Commission a Pet Portrait

Whether you are looking to gift someone something special or simply treat yourself, you can commission your very own custom pet portrait or wildlife drawing by Essex-based artist Stephanie Sekula by following the process below. Your drawing will be created especially for you by hand in coloured pencil, based upon your provided photographs. View Pet Portrait portfolio.

Step 1: Choose your photos

When choosing your photos, try to keep these things in mind:

  • Does the image show the animal’s true personality?

  • Is this image high enough quality?

  • Is the image in focus and does it show up details?

  • Are the colours of the eyes, nose and fur true to life in this image?

  • Is the angle of the image flattering and the animal in proportion?

You may have one particular photo in mind. It is still advisable to send multiple images as they can be useful for checking details. I will work with you to select the best reference image for a commission.

Step 2: Choose portrait size and format

Please note at present I am only offering the two sizes highlighted below due to limited availablity.

MINI

A5 14.8 x 21cm / 5.8” x 8.3” in

A great size to sit on your desk. Perfect for gifting to a friend (or treating yourself).

£190

SQUARE

25 x 25cm / 9.8” x 9.8” in

A contemporary take on the traditional portrait format.

£260

STANDARD

A4 21 x 29.7cm / 8.3” x 11.7” in

The most popular size custom portrait. Great for smaller spaces. Easy to frame.

£260

LARGE

A3 29.7 x 42cm / 11.7” x 16.5” in

The perfect size for capturing more intricate detail. A beautiful gift for someone special.

£400

EXTRA LARGE

A2 42 x 59.4cm / 16.5” x 23” in

The largest portrait size I offer. A real showstopper piece. Perfect for larger wall spaces.

£600

MULTIPLE ANIMALS*

*available on Standard, Large and Extra Large only

Lots of pets? No problem. Fit multiple animals into a single portrait.

+£50 per extra animal

BACKGROUNDS

Backgrounds can be drawn as part of your portrait upon request. I am happy to discuss your ideas.

+£ dependent on photo

Step 3: Get in touch

When you are ready, send me an e-mail with the following:

  • Size and format you would like

  • If there is a specific deadline (eg. a birthday)

  • Whether portrait is for you or a gift

  • High quality digital photos of the animal (not compressed)

  • Name and breed of animal

  • Any backstory is also welcome!

I try to respond to all enquiries within 48 hours.

Step 4: Confirmation

I will provide a free consultation over e-mail where I will discuss your requirements with you and prepare a selection of rough mockups for potential portrait compositions from your photos.

Once a final composition has been decided, you will be e-mailed an invoice for a non-refundable 50% deposit of the portrait cost. An estimated date of completion will also be provided. Your commission will commence once the deposit has been paid.

The remaining balance, alongside any additional options you choose, will later be e-mailed upon full completion of the portrait.

Step 5: Watch your portrait progress

Throughout the drawing process you will be sent work in progress photos showing your portrait developing. These work in progress photos will also be shared on social media (unless you have specified for them not to be).

Step 6: Finishing touches

You will be sent a preview of your finished portrait once it is complete. At this stage you may wish to consider the following additional options to compliment your portrait:

PRINTS

If you know others who would like the same portrait, why not purchase additional fine art prints?

Artwork is professionally printed onto Perlino Cotton heavyweight paper - a beautiful textured paper that is FSC certified, 20% recycled, 15% cotton fibres. Each digital print is hand-signed by the artist.

Please note prints can only be made at the same size or smaller than the original. Allow additional time for delivery.

£25 per Mini print

£35 per Square print

£35 per Standard print

£45 per Large print

MOUNTS

Original drawings and fine art prints can be mounted to fit standard size picture frames.

Mounts are thick, iced white in colour and lightly textured.

Artwork is mounted, backed and protected in a cellophane bag.

£10 Mini mounted to 10” x 12” in

£15 Square mounted to 12” x 12” in

£15 Standard mounted to 12” x 16” in

£20 Large mounted to 16” x 20” in

GIFT WRAPPING

Portraits are placed inside a cellophane wrap and sandwiched between foam boards for protection. This is then gift wrapped in parcel paper and twine.

For shipping, additional layers of packaging are added.

Included in your order

Step 7: Delivery

The final invoice for the remaining balance will be e-mailed to you along with proof of the completed commission. Your order will then be shipped upon receipt of final payment.

Your original portrait will be placed inside a cellophane bag, safely sandwiched between foam board, then gift wrapped. It will be posted in a protective bubble envelope via Royal Mail Special Delivery to you or alternatively to another recipient’s address. Shipping of original portraits to UK mainland costs £12 for postage and packaging.

Signed prints are placed inside a cellophane bag with a sheet of greyboard and posted in a card-backed ‘do not bend’ envelope via Royal Mail First Class signed for. Shipping of prints costs £8 for postage and packaging.

Please contact me directly for quotes on international pricing.