How to commission a pet portrait from a photo
Commissioning a pet portrait is about much more than sending a photograph to an artist.
Whether you're celebrating a new puppy, surprising someone with a thoughtful gift or remembering a much-loved companion, understanding the process helps you commission with confidence.
This guide explains exactly how to commission a pet portrait from a photo, from your first enquiry through to receiving your finished hand-drawn artwork. Along the way, you'll find links to more detailed resources covering reference photographs, portrait sizes, delivery and other common questions.
Original dog photograph displayed beside a finished hand-drawn pet portrait
Every portrait begins with a photograph
Every pet portrait commission begins with one or more reference photographs.
These images provide the foundation for your artwork, helping me understand your pet's markings, colouring, proportions and familiar expression. They don't need to be taken by a professional photographer - many of my commissions begin with everyday mobile phone photos.
The goal isn't to copy a photograph exactly. Instead, your chosen images become the starting point for creating an original hand-drawn portrait that feels recognisable, contemporary and personal.
If you're unsure how to choose the best photo for a pet portrait, I'm always happy to review your photos before you place an order and recommend which images will produce the strongest result.
Choosing the right portrait
Once you've decided to commission a portrait, the next step is choosing the size that best suits your home, your budget and the way you'd like the artwork to be displayed.
Smaller portraits are perfect for single pets, thoughtful gifts and smaller spaces, while larger pieces create a stronger focal point and allow more room for detail.
Every portrait is created with the same level of care, regardless of size. If you're unsure which portrait size is right for you, I'm always happy to offer guidance before you order.
Comparison of A5, A4 and A3 hand-drawn pet portrait sizes displayed together
Before drawing begins
Before I begin drawing, I'll review your reference photographs and get in touch to confirm any important details.
This is the opportunity to discuss things like the best image to work from, the crop of the portrait, and, if needed, whether elements from more than one photograph should be combined.
Taking the time to agree these details before work starts helps ensure we're both working towards the same finished result.
If you have any questions at this stage, I'm always happy to answer them before your portrait begins.
Learn more about the process of each commission and explore my portrait stories.
Reference photographs and planning materials for a hand-drawn pet portrait
Creating your portrait
Once everything has been agreed, your portrait is created entirely by hand using professional coloured pencils and wax crayons on textured fine art paper.
Rather than tracing or printing an image, I gradually build the portrait through layers of colour, texture and detail. This slower process allows the finished artwork to develop naturally while preserving the recognisable features that make your pet unique.
Every portrait is an original piece of artwork, created from scratch and signed before it's prepared for delivery.
View my about the artist page to learn more about me and my artistic approach.
Hand-drawn pet portrait using coloured pencils and wax crayons in progress
Reviewing your finished portrait
Before your portrait is dispatched, you'll receive a preview of the completed artwork.
This gives you the chance to see the finished portrait before it leaves the studio and ensures you're happy with the final result.
If there are any small adjustments that can reasonably be made, we'll discuss them before your portrait is carefully packaged for delivery.
My aim is for you to feel excited and confident before your artwork arrives.
Preview of completed hand drawn pet portrait commission
Delivery & receiving your artwork
Once approved, your portrait is carefully packaged to help ensure it arrives safely.
All UK portraits are sent using tracked delivery, and you'll receive tracking information once your artwork has been dispatched.
If you're ordering for a birthday, anniversary, Christmas or another important occasion, it's always worth getting in touch as early as possible so I can advise on current turnaround times.
View my delivery and returns page to learn more about UK and international postage costs, turnaround time, and returns policy.
Carefully packaged hand-drawn pet portrait ready for UK delivery
Helpful resources
If you'd like to explore other aspects of commissioning a pet portrait, these guides provide more detailed advice on specific topics.
Frequently asked questions
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Yes. Many of the portraits I create begin with everyday mobile phone photographs. As long as your pet's features are reasonably clear, they can often provide an excellent reference.
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Yes. If one photograph has the perfect expression and another shows better detail or a different pose, I can often combine them to create a balanced composition.
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No. If you're unsure, I can recommend the most suitable size based on your photographs, the number of pets and where you plan to display the artwork.
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Turnaround times vary depending on the size of the portrait and my current commission schedule. I'll always provide an estimated completion date before confirming your commission.
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Absolutely. Many commissions are created to celebrate the life of a much-loved companion. If you're considering a memorial portrait, you can explore the dedicated page to learn more about the process.
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Yes. Original portraits are carefully packaged and sent using tracked UK delivery.
Ready to commission your pet portrait?
If you're ready to commission a pet portrait, I'd love to create a hand-drawn artwork of your much-loved companion.
Whether you're celebrating a new arrival, marking a special milestone or creating a lasting memorial, every portrait is hand-drawn from your favourite photographs using coloured pencils and wax crayons on textured fine art paper.
If you'd like to discuss your ideas before ordering, you're always welcome to get in touch.
