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In Depth Guide - Pet Portrait Pricing

The Complete Guide to Pet Portrait Pricing - Understanding cost, value, and how to make the right investment
By Melanie Phillips and Nicholas Beall
Professional Pet Portrait Artists | Established 1996

If you are reading this, you are probably thinking about commissioning a pet portrait and have already spent some time researching artists. You may have visited several websites, browsed social media and noticed that prices seem to be pretty random. From very inexpensive “oil paintings” with rapid turnaround times to high-end commissioned pieces with long waiting lists. It can quickly start to feel confusing. If you are feeling overwhelmed or unsure how to compare what you are seeing, you are not alone.

After nearly three decades working as professional pet portrait artists, and completing over 850 commissions between us, we have heard every question, concern and pricing confusion imaginable. Many clients tell us they have spent hours researching artists, only to feel more uncertain than when they began.

The reality is that pet portrait pricing really is complicated. Unlike buying a household appliance or a piece of electronics, there is no standard pricing structure. Every artist works differently, uses different materials, follows a different process, and produces a different type of finished artwork. That makes direct “like for like” comparisons almost impossible.

More importantly, price alone does not reliably tell you whether a portrait will be right for you. A higher price does not automatically mean better quality and a lower price does not always mean poor value. Understanding why prices vary and what sits behind them is far more useful than focusing on numbers alone. That is why we created this guide.

Our aim is not to explain why some pet portraits cost more than others, but to help you understand what you are actually paying for, how to recognise fair pricing and how to make a decision you will feel comfortable with long after the portrait is finished and hanging on your wall.

We are not here to persuade you that the most expensive option is always the best, or that you should commission us specifically. What matters to us is that you feel informed, confident and able to choose an artist — whether that is us or someone else. Knowing what questions to ask is what really matters.

Throughout this guide, we will walk you through how pet portrait pricing works, what influences cost, where hidden expenses can appear and how to assess value beyond the prices. By the end, you should feel clearer about what suits your needs, your expectations and your budget.

If you have arrived here without knowing much about us, let me briefly introduce ourselves. I am Melanie Phillips and I work alongside my husband, Nicholas Beall. We are both professionally trained artists. Nicholas studied for four years and I studied for three, We have been creating pet portraits full time since 1996. I specialise in detailed graphite pencil drawings, while Nicholas creates traditional oil paintings on fine linen canvas. Over the years, we have worked with clients across the UK, Europe, North America and beyond.

What we have learned over time is that the best commissions come from clients who understand what they are investing in and feel confident about the decisions they are making.

So, wherever you find yourself now, whether you are working to a budget or planning something more substantial, hopefully our guide is designed to help you spend wisely and choose well!

Pet Portrait Pricing - What You Are Really Seeing

Pet portrait pricing can feel chaotic at first glance because there is no single system or standard behind it. What you are really seeing is a broad mix of business models, experience levels, materials and approaches to making art.

When people ask, “How much does a pet portrait cost?”, the most honest answer is: it depends. It depends on who is creating it, how they work, what materials they use, how much time is involved and what kind of finished piece you are actually commissioning.

To make sense of this, it is useful to think of pet portrait artists as sitting across a spectrum rather than all offering the same thing at different prices. At one end, you will find fast, low-cost options designed to produce a result quickly. At the other, you will find experienced professionals creating slower, more considered work intended to last for generations.

Neither end of that spectrum is automatically “right” or “wrong”. They simply serve very different needs. Problems tend to arise when clients try to compare options as if they are directly equivalent, when in reality they are not offering the same product at all.

Some artists - (or corporate pet portrait businesses) focus on speed and volume. These often rely on simplified processes, minimal communication and materials chosen to keep costs low. The emphasis is on producing something that looks appealing at first glance, rather than on longevity, individuality or long-term value.

Other artists work more slowly and deliberately. They may take on fewer commissions, spend longer on each piece and use professional-grade materials designed to age well. This approach naturally comes with higher costs, but it also offers a very different experience and outcome.

You will also encounter artists at many stages in between. Emerging artists building their portfolios, part-time artists balancing commissions alongside other work or family life, established professionals who have refined their process over decades along with artists with long waiting lists who raise their prices depending on how much work they may have. All of these factors influence pricing, often more than the size of the portrait alone.

This is why there is no meaningful “average” price for a pet portrait. Two pieces that appear similar on a screen may involve very different levels of experience, time and material quality behind the scenes. Without understanding that context, it is easy to assume you are comparing like for like when you are not.

The key takeaway at this stage is simple: price by itself tells you very little. What matters far more is understanding what sits behind that price and whether it aligns with what you are hoping to commission.

In the next section, we will look more closely at what you are actually paying for when you commission a pet portrait, including the elements that are obvious and the ones most people never see.

What You Are Actually Paying For

When people first look at pet portrait pricing, it is very easy to think they are paying “for a picture”. In reality, a commissioned portrait is made up of many different elements, some obvious and some far less visible. Understanding those elements makes it much easier to judge whether a price feels fair or not.

At its simplest level, a pet portrait involves time and materials. Professional papers, canvases, paints, pencils and finishing products all have real costs, especially when archival quality is involved. A larger or more complex portrait will naturally require more of both.

But materials alone are only a small part of the story. What most people are really paying for is the artist’s time, experience and ability to make good decisions on their behalf.

Creating a portrait is not just the hours spent drawing or painting. It also includes reviewing photographs, advising on reference images, planning the composition, making artistic choices about light and tone and solving problems when a photo is less than ideal. Even a seemingly simple portrait involves far more work than most people realise.

Experience plays a significant role here. An artist who has been working professionally for many years will usually work more efficiently, more confidently and with greater consistency than someone who is still learning. That experience allows them to anticipate issues before they arise and handle challenging requests calmly and effectively.

There is also an important difference between copying a photograph and creating a portrait. A skilled portrait artist is interpreting what they see, deciding what to emphasise, what to soften and how to capture the character of the animal rather than simply reproducing every detail mechanically. That judgement is developed over time and cannot be rushed.

Communication and service are another part of the value that often goes unnoticed. Clear explanations, guidance through the process, progress updates and the ability to discuss adjustments all take time and care. A professional artist builds this into their working process so clients feel supported rather than left wondering what is happening.

Longevity also matters. Artists who use archival materials and proven techniques are creating work intended to last for decades, often generations. This affects both material choices and the way the artwork is constructed and finished. Cheaper options, for instance digital or ai gnerated, may look appealing at first, but they are rarely designed with long-term preservation in mind.

When you put all of this together, the cost of a pet portrait reflects far more than the finished image you receive. It represents time, skill, decision-making, problem-solving, communication and the intention to create something that will stand the test of time.

In the next section, we will look more closely at how different artistic mediums influence both the process and the price and why pencil, oil and other approaches naturally sit at different points within the pricing landscape.

What You Are Actually Paying For

When people first look at pet portrait pricing, it is very easy to think they are paying “for a picture”. In reality, a commissioned portrait is made up of many different elements, some obvious and some far less visible. Understanding those elements makes it much easier to judge whether a price feels fair or not.

At its simplest level, a pet portrait involves time and materials. Professional papers, canvases, paints, pencils, and finishing products all have real costs, especially when archival quality is involved. A larger or more complex portrait will naturally require more of both.

But materials alone are only a small part of the story. What most people are really paying for is the artist’s time, experience, and ability to make good decisions on their behalf.

Creating a portrait is not just the hours spent drawing or painting. It also includes reviewing photographs, advising on reference images, planning the composition, making artistic choices about light and tone, and solving problems when a photo is less than ideal. Even a seemingly simple portrait involves far more work than most people realise.

Experience plays a significant role here. An artist who has been working professionally for many years will usually work more efficiently, more confidently, and with greater consistency than someone who is still learning. That experience allows them to anticipate issues before they arise and handle challenging requests calmly and effectively.

There is also an important difference between copying a photograph and creating a portrait. A skilled portrait artist is interpreting what they see, deciding what to emphasise, what to soften, and how to capture the character of the animal rather than simply reproducing every detail mechanically. That judgement is developed over time and cannot be rushed.

Communication and service are another part of the value that often goes unnoticed. Clear explanations, guidance through the process, progress updates, and the ability to discuss adjustments all take time and care. A professional artist builds this into their working process so clients feel supported rather than left wondering what is happening.

Longevity also matters. Artists who use archival materials and proven techniques are creating work intended to last for decades, often generations. This affects both material choices and the way the artwork is constructed and finished. Cheaper options may look appealing at first, but they are rarely designed with long-term preservation in mind.

When you put all of this together, the cost of a pet portrait reflects far more than the finished image you receive. It represents time, skill, decision-making, problem-solving, communication, and the intention to create something that will stand the test of time.

In the next section, we will look more closely at how different artistic mediums influence both the process and the price, and why pencil, oil, and other approaches naturally sit at different points within the pricing landscape.

The Medium Matters: Pencil vs Oil (and Why Prices Differ)

One of the biggest reasons pet portrait prices vary is simply the medium. A pencil drawing and an oil painting are not interchangeable products, even if the subject and size look similar on a screen. They require different materials, different working methods and very different amounts of time and technical decision making.

This is also where many people get stuck. You might love the look of both pencil and oil and not know which to choose. Or you might assume the choice is mainly about style, when in reality it also affects how the portrait is created, how it is finished, and how it will live in your home long term.In actual fact we have a lovely page to compare oil and pencil pet portraits which you might enjoy reading about.

Pencil Portraits

A good pencil portrait can be incredibly detailed and beautifully subtle. Graphite allows for fine texture, crisp edges and delicate tonal ranges, which is perfect for fur, whiskers and capturing the life like qualities of animals.

Pencil work is often thought of as “simpler” because the materials look modest. In reality, highly detailed graphite drawing is slow, controlled work. Every hair direction, highlight, shadow edge and texture change is built gradually. There is no quick shortcut if the goal is accuracy and realism.

Pencil portraits are also usually created on specialist paper chosen for its surface and longevity. The paper needs to take multiple layers of graphite without becoming shiny or damaged and it needs to remain stable over time. Artists who work professionally will typically choose materials that are designed to last and are suitable for framing properly behind glass.

Pencil is often an excellent choice if you love detail, prefer a timeless look, want something that fits easily into most interiors, or you are commissioning a portrait as a memorial piece where subtlety and expression matter.

Oil Paintings

Oil painting is a different beast altogether. It involves colour mixing, layering, drying time and decisions about tone, temperature, edges and background harmony. Even a natural looking oil portrait includes many stages that are not obvious from the final result.

Oils also tend to involve more physical setup and finishing. Professional oil portraits are usually created on quality canvas or linen and often require careful preparation and packaging. The materials cost more, the process is slower and the margin for error is smaller because each stage builds on the last.

Oil portraits can be especially striking if you want rich colour, a more traditional “fine art” presence on the wall, or a larger statement piece that holds its own in a room. They also suit certain coats and lighting beautifully, especially where warmth and depth are part of the portrait’s character.

So Which Should You Choose?

There is no universal right answer and you do not need to overthink it. The best choice is usually the medium that you naturally respond to when you look at finished examples. Your home, your taste and the way you want to remember your pet matters.

If it helps, here is a simple way to think about it:

  • Choose pencil if you love detail, subtle shading, a classic look, and a portrait that frames beautifully and quietly holds attention.
  • Choose oil if you want colour, depth, traditional presence, and a portrait that feels like a statement artwork in the room.

The important thing is that you are comparing like for like. A pencil portrait priced lower than an oil painting is not automatically “better value”, just as a more expensive oil painting is not automatically “better”. They are different forms of work with different demands, and pricing often reflects that reality.

In the next section, we will move beyond the medium and look at the practical factors that influence price in almost every commission, such as size, complexity, number of pets, background choices, and the quality of the reference photo.

The Practical Factors That Influence Price

Once you have a sense of which medium feels right, the next step is understanding why prices can still vary significantly within that category. This usually comes down to a handful of practical factors that affect the time, complexity, and decision-making involved in creating the portrait.

Size is one of the most obvious influences. Larger portraits require more materials and, more importantly, more working time. As the scale increases, so does the level of planning needed to keep proportions, balance, and detail consistent across the whole piece.

The number of pets included also plays a role. A single-pet portrait allows the artist to focus on one set of features, expressions, and proportions. When multiple pets are combined into one composition, the complexity increases. Each animal needs to feel like itself, while still working together as a coherent whole.

Pose and composition matter more than most people expect. A straightforward head-and-shoulders portrait is often less demanding than a full-body pose, particularly if legs, paws, or complex foreshortening are involved. Full-body portraits can be wonderfully expressive, but they require careful structural planning to look natural and balanced.

Background choices also influence both time and cost. A simple, softly toned background allows attention to stay on the pet and can work beautifully for many portraits. More detailed or environmental backgrounds require additional planning, layering, and refinement, especially in painted work.

Reference photographs play a surprisingly large role in the process. Clear, well-lit images taken at the pet’s eye level make it easier for the artist to work accurately and efficiently. When photos are blurry, poorly lit, or taken from awkward angles, the artist must spend more time interpreting and reconstructing details, which adds to the overall workload.

There are also practical considerations that happen behind the scenes. Preparation, drying time (for painted work), protective finishing, and careful packaging all form part of a professional process. These steps are essential for creating work that arrives safely and lasts well, even though they are rarely visible to the client.

None of these factors exist in isolation. A larger portrait with multiple pets, a full-body pose, and a detailed background naturally demands more time and concentration than a simpler commission. This is not about charging more for the sake of it, but about reflecting the genuine workload involved.

Understanding these practical influences makes it much easier to see why two portraits in the same medium can be priced very differently, and why comparing them purely by size or headline price can be misleading.

In the next section, we will look at the less visible costs that are often overlooked, and why some expenses only become apparent after a commission has already been completed.

The Hidden Costs People Often Forget About

When comparing pet portrait prices, most people understandably focus on the headline figure. What often gets missed are the additional costs that sit quietly around a commission and only become obvious later. These do not always appear on an artist’s price list, but they still affect the overall value of what you receive.

One of the most common surprises is framing. Professional artwork is rarely supplied framed, as framing choices are personal and depend on where the piece will be displayed. However, good framing is not inexpensive, especially for larger portraits or archival materials that need proper protection behind glass.

Delivery and packaging are another area that is easy to underestimate. A professionally packed portrait requires protective materials, careful handling, and insured shipping. This is particularly important for larger works or international deliveries, where damage or loss would be devastating for both artist and client.

Some costs relate to the longevity of the artwork itself. Archival papers, canvases, varnishes, and protective finishes are more expensive than standard materials, but they are chosen to ensure the portrait ages well rather than deteriorating over time. These choices are rarely visible, but they matter enormously in the long run.

There are also time-related costs that are not always obvious. Communication, preparation, planning, and aftercare all take time. Artists who provide clear guidance, updates, and support throughout the process build this into their pricing so clients are not left feeling uncertain or rushed.

To give a clearer picture, here are some of the additional factors that can sit alongside the main commission price:

  • Professional framing or mounting
  • Protective packaging and insured delivery
  • Archival materials chosen for long-term preservation
  • International shipping or customs handling
  • Time spent advising on photos, composition, and presentation

None of these costs are inherently “hidden” in a misleading sense, but they are often overlooked when people first compare prices. This is why a portrait that looks more affordable at first glance can sometimes end up costing more overall, or delivering less long-term value than expected.

Being aware of these factors early on allows you to budget realistically and avoid unpleasant surprises later in the process.

In the next section, we will look at one of the most important — and most misunderstood — parts of pet portrait pricing: how to recognise red flags in suspiciously cheap services, and when a low price should prompt closer questions.

Red Flags: When a Very Low Price Should Prompt Questions

Affordable does not automatically mean poor quality, just as expensive does not automatically mean exceptional. However, there are certain situations where a very low price should encourage you to pause and ask a few sensible questions before committing.

This is not about criticising artists who charge less. Everyone has to start somewhere, and there are many genuine reasons why an artist’s prices may be lower at a particular stage in their career. The concern arises when the price and the promises do not seem to align with the reality of what is being offered.

Over the years, we have seen patterns emerge. When problems occur with commissions, they often trace back to the same warning signs. Being aware of them can save a great deal of disappointment later.

It may be worth asking more questions if you notice several of the following:

  • Very fast turnaround times that do not seem realistic for hand-created work
  • Large numbers of near-identical portraits across a portfolio
  • Vague descriptions of materials or working process
  • Little or no communication before payment is taken
  • Prices that feel disconnected from the time and skill implied

Fast production is not always a problem, but creating a truly bespoke portrait takes time. If a service promises rapid delivery while also claiming high levels of detail and individuality, it is reasonable to ask how that balance is achieved.

Repetition within a portfolio can also be a clue. Professional artists develop a recognisable style, but each portrait should still feel distinct. If every dog appears in the same pose, lighting, or expression, it may indicate a templated process rather than a fully customised piece.

Transparency matters. A professional artist should be able to explain what materials they use, how the process works, and what you can expect at each stage. If this information is missing or avoided, it becomes difficult to judge what you are actually commissioning.

None of these points mean that a lower-priced portrait is automatically the wrong choice. They simply suggest that a little extra care and curiosity are sensible before proceeding.

In the next section, we will look at how newer technologies, including AI-assisted imagery, fit into the current pet portrait landscape, and how to decide when traditional human artistry truly matters — and when it might not.

Traditional Art, Digital Work, and AI: Understanding the Difference

In recent years, the pet portrait world has expanded rapidly. Alongside traditional hand-drawn and hand-painted work, you will now see digital portraits, AI-generated images, and services that blend several approaches together. This has added another layer of confusion to pricing, particularly when very different processes are presented as if they are the same.

There is nothing inherently wrong with digital or AI-assisted artwork. For some people, these options are exactly what they are looking for. The key is understanding what you are commissioning, how it is created, and what role a human artist plays in the final result.

Traditional pet portraits are created entirely by hand, from start to finish. The artist studies your photographs, makes compositional decisions, and builds the portrait gradually through drawing or painting. Every mark is intentional, and every adjustment is guided by experience and judgement. The finished piece exists as a physical original, not a file or a reproduction.

Digital portraits, by contrast, are created using software rather than physical materials. A skilled digital artist can still bring personality, interpretation, and creativity to their work, but the process, tools, and final output are different. Digital portraits are usually delivered as files or prints rather than unique physical originals.

AI-generated images introduce another distinction. These are typically created by algorithms trained on large datasets of existing images. While the results can look impressive at first glance, the process does not involve the same level of individual observation, decision-making, or emotional connection to the subject. In many cases, the same underlying image structures are reused across multiple commissions.

This difference in process has a direct impact on pricing. AI-assisted services can be produced quickly and at scale, which allows them to be offered at much lower prices. Traditional hand-created portraits take significantly longer and involve far more human input, which naturally places them at a different point in the pricing landscape.

The important question to ask yourself is not which option is “better”, but which one suits your expectations. If you are looking for a quick decorative image, a digital or AI-based service may be perfectly appropriate. If you are commissioning a keepsake, a memorial, or a piece of artwork intended to last for decades, the involvement of a human artist often matters far more.

Being clear about these differences helps avoid disappointment. Problems tend to arise when clients believe they are commissioning a fully hand-created portrait, only to discover later that the process relied heavily on automation or templates.

In the next section, we will bring all of this together and look at how to evaluate whether a price feels fair, based not on numbers alone, but on process, quality, and what truly matters to you.

How to Decide if a Price Is Fair

By this point, you may still be looking at a range of prices and wondering how to decide what feels right. Rather than focusing on the number alone, it helps to step back and look at the bigger picture. A fair price is not about finding the cheapest option or the most expensive one, but about whether the cost makes sense for what is being offered.

One of the most useful questions to ask is how the artist works. Do they explain their process clearly? Are they open about materials, timescales, and what you can expect along the way? Transparency is often a good indicator of professionalism.

Experience also matters. An artist who has spent years refining their craft brings more than technical skill. They bring judgement, consistency, and the ability to handle challenges calmly. That experience tends to show in both the finished work and the way the commission process is managed.

Quality is another important factor, but it goes beyond how a portrait looks on a screen. Consider whether the materials are designed to last, whether the work will age well, and whether the portrait is intended as a long-term keepsake rather than a short-term decorative piece.

It is also worth paying attention to how the artist communicates. Do you feel listened to? Are your questions answered thoughtfully rather than brushed aside? Commissioning a portrait is a collaborative process, and feeling comfortable with the person creating the work is an important part of the overall experience.

To bring this together, a price is more likely to feel fair when it reflects:

  • The artist’s experience and consistency of work
  • The time genuinely required to create the portrait
  • The quality and longevity of the materials used
  • The level of care, communication, and support provided
  • The intention behind the work — whether it is decorative or deeply personal

If most of these elements are present and align with what you are hoping to commission, the price is usually a reasonable reflection of the work involved. If several feel missing or unclear, it may be worth asking further questions before proceeding.

Ultimately, the right decision is the one that leaves you feeling confident, informed, and comfortable. A portrait is not something you buy often, and it is meant to be enjoyed for many years. Feeling at ease with your choice matters just as much as the finished artwork itself.

In the next section, we will look at how to think about your own budget realistically, and how to decide what level of investment makes sense for your situation and your expectations.

When Professional Human Art Matters — and When It Might Not

By now, you will have seen that there are many ways to turn a pet photograph into an image. The question is not whether one approach is universally better than another, but when professional, human-created artwork truly matters to you.

There are situations where speed, convenience, or cost are the main priority. If you are looking for something light-hearted, decorative, or simply want a quick visual reminder of a pet, digital or AI-based options can be perfectly adequate. For many people, they serve that purpose well.

Professional hand-created portraits tend to matter most when the artwork carries emotional weight. Memorial pieces, once-in-a-lifetime gifts, or portraits intended to become part of a family’s history often benefit from the care, interpretation, and attention that only a human artist can bring.

A human artist is not just reproducing an image. They are responding to expression, posture, and character, and making judgement calls about what defines that particular animal. Those decisions are subtle, and they are shaped by experience, empathy, and time spent observing the subject.

There is also value in the process itself. Many clients find comfort in knowing that someone has taken time to study their pet, to work thoughtfully from their photographs, and to create something unique specifically for them. That sense of care and intention is difficult to replicate through automated processes.

Longevity plays a role here as well. If you want an artwork that can be framed, passed down, and still be enjoyed many years from now, the choice of materials, techniques, and craftsmanship becomes more important. Human-created work is often designed with that long view in mind.

None of this means that one option is morally better than another. It simply means that different approaches suit different needs. Being honest with yourself about what you want from the portrait makes the decision clearer and far less stressful.

In the final section, we will bring everything together and offer a few closing thoughts to help you move forward feeling confident and comfortable with whatever choice you make.

Final Thoughts: Choosing Well and Feeling Confident

If you have made it this far, you are already doing something most people do not do. You are taking the time to understand what you are commissioning, rather than rushing into a decision based on a price tag and a few photographs online. That care tends to lead to the best outcomes.

Pet portrait pricing can look messy on the surface, but it becomes much clearer once you know what sits behind it. Materials, time, experience, communication, and long-term quality all play a part. The medium matters. The reference photographs matter. And just as importantly, what the portrait means to you matters.

The goal is not to find the “perfect” price. The goal is to choose an artist and an approach that fits your expectations, your home, and the reason you are commissioning the portrait in the first place. When those things align, the price usually makes sense.

If you are unsure where to start, keep it simple. Look for an artist whose work you genuinely connect with. Check that they are clear about process and materials. Make sure you feel comfortable speaking with them. And do not be afraid to ask questions. A professional will welcome them.

Whether you choose a traditional hand-created portrait, a digital commission, or something quicker and more automated, what matters most is that you make a decision you feel good about. A portrait should be a pleasure to own, not something you second-guess.

If you would like to explore commissioning a portrait with us, you can browse our pencil drawings and oil paintings on the website and see examples of past commissions. If you have a question about photos, sizes, or which option might suit your pet best, you are very welcome to get in touch. We are always happy to advise, even if you are still at the early research stage.

Thank you for taking the time to read our guide, and we hope it has helped you feel clearer and more confident about what to look for and how to choose well.

Thinking About Budget: What Really Matters to You

Once you understand how pet portrait pricing works, the next question is often a very personal one: how much should you spend? There is no single right answer, and it does not need to feel uncomfortable or awkward to think about budget.

A helpful starting point is to think about why you are commissioning the portrait in the first place. For some people, it is a decorative piece for the home. For others, it is a deeply personal keepsake, a memorial, or a once-in-a-lifetime gift. The role the portrait plays in your life naturally influences how much you may feel comfortable investing.

It can also help to consider how permanent you want the artwork to be. Some portraits are intended to mark a moment in time, while others are chosen specifically because they are meant to last for decades. Neither approach is wrong, but they do sit at different points on the pricing spectrum.

Your budget does not need to stretch to the highest-priced option to be valid. Equally, choosing to invest more does not need to be justified to anyone. What matters is that the level of work, care, and longevity you are paying for matches your expectations.

Many people find it useful to decide on a comfortable range before contacting artists, rather than asking for prices first and trying to work backwards. This makes conversations clearer and avoids the feeling of being pulled in a direction that does not feel right.

If you find yourself torn between options, ask yourself a simple question: will I still feel happy with this decision in five or ten years’ time? Often, that answer tells you far more than the price alone.

In the next section, we will talk honestly about when professional, human-created artwork truly matters — and when choosing something quicker or more automated may actually be the better fit for your needs.

Commission a Portrait

Send us your favourite photos of your dog, cat, or horse and we will help you choose the perfect one for your portrait. We are happy to chat about any ideas you have for a portrait. We can’t wait to get started!