Pet portraits

I offer five sizes for portraits. Please note that the square cm size listed is the size of the entire piece of paper. The actual drawing of your pet(s) may be smaller than the size of the paper if a background is not included.

• Square Mini: 15cm x 15cm (225cm square)
• A5: 14.8cm x 21cm (311cm square)
• A4: 21.0cm x 29.7cm (624cm square)
• Square Mid: 30cm x 30cm (900cm square)
• A3: 29.7cm x 42cm (1247cm square)

To ensure consistency in pricing regardless of size, number of subjects, or medium, pricing is based on a set rate of $1.20 per square centimetre (cm). This rate is for unframed artwork. It does not include framing, protective packaging, or postage/delivery.

1. Decide on number of pets and size of the portrait.
2. Contact me at drmelhyde@gmail.com to book and I will send you a quote.
3. Pay the 30% non-refundable deposit to secure your booking.
4. Send one preferred and two or more extra reference photos for each pet, where possible (see the section on reference photos for some tips).
5. Receive a photo composition from me, and confirm you are happy with it (changes are possible at this stage).
6. Receive a hand drawn outline of your portrait from me, and confirm you are happy with it.
7. Receive one progress photo per pet from me, and confirm you are happy with these (adjustments to colour or detail are possible at this stage).
8. Receive a digital copy of your pet portrait from me, and confirm you are happy for it to be the final version (very minor adjustments to colour are possible at this stage).
9. Pay the remaining balance for your pet portrait, prior to delivery.
10. Receive your pet portrait in the mail by registered post, or collect in person if you live near me (Moreton Bay region).

The photo below gives you an idea of the steps in the process.

When commission bookings are open, once your deposit is paid and I have started your portrait, please allow a 6 to 8 week turnaround for your portrait. If you have a specific date in mind as to when you want the pet portrait by or if it is for a special occasion, it is best to let me know as early as possible! I will do my best to accommodate your timeframe.

Payment is by money transfer only if I am sending you the completed portrait via Australia post or Pack and Send. If you live near me (Moreton Bay region) and would like to collect your pet portrait in person, payment options are cash or money transfer. If you need to pay in instalments, please let me know, so I can accommodate that option.

Please note, if you change your mind while your portrait is in-progress, there will still be a charge which will be based on how far I have progressed with your portrait.

I will ask you to email me reference photos including your preferred photo, along with a couple of other photos for each pet that show eye colour and facial features clearly. The best reference photos are those taken at eye-level to your pet, and not from up high, looking down at them. Natural, bright light is also the best option, or a well-lit room. The lighting should be shining front on, or from a side angle (careful not to put your pet in front of the light as this will make them back lit, meaning they will be too dark in the photo). Photos that show clear details when you enlarge them are preferred. I understand this may not always be possible, especially if photos are older. If this is the case, I will do my best to add clear detail, however, the quality of the photo will determine how much detail is possible. If you have any questions about reference photos, please feel free to email or message me before you book. I am happy to work with you in finding the ideal reference photo.