Frequently Asked Questions

My artistic story began with traditional scrapbooking as a teenager and eventually scrapbooking on a screen, in the world of digital graphic design, where I spent years creating and teaching others how to bring ideas to life through color and composition and storytellling. It was there that I first learned how powerful visual storytelling can be—how a single image can hold emotion, memory, and meaning. Due to an unexpected life change, I traded pixels for paper and began exploring art in a new way, teaching myself as I went. That journey led me to colored pencils and pastels, where I found not just a medium, but a true connection to my work. Now, each piece I create is a story waiting to be told.  While my style is not strictly photorealistic, capturing a true likeness is always a top priority. I focus on capturing the details that matter—the softness of fur, the way light falls across a face, and most importantly, the personality behind the eyes. My goal is to create artwork that feels alive, expressive, and deeply personal—pieces that don’t just show what an animal looks like, but holds their story in every stroke of pencil. What makes my work unique is that I take the time to understand your animal’s story so the final piece reflects more than what’s seen in a photo. 

I’m inspired by the connection we share with animals and the meaning they hold in our lives. Every animal has a story—whether it’s a beloved pet who becomes part of our family or a wild animal that resonates with us in a more symbolic, personal way. They reflect pieces of who we are, our memories, our emotions, and the moments that shape us.

That connection is what guides my work. I focus on capturing their spirit through expressive eyes, rich detail, and soft, natural textures. My goal is to create more than just a likeness—I want each piece to tell a story, evoke a feeling, and honor the unique presence that animal holds in someone’s life.

I specialize in hand-drawn portraits of pets and wildlife using professional-grade colored pencils and/or pastels. Each piece is created with careful attention to detail on archival paper, with a focus on capturing the animals unique expression. Framing is optional.  Each piece is created to be more than artwork—it’s a lasting way to honor a meaningful connection. 

To get started, please use the Contact Me tab to request a free initial consultation. When you reach out, be sure to include:

• Whether you have reference photo(s) (see tips below) 
• Your preferred size 
• Any special requests (background, multiple pets, etc.) 

From there, we’ll schedule a brief phone call or Zoom meeting to talk about your pet or animal and hear their story. This step allows me to connect more deeply with your subject so I can create a truly personalized and meaningful piece. After our conversation, I’ll guide you through the next steps, including pricing, timeline, and bringing your portrait to life.

My base price starts at $250.00 (8 x 10") and could increase based on:

• Size of the artwork 
• Number of subjects
• Background requests
• Level of detail required
• Shipping location

I’m happy to provide a quote based on your specific request.

Turnaround time varies based on my current commission queue and the complexity of each piece. Most portraits take several weeks to complete. Your start date will be confirmed once the initial deposit is received, and I will provide a tentative completion date at that time. If you have a specific deadline, please let me know in advance so I can do my best to accommodate. 

Your photo is the foundation of the artwork, so quality matters! My ability to create a exceptional portrait is dependent on the following:

• Clear, high-resolution image (not blurry or pixelated when significantly zoomed in) 
• Natural lighting (outdoor light is ideal) 
• Eyes in sharp focus (this is especially important!) 
• Taken at eye level with your pet (not from above) 
• Avoid heavy shadows or bright flash 
• Show true colors (no filters) 

Once the intial consultation is scheduled, I will have you send a few reference photos. If possible—I can combine elements to create the best composition.

For wildlife portraits, most clients don’t have their own photos—and that’s completely okay.  I will source three curated reference options based on the animal you’d like (for example: lion, owl, fox, etc.) and present them for you to choose from. Because wildlife images are typically taken by professional photographers, it is essential that proper copyright permission or licensing is obtained before I create your artwork. I only use reference images that are approved for artistic use, ensuring both ethical and legal standards are respected.

My base portraits are created without a background so your pet or animal can take center stage and truly shine when framed. If you’d like a background, I’m always happy to collaborate—these are typically soft, subtle, and designed to enhance, not distract. Together, we’ll choose what feels just right for your piece. 

Yes. A non-refundable deposit of $125.00 is required after our intial consultation to secure your spot in my commission schedule, with the remaining balance due before shipping.

The early stages of a portrait are often referred to as the “ugly stage,” which is why many artists prefer to wait and show the finished piece before it ships. That said, I’m always happy to share progress photos along the way if you’d enjoy watching your artwork come to life. 

Proper framing helps protect and preserve your artwork for years to come.

For colored pencil:

• Frame under glass or acrylic (UV protection recommended ) 
• Use a mat to keep the artwork from touching the glass 

For pastel:

• Always frame under glass (pastels are delicate - UV protection recommended ) 
• Use a mat or spacer to create a gap between the artwork and either the mat (if used) or the glass. Pastel artwork can release a fine dust over time, and this space helps prevent it from collecting on visible surfaces while protecting the artwork. 
• Avoid shaking or tapping the artwork, as pastel can shift 

• Keep out of direct sunlight 
• Avoid high humidity areas 
• Handle gently, especially pastel pieces 
• Do not touch the surface of pastel artwork 

Yes! Artwork is carefully packaged to ensure it arrives safely. Shipping costs will be included in your final quote.  If you’re located in the Greater Sacramento area, I’m happy to coordinate local pickup or delivery to help you avoid shipping costs. 

Absolutely! I can provide a gift certificate or work with you on timing for a special occasion.

Deposits are non-refundable, as they reserve your place in my schedule and covers supplies and initial work.

Just reach out—I’d love to create something meaningful for you.