Let’s make ordering your pet portrait simple!
I try to make the ordering of your pet portrait from a photo as simple as possible. My aim is to make sure you are kept informed and in control during the creative process
All great drawings start with the the best photograph of your pet that you can provide. The quality and composition of the photo is paramount to the resulting drawing, although there are nearly always ways round it. This is true particularly if you wish for a portrait of a pet who has passed away.
Most modern phones will be absolutely fine to take a great quality picture so you don’t need any fancy equipment. The main thing to get right is the lighting If you can, try to find a neutral background with good natural light. Think about what part of the animal’s character you wish to capture.
For dogs, it’s great to take photos of pets at happy times – that would be playing in the garden, on a walk, or (my Labrador’s favourite time) meal time. Cats have different personalities, so it may be the times they are curled up on a chair with one eye open, or stalking something – you get the idea. For me though, it’s the eyes that provide the key to a great final picture.
Here is an example of a good photo and one that isn’t. (still to add)
Planning a Surprise?
If you are commissioning a portrait as a surprise then if possible it’s great if you can take your own photos. Failing that social media can be a good source to work from. If you are wishing me to draw a pet from your past, and perhaps the photos aren’t the best, then there are ways around that by finding pictures of an animal as similar as possible online and I can often transfer the personality of your pet using the similar picture as a guide.
When you are ready, send me your photos to monika@petportraitskent.co.uk It’s good to have a selection as it helps me get the feel of the character and nature of the subject. I can then work with you to agree on what would work best artistically as a final result.
Composition
Normally most people choose to go for a head and shoulders composition, but I’ll be guided by you and the pictures you send. My standard pictures are an A4 size but can be created larger or have more than one pet.
Once we have agreed on a composition (and price) , I’ll give you an idea of when I can get the first draft to you for your first check. You will have to take in to account that some pictures don’t come together fully until the final details come in to place. You would be surprised what difference a few extra marks can make right at the end to make sure you are perfectly happy.
If you are commissioning your portrait for a special event then please let me know. The longer you give me the better as I can then plan around other works. If you need a picture done at short notice, then let me know and I’ll see if I can fulfil your wishes. I’ll always do my best.
Most pictures will take a week or two to complete and we stay in touch along the way until you are completely happy.
Prices and Payments
I will provide a quote for your commission once we have agreed the final composition and size. As a starting point, a A4 drawing on paper (30cm x 40cm) costs around £120 unmounted and unframed.
I will then arrange for your drawing to be mounted and framed at a good local framers if you wish. The starting prices at present for this service is around £30 for an A4 drawing . The framers are excellent and they will suggest the most complementary colours for mounting and frame to best show off the drawing of the pet. Most people are happy to leave this decision to my artistic judgement but if you have real preference then we can discuss this.
For postage, an unframed and unmounted picture A4 picture costs around £8 special delivery
Once we agree, I do ask for a non-refundable deposit of 25% and then the balance payment before I post.
I love to share my works on social media and add to my online gallery but will only do so with your agreement. If the picture is a gift, then I certainly won’t share it before the special day.
So let’s get started ordering your pet portrait. Please get in contact using the form below or send me an email to monika@petportraitskent.co.uk