Frequently Asked Questions About Your Custom Pet Portrait

From choosing your collection to receiving your finished artwork,
here are answers to the questions I hear most often.

About the Process

  • Creating your custom portrait is simple. Choose your favorite collection, submit your pet’s photos, and share any details you would like incorporated into the artwork. I’ll thoughtfully transform your images into a custom portrait designed to capture your pet’s personality and spirit. Before your artwork moves into production, you’ll receive a proof to review and approve.

  • Your favorite everyday photo may be all I need. Clear photos with good lighting, visible eyes, and a clear view of your pet’s face help me create the most detailed and authentic portrait.

    Professional photos are not required. Many beautiful portraits begin with simple phone snapshots.

    If you submit a photograph created by another professional photographer, you must have written permission or an appropriate license allowing the image to be used as reference for custom artwork.

  • Yes. I can often work with older photographs, including treasured images from years past. The quality of the final artwork depends on the clarity and detail available in the original photo, but I’ll always do my best to preserve what makes your pet uniquely them.

  • That’s completely normal. Some of the most expressive pet portraits come from everyday moments rather than perfectly posed photos. Multiple photos showing different expressions, angles, and personality traits can help me create a more complete portrait.

About the Artwork

  • I create custom portraits of dogs, cats, horses, birds, reptiles, and every beloved companion in between.

  • Yes. I can thoughtfully remove many distracting elements so the focus remains on your pet. My goal is to create a polished portrait while preserving their authentic appearance and personality.

  • Yes. If you have several favorite images, I can use them together as inspiration to create one cohesive portrait.

    This is especially meaningful for pets who have passed away or pets who are rarely photographed together.

  • Yes. Memorial portraits are some of the most meaningful artwork I create. I understand how important it is to preserve the personality, expression, and memories of a beloved companion.

Collections and Presentation

  • Pet Portrait Couture offers several artistic collections, each with its own distinctive style and personality:

    • The Pawsh Collection — Fashion inspired portraits with a high-end editorial feel, perfect for pets with plenty of personality and flair.

    • The Painted Paw — Soft watercolor portraits with timeless elegance and a beautifully artistic finish.

    • The Gilded Paw — Rich, painterly portraits inspired by classic fine art and old-world tradition.

    • The Pawfessional — Imaginative occupational portraits that place your pet in a profession perfectly suited to their personality.

    • Paws with Pastimes — Playful portraits inspired by your pet’s favorite activities, hobbies, and the things they love most.

    • Paws with Pride — Joyful portraits celebrating LGBTQ+ pride, love, individuality, and belonging.

    • The Remembered Paw — Meaningful memorial portraits created to honor the love, memories, and lasting legacy of a cherished companion.

    If you have a unique vision beyond these collections, I’d love to hear your ideas. Whether you have a special theme, favorite style, or creative concept in mind, we can work together to create a portrait that feels completely personal to you and your pet.

  • Portraits are available in a variety of sizes to suit different spaces and styles, from smaller statement pieces to large-scale artwork designed to become a focal point in your home.

    Popular sizes include:

    • 5×7

    • 8×10

    • 11×14

    • 16×20

    • 20×24

    • 24×30

    • 30×40

    Custom sizing may also be available depending on the artwork and presentation option selected.

    This also subtly supports your future ability to create panoramic pieces, square designs, or unusual crops without contradicting your FAQ.

  • Digital Artwork File
    A high resolution digital file suitable for personal printing and display. It gives you the flexibility to enjoy your portrait in a variety of ways while preserving the finished artwork digitally.

    Archival Fine Art Print
    Each collection is printed on a carefully selected archival paper chosen to complement the artwork. Soft watercolor collections, such as The Painted Paw, are especially well suited to a textured matte finish, while more vibrant collections, such as The Pawsh Collection, are presented on lustre paper for rich color and fine detail.

    Gallery Wrapped Canvas
    A durable canvas presentation with dimensional texture and professionally finished wrapped edges, ready to display.

    Custom Framing
    Premium framing options are available in natural wood, black, and white finishes. Additional frame styles, colors, and finishes may be available upon request.

  • Yes. High resolution digital artwork files are available.

    A digital file gives you flexibility for personal printing, digital display, and safekeeping. It may be purchased on its own or offered alongside selected printed artwork options.

Custom Requests

  • Yes. I welcome creative ideas.

    If you have a theme, setting, color palette, wardrobe concept, or artistic direction that does not fit neatly within an existing collection, please share it with me. I will let you know what is possible and help shape the idea into a portrait that feels personal to you and your pet.

  • Yes. Multiple pets can often be included in one cohesive portrait, even if they were never photographed together.

    Please send clear reference photos of each pet. The final composition, pricing, and available sizes may vary depending on the number of pets and the complexity of the artwork.

Ordering and Delivery

  • Because every portrait is individually created, timelines vary depending on the collection, revisions, and selected presentation option.

    Most custom portraits are completed within 2 to 4 weeks after photo submission, with additional time needed for proof approval, printing, framing, and shipping.

    I will provide an estimated timeline before beginning your portrait and keep you updated throughout the process.

    For The Remembered Paw memorial portraits, I understand that timing can carry deeper emotional meaning. If you are creating a portrait to honor a pet who has recently passed, please let me know. I will do my best to accommodate your needs whenever possible.

  • Yes. You will receive a proof before your final artwork moves into production.

    This gives you an opportunity to review the portrait and request reasonable adjustments. My goal is for the finished artwork to feel like a true reflection of the pet you know and love.

  • Pet Portrait Couture serves clients throughout the United States.

    Digital artwork is delivered electronically. Fine art prints, canvas, and framed artwork are carefully packaged and shipped directly to your home.

    Shipping availability, production times, and costs may vary depending on the selected presentation option and destination.

  • Yes. Professional pet and relationship portrait sessions are available in Lexington and throughout Central Kentucky.

    Sessions may feature your pet alone, the two of you together, or the people and pets who make your family complete.

    Learn more about professional pet and relationship portrait sessions.