Custom Pet Portrait Frequently Asked Questions

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

What do I receive when I order artwork of my pet?

When you order a portrait of your pet(s), you select the style of portrait you would like for us to create and click the bright green "Choose Your Photo" button to select the photo of your pet you want to share with us. Follow the prompts to upload the photo along with your order. Once we receive your photo, we will give it an initial evaluation to ensure that the photo you provide can be used to create a beautiful portrait for you. If we are uncertain about the photo you provide, we will contact you to discuss options including, but not limited to, working with a different photo.

Once your photo passes the first step, we’ll send you a message to confirm that the photo is in line to be transformed into a portrait. When your photo reaches the editing phase, we’ll begin by removing the background from your photo so that we can keep the focus on your adorable pet. Then we’ll check the lighting, color, and contrast of the photo. If it needs slight enhancement, we’ll make necessary adjustments so that your pet looks fabulous.

Once any necessary adjustments have been made, we’ll start creating your custom artwork. If you’ve selected the enhanced photo option, we’ll use a combination of adjustments on a computer in our studio to give your pet’s photo the appearance of a vivid piece of artwork. 

If you’ve selected the hand drawn portrait option, we will use your photo to create individual brushstrokes by hand using a drawing tablet to create an original hand drawn portrait of your pet(s). The end result is a portrait that has the look of a painting with blended brushstrokes.

Do you only create portraits of dogs and cats?

We love making these portraits featuring your animals. We’re not limited to dogs and cats. We’ve also created portraits of parrots, rabbits, goats, horses, and chickens. If your beloved pet isn’t already on that list, we would love to work with you to create something special. Send us a message and we’ll work with you to create something new and add a new pet to our list of completed works!

Can I have artwork made of more than one pet?

Absolutely! We can work with you to create individual pieces of art of each pet and/or a group piece of all of them together. Send us a message and we’ll work with you to create something fabulous.

Do you use AI to create the art of my pet?

No, we create our digital art using either a computer and mouse or tablet and drawing pencil. All of the work is done by hand right here at the farmhouse. We offer two options for creating your pet’s portrait so that we can offer something to fit everyone’s budget and use.

Enhanced Photos are the less expensive option. These photos take a bit less time for us to create, allowing us to offer these portraits at a lower cost.

The premium portrait takes several hours to create with each brushstroke being made entirely by hand. The original colors from your pet’s photo are used to create a custom palette to create the blended brushstrokes in your pet’s portrait.

Can I add my pet’s name to their portrait?

Yes. We can add your pet’s name to their portrait. You’ll find samples of the fonts and placements that we offer. If you don’t see what you’d like for your pet’s portrait, send us a message and we’ll do our best to create exactly what you’re dreaming of.

What sort of photo makes the best artwork of my pet?

Good lighting makes a world of difference. Natural lighting is best if you have that option. Natural light from a window is often perfect during the winter months when it can be difficult to take outdoor photos.

A clear, crisp photo will always create the best portrait. While we can improve the lighting and color of your photo, we can’t take a blurry photo and make it crisp and detailed. Sending us a photo that is in sharp focus will yield the best results for your pet portrait.

Close ups of your pet where they fill the frame (while allowing us to see every bit of them you would like displayed) are best because they give us the most detail. Photos taken at eye level are ideal. Try to get on their level and you’ll capture their likeness in a realistic fashion. Photos that are taken looking down at them tend to distort their shape and perspective.

Head on photos or strong side profiles can be used. For a head on photo, face them head on and engage with them. You can talk to them, show them a favorite toy or treat, or just wait for them to engage with you. Pets almost always look adorable when they are looking lovingly at their owners, so try to capture that moment when they are looking right at you.  

If you’d prefer a profile, try to capture your photo when your pet is paying their full attention to someone or something. For example, this photo of Penny Lane was taken as she was carefully monitoring the squirrels outside her favorite window. Her eye is visible and bright and she is sitting at attention. Her profile is strong and clear which makes for a good side portrait.

What sort of items can I order with my pet’s portrait?

At this time, we’re only offering products that we have purchased ourselves. Sure, there are hundreds of products we could sell you with your pet’s photo on them, but we’re limiting ourselves to the products we have actually tested with Penny Lane’s photo. As more products pass that test, we’ll add them to our shop. When we do, you can place an order without paying additional portrait fees.

If you're hoping for a particular product, send us a message and we'll do our best to find it for you.