The Commission Process
A Portrait Made Just for You
Every portrait begins with a story worth remembering. My goal is to make the commissioning process as personal and straightforward as the artwork itself. From your first inquiry to the moment your finished portrait is in your hands, I'll keep you informed and guide you through each step.
01 — Submit Your Request
Ready to commission a portrait? Begin by completing my commission form through Ko-fi. Your commission is secured with a 50% deposit, paid when you submit your request.
Once your form and deposit are submitted, your place in my commission queue is reserved.
02 — Send Your Reference Photos
After submitting your request, send me the photographs you'd like me to use as references. Clear, well-lit photos help me capture the details that make your pet uniquely themselves. This will be part of the original commission request form, so no need to worry.
I'll review your photos and reach out if I need additional images, different angles, or any further information before moving forward. We'll make sure I have everything needed to create the best possible portrait.
03 — Your Project Awaits Its Turn
Once your reference photos and details are confirmed, your portrait will join my commission queue. Please allow approximately one month before I begin your project. Wait Times Vary.
During this waiting period, there's nothing else you need to do. I'll contact you when your portrait is ready to begin.
04 — Your Portrait Begins
When your project reaches the front of the queue, I'll get in touch to let you know I'm beginning work on your portrait. This is also an opportunity to confirm any remaining details, preferences, or special requests before I get started.
Then, I'll begin bringing your portrait to life, carefully building the details, character, and personality that make your pet one of a kind. This process typically takes 1-2 weeks depending on the commission.
05 — Review Your Finished Portrait
Once your portrait is complete, I'll send you a photograph of the finished artwork for your review. I will make 1 revision for free. After that, there will be an additional cost per revision. This is usually due to low photo quality, and i make it very clear before beginning your project what i can or cant do.
Take a moment to enjoy seeing your portrait come together! Once you've confirmed that the portrait is approved, I'll send you the details for your remaining 50% balance.
06 — Complete Your Payment
After approving the finished portrait, you'll pay the remaining balance. Once your final payment is received, your artwork will be ready to make its way home to you.
07 — Bringing Your Portrait Home
The final step is getting your artwork safely into your hands! Depending on your location and preference, we can arrange shipping or coordinate a local meetup. shipping costs will be added to your final payment.
I'll communicate with you to confirm the delivery method and arrangements, so you know what to expect.
And then, your portrait is yours to treasure—a lasting tribute to a bond that means so much.
Ready to Begin?
Every pet has a personality, a story, and a place in someone's heart. I'd be honored to help you preserve a little piece of yours.
[Commission Your Portrait Through Ko-fi]
Before you commission a portrait: Reference photos make a significant difference in the final result. Please review my [Photo Guidelines] before submitting your request so I can capture your pet as accurately as possible.
Your commission begins with the request form and 50% deposit.
Choosing the Right Reference Photos
The Better the Reference, the Better the Portrait
I want your portrait to capture what makes your pet uniquely them—their expression, their eyes, the texture of their fur, and all the little details that make them recognizable.
To do that, I need photographs that clearly show those details. A photo can be a beautiful memory and still be difficult to use as an artistic reference. Before submitting your photos, please take a moment to review the examples below.
When in doubt, send me a few options! I'll review your photos and let you know if I need anything else before your portrait begins.
Lacy will be our model. Here is a pet portrait I did of her after she passed.
Good Examples: Photos That Work Well
Look for photos that are:
Sharp and in focus. I should be able to see the details around the eyes, nose, fur, feathers, or scales without the image looking blurry or pixelated.
Well lit. Natural daylight is ideal. I need to see your pet's true colors and facial features, without harsh shadows hiding important details.
Taken from a good angle. Choose an angle that shows the features you want captured. Eye-level photos are often excellent for portraits.
High resolution. The original photo should be large and clear enough to zoom in on fine details. Please send the original image rather than a screenshot or a compressed social media copy.
A good representation of your pet. Choose a photo that shows their personality and the expression you'd love to remember.
Bad Examples: Photos That Are Difficult to Use
Please avoid photos that are:
Blurry or out of focus. If the eyes and facial features aren't sharp, I can't accurately recreate details that aren't visible.
Too dark or heavily shadowed. Missing details in dark areas can make it difficult to capture your pet's coloring and features.
Overexposed or washed out. Bright areas can lose important details in white fur, feathers, or other light-colored features.
Low resolution or pixelated. If the image breaks apart when enlarged, there may not be enough information to create a detailed portrait.
Taken from too far away. If your pet occupies only a small portion of the photo, the details I need may be impossible to see.
Obstructed. Photos with hands, toys, furniture, leashes, or other objects covering important facial features can limit what I can accurately recreate.
A Quick Note About Accuracy
I can work with you to select the best photographs, but I cannot reliably recreate details that aren't visible in the reference images. If a photo is too blurry, dark, small, or obstructed, I may ask you to provide another one before I can begin.
My goal is to create a portrait that genuinely resembles your pet, and a good reference photo is the first step toward making that possible.