It’s no secret that our pets are a huge part of our lives. Whether we adopted them as tiny tots or they stumbled into our lives another way, they always find a way into our hearts, filling our homes with unconditional love and moments of laughter.
Between fur-friend cuddles, playtime at the park, and mischievous moments in the kitchen, you’ve probably taken hundreds and hundreds of pictures of them. We get it! We love to show them off. Everything our pets do melts us and makes us laugh. That’s why custom digital pet portraits are the best way to immortalize those quirky, goofy, heart-warming pictures you have stored on your phone. Let’s take a look at some of our favorite ways to take your beloved pet’s picture from basic to unforgettable.
What Are Digital Pet Portraits?
There may be apps and filters in today’s modern world that can stylize your pet’s photo but that’s very different from a custom digital pet portrait. The reasons why are tenfold. When using an app, you use your reference photo and the app changes the photo into a new style. Whatever the outcome is, that’s what you’re stuck with—little to no customization is available. These apps also have a hard time recognizing animals and the features you love so much in your special pet.
When you opt in to work with a real artist to create your digital pet portraits, you are getting something highly personalized. Yes, you still need a reference photo but that is not the end all be all. A talented artist can take your reference photo and turn it into whatever your imagination has in store. That means you can add meaningful clothing or accessories (because you think it’s cute but little Sparky never lasts five minutes in his tiny sweater), unique and artistic backgrounds, plus texts and so much more.
And last, but certainly not least in the list of reasons why you need a custom digital pet portrait made by an artist is so AI doesn’t become too self-aware and take over the world. No, wait, that wasn’t it. While supporting the talent of real people, it’s to ensure you receive a high quality portrait that looks just like your furry (or feathery) best friend. When the photo is recognizable, it brings a smile on the face of everyone in your life. And when you have a high resolution, high quality portrait, you can use that photo for different items—custom pillows, T-shirts, and a pet portrait canvas for the wall, to give you an idea.
The Wackiest Ideas for Digital Pet Portraits
So, if you’re convinced your pet needs to become a model, get ready to create the most beautiful and hilarious artwork of your pet. Here are some of our favorite digital pet portrait ideas.
Rainbow fun: Those fancy rainbow effects aren’t just for selfies! Get an amazingly bright rainbow drawing of your pet, complete with a digital style only an experienced artist can accomplish. Consider watercolor, pencil portraits, graffiti style, and more to make it super unique.
Historical and renaissance figures: Have you ever said that your pet was the king or queen of the house? Well now they really can be! Choose a historical figure such as a royal, a cardinal, an artist, a voyager, or a medieval peasant. Pop their little debonair face onto the figure’s body and you’ll be dying of laughter.
NASA space costume: What is your pet's dream job? Whether you see it as an astronaut, a firefighter, a cop, or a pilot, there’s a character to fit your pet’s personality!
Watercolor art: Create unique pet portraits with digital watercolor. Watercolor is a medium that allows you to truly express your pet’s personality through the vibrant colors, movement, backgrounds, and more.
Pop art: Get an exciting and colorful piece of art with pop art! This style is a great way to capture the lighthearted and lively spirit of your pet.
Pencil portrait: Get an old world feel with an aged paper look.... in a digital version. This style works great for pets with a loving, warm personality to match.
At the White House: “Excuse me, Mr President? Thank you once again for your service and protection against the Evil Mailman.” It’s a fantastic portrait idea for those regal cats and dogs.
Classic Ideas for Pet and Owner Portraits
Why should your pets have all the fun? You two share a special bond, so show it off in a unique way. Get in on the action and create unique pet and owner portraits that will last a lifetime.
Awkward 80s studio portraiture: If you and your pet’s relationship is filled with laughter, immortalize that feeling with an awkward 80s studio-esque photo. Not only does it include amazing close-ups of you and your pet, it’s too hilarious not to show off on social media.
Couples selfie: If you and your significant other adopted a pet together and consider it your “fur baby” you might enjoy a more classy approach to pet and owner portraits. Grab a selfie you already have between you and your bae and have the artist include your pet in the middle.
Close-up of your eyes: They say the eyes are the windows to the soul. A stylistic choice would be to include half of your face and half of your pet’s face so the artwork includes one eye each. If little Cookie won’t sit still for such an up-close-and-personal photo, no worries—the artist can stitch it all together!
Lookalikes: There’s an age-old theory that dogs and their owners can often look like each other! If you and your fluff ball have similarities, get it in artwork with a wacky pose and accentuating all the features you have in common!
Create Your Pet Portrait Canvas with Cartoonely
Whether it’s a way to show off how much you love your pet or you want a unique gift that you know your friend will love, putting a custom-made pet portrait on canvas, paper or household items is an amazing way to use such a unique illustration. To get started at Cartoonely, use these ideas here to start with a theme or style, send in your photos for the artist to understand those important features and details, and watch your perfect idea come to life as art!