by me from your photographs, with guidance available if you're unsure which images to use.
A5 £65 · A4 £110 · A3 £170
UK delivery included
Preview before dispatch