Life Story Pet Portraits Gallery – Multi-Scene Pencil Drawings That Tell Your Pet's Complete Story
Melanie Phillips creates unique Life Story pet portraits featuring multiple scenes and poses in a single graphite pencil drawing. These custom compositions include 2-6 different poses of your pet, capturing their personality across different life stages, along with meaningful objects, toys, or memories. Each portrait is hand-drawn on Italian handmade paper and designed personally around your pet's individual story and character.
Welcome to my Life Story Pet Drawings gallery. These special pencil portraits are a way to celebrate your pet's life in full, capturing not just one moment, but many. Each drawing brings together a series of precious memories in a single, beautifully detailed illustration.
Unlike a traditional portrait, a Life Story Drawing allows us to show different sides of your pet's personality — whether it is their cheeky puppy grin, a favourite toy, or the wise expression they had in later years. These drawings are all about what makes your pet them.
What Makes Life Story Drawings Special and Unique
Life Story Drawings are all about more than just how your pet looks — they capture who they are. These thoughtfully composed pencil portraits bring together your favourite memories and moments, telling the full story of your beloved companion in one beautiful piece.
Whether it is showing them as a playful pup and a wise old friend, their classic sleeping pose alongside that ears-up alertness you knew so well, or including their favourite toy or a special collar — each drawing is tailored to reflect the real character of your pet and the bond you shared.
Life Story Portraits
- Multiple scenes and poses in one artwork
- Captures personality across different life stages
- Includes meaningful objects, toys, or memories
- Tells your pet's complete story visually
- Hand-drawn on Italian handmade paper
- Designed personally for each pet's unique character
Latest Life Story Pet Drawing Commissions
Recent examples of multi-scene Life Story portraits, each telling a unique pet's complete story through multiple poses and memories.
Khona (USA)
Pencil on paper
Gilli (Hong Kong)
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Vera (USA)
Pencil on paper
Holden (USA)
Pencil on paper
Rose (UK)
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Dean (USA)
Pencil on paper
Why Choose a Life Story Drawing Over Traditional Portraits
Life Story Drawings are all about more than just how your pet looks — they capture who they are. These thoughtfully composed pencil portraits bring together your favourite memories and moments, telling the full story of your beloved companion in one beautiful piece.
Whether it is showing them as a playful pup and a wise old friend, their classic sleeping pose alongside that ears-up alertness you knew so well, or including their favourite toy or a special collar — each drawing is tailored to reflect the real character of your pet and the bond you shared.
Why Choose a Life Story Drawing
- Created by Hand: Each drawing is hand-drawn by Melanie Phillips using graphite pencil on soft, Italian handmade paper
- Designed Around Your Pet: Every composition is planned personally for your pet's story and personality
- Many Moments in One: Choose 2 to 6 poses to reflect their life and character across time
- Truly Personal: Add meaningful touches like toys, favourite spots, or memories only you would know
- A Timeless Keepsake: A classic pencil portrait designed to be treasured for years to come
Life Story Portrait Questions
Everything you need to know about commissioning a custom multi-scene Life Story portrait that tells your pet's complete story.
My Life Story Portraits are detailed, custom pencil drawings that tell the story of your pet's life. More than a simple head study, these unique compositions capture your pet's personality, favourite things and sometimes even the bond you shared. Whether it's their favourite toy, a special place or a meaningful memory, each portrait is designed to be deeply personal – a visual tribute that celebrates their character and your time together.
Life Story Portraits go beyond a traditional single image portrait. These commissions often include multiple drawings within one piece – such as a main portrait plus smaller illustrations of meaningful objects, locations or poses. They are designed to capture the full essence of your pet's personality and story, not just their appearance. Think of them as a visual biography in pencil form.
Yes – I can absolutely include multiple pets in one Life Story Portrait. Whether they shared a home or a special friendship, I will work with you to create a layout that brings their personalities and bond to life.
I need clear, high-resolution photos that show your pet's features, expressions and colouring. Ideally send a selection including full-body shots and any close-ups that capture their personality. If you are not sure which images to choose, I am happy to help select the best ones or combine elements from multiple photos for the final composition.
Life Story Portraits take a little longer than standard pencil drawings due to the extra planning and multiple elements involved. If you have a deadline, such as a birthday or special occassion, just let me know and I will do my best to accommodate.
Yes – many clients commission Life Story Portraits to remember and honour pets who have passed away. These portraits can include cherished memories, special dates or symbolic items, making them a heartfelt tribute. I understand how emotional these commissions can be and will work closely with you throughout the process to make sure it feels just right.
Yes – Life Story Portraits make incredibly meaningful gifts. If you're not sure what photo to use or want the recipient to be involved in the design, I offer gift vouchers. Perfect for giving on special occasions.
Each Life Story Portrait includes the hand drawn original artwork on hand made Italian paper, beautifully wrapped in tissue and placed inside a black presentation box tied with ribbon. I also include a handwritten note and a care guide. The artwork itself is custom designed around your pet and the story you wish to tell – no two are ever the same.
More Life Story Pet Portrait Examples
Additional examples showing the variety and personalization possible with Life Story portraits, from cats and dogs to horses, each capturing unique personalities and stories.
Archie and Roly (UK)
Pencil on paper
Mikey (USA)
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Frog (Sweden)
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Charles (UK)
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Cassanova (UK)
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Kipling (UK)
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Ready to Commission Your Pet's Life Story Portrait?
Every Life Story Drawing is carefully hand drawn by me, Melanie Phillips, using fine graphite pencil on lovely, soft-textured Italian paper. I work closely with you to design each piece around your pet's story, creating a truly personal keepsake you can treasure forever.
What to Expect When Commissioning
- Personal consultation to understand your pet's story
- Custom composition design featuring 2-6 poses
- Hand-drawn using finest graphite pencils
- Created on Italian handmade paper
- Includes meaningful objects, toys, or memories
- Beautifully presented in tissue and gift box
- Handwritten note and care guide included
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!
