Clients often say that they are not sure what size portrait to choose. They find it hard to visualise the finished portrait. I always give guidance to help them choose if they need it. So I thought I would write this blog to give guidance on choosing the right size for your pet portrait.
Choosing the right size for a pet portrait depends on various factors such as where you plan to display it, the level of detail you desire, and your budget. Here’s a guide to help you make the right decision:
- Consider where the portrait will be displayed.
Measure the space where you intend to hang or place to portrait. Ensure there’s enough room for the size you have in mind. Consider the viewing distance. Large portraits are suitable for areas where they can be viewed from a distance, while smaller ones work well for closer viewing. - Detail and Impact.
Larger portraits allow for more intricate details and can create a stronger visual impact, especially if you want to capture every whisker and fur detail. Smaller portraits can still capture the essence of your pet but may have less intricate details due to limited space. - Budget.
Larger portraits generally cost more due to the increased materials and time required. If you have a limited budget, smaller portraits may be more affordable while still preserving the essence of your pet. - Personal preference.
Consider your personal taste and the aesthetic you want to achieve. Some people prefer larger-than-life portraits that dominate a room, while others prefer smaller, more intimate pieces. Or a portrait that is life-size. Think about how you want the portrait to fit with your existing decor and the overall ambience of the space. - Contact me.
Feel free to contact me for guidance and advice on what size portrait would suite your needs. I can provide valuable insight based on my experience and will happily help you choose the right size that best suite your needs and preferences. - Mock-ups.
If you are having a portrait with more than one pet, I will email you with a rough mock-up to show you layout and to check I have them right in relation to each other. Your portrait will be based on this mock-up. - Trial and error.
If you’re unsure about the size, consider starting with a smaller portrait first. You can always commission a larger one later if you find the smaller size doesn’t meet your expectations.
Ultimately, the size of your pet portrait is a personal decision that should align with your preferences, budget, and the intended display space. Take your time to consider all factors before making a final choice.
A Guide To Help You Visualise The Finished Portrait
My clients have found the following guidance very helpful for choosing their pet portrait size. The guide below is only to help you visualise the finished portrait for head/neck studies if you would like your portrait to be life-size. You can have any pet in any of my sizes. E.g., I have done a horse head/neck study in the smallest size and a cat’s face in my largest size.
13” x 11” will be life size for small breed dogs head/neck study and is suitable for cats too.
16” x 12” will be life size for small breed dogs. Because this size has an A4 image area it allows for more of the chest area to be shown if required rather than just head/neck.
16” x 14” will be life size for medium sized dogs. E.g., Westies, cocker spaniels and small Labradors. It has a wider image area and allows for those lovely soft fluffy ears.
18” x 14” will be life size for medium size dogs. It’s taller than the above size and will suit portraits that more of the chest will be showing rather than just head/neck.
18″ 16″ will be life size for medium size dogs (as above), if they are in a pose where they are slightly or fully side on then this would be best as it allows for extra width. It will also be lovely for head/neck study for a larger dog.
20” x 16” will be life size for large dogs. E.g. Labradors and other dog’s similar size. This makes a lovely head/neck or head/neck/chest study.
20” x 18” will be life size for very large dogs. It’s squarer than the above size and the head/neck study would be a lot larger for head/neck study. German Shepherds and other large breeds look lovely in this size.
20” x 24” This is a good size for multiple pets in your portraits. Maximum of 5 or one full body portrait. As I mentioned previously this is only a guide and you can have any size you would like for any pet.
