Custom Pet Portraits by an Experienced UK Artist
Hand-drawn portraits from your photos, creating detailed, personalised artwork that captures your pet’s unique character.
I create custom pet drawings in the UK, specialising in both graphite and coloured pencil. From highly detailed dog portraits to more expressive and characterful pieces, every artwork is carefully crafted from your photos.
With over 20 years’ experience, I create bespoke animal portraits for clients across the UK and internationally. My work combines refined technical skill with a deep understanding of animal form, expression, and detail resulting in portraits of exceptional quality.
Working in graphite and coloured pencil, I produce realistic portraits that capture the individuality of each subject. From elegant cat portraits to highly detailed dog commissions and sensitive memorial pieces, every artwork is created using premium materials to achieve a timeless, gallery-quality finish.
Each piece is produced through a personalised and considered process, offering a professional and seamless experience from initial consultation through to final delivery.
Explore Our Pet Portrait Galleries
Discover a collection of hand-drawn pencil portraits created from your photos. Browse graphite pencil and coloured pencil portrait galleries showcasing realistic detail, expression, and personality. Each bespoke dog, cat and horse portrait is carefully crafted by a UK pet portrait artist with over 20 years’ experience.
Graphite Pencil Portraits
A timeless black and white portrait style, focusing on fine detail, depth, and realism. These hand-drawn graphite portraits capture fur texture, expression, and character with precision, creating elegant, lifelike artwork that never dates.
View Graphite Portrait Gallery
Colour Pencil Portraits
Vibrant coloured pencil portraits created using layered techniques to bring your pet to life. Perfect for capturing natural colouring, markings, and personality, these portraits offer a rich, realistic finish with exceptional depth and detail.
View Colour Portrait Gallery
How It Works
Commission your very own pet portrait in 5 easy steps
The process below provides a clear overview of how commissioning a portrait works, from choosing your photo through to final delivery. You can also read the full guide for more detailed information about ordering a custom portrait in graphite or coloured pencil.
Your Portrait in 5 Simple Steps
From choosing the perfect photo to receiving your finished artwork, the process is straightforward and fully guided. Each portrait is carefully created by hand and typically completed within 2–3 weeks.
Choose a Photo
Send a clear photo of your pet. I can help you select the best image for a strong portrait.
Mock-Up Preview
I create a preview mock-up so you can see how the portrait will look before drawing begins.
Secure Booking
A 50% deposit confirms your slot in my schedule.
Artwork Creation
Your portrait is carefully hand-drawn with patience and attention to detail.
Approve & Delivery
You approve the finished artwork before secure tracked delivery.
From Photo to Finished Portrait
See how Winston the Dachshund’s portrait evolved step-by-step, from the original reference photo, through the design mock-up stage, to the finished pencil portrait. Click the image or use the arrows to explore each stage of the process.
ORIGINAL PHOTO
COLOUR
GRAPHITE
FINAL PORTRAIT
Click the image or arrows to view each stage
In the original photo Winston was sitting on his owner's leg with a distracting background. The customer wanted this removed and Winston to be standing on a cushion with his name on the tag.
During the mock-up stage the background was removed and Winston was placed on a cushion to create a cleaner composition. Mock-ups were created in colour and black and white to help the client choose.
The final portrait captures Winston exactly as the owner imagined — with a clean background, balanced composition and personalised details.
Choosing the Perfect Photo for Your Pet Portrait
Each custom pet portrait is meticulously created by UK pet portrait artist Matt Lloyd using professional materials, ensuring rich tones, smooth texture, and long-lasting quality. The artwork captures the fine details and lifelike features of your beloved pet, making your hand-drawn portrait ideal for framing and displaying in any home, office, or gallery space.
This personalised pet portrait makes a thoughtful and meaningful gift for Mum, a friend, or any animal lover. It’s perfect for special occasions such as birthdays, anniversaries, and Christmas, or as a touching pet memorial gift to honour a beloved companion. Whether it’s a dog, cat, horse, or any animal, Matt carefully captures the unique personality, warmth, and character that make your pet truly special.
Every portrait is created directly from your reference photo, allowing for a realistic, expressive, and one-of-a-kind result. To achieve the best outcome, please provide a clear, high-resolution image that highlights your pet’s features and individuality. This Photo Guide has been created to help you choose the best photo for your artwork.
View Photo Guide
Frame Your Pet Portrait Beautifully
As a professional pet portrait artist in the UK, I create bespoke artwork designed to be proudly displayed in your home. A beautifully framed piece not only enhances your portrait but transforms it into a lasting focal point.
Our pet portrait framing guide walks you through everything you need to know, from choosing the right frame style, colour and size to glazing and display options for a gallery-quality finish.
Choose from classic oak frames for a warm timeless feel, black frames for a sleek modern look, or white frames for a clean contemporary style. All frames are professionally made to order in the UK.
Whether you’ve commissioned a pet portrait in Birmingham or anywhere across the UK, this guide will help you confidently choose a frame that protects and beautifully presents your artwork.
View Framing Guide
A Thoughtful Gift For Pet Owners
for Pet Lovers
MJLArt Gift Cards for Pet Owners
We are often contacted by clients looking to commission one of our lifelike pet portraits as a special gift. A hand-drawn portrait of a beloved pet — whether a dog, cat, horse, or other companion — is a deeply personal and meaningful present that can be treasured for years to come.
Choosing the perfect photograph or arranging a portrait in time for a special occasion is not always easy. That is why we offer MJLArt Gift Cards, allowing the recipient to choose the portrait or artwork that is most meaningful to them.
Gift cards can be used towards personalised pet portraits or any artwork available on the MJLArt website, making them a flexible and thoughtful option for birthdays, Christmas, anniversaries, or other special occasions.
Beautifully presented and easy to redeem, they make the perfect gift for any pet lover.
Buy Gift Card
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions - Everything You Need to Know
Still have questions? Take a look at the FAQ or reach out anytime. If you’re feeling ready, go ahead and apply.
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To order your custom pet portrait, choose your preferred size and medium (graphite, coloured pencil, or acrylic), upload your reference photo, and pay a 50% deposit to secure your booking. The remaining balance is due once your artwork is completed. Please view the How it Works Guide for more information
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Yes! You can view Matt Lloyd’s custom pet portrait gallery featuring graphite pencil and coloured pencil portraits on the Portfolio pages. Each gallery showcases a variety of pets, sizes, giving you a clear idea of the realistic, lifelike detail and personalised style you can expect for your own portrait.
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Pet portrait prices start from £70. The final cost depends on the size, medium, number of pets, and any custom background details. Visit the Price List page for full details.
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A 50% deposit confirms your pet portrait commission and secures your place in Matt’s schedule. The remaining 50% is payable upon completion before your artwork is shipped.
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For the best results, provide a clear, high-resolution photo taken in natural light. Close-up images showing your pet’s eyes and facial detail work best for creating a lifelike and detailed portrait. Please view our Photo Guide for more information
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Yes. Matt can combine elements from different photos to create a balanced and realistic custom pet portrait.
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Completion times vary depending on size and demand, but you will receive an estimated turnaround time when booking your portrait or contact us to discuss your requirements before booking in
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Yes, all custom pet portraits are carefully packaged and securely shipped across the UK. Tracked Postage is included within the price
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Personalised pet portraits make thoughtful gifts for birthdays, anniversaries, Christmas, and pet memorials. They are meaningful keepsakes for any animal lover.
