How to Commission a Pet Portrait
Looking to gift someone something special, or simply treat yourself? Commission your own unique pet portrait or wildlife drawing by Essex-based artist Stephanie Sekula by following the six simple steps below. Your portrait will be drawn especially for you by hand in coloured pencil, based upon your provided photographs.
View Pet Portrait portfolio here.
Pricelist
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).
£195
SQUARE
25 x 25cm / 9.8” x 9.8” in
A contemporary take on the traditional portrait format.
£275
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.
£275
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.
£415
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.
£625
MULTIPLE ANIMALS*
*available on Standard, Large and Extra Large only
Lots of pets? No problem. Fit multiple animals into a single portrait.
+£70 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 1: Select your photographs
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: Get in touch
When you are ready, send me an e-mail via my Contact form with the following information in your message:
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 aim to respond to all portrait enquiries within 24 hours.
Step 3: Confirmation
I will provide a complimentary consultation over e-mail where I will discuss your requirements with you and prepare a selection of composition mockups from your photos.
Once a final portrait composition has been chosen, 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 - this is normally around 2-3 weeks lead time, but may vary in busier periods or if the size is large.
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 4: 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 and videos will also be shared publicly via my Instagram and Facebook channels, unless you have specified for them not to be.
Step 5: 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. Prints will be shipped separately to original drawing.
£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 6: 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.
