Custom Pet Portraits UK: 5 Things I Don’t Do as a Pet Portrait Artist

Being a pet portrait artist is a mix of creativity, patience, business boundaries, and a lot of conversations about dogs.

If you’re looking for custom pet portraits in the UK, choosing the right artist isn’t just about price or turnaround time. It’s about values, style, and how the work is created.

Over the years, I’ve learned that building a sustainable art business isn’t just about what you say yes to. It’s also about what you don’t do.

So here are five things I don’t do as a Glasgow-based pet portrait artist and why they matter.

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1. I Don’t Copy Other Artists’ Styles

I’ve been sent other artists’ work as “inspiration” before.

I completely understand the intention. You see something you love and you’d like something similar of your own pet.

But I don’t copy other artists’ styles.

When you commission one of my custom pet portraits in the UK, you’re choosing my way of drawing. The softness of pastel, the layered graphite detail, the subtle expression work, the personality woven through it.

If you like my work, it’s because it looks like mine.

Art isn’t about replication. It’s about interpretation. And that’s what makes a bespoke pet portrait feel personal.

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2. I Don’t Do Discounts

Yes, even for friends and family.

Each hand drawn pet portrait takes hours of careful layering, observation and refinement. My pricing reflects the time, materials and years of skill behind it.

Discounting might feel generous in the moment, but long term it undervalues the craftsmanship behind custom pet portraits.

If you’re investing in bespoke pet art, you’re investing in something created slowly and intentionally. That’s what gives it meaning.

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3. I Don’t Run Constant Sales

I did try a sale once.

It didn’t sit right.

When artwork is regularly discounted, it subtly suggests the original price wasn’t the real value. I price my custom pet portraits fairly from the start, based on the time and care involved.

That way, whether you enquire today or six months from now, the value remains consistent.

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4. I Don’t Hand My Business Card to Every Person with a Dog

True story. I once handed my business card to someone in a café because they had a beautiful dog.

I still think about it.

If someone asks what I do, I’m always happy to share. But I don’t approach strangers purely because they own a pet.

I’d rather grow my pet portrait business through genuine interest, word of mouth and people who truly connect with my work.

It feels more natural. And far less awkward.

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5. I Don’t Look Down on People Who Can’t Afford My Art

Custom pet portraits are an investment. Not everyone can purchase straight away and that’s completely fine.

I never want my work to feel intimidating or exclusive in a negative way.

That’s why I offer monthly payment plans for my bespoke pet portraits. It allows clients across the UK to spread the cost in a way that feels manageable.

Art should feel special. Not stressful.

If you’re considering commissioning a custom pet portrait, you can find more details about the process and payment options on my commissions page.

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Choosing the Right Artist for Custom Pet Portraits UK

If you’re searching for custom pet portraits in the UK, take your time.

Look at the artist’s style carefully.
Read their tone.
Notice how they talk about their work.

A bespoke pet portrait should reflect your pet’s personality, but it should also reflect the artist’s interpretation and craft.

The right artist won’t try to be everyone else. They’ll have boundaries, a defined style, and a clear way of working.

That’s what protects the quality of the finished piece.

If you value craftsmanship, personality, and artwork created slowly and thoughtfully, we’ll probably get along just fine.

You can view examples of my hand drawn pet portraits here.

Or explore my hand drawn pet portrait prints if you’re not ready for a full commission.

Thank you for being here.

Hannah