Commission Guide
Step By Step Guide To Commissioning A Pet Portrait
If this is this first time you have commissioned a painting, then everything you need to know is on this page - please also check out the FAQ's page and the Photo Tips page.

I have been accepting commissions for over 20 years and pride myself on the quality of my work and look forward to helping create a loving tribute to your treasured pet.

If you require any further help with your pet portrait commission you are more than welcome to contact me and I will be happy to guide you through the commissioning process.
The Commissioning Process

  • Step 1 - View my Prices
    Please visit the pet portrait prices page to get an idea of what size portrait you would like and how much it will cost. If you would like a bespoke size, please email me with your photos and I will be happy to create a tailored quote for you. If you require your portrait framed please visit the Framing page where you can see styles, sizes and costs. As framing is a very personal taste, many of my clients prefer to have the portrait framed themselves, so I am quite happy to supply the painting unframed.

  • Step 2 - Send Photos
    Before I can proceed I do need to see the photographs that you wish me to work from to ensure they are clear enough for me to produce the best results. Photographs can be sent in digital format via email at high resolution so I can then be print then out - I have the latest Adobe Photoshop editing software, or can be sent on CD or printed hardcopies. Send all hard copy photographs by post only but don‘t scan them as it can change the colour considerably.  It is essential to have good photographs in order to create your pet portrait. All photographs will returned with the completed portrait.

    Good quality photographs are the absolute key - the better the photos, the better the portrait will be. Please check out the Photo Tips page for full details. If you would like me to come and personally photograph the subject(s) please contact me and I will create a quote for you to cover the cost of travel etc.
 
  • Step 3 - Pay Deposit
    Once I have checked the photographs and we agree on your requirements and delivery timescale I will ask for a 40 per cent, non refundable deposit of the agreed price. I work on a first come first served basis, and like many artists I am usually booked up in advance, especially in the lead up to Christmas - So please allow plenty of time when booking. If you have a portrait that you need as a special gift and the date is near, I offer bespoke Pet Portrait Gift Vouchers - These can be personalised to the recipient and provide an ideal alternative.

  • Step 4 - Initial Sketch/Mock-Up
    I will then sketch out the pencil outline of your pet portrait and send it to you via email or make it available for you to view online to check you are happy with the pose etc. If you have commissioned a group portrait from separate photos I will create a Photoshop "mock-up" of all the animals together in one pose, and also a photo of the initial sketch.
    If you wish I will send you updates of ‘work-in-progress’, although the majority of my clients prefer to wait to see the completed painting as it has more of an impact then - the choice is yours.

  • Step 5 - I Complete your Portrait
    During the painting process I take photos of the progress and email to the client if requested, if there are any areas that need to be altered or tweaked they can be done at this stage.
    Once the painting has been completed I email you a photo of the final portrait and the balance is then due, which you  can either pay by debit or credit card securely online through Paypal or by cheque through the post.

  • Step 6 - Pay Balance and Receive your Finished Portrait
    On receipt of payment (If you are paying by cheque I will wait for the cheque to clear) I will dispatch your finished pet portrait work using a reputable carrier, usually Parcelforce or Royal Mail Special delivery.
    It takes many hours to create a pet portrait so the packing and despatch is a very important stage, after all the time and effort put into the artwork, I have very high standards when it come to packing and shipping. Portraits are NEVER rolled in a tube - they are always packed with hardboard both sides, then cardboard outer packaging.
    If you are local I am more than happy to deliver the finished portrait - It is always satisfying to see in person how happy a client is with my work, that's what makes it all worthwhile. (Free delivery within 5 mile radius, or small charge to cover costs from 5 mile to 25 mile radius.)

Please check out the Timeline of a Portrait page where you can see the entire process from beginning to end.

Share by: