The art of timing

When a custom pet portrait means the most

People often ask us, "Is a portrait the right gift for this moment?"

A custom pet portrait is more than decor. It is a way to turn a favourite photo into art and mark a moment you never want to forget.

Below are some of the most meaningful times our customers choose to commission a portrait.

At a glance: great moments for a portrait

• Remembering a beloved pet or marking a memorial date.
• Welcoming a new puppy or rescue into the family.
• Celebrating anniversaries and relationship milestones.
• Marking graduations, promotions, or personal wins.
• Moving into a new home or refreshing a favourite room.
• Giving a deeply personal holiday or birthday gift.

Remembering a furry friend

Losing a pet is incredibly hard. Many people come to us with a favourite photo they keep on their phone, asking if it can be turned into a painting that feels worthy of their companion.

A memorial portrait can:

• Give you a daily reminder of their personality and presence.
• Turn a simple snapshot into something you are proud to hang.
• Become a comforting gift for a friend or family member who is grieving.

If you are choosing a photo for a memorial portrait, look for one where their eyes are clear and the pose feels "just like them" - even if the background or lighting is not perfect.

Welcoming a puppy (or new rescue)

The first weeks with a new puppy or rescue fly by. A portrait from this time captures their tiny paws, oversized ears, or slightly awkward proportions in a way that will make you smile years later.

• Take a few close-up photos at eye level while they are calm or sleepy.
• Choose the image that feels most like their emerging personality.
• Consider ordering a second portrait later, so you can see their "before and after" side by side.

Celebrating relationship milestones

For many couples, their pet is part of the love story. A portrait can be a subtle way to celebrate an anniversary or engagement without another generic gift.

• Choose a photo where your pet's expression feels especially "them".
• Match the portrait style to your partner's taste and home decor.
• Add a short note on the order about the occasion so we can keep it in mind.

Graduation and personal triumphs

Big milestones like graduations, new jobs, or finishing a long project are often shared quietly with the pets who kept us company along the way. A portrait can celebrate both the achievement and the companion who was there for it.

• Gift a portrait to the graduate featuring the pet that saw them through late-night study sessions.
• Mark a promotion or new chapter with a piece that will live in their new office or home.

Housewarming keepsakes

Moving into a new place is the perfect time to choose art that actually means something. A custom pet portrait instantly makes a new space feel like home.

• Choose a size that fits a key wall - above a console, desk, or sofa.
• Pick a style that matches the new space (minimal, colourful, classic, or surreal).
• If you are gifting, ask for a favourite pet photo in advance so the surprise still feels personal.

Holiday mementos and birthdays

During the holidays or for birthdays, it is easy to fall back on generic gifts. A portrait stands out because it is built around a single, meaningful photo and a story only you know.

• Use a photo that will make them laugh or cry happy tears when they see it as art.
• Order a little earlier than usual so there is time to choose the perfect AI preview and finish the print.
• Consider pairing the portrait with a handwritten note about why you chose that specific moment.

Common questions

Capture your moment while it is still fresh

The right time for a portrait is whenever a photo makes you pause - a look, a pose, or a memory you never want to fade. Turning that image into art gives it a permanent place in your home and your story.

Whether you are remembering a beloved pet, welcoming a new one, or marking a milestone, we are here to help you choose the right style and prepare a print that feels worthy of the moment.