Custom Pet Portrait FAQs
Timing & Orders
How long does a pet portrait take? Turnaround time is between 2 and 4 business weeks, depending on size, style, and complexity. Our official timeline kicks off the moment I send over the 'project start' confirmation email.
How far ahead should I order? From January to September, I recommend reaching out at least a month in advance. During busier seasons like October–December, two months ahead is best.
How does booking work?
- Browse the available techniques/sizes and complete your booking. Shop Pay installments are available if you prefer to spread the cost.
- I will send you a form to upload your pet's photos and give me more details about your pet/s. A deliver by date is agreed.
- I create and send you a sketch and color palette for your approval before any painting begins.
- I send you progress photos along the way (or not, if you want to be surprised with the result!).
- You have 5 business days to approve the finished portrait in writing.
- Your portrait ships tracked and insured.
Do you accept rush orders? I'm afraid I do not, as I believe quality requires time. If you need faster service, I may not be the right fit.
Photos
What photos do you need as reference? Clear photos are the foundation of your portrait. Since every piece is a hand-drawn, original artwork, high-quality references are essential for me to capture the precise details and expressions that make your pet unique.
Mobile phone photos works beautifully! They should be:
- Well-lit: Natural light is preferred, though a clear flash works great for white pencil portraits.
- In focus: The eyes must be sharp, clear, and completely visible.
- Unblurred/unobstructed: No blur, pixelation, or digital filters blocking your pet's features.
Unsure if your photo will work? Check the photo guide for visual examples.
What if my pet has passed, and I only have old photos? I understand that your photos are precious and sometimes limited. I will never turn you away simply because a photo isn’t perfect. However, please understand that the "brilliance" and level of detail in the final portrait will depend on the quality of the reference you provide. Just email me the photos you have and I will see what I can do.
Pricing & Payment
How much does a portrait cost?
- GRAPHITE (gray pencil, white paper) 9"x12": $150 | 10"x14": $170 | 12"x16": $200
- WHITE PENCIL (on black paper) 9"x12": $185 | 10"x14": $210 | 12"x16": $245
- WATERCOLOR (multi color) 9"x12": $200 | 10"x14": $225 | 12"x16": $260
for one pet, head or bust, white background.
- Additional pets: +$20 per extra animal
- Full body +$15
- Detailed background (toys, specific location, etc): +$35
How do I pay? Can I split it? Browse the available techniques/sizes and complete your booking. Shop Pay installments are available if you prefer to spread the cost.
What's your refund policy? Full refund any time before I begin sketching. If the final portrait does not meet your expectations, I will refund your payment minus a 50% non-refundable fee to cover my time and material used.
What if I am not happy with the final result? See answer above.
Progress
Will I see progress? I’ll send progress photos along the way. You can also email me how often you want along the way you want to get more updates. Let me know if you want to be surprised and see only the final result.
Can I request changes? One round of minor revisions is included. Major changes afterward require a new agreement. This is because the art techniques (watercolor, graphite pencil, white pencil) I use don’t allow erasing without compromising the finished piece.
Can I share the portrait on social media? Final portrait: absolutely! Please credit me by tagging or mentioning my name or website. You are asked not to share the work-in-progress photos I'll be sending you.
Gifting & Shipping
What if my portrait arrives damaged? Every piece is packed to protect it. If it arrives damaged, photograph it and contact me - see Return Policy.
What if I want expedited shipping? Standard shipping is free. Faster delivery is available at your cost - you can select it at checkout. For next-day delivery, contact me.
Can I give the portrait as a gift? Yes. At checkout:
- enter their address in the “Delivery” field
- enter your own address in the “Billing” field at checkout.
Will you gift-wrap it? While I don't offer external 'gift wrap,' the unboxing experience is curated to be impeccable.
Do you ship internationally? At the moment I ship to the U.S. only.
Before you book
Why a handmade portrait? Every piece is hand-painted or hand-drawn by me, Silvana Varriale. No AI, no prints, no shortcuts. You get a one-of-a-kind original, signed, with a Certificate of Authenticity, made to look like your pet is looking right back at you.
Visit the Pet Portrait Main Page to get a full overview of how it works.
Ready to dive right in? Book your pet portrait.