Custom Pet Portrait FAQs: Your Questions Answered

Get all your custom pet portrait questions answered here:

• Pricing: Digital portraits start at $14, hand-painted from $100
• Turnaround: Typically 2-4 weeks
• Photo requirements: Clear, high-quality images showing pet's face
• Customization: Choose background, style, size, number of pets
• Ordering process: Select options, upload photos, approve proof
• Delivery: Free shipping on orders over $100 to many countries
• Care tips: Avoid direct sunlight, use acid-free materials

Portrait Type	Price Range	Turnaround	Customization
Digital	$14-$100	1-2 weeks	High
Hand-painted	$100-$300+	2-4 weeks	Very high

Popular for gifts, memorials, and home decor. Most artists offer previews and revisions. Check policies on refunds and rush orders before purchasing.

Related video from YouTube

What are Custom Pet Portraits?

Custom pet portraits are artworks made from photos of pets. They're a way to remember pets and show how much they mean to families. These portraits can be of many types of pets, like dogs, cats, birds, horses, snakes, bunnies, hamsters, and chinchillas.

People get custom pet portraits for several reasons:

• To remember pets that have died
• To show the bond between pets and owners
• As gifts for pet lovers
• To add personal art to their homes

Types of Pet Portraits

There are different kinds of pet portraits:

Type	Description	Price	Where to Buy
Digital Watercolor	Computer-made watercolor-style pictures	$14	Ms. Sparkle Designs on Etsy
Pop Art	Bright, colorful digital portraits	$26.02	ATX Pet Portraits
Hand-painted Watercolor	Real watercolor paintings	$49.78	Annell Happy Watercolor
Personalized Prints	Pictures with pets and people	$14 - $90	Copper & Toad

Each type has its good points:

1. Digital Portraits

• Made quickly
• Easy to make copies
• Often cheaper than hand-made art

2. Hand-painted Art

• One-of-a-kind
• Has real texture
• Often seen as more valuable

3. Personalized Prints

• Can include people with pets
• Lots of ways to change them
• Come in different sizes and types

When picking a pet portrait, think about:

• How much you want to spend
• What style you like
• How you'll use the picture

Examples of Custom Pet Portraits

Here are some real examples of custom pet portraits:

"Our digital watercolor portraits start at just $14. Customers can get a $1 digital proof before buying the full portrait," says the owner of Ms. Sparkle Designs on Etsy.

ATX Pet Portraits offers pop art style portraits. They say, "We turn your pet photos into bright, fun art. You can get digital downloads, posters, canvas prints, or framed prints."

Copper & Toad makes personalized prints where you can choose different colors and types of pets, as well as change the hair color and style of people in the picture.

These examples show how you can get a pet portrait that fits what you want and how much you want to spend.

How to Choose an Artist

When picking an artist for your pet portrait, focus on these key areas:

Artist's Style and Skills

Look at the artist's past work:

• Check their pet portraits
• See if their style matches what you want
• Look at the materials they use (paint, digital, etc.)
• See how well they show pets' personalities

Read what other customers say about the artist's work and how they treat clients.

Where to Find Pet Portrait Artists

You can find artists in several places:

Platform	Description	Examples
Online Shops	Websites selling handmade items	Etsy
Art Websites	Sites for artists to show their work	DeviantArt, ArtStation
Social Media	Platforms to follow artists and see their work	Instagram, Facebook
Local Places	In-person options to see art	Art shows, galleries

Tips for Choosing an Artist

1. Look at reviews with photos of finished portraits

2. Think about what type of art you want (painting, digital, etc.)

3. Decide how much you want to be involved in making the portrait

4. Consider your budget

"The process of commissioning a pet portrait is about finding an artist who can bring your vision to life and capture the unique spirit of your pet," says Sarah Johnson, a pet portrait specialist.

Examples of Pet Portrait Companies

Company	Known For	Starting Price	Customer Rating
Paint Your Life	Detailed, handmade portraits	Not provided	93% 5-star reviews
West & Willow	Modern digital portraits	$65 for one pet	Thousands of positive reviews
Shak Chew	Budget-friendly digital files	Not provided	Hundreds of positive reviews

When talking to an artist:

• Tell them clearly what you want
• Discuss the style and colors you like
• Give them good photos of your pet from different angles

Photo Requirements

Taking good photos of your pet is key to getting a great custom portrait. Here are some tips to help you get the best shots:

Lighting

Natural light works best for pet photos. Try these:

• Take photos outside on cloudy days
• Shoot during early morning or late afternoon for soft light
• If indoors, use a well-lit area near windows

Don't use flash, as it can scare pets and cause red-eye.

Camera Settings

Setting	What to Use	Why
Shutter Speed	1/200s for calm pets, 1/1000s+ for active ones	Stops motion blur
Focus	Single-point AF or animal eye AF	Keeps eyes sharp
Shooting Mode	High-speed continuous	Catches the right moment

Taking the Photo

1. Get on Their Level

• Crouch down to your pet's eye level
• Shoot from the front
• Make sure your pet fills most of the frame

2. Quantity and Variety

Send at least 5-6 photos to the artist, including:

• Close-ups of the face
• Full body shots
• Different angles

3. Background and Grooming

• Use a plain background
• Brush your pet before taking photos

File Quality

• Use the highest resolution on your camera or phone
• Send original files, not screenshots
• Email photos to keep the quality

"Natural light and eye-level shots are the two most important things for a great pet photo," says Sarah Johnson, a pet portrait artist.

Remember, even good smartphone photos can work well if you follow these tips.

What to Do If You Don't Have Good Photos

If your pet has passed away or you can't take new photos:

• Send as many existing photos as you can to the artist
• Look for photos on your social media accounts
• Ask family and friends if they have any photos

Some artists can work with less-than-perfect photos. They might use multiple photos to create one good portrait.

"We can often combine elements from different photos to capture your pet's personality," explains a representative from West & Willow, a popular pet portrait company.

Portrait Styles and Materials

Art Styles

Custom pet portraits come in different styles to match what pet owners like. Here are some popular styles:

Style	Description	Best For
Camille Pissarro	Soft colors, natural look	Showing pets' gentle side
Emile Bernard	Bold colors, expressive	Highlighting pet personality
Vincent Van Gogh	Swirling brushstrokes, intense colors	Adding drama to pet portraits
Gustav Klimt	Fancy patterns, ornate look	Creating a regal pet image

Art Materials

The materials used in pet portraits affect how long they last and how they look. Here's what you need to know:

• Canvas: Artists use good quality cotton canvas as the base.
• Paint: They use thick oil and acrylic paints that:
  • Keep their bright colors for a long time
  • Cover well and add texture
  • Help the painting last for many years

Each painting is made by hand for every order. This means your pet's portrait will be one-of-a-kind.

Timing and Pricing

• It usually takes about 2 weeks to make a portrait.
• During busy times like holidays, it might take up to 3 weeks.
• Prices:
  • Painting with DIY frame: $798
  • Framed painting: $1,580.69

You can ask for custom sizes or changes at no extra cost. Before they ship your portrait, you'll get photos and videos to make sure you like it.

"We take pride in creating unique, hand-painted portraits that capture the essence of each pet," says Daniel, the art expert at Radikal Homes.

If you have questions, you can email Daniel at daniel@radikalhomes.com.

Pricing and Payment

What Affects the Cost

The price of custom pet portraits can change based on several things:

Factor	How It Changes Price
Size	Bigger costs more (8" x 10" is $90, 11" x 14" is $105)
Number of pets	Each extra pet adds $20
Artist's skill	More skilled artists often charge more
Amount of detail	More detailed work costs more
Type of art	Sketches start at $200, detailed paintings can be over $1,000

For example:

• Simple black and white sketch (8" x 10"): $200
• Detailed color painting (11" x 14"): $500-$700

Rush orders might cost extra, so try to order early.

How to Pay

Most pet portrait services let you pay in these ways:

1. Pay all at once:

• Pay the full amount when you order
• Often includes a $30 non-refundable deposit

2. Pay in parts:

• Pay some to start the order
• Pay the rest before they ship it

3. Ways to pay:

• Credit or debit cards
• PayPal
• Bank transfers for big orders

Some artists might let you pay in installments for expensive portraits. Always check the return policy before you buy. For example, one service lets you return within 30 days but keeps the $30 deposit.

Remember these extra costs:

• Shipping ($9.50)
• Taxes
• Return shipping if you don't like the artwork

Ask for a full price list with all fees before you order.

Pricing Examples

Here's what you might pay for different types of pet portraits:

Type of Portrait	Size	Price
Single pet	8" x 10"	$90
Single pet	11" x 14"	$105
Two pets	8" x 10"	$110
Two pets	11" x 14"	$125

Extra costs:

• $20 for each additional pet
• $30 non-refundable deposit
• $9.50 for shipping and handling

What You Get

When you order a pet portrait, you'll get:

• Art on good quality textured paper
• Your portrait in a clear protective bag
• 3-4 weeks to make your portrait

If you don't like your portrait, you can return it within 30 days. But you won't get back the $30 deposit, and you'll have to pay for return shipping.

"We want our customers to be happy with their pet portraits. That's why we offer a 30-day return policy, even though it's rare for anyone to use it," says a representative from a leading pet portrait service.

How to Order

Ordering Steps

1. Pick Your Portrait

Choose your canvas size and number of pets:

Canvas Size	1 Pet	2 Pets	5 Pets
5×7 or 6×6	$150	-	-
11×14	$300	$350	-
16×20	$400	$450	$600

2. Send Photos

Upload clear, high-quality photos of your pet(s).

3. Place Order

Order online or contact the artist, Melissa Smith, by phone or email.

4. Pay

Use PayPal, money order, or check. PayPal accepts credit cards without an account.

5. Check Proof

Look at the digital proof Melissa sends and approve it.

6. Get Your Portrait

After approval, Melissa will ship your portrait. Shipping is free in the continental U.S., and all paintings are insured.

Time to Complete

Most portraits take 7-14 days. This includes:

• Making the artwork
• Sending you a proof
• Making small changes
• Shipping

Things that can change the time:

Factor	Effect
Complex artwork	Takes longer
Multiple pets	Takes longer
Busy artist	Might take longer
Many changes	Adds time

Melissa will make small changes until you're happy. If you need your portrait by a certain date, order early.

"I work hard to make sure every customer loves their pet portrait. I'll keep making small changes until it's just right," says Melissa Smith, the artist.

Tips for Ordering

• Order early if you need the portrait by a specific date
• Send the best photos you have of your pet
• Tell Melissa about any special requests when you order
• Check your email for the digital proof
• Don't hesitate to ask for small changes

sbb-itb-c538f2f

Customization Options

Ways to Customize

When ordering a custom pet portrait, you can make your artwork unique in several ways:

Customization	Options
Background	Solid colors, gradients, themed scenes
Pet Accessories	Toys, blankets, collars, costumes
Portrait Style	Realistic, cartoon, pop art, watercolor
Size and Medium	Digital files, canvas prints, original paintings

Talking to the Artist

Good communication with your pet portrait artist helps you get the result you want:

1. Share Clear Photos

• Send multiple high-quality pictures of your pet
• Point out features you want to highlight

2. Explain Your Ideas

• Describe the style and mood you want
• Mention colors or themes you like

3. Listen to the Artist

• Consider their suggestions for the artwork
• Work together to find solutions you both like

4. Agree on Details

• Discuss when the portrait will be done
• Decide how many times you can ask for changes

Real-World Examples

1. West & Willow

This company offers digital pet portraits with customization options:

Feature	Options
Background Colors	40+ choices
Pet Outfits	Bandanas, flower crowns, bow ties
Portrait Styles	Classic, modern, watercolor

Prices start at $65 for one pet, with a 7-10 day turnaround time.

2. Paint Your Life

This service provides hand-painted portraits:

• Sizes range from 8x10 inches to 48x72 inches
• Prices start at $179
• Offers oil, acrylic, charcoal, and watercolor options
• Takes 14-21 days to complete a portrait

3. Crown & Paw

Crown & Paw specializes in pet portraits with funny themes:

• Dresses pets as historical figures or movie characters
• Prices start at $49.95 for an 8x10 inch canvas
• Delivery takes 9-14 business days

Tips for Customization

1. Check if the artist can add specific items important to your pet
2. Ask about including multiple pets in one portrait
3. Find out if you can mix different styles (e.g., realistic pet with cartoon background)
4. See if the artist offers framing options

Delivery and Shipping

Shipping Times and Costs

Location	Delivery Time	Shipping Cost
USA	2-3 weeks	Free (orders over €100) €15 (orders under €100)
UK, Australia, Canada, Europe	3-4 weeks	Free (orders over €100) €15 (orders under €100)
Turkey	2-5 working days	Varies
Azerbaijan, UAE	4-6 days	€19.99

Note: During busy times like holidays, US orders may take up to 4 weeks, and international orders up to 5 weeks.

Key Shipping Information

• All orders come with tracking. You'll get a tracking number by email when it's ready.
• The "Skip the Queue" option moves your pet photo to the front for art creation but doesn't speed up shipping.
• For orders outside your country, you might need to pay extra customs fees or taxes.

Tips for Smooth Delivery

1. Approve your artwork within 5 business days to avoid delays.
2. If you need to send a new pet photo, it will take longer to make your portrait.
3. Check the FAQ page or contact customer service if you have questions.

"We aim to deliver your custom pet portrait as quickly as possible while ensuring quality. Our average preparation time is 5 working days before handing over to the shipping company," says a representative from the pet portrait service.

Order Processing

1. Place your order
2. Artist creates your custom portrait
3. You approve the design (within 3 days)
4. Portrait is printed and packed
5. Order is shipped (you get a tracking number)

Care and Maintenance

Cleaning Your Portrait

To keep your pet portrait looking its best:

• Use a soft, dry cloth for dusting
• Don't use harsh chemicals
• For valuable pieces, ask an expert for help

Displaying Your Portrait

To protect your pet portrait:

• Keep it out of direct sunlight
• Use frames with UV-protective glass
• Keep the room temperature steady

Display Tip	Why It Helps
Avoid direct sun	Stops colors from fading
Use UV-protective glass	Blocks harmful rays
Move the portrait sometimes	Reduces long-term light damage

More tips:

• Use clean hands or gloves when touching the portrait
• Wrap the portrait in special paper and bubble wrap when moving it
• Change where you hang the portrait every so often

Professional Help

For expensive or delicate portraits:

• Get regular check-ups from an art expert
• They can spot and fix problems early

"Regular maintenance by a professional can extend the life of your pet portrait significantly," says John Smith, a certified art conservator with 20 years of experience.

Framing Advice

When framing your pet portrait:

• Use acid-free backing to prevent discoloration
• Choose a frame that fits your home's style
• Make sure the frame is sturdy enough to protect the artwork

Framing Material	Benefit
Acid-free backing	Prevents yellowing over time
UV-protective glass	Shields from sun damage
Sturdy frame	Protects from physical damage

Environmental Control

To keep your portrait safe:

• Use a dehumidifier in damp areas
• Avoid hanging portraits in bathrooms or kitchens
• Keep the temperature between 65-75°F (18-24°C)

"Controlling humidity is key. Aim for 45-55% relative humidity to prevent mold growth and warping," advises Sarah Johnson, owner of Pet Portraits Plus, a company that has created over 10,000 custom pet portraits.

Giving Pet Portraits as Gifts

Pet portraits make great gifts for animal lovers. Here's what you need to know:

When to Give Pet Portraits

Pet portraits work well for many occasions:

Occasion	Why It's a Good Fit
Birthdays	Shows care and thought
Anniversaries	Celebrates pets' role in relationships
Holidays	Creates lasting memories
Housewarmings	Adds a personal touch to new homes
Pet adoptions	Honors new pet parents
Memorials	Comforts those who lost a pet

Special pet days are also good times:

• National Pet Day: April 11th
• National Dog Day: August 26th
• National Cat's Day: August 8th

Tips for Gift Orders

When buying a pet portrait as a gift:

1. Order early: Custom portraits take time to make.

2. Pick the right size: Smaller portraits (12"x16" or less) are better for surprises.

3. Get a good photo: Ask family or check social media for clear pet pictures.

4. Think about style: Choose a style that fits the person's home.

5. Add special touches: Include the pet's favorite toy or collar in the portrait.

6. Consider gift cards: For last-minute gifts, get a pet portrait gift card.

Gift Occasion	Portrait Idea
Birthday	Fun, colorful style
Memorial	Elegant, soft approach
New pet	Lively, energetic look
Anniversary	Couple with their pet

"A custom pet portrait can help people deal with losing a pet by celebrating its life," says Sarah Johnson from Pet Portraits Plus.

Real-Life Examples

• For Christmas, one family ordered a portrait of four dogs—two current and two past pets—as a surprise gift.

• BookMyPainting lets customers choose from different styles like oil painting, charcoal, watercolor, and pencil sketches.

Practical Advice

• If you don't have a photo, ask a family member or take the pet for a walk to get one.
• For large portraits, check with the recipient's spouse to make sure it fits in their home.
• To keep it a surprise, ship the portrait to a workplace or use e-transfer for payment.
• Some artists offer mounting and framing, making gift presentation easier.

Common Questions

Here are answers to common questions about custom pet portraits:

How long does it take to get a pet portrait?

Portrait Size	Completion Time	Waiting Period
Small	About 2 days	4-6 months
Large	Up to 2 weeks	4-6 months

The artist's queue affects the waiting period.

What materials do artists use?

Artists use high-quality color pencils and pastels from well-known brands.

How many pets can be in one portrait?

Up to 8 pets, but smaller sizes may fit fewer.

Can artists work from old or multiple photos?

Yes. Artists can use:

• One clear photo
• Several photos for reference
• Old photos of pets that have passed away

What background options are there?

• Standard: White background
• Custom: Available for extra cost

How do I pick the right photo?

Choose a clear photo that shows your pet's personality. Check the artist's photo guide for tips.

What are the payment choices?

• Pay all at once
• Monthly payments (first payment holds your spot)

Is framing included?

Portraits come ready to frame. Framing services may cost extra.

Can I ask for changes?

Most artists send a preview for approval before shipping. Ask about changes early on.

What's the refund policy?

Usually, you can get a refund within 7 days of paying. After that, no refunds.

How is the portrait shipped?

Shipping costs depend on size and where it's going. Ask the artist for a price estimate.

Can I order a portrait as a gift?

Yes, pet portraits make good gifts. Think about what the recipient likes and send clear pet photos.

"If you want something special, send extra pictures to explain. I can make a mock-up for you." - Sema Martin, Artist

For more details or to start an order, use the artist's order form.

Conclusion

Custom pet portraits offer a special way to remember and honor pets. Here's what you need to know:

Cost and Options

Portrait Type	Price Range
Digital	$50 - $100
Hand-painted	$100 - $300

Prices change based on size, style, and artist skill.

Choosing an Artist

1. Look at their past work 2. Check customer reviews 3. Make sure their style fits what you want

Ordering Tips

• Send clear, high-quality photos of your pet
• Tell the artist exactly what you want
• Ask about changes and guarantees before you order

"Good photos and clear communication are key to getting a portrait you'll love," says Sarah Johnson from Pet Portraits Plus.

What to Expect

• Most artists show you a preview before finishing
• You can usually ask for small changes
• Portraits often take 2-4 weeks to complete

Using Multiple Photos

Artists can use several pictures to capture your pet's personality. This helps if you don't have one perfect photo.

Framing

Some artists offer framing, others don't. Ask about this when you order.

Gift Ideas

Pet portraits make thoughtful gifts. Popular times to give them include:

• Birthdays
• Holidays
• After adopting a new pet
• To remember a pet that has passed away

FAQs

How much do digital pet portraits typically cost?

Digital pet portrait prices vary based on several factors:

Style	Price Range	Examples
Simple sketches	$14 - $50	Ms. Sparkle Designs on Etsy
Detailed paintings	$50 - $90	West & Willow
Complex artwork	$90+	Crown & Paw

Factors affecting price:

• Artist's experience
• Portrait complexity
• Number of pets
• Background details
• Customization requests

"Our digital watercolor portraits start at just $14. Customers can get a $1 digital proof before buying the full portrait," says the owner of Ms. Sparkle Designs on Etsy.

What's the typical turnaround time for a pet portrait?

Turnaround times can vary:

Company	Standard Time	Rush Option
West & Willow	7-10 days	Available
Paint Your Life	14-21 days	Not specified
Crown & Paw	9-14 business days	Not available

Note: Busy periods like holidays may extend these times.

Can artists work from old or multiple photos?

Yes, most artists can work with various photo types:

• Single clear photo
• Multiple reference photos
• Old photos of deceased pets

West & Willow states, "We can often combine elements from different photos to capture your pet's personality."

What background options are available?

Background choices differ by company:

Company	Options
West & Willow	40+ color choices
Crown & Paw	Themed backgrounds (e.g., historical figures, movie characters)
Paint Your Life	Custom backgrounds available

How many pets can be in one portrait?

The number of pets per portrait varies:

Company	Maximum Pets	Notes
West & Willow	Not specified	$20 extra per additional pet
Paint Your Life	Not specified	Larger sizes recommended for multiple pets
Crown & Paw	1	Focuses on single-pet themed portraits

What's the typical refund policy?

Refund policies vary by company:

• West & Willow: 30-day return policy, $30 non-refundable deposit
• Paint Your Life: 100% money-back guarantee if not satisfied
• Crown & Paw: Refunds available within 60 days of purchase

Always check the specific policy before ordering.

How are pet portraits shipped?

Shipping methods and costs vary:

Company	Shipping Time	Cost
West & Willow	2-3 weeks (US)	Free for orders over $100
Paint Your Life	Not specified	Free shipping worldwide
Crown & Paw	9-14 business days	Varies by location

All companies provide tracking numbers for orders.

Can I order a pet portrait as a gift?

Yes, pet portraits make popular gifts. Tips for gift orders:

1. Order early to allow for processing time
2. Choose a smaller size (12"x16" or less) for easier surprise gifting
3. Get clear pet photos from family or social media
4. Consider the recipient's home decor when choosing a style
5. Add personal touches like the pet's favorite toy in the portrait

"A custom pet portrait can help people deal with losing a pet by celebrating its life," says Sarah Johnson from Pet Portraits Plus.

For last-minute gifts, some companies offer gift cards for pet portrait services.

Related posts

• 9 Steps to Share Your Pet's Memorial Story Online
• 10 Pet Memorial Ideas: Honor Your Furry Friend
• Custom Pet Portraits: Guide to Sizes, Photos & Process
• 9 Art Therapy Ideas to Cope with Pet Loss