Custom Pet Portraits
Although my work focuses on Jewish papercut art, I accept a limited number of custom pet portrait commissions each year.
Every pet has expressions that become part of your daily life. The curious tilt of a head. The ears that perk up when they hear your voice. The look that greets you at the door after a long day.
Those are the moments I try to preserve.
Using your favorite photograph as a starting point, I create an original layered papercut portrait that captures not only your pet’s likeness, but also the character that made them yours. Each portrait is individually designed, then hand cut from multiple layers of archival paper to create depth, shadow, and dimension.
Whether you’re celebrating a lifelong companion or creating a memorial for a pet who is deeply missed, every portrait is made by hand in my North Carolina studio.
What You’ll Receive
Your commissioned portrait includes:
- An original design created from your photographs
- Multiple layers of hand-cut archival paper
- Carefully selected papers chosen to complement your pet’s coloring
- An 11 × 14 inch matted and framed finished piece
- Choice of a black or white frame
- Portraits for dogs, cats, rabbits, birds, and many other beloved pets
Each portrait focuses on your pet’s head and collar/neck, allowing their expression to remain the center of attention.
The Process
1. Place Your Order
Choose the number of pets you’d like included and your preferred frame color.
2. Send Your Photos
Send me one to three high-resolution photographs. If you’re unsure which image will work best, send a few favorites and I’ll choose the strongest reference.
3. I Design Your Pet’s Portrait
I study your pet’s features and create a custom layered design that translates beautifully into paper. Every layer is cut by hand and assembled to create subtle depth and shadow.
4. Your Portrait Arrives Ready to Display
Once complete, your portrait is matted, framed, and carefully packaged for its journey home.
Typical turnaround time is about two weeks.
Choosing the Best Photo
The quality of your portrait begins with the reference image.
For the best results, choose a photo that:
- Is sharp and in focus
- Has good natural lighting
- Clearly shows your pet’s eyes and face
- Is taken near eye level
- Is high resolution
The more detail I can see, the more detail I can preserve in paper.
Commission Details
Timeline: Most pet portraits are completed within 1–2 weeks
Deposit: Not necessary; pay up front
Framing: 11×14 inches; choose white or black
Shipping: Complimentary within the United States.
One Pet
$195
Two Pets
$275
Three Pets
$355
Frequently Asked Questions
What kinds of pet portraits do you create?
Dogs, cats, rabbits, birds, and many other companion animals. If you have a nonconventional pet, feel free to ask.
Can you include more than one pet?
Yes. Multiple pets can be included in a single portrait and is priced accordingly.
Is this created digitally?
Yes. Each portrait is designed on my tablet then cut by hand from archival paper before being assembled layer by layer.
Can this be a memorial portrait?
Absolutely. Many of my commissions are created to honor pets who have crossed the rainbow bridge. It is a privilege to create something that helps families remember a pet who meant so much to them.
Will my portrait look exactly like my photograph?
Your portrait is inspired by your photograph, but it is interpreted through the medium of layered papercutting. The finished piece captures your pet’s likeness while embracing the depth, texture, and character that make handcrafted artwork unique.
Ready to Commission a Portrait?
I’d be honored to create a portrait of your beloved companion.
Whether you’re celebrating a new family member, surprising someone with a meaningful gift, or remembering a pet whose place in your heart never changes, every commission receives the same care and attention from the first sketch to the final cut.
One Pet
$195
Two Pets
$275
Three Pets
$355
Inquiries & Requests
If you still have questions about custom pet portraits or you’re not sure what you want, fill out the form below and I’ll respond within 1-2 business days.
Start by telling me a little about your pet and when you might need your portrait by. I’ll take it from there, and together, we’ll create a beautiful portrait.
If you’d prefer to email me directly: hello@evelyngoldmanart.com