The Ultimate Guide to Commissioning a Personalised Pet Portrait: Your FAQs Answered
Let’s be honest, our pets aren’t just animals; they are full-blown members of the family.
They have their own spots on the sofa, their own bizarre morning routines, and those distinct, hilarious facial expressions that immediately tell you exactly what they are thinking.
Because every animal has such a unique character, commissioning a custom pet portrait is a beautiful, deeply personal way to celebrate them. It also makes an unforgettable gift for dog lovers and cat owners alike.
However, if you’ve never ordered a bespoke illustration before, it’s completely natural to have a few questions about how the whole process works!
To make things as easy and stress-free as possible, I’ve put together the ultimate guide answering the questions I get asked most often by clients.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What kind of photos do you need for a pet portrait?
You don’t need to worry about hiring a professional photographer or having studio-quality shots! A clear, well-lit photo taken on a modern smartphone is usually absolutely perfect.
When you are scrolling through your camera roll to choose the right image, try to look for photos that are:
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Taken in natural light: Sitting near a bright window or outdoors on a walk helps me see your pet's true fur colour and eye detail.
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At eye level: Capturing your dog or cat looking directly at the camera (rather than looking down at them from above) brings so much more of their natural expression into the final drawing.
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Clear and in focus: The more detail I can see when zooming in on their face, the more personality I can pack into the artwork!
If you are stuck choosing between a few different options, don't worry. You can send them all over and we can pick the best one together.
2. Can you combine separate photos into one portrait?
Yes, absolutely! This is actually one of the most common requests I receive. Whether you have a multi-pet household where getting everyone to sit still for one photo is a total nightmare, or you are looking to create a touching pet memorial piece for animals that never met, you don't need a group photo.
You can send me completely separate individual pictures of each dog or cat, and I will seamlessly compose them together into one cohesive family portrait.
3. What styles of custom pet art do you offer?
Every pet has a completely distinct personality, so I offer a couple of different styles to match their character:
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Character-Filled Illustrations: These are playful, colourful, and filled with local charm. If you want your pet drawn alongside your favourite morning brew or capturing a bit of that classic, chaotic neighbourhood pub energy (like my Tenement Tails piece!), this style is perfect.
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Soft & Expressive Fine Art: These pieces focus more on quiet emotion, beautiful fur textures, and deep facial expressions.
4. How long does a bespoke commission take?
Because each piece of personalised pet artwork is meticulously hand-drawn to capture those fine details, like the dramatic spaniel ears or the slightly judgemental cat stare, it does take a little bit of time!
Typically, my turnaround time is 2 to 3 weeks from the date your photos are confirmed. However, slots can fill up incredibly quickly during peak times of the year (especially the run-up to Christmas).
If you're planning a surprise gift for a fast-approaching birthday or anniversary, it’s always best to get in touch as early as possible.
5. Do the portraits come framed or unframed?
To give you the most flexibility and keep shipping safe, my standard portraits are supplied unframed.
6. Do you only draw dogs and cats?
While dogs and cats certainly keep my desk busy, I am more than happy to draw any animal! From rabbits and hamsters to horses and birds, if you love them, I would be absolutely delighted to illustrate them for you.
How to Book Your Pet Portrait Commission with Hannah Kelly
Getting your custom artwork started is completely stress-free. We can break it down into three simple steps:
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Choose Your Size & Style: Take a look through my pet portrait portfolio to see which illustration style feels right for your home.
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Send Your Photos: Head over to my contact page or drop me an email with your favourite pictures and a little note about your pet's funny habits and personality.
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Secure Your Slot: Once we've agreed on the details, I’ll book your slot, and you can sit back while I bring your pet's portrait to life!
I can’t wait to see your gorgeous pets and start drawing.
Get in touch today to check my current availability and book your commission slot.