I Make People Cry for a Living (Not in the Way You Think)
Hey, I am Hannah, a pet portrait artist living and working in Glasgow.
And yes, I make people cry for a living. But not in the way you might imagine.
These are the kind of tears that come from joy, surprise and love.
The moment when someone opens a gift that truly means something. A hand-drawn portrait of their beloved pet, captured with care and detail. The kind of present that says far more than words ever could.
That moment is why I do what I do.
The Beauty of Capturing Emotion
Every portrait begins quietly in my Glasgow studio with a few photographs and a story.
Sometimes it is a birthday surprise. Sometimes a Christmas gift. Sometimes a way of remembering a pet who has passed away.
Each piece starts as soft pencil lines that slowly become something familiar and full of life. The glint in their eyes, the curve of their nose, the softness of their fur. I take my time to make sure every mark feels right, because it is never just about how a pet looks. It is about who they are.
When that finished portrait is finally gifted, something special always happens.
There is laughter. There are smiles. And yes, sometimes there are tears.
Why It Means So Much
My favourite part of this work is hearing what happens next.
The message that says, “They cried when they opened it.”
The photo of a framed portrait now hanging in a family home.
Those are the moments that mean everything to me. Because these portraits are more than drawings. They are keepsakes that hold love, memory and connection. They remind us of how it feels to be loved by a pet who changed our lives.
That is what I mean when I say I make people cry for a living. It is the best feeling in the world.
Shop Small This Christmas
This Christmas, choose a gift that feels personal. Something created by hand, with meaning and care.
A bespoke pet portrait is a heartfelt way to celebrate the pets we love. It lasts long after the wrapping paper is gone.
When you commission a portrait, you are supporting a small Glasgow artist and investing in a piece of art that is entirely one of a kind. Each portrait is drawn with precision, love and attention to detail, and a small deposit secures your booking before the festive rush.
It is a beautiful way to shop small this Christmas while giving a gift that truly lasts.
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Commission Your Own Hand-Drawn Portrait
If you would like to commission a portrait, I would love to hear from you.
Each piece is drawn by hand in my Glasgow studio and designed to become a meaningful keepsake for years to come.
Whether it is a gift for someone special or a piece for your own home, every drawing celebrates the bond between people and their pets.