In today's world, we are surrounded by images of pets. We see them as memes on social media or as part of an advertisement for a pet supply company. But what if you want to have your own custom pet portrait made? Where do you start? The following article is designed to help people prepare for their first custom pet portrait experience by covering common do's and don'ts of pet portraits.
Do Take Your Time To Pick The Right Artist
When commissioning a custom pet portrait, you first need to choose the right artist. Not all artists are created equal, and you want to make sure that you find an artist whose style you like and who has experience painting pets.
You'll also want to consider their style of custom pet portraits because each artist will have their own unique way of painting your pet. For example, some artists may provide watercolor paintings, while others may do oil paintings or even digital drawings.
Don't Wait Until The Last Minute To Book Your Portrait
Once you've found the right artist, don't wait until the last minute to book your portrait. Depending on the artist's schedule, custom pet portraits can take several weeks or even months to complete. If you wait until the last minute to book your painting, you may not be able to get it done in time for a special occasion, such as your pet's birthday. It's best to order as soon as possible to ensure that you can enjoy your custom pet portrait without waiting a long time!
Do Provide Plenty Of Reference Photos
When you book your custom pet portrait, the artist will likely ask you for reference photos. These photos should be of high quality and provide a good representation of your pet's appearance. You'll want to provide pictures that show your pet's face, as well as their body. It's also a good idea to provide photos of your pet in different positions, such as sitting, standing, or lying down. This will give the artist a better idea of your pet's overall appearance.
If you're never photographed your pet before, here are some quick tips to ensure you get the right shot for your custom pet portrait:
Use Natural Lighting
When taking photos of your pet, try to use natural lighting whenever possible. This will help the artist see your pet's true colors. When you use flash or try to photograph in a dark setting, your pet's colors may appear distorted.
Get Down On Their Level
When taking photos of your pet, get down on their level. This means getting on the ground if your pet is a dog or cat or sitting in a chair if your pet is a bird or reptile. This will help the artist see your pet's features better.
Let Them Be Themselves
When taking photos of your pet, try to let them be themselves. This means not forcing them into a pose or making them wear clothes that they're not comfortable in. The artist wants to see your pet's personality shine through in the portrait, so it's best to let them be themselves.
Keep The Background Neutral
When taking photos of your pet, try to keep the background as neutral as possible. This means avoiding busy patterns or bright colors. A plain white or light-colored background will be best.
Only Include One Dog Per Photo
If you have more than one pet, the artist may ask you to provide separate photos of each pet. This is so they can focus on painting each pet individually and not get them confused.
Don't Forget To Include Any Special Details
When providing reference photos for your custom pet portrait, don't forget to include any unique details you want the artist to know about. This could be anything from your pet's favorite toy to a birthmark that they have. Including these details will help the artist create a truly unique portrait and capture your pet's personality.
Do Have An Idea Of What You Want The Final Product To Look Like
When you commission a custom pet portrait, it's essential to have an idea of what you want the final product to look like. This doesn't mean that you need to have a specific design in mind, but you should at least have an idea of the size, medium, and overall style of the portrait. This will help the artist understand your vision for the final product and ensure that they are able to create something that you love.
Don't Be Afraid To Ask For What You Want
If you're not sure what you want your custom pet portrait to look like, don't be afraid to ask for help from the artist. Many artists will be more than happy to provide you with some guidance and suggestions. They may even have some sample portraits that you can look at to get an idea of their style.
Do Be Prepared To Spend A Bit Of Money
Custom pet portraits can be a bit pricey, so be prepared to spend a bit of money on your painting. The cost will depend on the artist's fees, as well as the size and medium of the portrait. Remember that you're paying for the artist's skill and expertise at the end of the day, so don't be afraid to invest in a quality portrait.
Conclusion
Custom pet portraits make for a thoughtful and unique gift, but a lot goes into ensuring you get the perfect picture. By following these do's and don'ts, you can ensure that your custom pet portrait turns out exactly the way you want it to.
If you're ready to get started, head over to JoyousJoyfulJoyness to order your custom pet portrait today. I'm a dedicated custom pet portrait artist who will work with you to create a one-of-a-kind portrait of your beloved pet. Visit my website to see some of my previous work and learn more about the process. I can't wait to create a beautiful portrait of your furry friend!