Frequently asked questions...
How do I commission a pet portrait?
1. Send me your photos!
Scan original photographs, or email me as many digital files as you want. Learn which photos work best in my blog article. |
2. Decide on a reference photo. We'll discuss which photos capture your pet's personality, and which will work best for your portrait.
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3. Choose a size.
To view my sizes and rates, visit my rates page. |
4. Remit payment.
Once all the details are decided upon, I will send you an invoice through PayPal for the total cost of your portrait. |

How much does a pet portrait cost?
Because all portraits are 100% custom, pet portrait rates may vary a bit. The easiest way for me to answer that question is for you to send me some pictures of your pet. At that point, I account for the detail and time of completion based on the photo, and I can give you an accurate price estimation. Contact me for your quote =]
Because all portraits are 100% custom, pet portrait rates may vary a bit. The easiest way for me to answer that question is for you to send me some pictures of your pet. At that point, I account for the detail and time of completion based on the photo, and I can give you an accurate price estimation. Contact me for your quote =]

What kind of picture should I send you for the portrait?
The best pictures to use for pet portraits are:
The best pictures to use for pet portraits are:
- outside, or use natural light vs. indoor light (lamps, fluorescent lighting, etc.)
- from the level of your pet's eyes - not looking down at them
- close-up to show detail and texture in fur and color in the eyes
- DON'T USE A FLASH!

Does my pet portrait come with a frame and mat?
The short answer here is no. The price you are quoted for is for just the portrait, no mat or frame. The portrait will have a .5 inch margin around the edge so that it can be matted properly. Mats and frames are not included in my services because each mat and frame should be chosen to compliment the decor in your home. Because all of my portraits are 100% custom with sensitive materials, I highly recommend having all artwork framed by a professional. While it may save a bit of money to buy a pre-cut mat and frame elsewhere, I can promise that the quality of the portrait will be preserved and protected much better in a professional frame.
The short answer here is no. The price you are quoted for is for just the portrait, no mat or frame. The portrait will have a .5 inch margin around the edge so that it can be matted properly. Mats and frames are not included in my services because each mat and frame should be chosen to compliment the decor in your home. Because all of my portraits are 100% custom with sensitive materials, I highly recommend having all artwork framed by a professional. While it may save a bit of money to buy a pre-cut mat and frame elsewhere, I can promise that the quality of the portrait will be preserved and protected much better in a professional frame.

How should I frame/display my custom pet portrait?
My custom pet portraits are created using several layers of wax and powdered pigments. Because not all of the layers are actually touching the paper itself, my portraits are DELICATE, to say the least. So, here are a few guidelines to preserve your beautiful work of art:
1. You MUST MUST MUST frame your portrait AS SOON AS POSSIBLE to avoid damage and to preserve color vibrance. Letting your portrait sit out will allow the wax pigments to oxidize and dull the vibrant colors.
2. You MUST MUST MUST have a frame, with a mat, and glass. NO exceptions. The surface of your portrait will touch the glass without a mat, which can be very damaging. Glass is not an option - it will protect your portrait from, well, everything!
3. DO NOT touch your portrait if you don't have to - even on the edges. My custom portraits are done on archival paper, which means that the oils from your skin will stain the paper over time. To avoid this - don't touch it unless you're framing it.
4. Never ever stack anything on top of your portrait.
My custom pet portraits are created using several layers of wax and powdered pigments. Because not all of the layers are actually touching the paper itself, my portraits are DELICATE, to say the least. So, here are a few guidelines to preserve your beautiful work of art:
1. You MUST MUST MUST frame your portrait AS SOON AS POSSIBLE to avoid damage and to preserve color vibrance. Letting your portrait sit out will allow the wax pigments to oxidize and dull the vibrant colors.
2. You MUST MUST MUST have a frame, with a mat, and glass. NO exceptions. The surface of your portrait will touch the glass without a mat, which can be very damaging. Glass is not an option - it will protect your portrait from, well, everything!
3. DO NOT touch your portrait if you don't have to - even on the edges. My custom portraits are done on archival paper, which means that the oils from your skin will stain the paper over time. To avoid this - don't touch it unless you're framing it.
4. Never ever stack anything on top of your portrait.
How long will it take for you to complete my portrait?
I typically have a portrait commission wait list of roughly 6-8 weeks. Once your portrait comes up, it will often be completed in 7-14 days. This does not include the time it takes to ship the portrait to you. Just let me know if you need the portrait to be completed on a shorter deadline, and I'll be happy to help in any way I can. =]
Be sure to check out my speed drawing videos of some of my pet portraits! |
Can you do a portrait of two (or more) of my pets together?
Of course! Portraits with more than one subject work best if I use one reference photo, instead of having two separate photos to work from. However, it is still possible to use to separate photos. Pricing for a multiple subject portrait will vary based on size and media and will only be discussed after the reference photos have been shared with me. You can contact me for further information. =] |
All Images Copyright Jenna Harrison 2017