Frequently Asked Questions
How much does it cost?
Pricing up custom artwork is always a tricky thing! I want to provide you with with the perfect masterpiece that you had in mind and also for a great price. However, offering a set price per size (which is what some artists do) is always tricky as one pet portrait is never exactly the same as the next! Some have detailed backgrounds, some are head shots only whereas others are full body portraits; and some are of multiple pets together whereas others capture one pet. I also have to consider the cost of my art materials (and I always get the highest grade, which unfortunately is expensive!) and my time (my portraits can take hours up to weeks to complete). The best way to find out the price is to get in touch by dropping me an email at: geminibrookesartist@gmail.com Before you do that though, be sure to check out my page here on what to include in your email, to help me work out the cost.
...But I still want to know roughly how much it costs?!
As mentioned above, it really does depend. Also prices can change over time (with changing art material costs, dreaded inflation, etc.) Looking at my pricing structure and the most recent portraits I have completed, at the moment (January 2026) I currently charge between £180 - £400 per portrait. However, yours could be much less or it could be more than this. The best way to find out is to drop me a friendly email :)
Do you ever do discounts?
I will occasionally have offers and discounts which I will make available on my social media. The best way of getting to know about one of these, is to keep updated by following me on either my Instagram account or my Facebook page. Here, I will post any news about discounts / offers that I have on at that particular time :)
How long will you take to reply to my email?
I will endeavour to reply to your email on the same day! But within reason (for example, if you email me late in the evening, I might have to reply the next morning). If I am holiday (this is very rare!), you should receive an automatic email reply which will explain when I am back and when I can reply to you.
I am considering a pet portrait as a gift... is there enough time?
The best way to find out is to drop me an email. I usually have a waiting list but on the odd occasion during quiet seasons I won't, or sometimes I have cancellations. In general, if the gift is needed for less than one week's time, unfortunately this is likely to be too short notice; as most portraits will take me longer than this to complete / perfect! I certainly don't want to rush your portrait and want to ensure I give it as much time as it deserves.
Is it acceptable to give a pet portrait as a gift, if it's not framed?
Of course! Most of my clients give their pet portraits as gifts unframed. In some ways, this is nice because the recipient will be able to chose their own frame for it (and you may not know what colour their walls are!). Your pet portraits will arrive ready to frame. For framing, all the recipient will have to do is either take it to a framer (recommended) or purchase a frame and frame it themselves (I can advise on this - see below!).
What sort of frame should I use?
Frames come in all shapes and sizes and in a wide ranges of prices, too! Because my artwork is made using the highest grade artist quality materials, it will stand the test of time; meaning that it is durable and will not fade in light (this is called being 'lightfast'). However, this will only be guaranteed if it is framed to the same standard too. Generally, this is achieved by using an 'archival' frame. All professional framers will frame to an archival standard. Being archival means that the artwork being framed will not be exposed to outside fumes / dust / air once inside the frame. It also won't be at risk of discolouring or dissolving from certain chemicals or acids that exist in some framing materials and woods. Often, framers will use acid-free backing board and mounts, to ensure the artwork is not at risk of this. For this reason, using a professional framer is the best choice; but this is also going to likely be more expensive than if you were to buy a frame and do it yourself. I am shortly going to be writing a blog explaining how you can make a standard shop-bought frame as 'archival' as possible - watch this space! In the meantime, feel free to email me and I will happily share my tips!
how long will my pet portrait last / how do i look after my pet portrait?
My pet portraits are made using the highest artist grade quality materials and will stand the test of time. If preserved well, they will last over 100 years! However, this all depends on how well they are looked after. The most important thing is to keep your artwork stored in it's sealed film and box, until it is ready to be framed. The type of frame will also impact how long it will last (please see 'What sort of frame should I use?' above). The best place to put your artwork once it is framed is on a wall that does not have any direct light facing it (e.g. directly opposite a window) and away from any heat sources (such as above a radiator). You also ideally don't want it to be placed somewhere where it could get damp (for example, in the bathroom or above a sink / kettle in the kitchen). If you stick to these tips, your artwork should stand the test of time and last over 100 years! This means it could be handed down in the family from generation to generation.
What do i do if I'm not happy with the portrait?
Throughout the whole process, from the very beginning of you reaching out to me by email; to the moment when you receive your completed pet portrait; I will be with you. Commissioning an artist to produce a piece of artwork for you can be a daunting process, especially if you have not done it before. It is very much a joint partnership where I rely on you to tell me what you want and you rely on me to produce what you want. I always say that the more information you can give me (if you know exactly what you want); the better (unfortunately I've never been any good at reading peoples minds!)! I will show you progress shots when the piece is taking shape (if you wish to see these) and if anything is on your mind or you are not sure about how something looks; do please tell me. I can make any necessary changes straight away. Also, when you receive the final photograph of the piece (before you have confirmed that you are 100% happy with it); do please tell me if you are unsure about anything at all. I really want you to be 100% happy with your masterpiece and if you are not, I really need to know!
...What if all of the above has happened, but I'm still not happy with the portrait?!
This would be an interesting scenario, as I have never had this happen! I really will work with you throughout the process so that we can rectify anything that you are not sure about, as soon as possible. But if we have exhausted everything; and for whatever reason you really are not happy with the direction your portrait is going in / it is not what you were hoping for; you are of course entitled to a full refund. If you already have the portrait with you by then, you will have to return it in in it's original condition to me in order to get the full refund.
Do you do people portraits?
Whilst this isn't my chosen field at the moment, I have certainly done people portraits before which I can show you examples of. I am more than happy to discuss this, to see if this is something I would be able to do justice. Drop me an email at: geminibrookesartist@gmail.com and we can have a chat about it!