Frequently Asked Questions

How do I commission a pet portrait?

Commission your very own pet portrait in 3 easy steps.

STEP 1 - SIZES

I offer four different sizes from small to x-large, your choice may depend on the number of pets in your portrait and your budget. You can also choose whether you would like a head/neck portrait or a full-body portrait.

Visit my price list and click on the button for your currency. If your currency is not displayed then please contact me or use a currency converter to convert from GBP.

STEP 2 - CONTACT ME

Once you have decided upon the type of portrait you would like please contact me with your requirements via my submission form. Please also mention if you have any specific deadlines such as a birthday or anniversary.

STEP 3 - PHOTOS

Choose a clear photograph which conveys your pet’s personality. Check out my Photograph Guide page for tips with choosing that perfect picture! My main rule of thumb is "the better the photo, the better the portrait". If you can’t decide, you can email me your photographs and we can discuss together.

How long does it take to complete a portrait?

The time taken to complete your custom artwork will depend on the size and complexity of your drawing. On average, the small portrait can take 2 days to complete whereas the x-large size can take two weeks to complete.

In addition to portrait completion time I normally have a waiting list which is around 4 to 6 months waiting time. Upon contact, I can provide you with the estimated time of completion for your portrait including delivery time which can take up to 14 working days depending on your location worldwide.

If you are needing your portrait by a specific date, please contact me to check availability. Gift Certificates are also available to give on your loved one’s special day and their portrait can be completed at a later date.

What materials do you use to create my custom artwork?

Your custom portrait will be completed using the highest quality of colour pencils and pastels available with lightfast pigment for long lasting bright colour.

These brands include:

  • Pan Pastel

  • Faber Castell Polychromos

  • Caran D’ache Luminance

  • Caran D’ache PabloWinsor

  • Windsor & Newton Extra Smooth Bristol Board Paper

Can I see the progress of the portrait?

You will be contacted before I start our portrait so you know when to keep an eye out on social media for your regular updates and progress of your portrait. If your portrait is a surprise gift then please let me know in advance if you would not like the progress pictures to be shown on social media to keep the surprise. Once the portrait is finished I will email you a watermarked scanned proof for your final approval. Once all is approved your portrait will be sent off.

Can you draw/paint my pet from a photo?

Yes, I can. All my hand drawn commissions are created from the photos you send to me by email or messenger. Together we take the time to go through your photographs and I will help you choose the one that displays your pet’s character the best. If you have already chosen the perfect picture that you would like drawn then please send it to me by email at hello@semamartin.com so I can take a look and start you on your art commission journey. Be sure to include your name and your pets name in the mail. I look forward to seeing your pictures.

How many photographs do you need to draw my pet?

I only require one clear photograph, however, you can send through as many photographs as you like.  I can also help you choose the best photo for your portrait if you are unsure.  Please email photographs to hello@semamartin.com.

Can you use a poor quality photo to create my pet portrait?

Of course, it is preferable to have clear, sharp photographs to reference from, however, I do understand that this is not always possible.  Especially if your adored pet has passed away and you only have old photographs.  If this is the case, don’t stress, we can still create a beautiful portrait with what you have.

Can you draw multiple pets on one portrait?

Of course! You can have up to eight pets on one portrait.  Please note that some of the smaller portrait sizes are not available for multiple subjects due to the small space available.

Can you remove and/or add things in the portrait?

Yes of course.  Sometimes you may want to remove a collar or add a favourite toy to the portrait which is no problem.  If you have any special requests, please provide me with additional reference pictures to explain your request and I can provide a mock-up for you.   If the additional items added to the portrait are significant, an additional fee may be incurred.

In this portrait example I have added the pink bandana from one image and drawn it on the preferred pose.

Can you change the background of my pet portrait?

As default, all portraits will have a white background. If you wish to add a background to your portrait an additional fee will be incurred and the amount will depend on the complexity of the background. Feel free to send me an image of what you are looking to achieve and I would be happy to give you a quote.

In this portrait example I have added the wall and the bokeh effect background to my drawing of this tabby cat.

When and how do I pay for my pet portrait?

A payment must be made in full or via monthly installments and the first installment will hold your place on my waiting list. The drawing of the portrait will not begin until all payments are complete.

You can pay via PayPal, Debit or Credit Card or bank transfer (bank transfer is for UK customers only). If you do not have PayPal then do not worry,  I can send you an invoice and then you can pay using a debit card like any other online purchase. If you are paying for your portrait via monthly installments I will send you a reminder/invoice at the beginning of each month for you to pay.

Delivery of the portrait will only be charged after the portrait is complete and you have given final approval. The portrait needs to be packed and weighed before I can invoice you and the amount will depend on the size and destination of the portrait. Please let me know what country you are from and what size portrait you would like to commission and I can give you an approximate delivery quote before you order.

Is my pet portrait refundable?

You may have a full refund within the first 7 days of payment. After 7 days the portrait is not refundable. If there are any issues after placing the order then please contact me so we can discuss it together. Before the drawing of the portrait, I can provide you with a mockup of the final result on request. During the drawing of the portrait, you will be able to follow along on social media and let me know of any changes you wish to make. Once the portrait is complete you will have the opportunity to give any final small changes and alterations to the portrait before I pack it up and send it to you.

Is my pet portrait guaranteed to be delivered on time?

In short yes! If you have told me the specific date that you need the portrait by before booking your slot, I would let me know whether or not it is possible. If I have stated that your portrait would be completed and delivered by your deadline then you have my word and written confirmation that this will be the case. If for any reason your deadline date changes then please let me know immediately.

Do you ship internationally?

Of course!  If you’re ordering a print from my online store shipping will be calculated upon check out.  If you’re ordering a custom pet portrait, I can provide you with a shipping quote upon ordering but shipping will not be invoiced until the portrait is complete.

Can I track my order?

You sure can!  You will be emailed with your tracking number and a link once your order has been dispatched.

How much will it cost to ship my custom portrait?

Shipping costs for custom portraits depend on the size of the artwork and it’s destination. I can provide you with an estimation upon request but the actual cost will not be known until the completed portrait is packed and weighed. I will invoice you for the cost of delivery once you have given final approval of the portrait.

How will I receive the portrait?

Inside this beautiful high-quality gift box, you will find:

* Certificate of Authentication signed by the artist.

* Your Portrait mounted and beautifully wrapped.

* An artwork care guide for ensuring that your portrait will last a lifetime.

Will my pet portrait be framed?

Your portrait will be double-mounted ready for framing and you can choose the colours if you wish. I offer a framing service for an additional fee and prices depend on the size of the portrait and frame style. Let me know if you would like my to frame your portrait for you.

How do I take care of my artwork?

Artwork has been created using the highest quality pencils and paper available. When taking care of art created on paper here are a few points specifically for preserving your

artwork:

* Keep your artwork out of direct sunlight. If exposed to extreme heat or sunlight over long periods of time, paper can become brittle and reach a point where it simply crumbles to the touch.

* Frame under non-glare glass, treated with a coating to protect the work from UV sunlight if possible. This not only protects your artwork from sunlight, the non-glare glass makes it easier to see the artwork surface when it is displayed.

* The mat and backing of your frame should be made of acid-free paper and finished with acid-free tape. This is to avoid any moisture reaching your painting and damaging it.

YOU WANT ART THAT'S UTTERLY UNIQUE? LOOK NO FURTHER

Let’s create something

wonderful together.

I’m Sema and I have created over 280 pet portrait commissions for my incredible clients and collectors across the globe. If you are interested in working with me then find out how below!

Commissioning a pet portrait is easy and makes for a thoughtful gift for yourself or any pet lover in your life. Celebrate the special bond you share with your pet by immortalizing them in a stunning portrait today.

  • “We gave Shell Polly’s portrait yesterday. She loved it and is fascinated by your drawing skills. Thank you so much.”

    Mel, AUS

  • “Thank you so much, I am more than delighted as is Brewster. You are so talented.”

    Jamie Kokot

  • “My daughter loves to dress her up, she has loads of outfits!. She absolutely loves it & was very surprised when she opened it.”

    Malindi, AUS

  • “Sema’s portrait of my dear Punkin and Smitten blew me away! Her attention to detail made it so life-like, I have received so many compliments. “

    Leanne, USA

  • “Seema when I stop crying I’ll send you a better message it arrived today OMG it’s beautiful… Sema I can’t express how happy I am.”

    John, USA

  • "Djem with her wonderful portrait. Thank you so much for drawing her and making it so life like. All the family were very impressed and so was Djem!"

    Wendy, AUS

  • "Molly loves her portrait! We all absolutely love her portrait and are so impressed that you have captured her character"

    Annie, UK

  • “It looks great. Exactly like the photograph (and Kai) “

    Sandy, USA

Ready to chat?

Commission Request Form

Looking forward to working with you!