commission
INFORMATION
This page will walk you through the commission process from start to finish. From selecting your perfect reference photo to shipping the final product, it includes information about sizes, prices, the drawing process, materials, and more.
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VIEW sizes & Pricing
A 50% non-refundable deposit fee will be required at the time of booking to secure your spot in the waitlist.
Custom sizes are available upon request.
SIZE(inches)
PRICE(USD)
mini
$100
4 x 6...................
Extra small
$200
5 x 7...................
small
6 x 8...................
$300
medium
8 x 10.................
$400
large
9 x 12.................
$500
Prices shown for one pet only. A 15% fee will be added per additional subject.
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SELECTing Reference Photos
Good reference photos are essential for creating life-like portraits. In order to achieve a high level of detail in a drawing, I will need to be provided with photos that represent the subject's personality, while capturing all of the details that make them unique. Below is a guide for photographing and selecting the right reference photo.
Here are some examples of GREAT REFERENCE PHOTOS:
and here are some NOT-So GREAT ones:
​A few things to keep in mind when photographing your pet include: location, lighting, angle, and pose. You want to try to take photos in areas that have a lot of natural lighting. Outside on a sunny day would be ideal, but indoors can work as well, as long as your pet is near a good source of light like a window or overhead light. I always love to get shots where the sun is shining into the subject's face, illuminating their eyes and facial features. You should also make sure that your pet's eyes and fur are true to color in the photos that you choose. Having a good representation of the colors of your pet's eyes, fur, and other features is essential for creating an accurate drawing.
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Taking a photo from an odd angle, such as too far above or below your pet's head can distort their features, resulting in a less portrait worthy photo. Instead, take pictures holding the camera at your pet's eye level. Front-facing, three-quarter shots, and side profiles are usually best. Also, try not to take photos from too far away. The more detail, the better! You can use treats or toys as tools to keep them interested in looking toward the camera. Quirky pet photos are always welcome as well! I love seeing funny and unique photos that help to show the true personality of your pet. Your pet's favorite toys or other objects can also be included in the portrait.
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I am typically able to work from one good quality reference photo, but it's always better to have multiple photos so I can get a better idea of your pet's features.
In conclusion, reference photos should be:
- Clear, detailed, well lit, and high resolution.
- A good distance from the camera (not too far away)
- True to color.
- A good representation of your pet's appearance and personality.
Also, consider whether you want a headshot, full-body, or partial body portrait:
HEADSHOT
FULL-BODY
PARTIAL-BODY
While high quality, detailed reference photos are always preferred, yours do not need to be perfect. In most cases, I am able to work with lower quality images. If you are unsure about your photos, please feel free to reach out to me through the contact section.
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After reviewing the rest of the information on this page, and selecting your size and reference photos, you can fill out the Portrait Request Form or reach out to me through text or Instagram DM via the Contact Section.
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I will respond to your message as soon as possible and let you know the estimated starting date of your portrait, shipping costs, and any additional price quotes. We can also discuss any special requests or questions you may have. Once we are on the same page about everything, I will request a 50% deposit to secure your spot in my waitlist. You can also pay upfront in full if desired. I will send plenty of update photos along the way.
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MOCKUPS
Digitally Edited Mockups are tools that can be used to plan how your portrait will look. I might send you a few mockups during booking so we can be on the same page regarding poses, proportions, creative choices, etc. Here is an example of a mockup I have sent vs the final drawing.
DIGITALLY EDITED MOCKUP USING CLIENT's PHOTO
final COLORED PENCIL DRAWING
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Drawing Process
Each portrait can take anywhere from 5 - 30 hours to complete depending on different factors such as portrait size, fur texture, and complexity of the image. To begin a portrait, I start by using the reference photo(s) provided to sketch a basic outline of the subject onto the paper using a light graphite pencil, mapping out basic features such as the eyes, nose, ears,
and unique markings. Then, I will go in with colored pencils, starting with the dark and light areas and slowly layering on the colors of the subject's features. During this process I layer the colored pencils down using a wide variety of different colors and techniques, building up the layers to realistically portray the texture and depth of the subject. Finally, I add any finishing touches on top of the pencil using gel pens and/or acrylic paint pens and sign my name at the bottom. If desired, I will spray the drawing using 2-3 layers of spray-fixative in order to protect it against smudges, fading, sun damage, etc. Then I will carefully package it away for delivery.
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Worldwide shipping is available, along with in-person delivery if you are located near Merrimack County or the Lakes Region of New Hampshire. Shipping/delivery costs will be calculated and added to your total at the time of booking. Once I receive the total payment, your portrait will be shipped. All of my artwork is packaged using high quality protective materials to ensure it will arrive safely at its destination. I always wrap my work in 2-3 layers of acid free tissue paper as a first layer of protection. Next, I will sandwich the artwork between two thick, heavy-duty sheets of book cover cardboard to ensure that nothing gets folded or bent. For long distance and international orders, I may also include a thin sheet of plywood for an extra level of security. Then, everything gets wrapped in a thin layer of bubble wrap and slid into a durable flat mailer before being dropped off at the post office.
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Materials & More Info
The paper I most often use is the Strathmore Art Toned Tan Mixed Media paper because of its thickness and neutral color. This paper has a weight of 184lb, making it very durable and resistant to folding and tearing. Upon request, I am also able to use white mixed media paper, or other colors of the Strathmore Toned series. For colored pencils, I use Prismacolor Premier Soft Core colored pencils because of their smooth blending and high pigment content. These colored pencils produce very rich and vibrant results which are ideal for the types of drawings I like to do. On top of the colored pencil, I will sometimes go in with Sakura Gelly Roll Gel Pens to draw white highlights and final details. I also sometimes use Posca acrylic paint pens for final details as well.
Prices shown do not include matting or framing. If your portrait has multiple subjects, a 15% fee will be added for each additional pet. Please allow 1 - 6 weeks for completion.
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I am able to draw cats, dogs, horses, frogs, birds, and pretty much any other animal you can think of. I always love getting commissions of all different types of animals and humans as well. No subject is off limits as long as I can be provided with good reference photos.
Please keep in mind that each portrait is completely handmade by me, and takes many hours of hard work and dedication. I strive to capture every subject's unique essence through my work and customer satisfaction is my top priority. I will work with you every step of the way to create a beautiful and meaningful portrait that you are 100% happy with. If you have any special requests regarding sizes, paper, backgrounds, objects, etc. please don't hesitate to reach out to me through email, text, Instagram DM, or via the Portrait Request Form. I will be happy to accommodate your requests! ​​
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ADDITIONAL SERVICES
Time Lapses +$50 - I offer time-lapse recordings of the drawing process from start to finish, so you're able to see all of the hard work that went into your portrait. You will be able to watch the entire process sped up into a 1-5 minute long video. Upon completion of your portrait, I will send over the time lapse video through email, via a Google Drive link, where you will be able to download and share it.
BACKGROUNDS - I offer backgrounds to fill the blank space behind your subject in order to give some drawings a more complete look. I can do solid color backgrounds, nature, landscapes, patterns, etc. If you'd like a background for your portrait, please let me know at the time of booking and I will give you a quote based on complexity.
CUSTOM Sizes & SHAPES - If you have a particular size or shape in mind for your portrait, please let me know and I can cut the paper to a circle, oval, or whatever shape matches your needs. I can do any size between 4x4 and 18x24 inches.
Spray fixative +$10 - After completing your portrait, I will spray 2-3 layers of spray fixative to seal and protect the artwork against damage and smudging.