How to Commission a Pet Portrait
Photos
The first step is to find or take photos that exemplify your pet's personality and character. My expertise lies in the reproduction of your photo and interpreting the individual animal as his/her's own self. I want to produce portraits of not just any pet, but YOUR pet. The quality of your portrait or drawing solely depends on the quality of the photos tha
t you provide, so photos are key. When taking a picture of your pet, be sure to be at their level. It's natural to look down as you are taking photos of your pet, but if the portrait is to be hanging on a wall, you want it at eye level, right? When it comes to lighting, the more the merrier. I find that the best photos are taken outside in natural lighting, with the animal facing the light source. Take tons tons TONS of pictures and keep in mind the position of your pet and how it will look framed! It is important for me to have some detailed shots of your pets, but also be sure that your pet is happy! It's helpful to have, especially with dogs or horses, someone there to help you when taking pictures. Suppose that your pooch is hyper and won't sit still, like my husky Lila, your "helper person" can hold a treat to keep their attention while you snap the shot, or vice versa. Happy Snapping!!!!! Contact
The next step is to email any of your photos with your requirements for the portrait or drawing. Be sure to include the preferred size, whether you would like it landscape or vertical, the medium you prefer, and any extra specifications. I will let you know what we can do:)
Mock Sketches
Once I have received your photos and have a good idea of what you want, I will create a mock "sketch" of how the finished piece will look. These are in black and white and are sketches. I use this method so that I have a clear visual of what type of background you want and where and how your pet is positioned. I do this so that clients will have a good idea of what their drawing or painting will look like before ordering. Other Information: Cost and Payment
Due to the fact that I am starting small and local, I will only accept cash payment. I will do my best to ship it safely to you. For an estimate of how much your portrait will cost, please see below. I require a 25% deposit before I start the piece for the cost of materials. Should you decide you do not want the portrait after it is finished, the deposit will not be refunded and the piece will be put up for sale. Another point I want to hit is the possibility of a waiting list. First come, first served. I'm going to estimate a waiting time of 1 week for drawings and 2 weeks for acrylic paintings, but it all depends on the complexity of the piece and how much free time I have. Please be patient with me. The cost of your portrait depends on the size that you want, the complexity of the background you would like, and how many subjects there are. These are merely estimates. Watercolor and Graphite Portraits: $30-$100
Acrylic Portraits: $100-$400
Oil Portraits: $200-$600
More detailed prices can be found on my website at www.mcpetportraits.webs.com
