Remember every detail
how it works, step by step…
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Step 1 - contact
Please fill in the booking form below to enquire about commissioning me to draw your pet.
Alternatively you can message me on social media @jenniferstarnesart or email jenniferstarnesart@gmail.com
I will get back to you using your preferred method of contact to have an informal chat about how I can help you.
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Step 2 - choose size
I offer a variety of sizes from small - extra large to suit your budget and style.
If you are unsure what size you would like I can advise you based on the reference photo, number of subjects and intended hanging place. During our initial chat I will provide you with a personalised price quote.
For inspiration explore my gallery below.
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Step 3 - photos
I require you to send me high quality reference photos so I can realistically depict your pet.
I will send you an initial sketch/mock up so you know what the composition will look like. I welcome suggestions to ensure I succeed in bringing your vision to life.
Please email me using the button below to check if your photo is suitable for a pet portrait.
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Step 4 - book in
I require a 50% deposit to book your commission slot in my diary. The remaining balance needs to be paid before I begin the portrait. Alternatively, you can pay in full. I accept payment by bank transfer and Paypal.
Contact me to find out my current lead-time. This varies depending on my waitlist and the requested portrait size.
Please read my terms & conditions prior to commissioning an artwork.
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Step 5 - creation
I send updates throughout the creation process so you’re involved in every step of the unique process.
If you prefer that I don’t post updates across my social media channels, for example if it is a gift, please let me know and I will keep it a secret until after it is gifted.
Connect with me on social media so we can have thoughtful conversations. I share exciting behind the scenes that you won’t want to miss.
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Step 6 - shipping
Once I have completed the artwork I will send you a watermarked photo of your portrait for your approval.
During this stage you can suggest any small tweaks or revisions.
Following your 100% satisfaction, I will ship the artwork to you. My pet portraits come gift wrapped with ribbon and tissue paper. I’m conscious of the materials I use within my packaging. Please see below to find out more.
Pricing
The below prices in Great British Pounds provide a guideline for my standard sized coloured pencil pet portrait commissions. Prices will vary depending on the number of subjects, background and complexity. I have additional sizing and style options available so please get in touch for a tailored quote. I offer various styles, please click here for my canvas painting price guidelines.
Medium - £350
A4 (8.3’’ x 11.7’’)
A popular size for a solo portrait.
Large - £550
A3 (11.7’’ x 16.5’’)
Statement piece.
Extra large - £750
A2 (16.5’’ x 23.4’’)
Centre piece or family pet portrait.
Guidance choosing a reference photo of your pet.
Composition mock up/ sketch approval.
A double mount fitted in a colour of your choice.
Advice on framing options (framing is add-on cost).
Progress photos sent to you throughout the process.
A certificate of authenticity and colour palette.
Packaged securely using eco-friendly materials.
(shipping is charged separately, please ask for an approximate shipping quote).
A pet portrait commission includes…
Taking the perfect photo of your pet
Click on the categories below for useful tips!
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Please give your camera lens a quick wipe before taking the photo to make sure it will be clear. Be careful not to move the camera when you are taking the photo to avoid movement blur. Can you see your pet’s eye colour clearly? To check the photo is in focus you can also zoom into the photo and see if you can see the direction of the fur.
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You may wish to capture your pet in a certain pose that displays their personality. You know your pet best so I will leave this up to you. I find that holding a treat behind/on top of the camera is effective at capturing attention! (caution, may result in drool!)
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It is optimal to take photos of your pet in a variety of lighting conditions, such as indoors and outdoors. Please check that the colour of the fur in the photo accurately depicts your pet’s fur colour in real life.
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You can experiment with taking photos using multiple camera angles but where possible it is best to take a front-on photo on your pet’s eye level. This avoids distortion that can occur from taking a photo of your pet from above (although this will accentuate cute puppy dog eyes!).
Want to know if your photo is suitable?
I’m here to help…
Memorial pet portrait
A pet portrait is a beautiful way to cherish the fond memories you have of your pet.
I specialise in memorial pet portraits, working from old photos (including printed photographs) to craft a portrait of your pet that you can cherish for a lifetime. To create a family pet portrait, I can combine multiple reference photos of different pets.
Client spotlight - behind the scenes of this family pet portrait commission
Evie fromUK. (December 2022).
“I wanted to get a special present for someone very dear to me and I heard of a young lady who is very talented so I decided to get a portrait commissioned of our beloved three cats we have welcomed into our family. I supplied three photographs and Jennifer did an absolutely spectacular portrait of the three cats, so life like, got all the expressions perfectly and I will be using her in 2023 for another portrait, what a talent. Thank you so much.”
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Consultation
My client requested a family portrait of her current cat with 2 of her cats which have now passed away.
She supplied me with many old photo prints. Initially she was concerned of the quality of the photos but I reassured her that I can restore detail within my drawing.
Together we chose the 3 best photos of the cats and I created a mock up composition so that the client could approve the arrangement of the portrait.
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Restoring detail
I asked my client to confirm the cat’s eye colours (due to the lens flare distortion in the photos).
Using colour pencil I am able to create realistic detail. Although high quality reference photos are preferred I understand if you only have limited photos of a pet that has sadly passed away.
I am confident I can create a beautiful portrait which portrays your pets unique quirks and personality.
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Choosing a double mount
I asked my client what colour mount she would prefer to compliment the portrait. She requested for me to choose.
I will always offer the client my suggestions - Level of client involvement is completely individualistic. I enjoy letting my client make decisions just as much as making decisions myself.
I’m here to help and offer my expertise so if you’re unsure please feel free to ask me questions and advice.
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Framing
I asked my client where she was planning on hanging the portrait so I could offer framing suggestions to match her decor and style.
She liked this ‘antique’ style gold frame to match the gold double mount. I prepared the portrait so it was ready to be hung up.
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Gift wrap
I wrap all of my pet portraits with a ribbon and acid-free tissue paper so it is ready to be gifted.
I sent my client the portrait to approve. She was very happy with it and asked if I could make a small revision of adding the cat’s names below each drawing.
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Name customisation
My client gave the portrait to a loved one as a present on Christmas Day - see her lovely review above!
if you’re interested in commissioning artwork please contact me using the form.
Upgrade your pet portrait…
Fine art print add-on
Highest quality giclee print, professionally printed on eco-friendly luxurious bamboo paper.
The perfect gift for loved ones who also cherish the family pet.
Order in the same size or smaller than the original portrait.
Share the joy with the whole family…
Check out my blog to learn more about how I create my pet portraits.
Backed by my 100% satisfaction guarantee
Client satisfaction is very important to me. After I have completed your artwork I will send you a photo for you to approve. I am happy to make any revisions needed until you are 100% happy with the portrait. This level of care is reflected in my consistent 5* star reviews, see what my clients have to say below.