If you have a talent for capturing the unique personalities of pets on paper or canvas, then you may be able to turn your passion for pet portraiture into a lucrative business.
As a pet portrait artist, you can create one-of-a-kind works of art that not only capture the essence of beloved pets but also provide a cherished keepsake for their owners.
However, making money as a pet portrait artist takes more than just artistic skill. In this blog post, we will explore some practical tips and strategies to help you turn your passion into a profitable business.
How much money can I make?
The cost of a custom pet portrait drawing typically ranges from $50 to $500, with variations based on factors such as the artist’s pricing, the dimensions of the artwork, materials used, frames and the intricacy of the design.
Here are some examples of work done on Etsy. There are many kinds of styles from digital only to framed works. Hand made oil painted to fun parodies of magazine covers. You can be creative and inventive and really have fun. People love their pets and to have portraits that reflect the character and personality of their cherished family members really is popular. This kind of work ranges in price from $5 to over $2000.
and on fiverr this continues the with price ranging from $5 to $250
On upwork the starting price begins at around $20 but then for higher end moves up to the $650 to $800 range.
Are there any courses I can take?
Udemy has several courses on pet portraits
How To Draw Cartoon Dog Pet Portrait
https://www.udemy.com/course/how-to-draw-cartoon-dog-pet-portrait/
Draw Amazing Black & White Pet Portraits – just 4 Pencils!
https://www.udemy.com/course/bw-pet-portraits-1/
Painterly Pet Portraits
https://www.udemy.com/course/painterly-pet-portraits/
Draw and Paint a Pet Portrait Accurately
https://www.udemy.com/course/draw-and-paint-a-pet-portrait-accurately/
Get started on YouTube
If you’re interested in learning how to draw pet portraits and eventually turn it into a profitable business, using YouTube videos can be a great place to start. There are many channels dedicated to teaching beginners the fundamentals of drawing and painting, as well as more advanced techniques for creating lifelike pet portraits. By following along with these tutorials and practicing regularly, you can develop your skills and gain the confidence you need to create high-quality pet portraits that people are willing to pay for.
How to Draw a Realistic Dog
Oil Painting Tips – Pet Portrait Painting Fur
Oil Painting Techniques | How I break down a pet portrait step by step
Read all about it
There are also books available on pet portrait painting.
Here are some examples:
“Painting Portraits of Animals in Watercolor” by Sharon Finmark -available here at Barnes and Noble
“Painting Realistic Pets in Watercolor” by Jean Haines – available here at Barnes and Noble
“Pet Portraits in Watercolour: Learn to Paint Step by Step” by Dave White available here at Barnes and Noble
Painting Dog Portraits in Acrylics: Creating paintings with character and life – available here at Amazon
Animal Portraits: Painting animals made possible (Painting Made Possible) – available here at Amazon
These books provide step-by-step instructions, tips, and techniques on how to paint pet portraits using different mediums like watercolor, colored pencils, and oil paints.
They also cover topics such as composition, color theory, and capturing the essence of your subject.
Getting your first paying gig
One good tip to get your first paying gig as a pet portrait artist is to start by offering your services to friends, family members, and acquaintances who have pets. Ask them if they would be interested in commissioning a portrait of their furry friend and offer them a discounted rate or a special promotion for being your first client.
You can also showcase your work on social media platforms like Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter, using hashtags and tags to reach out to potential clients who are searching for pet portrait artists. Building a portfolio of your work and creating a professional website or online store can also help you establish yourself as a pet portrait artist and attract paying clients. Additionally, consider participating in local art shows, exhibitions, and events to gain exposure and network with potential clients.
Conclusion
In conclusion, making money as a pet portrait artist requires not only artistic talent and skills but also a bit of marketing know-how and business acumen. However, with dedication, practice, and persistence, you can turn your passion for pet portraiture into a thriving business that not only brings in the dough but also puts a smile on the faces of pet owners everywhere. And who knows, maybe one day you’ll become so successful that you’ll be able to hire an army of furry assistants to help you with your work! Just remember to keep practicing, stay motivated, and don’t forget to take time to cuddle with your own furry friends along the way.