The Hustle of a Pet Portrait Artist: Balancing Art, Business, and a Love for Animals
Life as a pet portrait artist is anything but quiet! Between creating beautiful custom artwork, marketing my business, and juggling multiple jobs, my days are packed—but I wouldn’t have it any other way. If you’re an artist, animal lover, or a busy pet owner, you’ll probably relate to the non-stop nature of my world!
Marketing a Pet Portrait Business on Social Media
In today’s digital world, running a successful pet portrait business means more than just painting or drawing—it’s about getting your work seen! That’s why I dedicate time every day to marketing on Facebook and Instagram with portrait commission updates, time-lapse videos, and behind-the-scenes peeks into my studio helps me connect with my followers and attract new customers. Sometimes though you have to get out there and promote! I have also been contacting local Dog Parks to allow me to put a banner up on their fences to advertise my Pet Portrait business. In doing this I have met some lovely people, amongst them www.holtdogpark.co.uk, www.pawsinkeevil.com, www.therambles.co.uk, www.facebook.com/p/Four-Acres-Dog-Fieldpet and www.follyspaddock.co.uk
Recently, I’ve also started a YouTube channel to share longer videos of my process, from sketching to the final brushstrokes. It’s a fantastic way to engage with fellow artists and pet lovers who enjoy seeing their beloved dogs, cats, and even horses come to life on canvas. Although this is a bit daunting! Talking to a camera! Who'd have thought I'd ever be doing that!
Balancing Art with a Dog Walking Business
While painting is my passion, my dog walking business provides steady income and keeps me connected to the animals I love. I specialize in solo and small group walks, giving dogs the one-on-one attention they need. Walking anywhere from one to five hours a day, means I get plenty of fresh air, exercise, and inspiration from my furry clients. It has also been a great comfort to me since we lost our best friend Granville unexpectedly in October. Spending time with dogs also helps me capture their unique personalities in my portraits—there’s nothing like studying a dog’s expressions up close to bring realism to a painting!
Weekend Job at a Garden Centre
On top of my pet portrait business and dog walking, I also have a weekend job at a local garden centre. It’s a great way to interact with people (and sometimes their pets!) while staying financially stable. Plus, being surrounded by nature and beautiful plants fuels my creativity for future artwork.
Expanding My Artistic Skills: Learning to Paint with Oils
I’ve started learning to paint with oils as part of my artistic journey. This allows me to expand my creative offerings beyond pet portraits, branching into a wider range of subjects. With oil painting, I’ll be able to create original pieces, high-quality prints, printed canvases, and greeting cards, giving my customers even more options to enjoy my artwork. Exploring new techniques and mediums not only challenges me as an artist but also helps me grow my business in new and exciting ways.
The Challenges and Rewards of a Busy Life
Balancing multiple jobs is a challenge, but it’s incredibly rewarding. Some days are overwhelming—managing customer orders, responding to messages, keeping up with social media, and making time to paint can feel like a never-ending cycle. However, seeing the joy on a customer’s face when they receive their pet’s portrait makes all the hard work worthwhile.
Why I Love What I Do
Despite the long hours, I wouldn’t trade this lifestyle for anything. My world revolves around animals, art, and connecting with pet lovers—whether through a custom portrait, a friendly chat on social media, or a peaceful dog walk. Every day brings new challenges and opportunities, and I’m excited to see where this journey takes me.
Are you an artist balancing a side hustle? A pet lover who enjoys supporting small businesses? I’d love to hear your experiences in the comments! And if you’re interested in commissioning a custom pet portrait, don’t hesitate to reach out on Facebook, Instagram, or YouTube!
Bye for now!....I have to go and walk some dogs!
Lynda
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