Welcome

Original hand-drawn portraits of animals using colored pencils, pastels, and paints

• About
• Portfolio
• Commission Steps
• Commission Request Form
• FAQs
• Contact Me

About The Artist

Nice to meet you

My name is Jillian and I am an artist based in Kalamazoo, MI. I graduated from Western Michigan University with a BA in Communication and a minor in Fine Art from WMU’s Frostic School of Art.Creating has always been a passion of mine and I’ve been combining my love of art and animals professionally since 2020.Remember 2020? (Yikes!) The strangeness and hardship of that year cultivated more time for me to make art , so I’ve pivoted careers to drawing full time! Taking the plunge has been scary but so rewarding!My little sister abruptly passed away in the middle of that wild year and I have utilized art as a way to heal and process my grief ever since.Using this healthy coping mechanism as an act of self love, in addition to bringing others joy by creating portraits of their beloved pets, has been very healing for me.I am always growing my skills by consistently studying my craft and so you will notice my drawings change with time. I am proud of every single drawing I’ve done, and promise to deliver you a portrait consistent with the level of skill of my latest works. (You can view my portfolio here.)It brings me great joy to honor the love you share with your pet by bringing them to you in portrait form. Drawing really makes my heart sing, and I’m grateful to potential clients like you for allowing me to do this for a living. I look forward to working with you!

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Commissions

Here you will find an outline of the commission process from start to finish

Step 1: Choose Portrait Size
View portrait prices by clicking the button below. Once you have decided the size you would like, it’s time to gather/take photos of the pet!

• Pricing

Step 2: Gathering Photos
Since I work from reference photos, the photos you send me are pivotal to the outcome of your portrait.Sending me clear, quality, and in focus photos are the most important step in this process. I will be picky about the photos I can use, not to be a pain, but to make sure the portrait result is one we are both proud of.(If the pet to be drawn has crossed the rainbow bridge, I understand finding photos may be hard. Just send me what you have and together we will make it work!)You can find a helpful guide to taking great photos of your pet here.Once you’ve collected your photos, its time to fill out the commission request form.

Step 3: Complete the commission request form
Fill out the commission request form by clicking the button below. This is where you will attach your photos.When I receive the intake form I will reply with which images I think work best and have you pick your favorite(s). I may request additional photos at this time if needed.Once we have mutually decided on a reference photo for the portrait, I will send you an invoice for your deposit through PayPal.

• Commission Request Form

Step 4: Deposit and Payment
A non-refundable deposit will be collected after you and I have decided on reference photos. The invoice is created through PayPal. I also accept Venmo. You will be added to the commission list only after your deposit is received.Once the deposit is received I will send you a private link to the commission list so that you can see it as it is updated.Here is a guide on what the invitation process looks like:

• List Invitation Information

The remaining balance will be collected just prior to starting your drawing to ensure I receive payment for my work.For gift vouchers, the total amount will be charged prior to being added to the commission list. I will then email you a gift voucher to give the recipient along with the commission list link.

Step 5: Drawing
I will notify you when I begin your portrait and send you updates after each drawing session. Once the drawing is complete I will send you photos and make any small changes requested. After you approve the drawing I will collect payment and confirm your shipping information.Step 6: Shipping
Shipping rates vary depending on where you are having it delivered. (Currently within the US only) This includes a tracking number to ensure your portrait arrives to you safely. I try to recycle as much as possible and you may notice names of other companies on the packaging occasionally. I do free delivery within Kalamazoo.Optional Step
Once you receive your portrait I would love to hear your feedback and see a photo of it in your space! My favorite is when I get to see the portrait with the model!

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