How Julia Draws a Custom Pet Portrait: From Photo to Finished Digital Art

By Julia & Jenna, PawsPal Studio

Ever wondered what happens after you send your pet photos to PawsPal? Every commission starts with a real photograph, a blank digital canvas, and Julia's Apple Pencil. Here is the hand-drawn process behind a custom PawsPal pet portrait.

First, We Look for the Personality in Your Photos

Jenna is usually the first person to see your reference photos. She checks that Julia has a clear view of your pet's face, colouring, and favourite expressions. Three to five images are ideal because they let Julia notice the details that make your pet unmistakably yours: the tipped ear, the crooked smile, the worried eyebrow, or the look they give when the treat bag opens.

If you are choosing photos for a commission, our guide to taking the best pet photos for a custom portrait will help you get a strong starting point.

Julia Starts with a Hand-Drawn Sketch

Julia begins with the outline. She uses the reference photos to place the eyes, nose, ears, body, and any distinctive markings. This is the stage where the pose and personality begin to emerge. Even though the artwork is made digitally, each line is drawn by hand. There are no automated filters and no generative AI images in the process.

Then Come the Colour, Texture, and Character

Once the sketch feels right, Julia adds colour, shading, and the playful details that make the artwork recognisably PawsPal. Depending on the commission, that might mean a clean minimalist background, a loud graphic colour palette, a collection of expressions for a sticker pack, or a whole scene around your pet.

Julia does not aim for a flat copy of the photo. She aims to preserve the feeling of your pet. That is why a curious head tilt, a sleepy stare, or an overly serious little face can be just as important as an exact coat colour.

Digital Means Flexible, Not Automated

Drawing on an iPad allows Julia to create a sharp, high-resolution artwork that you can print in the size you choose. It also makes a thoughtful revision possible if there is a small detail you would like changed. You still receive the human observation and hand-drawn craft of a traditional illustration, with the flexibility of digital delivery. Read more in our digital versus hand-drawn portrait guide.

Jenna Helps Get the Finished Artwork to You

While Julia is drawing, Jenna manages the practical side of the studio. She keeps the order organised, answers questions, and sends the finished high-resolution files to your inbox. Most commissions are delivered within 3 to 5 days, and every order includes one free revision round.

Choose the Artwork That Fits Your Pet

You can commission a custom digital pet portrait, a digital poster, a custom sticker pack, or a full-scene pet artwork. If you are ready to begin, browse all PawsPal commissions or visit How It Works for the complete process.