Custom Pet Portrait Overview: All You Need To Know

 

 

Custom pet portraits are personalized artworks that transform your beloved pet's image into a piece of art. But the process of having one made is more involved than you might think.

This article will guide you through everything you need to know about creating a custom pet portrait, from choosing the perfect photo to selecting the ideal template and style. Read this before you order.

 

What is a Custom Pet Portrait?

A custom pet portrait transfers your pet’s likeness into a piece of personalized art. They’re the latest evolution in a long tradition of pet portraiture that dates from antiquity and was modernized in the medieval period. 

Once upon a time, queens, kings and other nobility included their pets in commissioned paintings to symbolize wealth and power. Today, the practice is less symbolic of status, and more an ode to the strong bond shared between humans and their animals. And, unlike the traditional hand-painted portraits of bygone times, modern custom pet portrait companies utilize digital techniques to create these pieces. 

The process involves selecting from pre-designed templates and then uploading a photo of your pet. The company's artists create a seamless portrait by digitally integrating your pet's image onto the chosen template. The sizing, framing, and print medium of these digital portraits can be further customized to your style and taste.

Who Needs a Custom Pet Portrait?

Beyond pet owners, there are plenty of people that would value a custom pet portrait. Here are just some of our most common buyers:

Pet Lovers

Pet portraits hold immense emotional value. If you've ever experienced the unconditional love that a pet brings, a pet portrait is a way to celebrate that connection and create a lasting tribute to your furry, feathered, or scaled friend.

Families

For many pet owners, their pets are family. Just like family photos, having a pet portrait is a way to officially recognize your pet’s place within the household. It honors the important role they play in the family unit, whether it's providing comfort, laughter, protection, or companionship.

Memorials

The pain of losing a companion animal can be profound, and a pet portrait can offer comfort during a difficult time. A remembrance portrait is a way to honor their memory and keep their spirit close long after they’re gone.

Pet-Friendly Businesses

Pet-friendly businesses or those in the pet industry might use pet portraits in their marketing or as decorations in their offices. It can be a way to connect with customers and create a welcoming atmosphere. This is especially true for veterinary offices and other animal professionals, such as trainers or kennel operators. 

Gifting

Because of their emotional significance, pet portraits make excellent gifts. They're a thoughtful and personal present for birthdays, holidays, or just because.  Whether it's for a friend, family member, or even yourself, a pet portrait is a constant reminder of the joy that only a pet can provide.

Types of Pet Portraits

Part of the fun of creating your own custom pet portrait is choosing the template. Each of these collections has a multitude of options, and it’s recommended to go through them individually to select one that accurately depicts your pet’s character and reflects your own personal style. 

For now, here’s a brief introduction of what you’ll find in all of our Custom Pet Portrait collections.

Funny Pet Portraits

As its name suggests, The Funny Portrait Collection embraces the lighter side of pet ownership. From amusing situations to comical accessories and costumes, these laugh-out-loud portraits are a fun way to celebrate your pet’s hilarious personality. 

Royal Pet Portraits

The Royal Pet Portrait collection is rooted in the age-old tradition of royal portraiture. Capture your pet’s inner king, queen, duke, duchess, gentleman, or lady with historically accurate costumes, color palettes, and regal adornments. 

Modern Pet Portraits

The Modern Pet Portrait collection offers a contemporary take on pet art. These portraits feature stylized depictions of pets against solid, vibrant backgrounds, with various color and style options, including bold pop art designs and the ability to personalize the piece with your pet’s name. 

Military Pet Portraits

The Military Pet Portrait collection depicts your pet as an honored military figure, with meticulously crafted costumes, medals, and other regalia. Whether your pet is a protective pup or a feline commander, a military pet portrait is a tangible way to honor their loyalty, strength, and guardianship.

Art Parody Pet Portraits

Somewhere between fine art and custom pet portraits is The Fine Art Parody Pet Portrait Collection. This collection places your pet at the center of some of the world’s most recognized fine artworks. Spanning movements, genres, and mediums, you’ll find everything from The Girl with the Pearl Earring to American Gothic.

Watercolor Pet Portraits

The Watercolor Pet Portrait collection uses watercolor techniques for those seeking a soft, artistic style to complement a light and airy home décor. With a variety of backgrounds, color palettes, and digital adornments to choose from, the watercolor collection is totally customizable. 

Other Pet Portraits

While the aforementioned are some of the largest collections, there are other options that deserve a mention:

• Pet lovers with more than one beloved companion can make sure that nobody gets left out with The Multiple Pet Portrait collection. 

• Create a beautiful memorial for a pet that’s passed on with Remembrance Gifts.

• Keep your pet close with Accessories, Mugs & Apparel.

The Perfect Pet Portrait Photo

Choosing the right photo for your custom pet portrait is probably the most important part of your job in this process. A great photo will blend seamlessly with your chosen template, while a poor photo can make it look unnatural or awkward. 

Follow these tips for getting the perfect pet photo: 

1. Capture Your Pet's Personality

The best pet portraits reflect your animal's character.  Consider what makes your pet special and choose a photo that highlights these traits. 

2. Match the Photo to the Portrait Style

While most photos will work, the best results come from carefully matching your chosen portrait template to your pet’s photo. Pay attention to the pet's pose, the direction they're facing, and their expression, and use the template’s sample images as a guide for what photo will work well.

3. Orientation and Fit

Ensure the photo's orientation complements the portrait template. Avoid photos where the pet is looking in a drastically different direction than the template, as this can look unnatural in the final portrait.

4. When in Doubt, Take a New Photo

 If you can't find the perfect photo, don't hesitate to take a new one specifically for the portrait. This allows you to have full control over the pose, expression, and overall feel of the photo, resulting in a truly personalized final piece.

5.Quality Photo Tips

To avoid delays and ensure your custom pet portrait turns out exactly how you imagine it, selecting a high-quality photo is essential. A good photo is the foundation of a great portrait, allowing the artists to capture all the important details and create a truly lifelike representation of your pet. 

What to Look For In Custom Pet Portraits

1. Full Face An uncropped photo showing all your pet's face is ideal. Refer to the specific portrait template you've chosen for guidance on the direction your pet is facing and what features must be visible.

2. Full Body (when applicable) For some modern and watercolor portraits, it’s possible to include your pet’s body. Again, refer to the sample images for the template you’ve chosen for guidance.

3. Close-Up Get close enough to capture the details of your pet's face. A close-up or medium shot is generally preferred as it allows the artist to see the finer details.

4. Good Lighting Don’t use photos that are too dark or shadowed. Artists require soft, even lighting that makes all your pet’s features visible. If you’re taking a new photo, take it near a window or outdoors on a bright but overcast day. 

5. Clear and In Focus The photo should be sharp and in focus, particularly on your pet's face. Blurry images will result in a blurry portrait.

6. High Resolution Use the highest resolution setting available on your camera or phone. This ensures that there's enough detail in the image for the artists to work with, especially when enlarging the photo for printing.

What to Avoid in Pet Portraits

On the topic of great photos, here are some tips on what to avoid:

1. Cluttered Backgrounds A busy background can take attention away from your pet. Choose a photo with a clean and simple backdrop.
2. Unnatural Poses or Expressions While capturing your pet's personality is key, avoid forcing them into poses or expressions that seem unnatural or uncomfortable. 
3. Styles That Don't Suit Your Pet Consider your pet's breed, personality, and overall look when choosing a portrait style. For example, a comical style might not be the best fit for a dignified pet, and vice versa.
4. Photoshop Bad Photoshop is easily recognizable and can ruin a pet portrait. Avoid portraits with distorted features or clumsy cut-outs. 
5. AI Art Generators Relying solely on AI-generated pet portraits can result in images that lack the unique personality and character of your pet. AI often struggles with specific details and can produce generic or unrealistic results.

Choosing a Pet Portrait Company

The best custom pet portraits involve more than picking the perfect template and taking a great photo. A company with expertise in pet portraiture can guide you through the process, offering advice on everything from photo selection to style choices. The result is a truly personalized and stunning piece of art that you'll treasure for years to come.