Pet portrait guides & advice
Whether you're commissioning your first pet portrait or simply exploring your options, these guides are designed to help you make informed decisions with confidence.
From choosing the best reference photograph and understanding the commissioning process to comparing artistic styles and learning what influences pricing, each guide is based on real experience creating hand-drawn pet portraits from photographs.
If you're not sure where to begin, start with the recommended guides below or browse the full collection of articles.
Recommended guides
If you're new to commissioning a pet portrait, these are the best guides to begin with.
They answer the questions people ask most often before ordering and provide a great introduction to the commissioning process.
How to Commission a Pet Portrait from a Photo
A step-by-step guide explaining what happens from your first enquiry through to receiving your finished portrait.
How to Choose the Best Photo for a Pet Portrait
Simple advice on selecting reference photographs that will help create the strongest possible portrait.
Hand-Drawn vs Digital Pet Portraits
Learn the differences between traditional hand-drawn artwork and digital illustrations to help you choose the style that's right for you.
Browse all guides
Whether you're looking for practical advice before commissioning a portrait or simply want to learn more about hand-drawn pet artwork, you'll find a growing collection of helpful guides below.
Each article is written from real experience creating commissioned pet portraits and is designed to answer common questions clearly and honestly.
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.
Why read these guides?
Commissioning a pet portrait is a personal decision, and it's natural to have questions before getting started.
These guides are here to help you understand the process, choose the right reference photographs and feel confident about commissioning artwork that's created especially for you.
Rather than overwhelming you with information in one place, each guide focuses on a specific topic, making it easy to explore the areas that matter most to you.
Looking for a memorial pet portrait?
Some portraits celebrate joyful moments, while others are created to honour the memory of a much-loved companion.
If you're considering a memorial portrait, visit the dedicated page to learn more about the process, view previous commissions and find answers to common questions.
Ready to commission?
If you've found the answers you were looking for and feel ready to begin, you can explore portrait sizes, pricing and everything that's included before starting your commission.