Custom Pet Portraits: Guide to Sizes, Photos & Process (2024)

Here's what you need to know about getting a custom pet portrait:

• Sizes: Small (under 12"), Medium (12-24"), Large (24"+)
• Photos: Use natural light, plain background, capture pet's personality
• Process: Choose artist, send photos, review drafts, approve final artwork

Key steps:

1. Pick size based on wall space and desired detail
2. Take clear, well-lit photos showing pet's features
3. Select artist and style (realistic, stylized, digital, traditional)
4. Communicate clearly about your vision
5. Review and approve drafts before final artwork

Remember to properly frame and care for your portrait to ensure it lasts.

Picking the right size for your pet portrait

Choosing the best size for your pet portrait is key to making a great artwork that fits well in your home. Here's what you need to know about picking the right size.

What to think about when choosing a size

Where will you hang it?

Before you pick a size, measure where you want to put the portrait. Think about:

• Wall space: Big walls can fit bigger portraits, small spaces need smaller ones.
• How far away you'll look at it: Choose a size you can see well from where you'll usually stand.
• Other things in the room: Make sure the size fits with your furniture and other pictures.

How much detail do you want?

The amount of detail you want affects the size you should choose:

• Bigger portraits can show more tiny details like whiskers and fur.
• Smaller portraits still look nice but might not show as many small details.

How big is your pet?

Think about your pet's size when picking portrait size:

• Big dogs might need bigger portraits to look right.
• Small pets can look good in smaller sizes too.

Common portrait sizes and what they're good for

Small portraits (under 12")

Small portraits work well for:

• Tight spaces or small walls
• Gifts when you're not sure about space
• Making a group of pet pictures

Remember, small portraits might not show as many tiny details because of their size.

Medium portraits (12" to 24")

Medium-sized portraits are good because they:

• Show a good amount of detail
• Don't cost too much
• Can fit in many different places

These sizes often work well for head-and-shoulders pictures of many pets.

Large portraits (24" and up)

Large portraits stand out and are great for:

• Big rooms with lots of wall space
• Making a main focus above a fireplace or couch
• Showing more than one pet in one picture

Keep in mind that bigger portraits usually cost more because they need more materials and time to make.

Tips for choosing the best size

Using tape to see how it looks

Try this easy trick to see how different sizes look:

1. Put masking tape on your wall in the shape of the portrait size.
2. Step back and look at it from different spots in the room.
3. Leave the tape up for a day or two to see how you like it.

This helps you picture how the portrait will look in your room.

Matching your room's style

Pick a size that goes well with how your room looks:

• Simple rooms might look good with one big portrait.
• Fancy rooms might like a few smaller or medium-sized portraits.
• Modern rooms could mix different sizes to make an interesting wall of pictures.

Taking good photos for your pet portrait

Getting clear photos of your pet is key to making a great custom portrait. Here's how to take the best pictures:

What to use

Cameras

You can use:

• A good smartphone camera
• A DSLR or mirrorless camera

If using a big camera, pick a lens that blurs the background (f/1.8 - f/2.8).

Lighting

Natural light works best. Try:

• Indoors: Near a big window
• Outdoors: Early morning or late afternoon

Setting up the shoot

Where to take photos

Pick a place your pet likes. Make sure the background is plain.

How to light your pet

Put the light behind you, facing your pet. This lights up their face evenly.

For dark-furred pets, make the photo a bit brighter to show more details.

Best ways to take the photo

• Get down to your pet's eye level
• Take lots of photos from different angles

Showing off your pet's character

Using toys and treats

Use things your pet likes to get good expressions. This helps make the photos look natural.

Focusing on special features

Take photos that show what's special about your pet, like:

• Their eyes
• Unique markings
• Funny habits

What not to do

How pet portraits are made

Here's what happens when you get a custom pet portrait:

Finding the right artist

Looking at different styles

Pick a style that fits your pet:

• Realistic: Shows every detail
• Stylized: Adds an artistic touch
• Digital: Easy to change
• Traditional: Uses paint or pencils

Checking portfolios and reviews

Before you choose an artist:

• Look at their past work
• Read what other people say
• Make sure they can draw your type of pet
• Check if they can show what makes your pet special

Steps in the portrait process

1. Talk to the artist

• Tell them what you want
• Ask about any special requests
• Agree on size, type, and when it will be done
• Talk about price and how to pay

2. Send photos

• Give many clear pictures of your pet
• Include close-up shots
• Show photos of your pet being themselves
• Send any other helpful pictures

3. Look at rough drafts

• Check the first sketches
• Say what you like or don't like
• Talk about any changes
• Say okay before they start the final picture

4. Final artwork and touch-ups

• Look closely at the finished portrait
• Ask for small changes if needed
• Say it's good before they send it
• Talk about framing if you want

How long it takes

Normal waiting times

Quick orders

Some artists can work faster for extra money:

• Digital: 3-5 work days
• Paint or pencil: 1-2 weeks
• Not all artists offer this

What makes it take longer

• How hard the picture is to make
• How busy the artist is
• How many changes you ask for
• How long it takes to mail

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Ways to customize your pet portrait

Here's how to make your pet portrait special:

Art styles to choose from

Pick a style that fits your pet:

Realistic or stylized

Choose based on whether you want an exact look or an artistic view.

Traditional art methods

Old-school ways to make your portrait:

Digital artwork

Computer-made portraits offer:

• Mix of old and new art styles
• Easy to change
• Many ways to show your pet's personality

Background options

The background can make your pet stand out:

• Plain color: Makes your pet the main focus
• Nature scene: Shows where your pet likes to be
• Special theme: Matches your pet's likes or habits

Extra details you can add

Make your portrait more personal:

• Put in your pet's favorite toys
• Add more than one pet in the picture
• Show things that make your pet special

Taking care of your pet portrait

Here's how to keep your pet portrait looking good for a long time.

Choosing a frame

Pick a frame that looks good with your portrait and keeps it safe.

Frame types

Pick a frame that goes well with your picture and your home.

Getting it framed

Doing it yourself costs less, but professionals make sure it's done right.

How to show your portrait

Showing your portrait the right way helps it last longer.

Best light for your portrait

• Use soft light
• Try special picture lights
• Don't use bright office lights

Keep it away from sun

Sun can hurt your picture. To keep it safe:

• Hang it away from windows
• Use special glass that blocks sun
• Close curtains when it's sunny

Keeping your portrait nice

Taking care of your portrait helps it stay pretty.

How to clean it

• Use a soft, dry cloth
• For glass, use special glass cleaner
• Don't put water on the picture

Best room for your portrait

Keep your room steady to help your picture last. Use a machine to dry the air if your room is damp.

Wrap-up

Key things to remember

When getting a custom pet portrait, keep these main points in mind:

• Pick a clear photo that shows your pet's character
• Choose an artist whose work you like
• Talk to the artist about what you want
• Give them the photo you picked
• Check the work as it's being done and give your thoughts

Good lighting, a plain background, and a nice pose are important for a good photo. Natural light and a clean background often work best.

Making a lasting memory of your pet

A custom pet portrait is more than just a picture – it's a special way to remember your pet forever. By following this guide, you can make sure your pet's special traits are shown in a nice, long-lasting picture.

Think about these things when ordering your pet portrait:

FAQs

What medium would you choose for a realistic portrait of a family pet?

Oil painting is a good choice for a realistic pet portrait. Here's why:

Oil paints let artists:

• Mix colors well
• Show depth in the picture
• Make the pet's eyes look alive

While other types of paint can work, oils are often best for making your pet look real in a picture. The paint dries slowly, which helps artists blend colors smoothly. This makes the portrait look more like your actual pet.

Other options:

• Acrylics: Dry faster, but can still look nice
• Watercolors: Good for softer looks

Most people pick oils when they want their pet portrait to look as real as possible.

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