FAQ

Questions before starting your pet portrait? It's likely down below.

Click an option below to go to the category you’re interested in, or just scroll to see it all. Got a question I haven’t yet answered? No problem at all – just get in touch and I’ll respond with the info you need.

Preliminaries - Process - Pricing - Shipping

Preliminaries

HOW DO YOU MAKE YOUR PET PORTRAITS?

All acrylic pet paintings are hand-painted by me using professional grade, heavy body acrylic (water- based) paint on 7/8 inch deep, back-stapled, standard stretched canvas ready to frame. I use your photos of your pet for reference when painting. Good quality photos will result in the best pet paintings as I can capture more detail.
For my charcoal drawings I use only black and white charcoal pencils and use the color of the paper as a mid-tone.
Stylized watercolor paintings require professional watercolor paper, paints, and then colored pencils for the extra details.
Stickers are done digitally in Photoshop. I will need multiple photos in order to accurately portray your pet in different poses that I come up with based on what you tell me of their personality.

I WANT MORE THAN ONE PET IN THE SAME PAINTING, DO THEY NEED TO BE IN THE SAME PICTURE TOGETHER?

No. Just send me your favorite shots of all the pets you’d like included and I can combine them in the artwork so that they’re all in the same piece. If you can send at least one photo depicting the size ratios between the pets that would be most helpful. Look at the size chart in the pricing section to see how much extra it will be for multiple pets in the same painting.

DOES PHOTO QUALITY MATTER? IF SO, HOW DO I TAKE GOOD PICTURES OF MY PET?

Better reference photos do translate to superior pet portrait paintings! With that in mind:

Make sure the photo is high enough resolution so I can put in as much detail as possible. I can make some magic happen and add my own detail of what I think I see but better if I can truly see what it is I'm copying.
Shoot from your pet’s eye level by sitting or lying on the floor. Try not to take the photo from too high above your pet as such photos often don't translate well in paintings.
Use natural lighting, either outside or indoors by the light of a nearby window. Avoid flash.
Get somewhat close to your pet and focus on their eyes but be aware of the lense you're using and if there is any disproportion of your pet's features.
Be patient. Have someone attract your pet’s attention behind you while you shoot or hold a treat in your hand close to the camera. Try making a high pitched tone or whistle to get your pet in an alert pose.

DO YOU OFFER FRAMING FOR YOUR PET PORTRAITS?

I do not currently offer framing; however I can recommend you try a local custom framer or, for a more affordable option, visit your local craft store like Michaels, Hobby Lobby, etc. Check your local store’s website for 40% coupons or 50% off sales and coupons.

Process

WHAT IS THE PROCESS TO COMMISSION A PET PORTRAIT?

Select your options from the form on the Pricing and Ordering page and submit your order. Then you will need to email me the photo(s) to my email: raenspetportraits@gmail.com. If you would rather order via telephone or email, I can be reached at 630-441-6247 or at the same email address.
I will contact you via email to confirm and clarify if I have any questions about your order details.
I will email you a digital mock-up of how I intend the final painting to look for your approval at which point I will work on any requested small changes until you are 100% happy with the painting. I will let you know when I expect the piece to be done with consideration of current orders and my personal schedule.
Upon your final approval, I will notify you once finished and either deliver it personally or have it shipped if you live further away.

1

Provide Photos

Email me the photo(s) you would like me to use. You can also send photos of anything you might like as the background. Please read section on photo quality. We can discuss what photo would be best to use.

2

The Process Begins

I will first make a mock-up on my computer of what I am wanting it to look like and will email you to make sure you like it. Once approved I will get started making it.

3

Finished!

I will notify you once the piece is finished. We can work out a time for me to deliver it if you are reasonably close to where I live or I can have it shipped to you which will be added to the total. Then it is yours to enjoy!

HOW LONG WILL IT TAKE TO COMPLETE MY CUSTOM PET PORTRAIT?

The turnaround time depends on how many portraits I am currently working on, but I can typically complete a painting in about 2-3 weeks. All pet portrait paintings are done in the order I receive them. I will let you know the approximate wait at the time of your order. If you have a special date you need it by just let me know and I will advise if I can accommodate (I usually can!).

CAN I REQUEST CHANGES TO THE PET PAINTING AFTER I SEE THE DIGITAL MOCK-UP?

Yes, reasonable alterations can be requested to the painting until you are 100% satisfied at no charge. I want you to be happy!

Pricing and Payment

WHAT IS THE COST TO COMMISSION A CUSTOM PET PORTRAIT?

A payment must be made in full or via monthly installments and the first installment will hold your place on my waiting list. The drawing of the portrait will not begin until all payments are complete. For right now I am currently accepting Zelle and Paypal. PayPal offers paying with credit cards without an account.

Prices depend on what medium you choose, the size you wish it to be, as well as the number of pets in it. Below are price lists for standard sizes I offer, but I can provide a quote for any additional size you wish.

Delivery of the portrait will only be charged after the portrait is complete and you have given final approval. The portrait needs to be packed and weighed before I can invoice you and the amount will depend on the size and destination of the portrait.

Digital/stickers: It can take 2-3 hours even for a head drawing and is why it is priced this way. With the additional digital file you'll receive, you can use it in many different ways indefinitely which adds extra value.

IS MY PET PORTRAIT REFUNDABLE?

You may have a full refund within the first 7 days of payment. After 7 days the portrait is not refundable. If there are any issues after placing the order then please contact me so we can discuss it together. Before the drawing of the portrait, I can provide you with a mockup of the final result on request. Once the portrait is complete you will have the opportunity to give any final small changes and alterations to the portrait before I pack it up and send it to you.

Shipping

HOW MUCH IS SHIPPING?

I currently live in Estero Florida. I ship using UPS Ground shipping. The portrait needs to be packed and weighed before I can invoice you and the amount will depend on the size and destination of the portrait. Please excuse the second hand packing material as I try to use all recycled materials for my packaging to do my part for the environment!

DO YOU SHIP INTERNATIONALLY?

At this time I am not shipping internationally.