I get asked this a lot—"Do you do custom pet portraits?" And I totally get why. If you've browsed through The Ugly Cat Studio for even a few seconds, you’ve probably seen more than a few furry (and feathered) faces. So it makes sense that folks might want me to capture their dog, cat, bunny, or bearded dragon.
But the short answer is: no, I don’t take commissions. And I want to share why that is.
How I Work
First off, let me say this: I love animals. Deeply! If I could, I’d draw every single animal I've ever seen!
But custom portraiture is a totally different creative space from what I do here. When I make a piece of art, it’s because it appeared in my head and refused to leave. I sketch it over and over. I tinker with the composition. I try weird colour palettes, then toss them out and start again. It’s slow and intuitive and driven entirely by my own rhythm.
Why Commissions Don’t Fit
Custom work, on the other hand, comes with deadlines, expectations, and a very specific emotional weight. And that changes everything. Instead of experimenting freely, I find myself second-guessing—trying to get it just right instead of just letting it be alive. It doesn’t feel true to how I make art.
What You’re Getting Instead
When you bring home a print from my shop, you're not just getting wall art of a cat or dog. You're getting a piece that I made because I had to—because something about that animal’s expression or shape or vibe tugged at me until I put it on paper. Those pieces often come out of nowhere: late-night sketchbook sessions, moments in the studio when I'm supposed to be doing something else. That’s the stuff I love sharing 💛 You can browse my full print collection here, or check out the cat and dog portraits, colourful cats, or woodland wildlife if you’re looking for something species-specific.
And if you do spot a print that reminds you of your own cat, dog, or oddball parrot? That’s the magic! It means the spirit of the piece connected to something real in your life—and honestly, that’s the best kind of compliment I can get!
Where to Start
If you do want to send me a photo of your pet—please do! I absolutely love seeing them, and I'm always open to inspiration 🐶🐱🐾 That said, I can’t promise they’ll make it into the studio… but you never know what might spark something!
You can always contact me here if you want to share a story or a snapshot.
So no, I don’t do custom pet portraits. But I do make art for animal lovers, dreamers, and collectors who want something a little offbeat and full of feeling. If that’s you, thank you for being here! And if you're not sure where to start, maybe take a look at some of our best-selling prints or limited editions to see what speaks to you.
Thanks for understanding—and for supporting what I do make: fine art prints that are packed with personality and made with love, not instructions ❤️