How much do pet portraits cost in the UK?
If you’ve been searching for pet portraits from photos, you’ve probably noticed something straight away:
Prices vary — a lot.
Some digital portraits cost under £50.
Some hand-drawn or painted originals cost several hundred pounds.
So what’s normal?
And what are you actually paying for?
This guide explains how pet portrait pricing works in the UK — and what affects the cost when commissioning original, hand-drawn artwork.
The biggest price difference: Digital vs hand-drawn
The largest pricing difference usually comes down to how the portrait is created.
Digital portraits:
• Created on tablets or computers
• Delivered as image files
• Often printed multiple times
• Easier to edit and duplicate
Hand-drawn portraits:
• Created directly on paper
• Made using physical materials
• Delivered as original artwork
• One-of-a-kind pieces
My portraits are drawn using coloured pencil and wax crayon on textured fine art paper.
There is no digital base and no printing involved in the creation.
The finished artwork is the original.
That distinction alone significantly affects value.
Typical pet portrait price ranges in the UK
As a general guide:
Digital portrait download: £40–£120
Printed canvas portrait: £80–£200
Original hand-drawn or painted portrait: £100–£600+
The price range for original artwork depends on:
• Size
• Number of pets
• Artist experience
• Materials
• Detail level
Hand-drawn portraits naturally sit higher than digital options because they are physical artworks rather than reproducible files. Here’s what affects turnaround times.
My current portrait prices
For transparency, my hand-drawn portrait prices are:
• A5 – £65
• A4 – £110
• A3 – £170
Each portrait is:
• Individually hand-drawn
• Created in coloured pencil and wax crayon
• Completed on textured fine art paper
• Produced from your photo
• Delivered as original artwork
There are no printed templates or digital overlays.
These sizes suit different spaces — from smaller gift pieces to larger statement artwork.
View available sizes & order online
If you’d like to see examples and place an order, you can view portrait options below.
What affects the cost of a hand-drawn portrait?
Several factors influence pricing.
Size
Larger pieces allow for:
• Greater detail
• Stronger presence
• More refined tonal work
Detail & coat type
Dark coats, long fur and complex markings require careful tonal control.
Composition
Multiple pets increase structure and balance considerations.
Artistic approach
My style focuses on expressive realism — accurate and recognisable without being a rigid copy of a single photograph.
That balance requires interpretation as well as precision.
Why prices vary so widely
When comparing artists, you may notice significant differences.
Lower pricing can reflect:
• Digital creation
• Hobby-level experience
• Simplified styles
• Printed reproductions
Higher pricing can reflect:
• Established artistic style
• Original artwork
• Detailed realism
• Strong portfolio consistency
It’s not simply about time spent.
It’s about materials, originality, artistic judgement and the final quality of the piece.
Is a hand-drawn pet portrait worth it?
That depends entirely on what you’re looking for.
For many clients, it’s worth it because:
• It becomes a meaningful gift
• It marks a milestone
• It honours a pet’s memory
• It adds original art to the home
A hand-drawn portrait has texture and presence that printed images don’t.
You can see the pigment.
You can see the paper grain.
You can see the character.
My aim is always to create something modern and clean, with personality at the centre — expressive but recognisable.
Not a flat replica.
Not a stylised cartoon.
Not a filtered print.
Something personal.
How to decide what’s right for you
Before commissioning, ask yourself:
Do I want original artwork or a digital file?
Is this a decorative piece or something meaningful?
Do I value texture and physical materials?
If you’re unsure what’s involved in commissioning, you can read my guide on what to expect when ordering a pet portrait.
If you’re unsure about your photo, read my guide on how to take the best photo for a pet portrait.
If you’re deciding between digital and hand-drawn, here’s a full comparison.
Ready to commission your pet portrait?
If you’re looking for a hand-drawn pet portrait from your photo in the UK — created in coloured pencil and wax crayon on textured paper — you can view sizes and order below.
