Pet Portrait FAQ – Complete Commission Guide
Professional answers to your pet portrait questions from Gabby. I am here to guide you through the entire commission process.
I have worked with clients worldwide and understand every aspect of commissioning pet portraits. Below you’ll find comprehensive answers to help you make informed decisions about your custom artwork.
Pricing and Payment Questions
Pencil Portraits: $150-$400 depending on size and detail.Oil Paintings: $300-$1000 for standard sizes. I offer a wide range of sizes and bespoke options. View my complete pricing guide for detailed information.
You can pay by debit/credit card. I also accept most major payment methods – if you have a preference, just let me know.
Yes, I offer beautiful gift voucher cards perfect for pet lovers. These make wonderful presents for birthdays, Christmas, or special occasions. Visit my commission info page for details.
Absolutely! Every portrait is bespoke. Send me your ideas and I’ll provide a tailored quote. Consider where you want to display it – I’m always happy to guide you on sizing.
Commission Process Questions
Simply email me with your favorite photos and let me know which style (oil or pencil) and size interests you. I’ll chat through details, create a design mockup, and guide you through the entire process.
Most portraits are completed within 1-2 months from booking to delivery. Pencil drawings typically take 7-14 days to create, oil paintings around 2 weeks plus essential drying time. I’ll give you a personalized timeline when you book.
Yes! I send progress photos via email throughout the creation process.
Absolutely. I always create mock-ups or layouts in Photoshop before starting your portrait. This helps me all visualize the final composition and ensures you’re completely happy with the design.
Yes, I email a final photo for your approval before shipping. Small tweaks are absolutely fine – I want you to be 100% happy. If major changes are needed, I’ll discuss what’s possible.
Yes – always! I work from one main photo for the pose and can use others for detail and coloring. I cannot repose your pet or create different poses from multiple photos. Choose a photo where you’d naturally say “That’s perfect of them.”
Photo Requirements and Artwork Questions
Ideally, your photo should be clear, in focus, and taken at your pet’s eye level – not from above. Good lighting (natural light is best) and sharp focus on the eyes makes all the difference in capturing character. If unsure, send several and I’ll advise.
As many as you have! I love seeing your pets and their stories. Send all your favorites – I’ll help you choose the perfect one and can use others for detail and reference.
As large as possible, please – no screenshots! Send original full-size images directly from your camera or phone. If using WhatsApp, send from your photo app rather than the camera function.
Yes, I often combine pets from separate photos into one portrait. It’s very common, especially if pets have passed away or never posed together nicely. I’ll create a natural, balanced composition.
Oil portraits are painted in full color on linen canvas and don’t need glass framing. Pencil drawings are black and white, hand-drawn on Italian Fabriano paper, and must be framed under glass with a mount. The two mediums cannot be combined in one piece.
Yes! Oil portraits are ideal for scenic backgrounds, but I can also create lovely graphite backgrounds in pencil. Let me know your ideas and I’ll discuss options that complement your pet.
Multiple Pet Portrait Questions
Yes, but keep in mind: the more pets you want in one portrait, the larger the canvas needs to be to fit them comfortably. I’ll help you decide on the best size for your group portrait.
I don’t charge for second or third pets, but they need to fit comfortably on your chosen canvas size. For example, a 10×12″ is suitable for one head, 12×16″ for two heads in pencil, 16×20″ is best for two pets in oils.
No problem! I create beautiful group portraits from separate photos all the time. Send individual shots of each pet, and I’ll arrange them naturally in one composition using my design software.
Absolutely. Memorial portraits combining past and present pets are very meaningful to families. I handle these commissions with extra care and sensitivity, understanding their emotional significance.
Shipping and Delivery Questions
Yes! My portraits are in homes all over the world – UK, France, Norway, Netherlands, Sweden, Hong Kong, Singapore, Australia, Canada, America, Hawaii, and many more countries. I love hearing where my clients are from!
Free Worldwide Shipping. All orders will be delivered DDP (Delivered Duty Paid). All portraits are securely packaged using archival tissue, ribbon and sturdy boxes, and are fully insured and tracked.
No! Rolling a painting can cause surface damage and warping. All my oils are painted on ready-stretched canvas using hardwood stretcher bars and shipped flat, ready for framing. I never compromise on protection.
While damage is extremely rare due to my careful packaging, I ask clients to check parcels immediately upon arrival. If anything is wrong, contact me straight away with photos, and I’ll resolve it quickly.
International shipping varies by destination but usually 5-14 days. All shipments include full tracking so you can monitor progress.
Complete Pet Portrait Commission Summary
Professional Pet Portrait Service Overview
- Artists: I have 15+ years experience creating custom pet portraits
- Mediums: Oil paintings (full colour on canvas) and pencil drawings (black/white on paper)
- Pricing: Pencil $150-$400, Oil paintings $300-$1000
- Timeline: Depending on schedule, please contact for timing
- Process: Photo submission → Design → Creation → Approval → Shipping
- Photos: Clear, eye-level shots, natural lighting, original full-size images required
- Multiple Pets: Can combine separate photos, larger sizes needed for groups
- Shipping: Free worldwide delivery, fully tracked
- Backgrounds: Custom scenic backgrounds available, especially for oil portraits
- Amendments: Changes possible during creation and before final approval
- Materials: Professional oil on linen, pencil on Italian Fabriano paper
- Guarantee: Gift box and ribbon plus tracked free worldwide shipping
Commission a Portrait
Send me your favourite photos of your dog, cat, or horse, and I will help you choose the perfect one for your portrait. I am happy to chat about any ideas you have for a portrait. I can’t wait to get started!