Commissioned Pet Portraits

The Johnson family, all the animals they ever lived with.

Is there an animal lover on your list who has every cat or dog-themed t-shirt and handbag, and even their pets have every toy they can use for the rest of their natural lives? Consider a gift certificate for a commissioned portrait. Whether it’s for someone else or yourself, a custom portrait is different from a professional photograph because we can create the scene that you remember even if you never had the chance to photograph it. Your household of animal companions can be grouped in a natural setting even if their lives didn’t overlap.

Cassie and Tyler, pastel portrait with scenic background

If it’s a little too late to begin and finish a commissioned portrait for a holiday or a gift—designing the content and composition of a portrait is a very personal process, and I like for us to take our time—a gift certificate is ideal as a gift. They are good for up to a year, and the basic cost is $125.00, which covers the cost for the smallest portrait I do at 9″ x 12″ of one subject. If the recipient would want more than that, either you or they can pay the balance when we design the portrait.

Nick, pastel portrait with simple color background

Read more about my commissioned portraits on my website at Portrait Demonstration, and see some finished portraits at Commissioned Cats and Commissioned Dogs.

Purchase a Gift Certificate

You can purchase gift certificates from my Etsy shop. The recipient receives a presentation folder with the signed certificate, a thank you letter from me with a note on the event or holiday if applicable, one of my brochures and the invitation to begin the process of a portrait of their design. Just make sure you give me the recipient’s name and any information about the holiday or event so I can add it to the certificate and letter.

Sample Commissioned Portrait Certificate

Donation of Commissioned Portrait Certificates

As my way of giving to shelters, I donate a limited number of commissioned portrait certificates to shelters and rescue groups every year to sell or auction in their fundraisers. The certificates are worth $125, the minimum cost of a portrait, and typically auction for well more than that. The winner receives a presentation folder with the signed certificate, a thank you letter from me for supporting the organization, one of my brochures and the invitation to begin the process of a portrait of their design.

I have to limit the number of certificates I donate because of the amount of time I put into each portrait, but I also offer commissioned portrait certificates at a reduced cost to other shelters and rescues when my yearly quota is reached. I like to help as many organizations as I can, but the kitties need to eat too! Please contact me if you are interested.

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