How I Create Custom Pet Portraits from Your Photos

How I Turn Your Pet Photos Into Beautiful, Heartfelt Artwork

One of the questions I’m asked most often is: How do you turn a photo into a portrait that feels so alive? I thought it might be nice to share a little behind-the-scenes look at how I create each custom pet portrait, from first photo to final piece.

Whether it’s a birthday gift, a way to remember a much-loved pet, or just something special for yourself, each piece is completely hand-drawn with care, and no two are ever the same.

It All Starts With Your Photos

When you book a portrait with me, I’ll usually ask for a few high-quality photos of your pet. These don’t need to be super professional, just clear and well-lit, ideally taken in natural light. This helps me see the detail in their fur, the colour in their eyes, and the little features that make them them.

Different angles are really helpful too, so I can get a feel for their personality and how they carry themselves. Even one photo can tell a story, but a few together help me build a better picture, literally!

You can find more information on taking photos here.

Sketching Out the Basics

Once I’ve got everything I need, I begin by lightly sketching the outline using the grid method. This helps me keep the proportions accurate, especially for more detailed portraits or multi-pet pieces.

I work on Pastelmat paper, which is a specialist surface made just for pastel pencils. It holds colour beautifully and lets me build up soft, realistic textures over time.

From Outline to Life

With the outline down, I usually start with the darkest colours and gradually work towards the lightest. The eyes and nose are often the first features I tackle, they’re the heart of the portrait and where so much of a pet’s expression lives.

From there, I build up layer by layer. Fur direction, texture, and little colour variations are all added slowly, with lots of blending and detail work. It’s a process that takes time, but it’s always worth it for that moment when the pet starts to ‘appear’ on the page.

Keeping You in the Loop

Throughout the process, I’ll stay in touch with updates and progress photos, making sure you’re happy with how everything’s coming along. My favourite part is hearing the reactions when people see their pets taking shape: it’s genuinely such a joy.

I only post out portraits once you’re completely happy with how it looks. Your portrait will be carefully packaged and posted with tracking, so it arrives safe and sound.

From Memory to Artwork

Every portrait I make is a collaboration between me and the pet’s person. It’s not just about getting the likeness right; it’s about capturing that spark, the thing that makes your pet so special.

If you’re thinking about commissioning a custom pet portrait, feel free to get in touch with any questions or browse some examples in my portfolio. I’d love to hear all about your pet.

Thanks so much for supporting my work, it really does mean the world!

Warmly,
Hannah
Pet Portrait Artist | Glasgow