How Does It Work?
- CONTACT ME. Let me know what you are looking for and your timeline.
- SEND ME YOUR PICTURES. I will ask you to email me your best original photographs, (see HOW YOU TAKE THE BEST PHOTO below).
- SEND YOUR DEPOSIT. 50% will hold your spot once we have agreed on your portrait. Payment accepted through the website. Checks and cash are always welcome.
What Does It Cost?
PRICES AND SIZES
(for head and shoulders of one pet)
8” x 10” (20 x 25 cm) graphite portrait: $275
8” x 10” (20 x 25 cm) colored pencil portrait: $440
**Extra: $40
9” x 12” (23 x 30 cm) graphite portrait: $350
9” x 12” (23 x 30 cm) colored pencil portrait: $580
Additional pet: $80
**Extra: $50
11” x 14” (28 x 36 cm) graphite portrait: $430
11” x 14” (28 x 36 cm) colored pencil portrait: $720
Additional pet: $100
**Extra: $70
Please contact me for larger sizes which would require additional matting and shipping costs.
Taxes in Florida, USA are 7% for Floridians, (sorry!); shipping in the continental U.S. is included. Please contact me for shipping costs outside of the U.S.
Checks, Zelle, and Venmo are welcome.
We've added a payment button for deposits and balances of custom portraits, found in the online store; please be sure that you have contacted me prior to sending your deposit!
**Extra: Full body, background, or additional props. A larger size may be necessary for additional subjects or complex pictures.
How You Take the Best Photo
- AVOID ZOOM. For a head and shoulders portrait, fill the screen of your camera with a close-up. Do not use the zoom feature; the picture will be of lower quality. For a full body portrait, be sure to include the whole body, so I’m not trying to figure out what the tail looks like!
- EXPRESSION. Try to take a picture that shows me their unique character. Having someone nearby with a treat or toy can work out well.
- POSTURE. Look carefully at their pose. Take your picture at their level. Kneel down, or put the little ones safely up on a stable surface. Include what you want in the portrait: tack for horses, special collars or kerchiefs. If you don't want it, remove it safely so that I don't have to guess at what's underneath!
- LIGHTING. Aim for beautiful natural lighting, either outside or near an inside window.
- EMAIL "ORIGINAL" SIZES. Screenshots and Facebook photos are downsized and offer fewer details.
- SEND MULTIPLE PHOTOS. I may find details in another photo to help. Memorial portraits can be challenging, but I will try to do my best with whatever photos you have on hand.
What Do I Do With Your Photos?
I hand-draw graphite or colored pencil portraits from your best photos. I use professional lightfast pencils and premium grade, heavy weight archival paper or board and mail them in sturdy rigidboard packaging ready for your favorite mat or frame.
Feel free to view my pencil portraits gallery to see previous work and read testimonials from previous recipients.
If you are looking for a hand-drawn pencil portrait of one of your furry, fluffy, feathery or scaly friends, I would be happy to help.
I look forward to drawing for you!
Timeline/Guarantee
- TIMELINE. Most portraits can be completed in two weeks. I often have a waiting list. I will let you know when you contact me. UPDATE: I'm full for Christmas 2022! Taking deposits for 2023 already....thank you for your support!
- GUARANTEE. Your satisfaction is guaranteed.
- OPTIONS. You may want to consider getting a gift certificate, which is mailed to you to present to your recipient, or sent directly to them with your name. Your recipient will be able to select their favorite photo and experience receiving the progress photos of my work. You can choose either a monetary amount or pay fully for a particular size portrait. Certificates are good for a year. Once I receive a good quality photograph from the recipient, they will be next on the list. Available in my SHOP.