Choosing the Right Photo
The photo you provide is the foundation of your portrait. Here's what makes a great reference photo:
- Good lighting — Natural daylight is best. Avoid harsh shadows or flash.
- Clear focus — Make sure your pet's face is sharp, especially the eyes.
- High resolution — The bigger the file, the more detail we can capture.
- Shows personality — Choose a photo that captures their unique character.
- Eye contact — Photos where your pet looks at the camera tend to make the most striking portraits.
📸 Pro Tip
Get down to your pet's eye level when taking photos. This creates a more engaging, personal perspective that translates beautifully into art.
Portrait Styles Explained
Pencil & Graphite
Classic black and white drawings with incredible detail. Perfect for capturing texture — fur, whiskers, and those soulful eyes. Timeless and elegant.
Charcoal
Bold, dramatic portraits with deep blacks and soft gradients. Charcoal has a romantic, artistic quality that works especially well for darker-coated pets.
Coloured Pencil
Vibrant, lifelike portraits that capture your pet's true colours. Great for pets with distinctive markings or colourful features.
Watercolour
Soft, dreamy artwork with a loose, artistic feel. Perfect if you want something more interpretive rather than photorealistic.
Oil Painting
The classic choice for formal portraits. Rich colours, beautiful textures, and a traditional feel that suits any home décor.
Digital Art
Modern, clean portraits created digitally. Often more affordable with faster turnaround. Can mimic traditional styles or go for something contemporary.
What Size Should I Choose?
Consider where you'll display the portrait:
- A5 (small) — Desk or shelf display, gifts
- A4 (medium) — Most popular size, works anywhere
- A3 (large) — Statement piece, feature wall
- A2+ (extra large) — Grand spaces, above fireplaces
How Long Does It Take?
Typical turnaround times:
- Digital portraits: 5-10 days
- Pencil/charcoal: 1-3 weeks
- Oil paintings: 3-6 weeks
Most artists offer rush services for an additional fee if you need it faster.
Questions to Ask Your Artist
- Can I see examples of similar pets you've drawn?
- What's included in the price? (Digital file, print, frame?)
- How many revisions are included?
- What's your refund policy?
- Do you work from one photo or multiple?
Our Top Recommendation
Family Portrait Company
After reviewing dozens of UK pet portrait artists, Family Portrait Company stands out for their combination of quality, value, and customer service.
- From £39.99
- 7-day turnaround
- Free revisions
- 4.9/5 rating (2,400+ reviews)