Reflections on a Pawsitively Amazing Year as a Pet Portrait Artist
It's been a whirlwind of a year for me as a pet portrait artist, and I wanted to take a moment to share the incredible journey this year has proved to be and the invaluable lessons I've picked up along the way.
First and foremost, I've learned to trust the process. As I delve into the layers of a painting, there are moments when doubt and frustration creeps in. But, lo and behold, every stroke eventually comes together. Am I happy with every piece? No, but I am overly self-critical. My clients are always over the moon so I take solace in that!
Lesson number two is the importance of documenting every stage (which I still fail at from time to time!). Not only does it serve as a personal progress tracker, but it's a treasure trove for clients who love a sneak peek behind the scenes. Plus, it provides a steady stream of content for those ever-important social media updates.
Lesson three: never underestimate the power of a fair price, and don't be afraid to raise it. I began this journey offering affordable prices to compensate for my initial lack of an extensive portfolio. Fast forward to today, with a robust collection of work under my belt, it's time to acknowledge my worth. Difficult when you are overly critical of your work!
Lesson four has been to acknowledge, with great pleasure, that this pet portrait passion of mine is no longer just a hobby. It's a full-fledged business, demanding organization and diligence. Thanks to a meticulously kept order book over the holiday season, I've grasped the importance of recording crucial client details from the get-go. It's proven to be a game-changer in managing orders efficiently.
Last but certainly not least, the lesson that struck closest to home is about reference photos. While I've flexed my artistic muscles with less-than-ideal images, I've learned that being firm about the quality of reference photos is essential for delivering top-notch portraits. Better reference photos (see my first blog for tips and tricks on good photography) translate to better paintings, ensuring my clients receive nothing but the best.
As I reflect on the past year, I'm filled with gratitude for the growth and opportunities that have come my way. And with these lessons in my artistic toolkit, I'm ready to paint an even brighter future for my pet portrait venture. Here's to more wagging tails and purring kitties on canvas!
Thanks for reading.
With love, VB