Although my work focuses on Jewish papercut art, I accept a limited number of custom pet portrait commissions each year.
Every pet has expressions that become part of your daily life. The curious tilt of a head. The ears that perk up when they hear your voice. The look that greets you at the door after a long day.
Those are the moments I try to preserve.
Using your favorite photograph as a starting point, I create an original layered papercut portrait that captures not only your pet’s likeness, but also the character that made them yours. Each portrait is individually designed, then hand cut from multiple layers of archival paper to create depth, shadow, and dimension.
Whether you’re celebrating a lifelong companion or creating a memorial for a pet who is deeply missed, every portrait is made by hand in my North Carolina studio.
Custom Pet Portraits
What You’ll Receive
Your commissioned portrait includes:
An original design created from your photographs
Multiple layers of hand-cut archival paper
Carefully selected papers chosen to complement your pet’s coloring
An 11 × 14 inch matted and framed finished piece
Choice of a black or white frame
Portraits for dogs, cats, rabbits, birds, and many other beloved pets
Each portrait focuses on your pet’s head and collar/neck, allowing their expression to remain the center of attention.
The Process
1. Place Your Order
Choose the number of pets you’d like included and your preferred frame color.
2. Send Your Photos
Send me one to three high-resolution photographs. If you’re unsure which image will work best, send a few favorites and I’ll choose the strongest reference.
3. I Design Your Pet’s Portrait
I study your pet’s features and create a custom layered design that translates beautifully into paper. Every layer is cut by hand and assembled to create subtle depth and shadow.
4. Your Portrait Arrives Ready to Display
Once complete, your portrait is matted, framed, and carefully packaged for its journey home.
Typical turnaround time is about two to three weeks.
Choosing the Best Photo
The quality of your portrait begins with the reference image.
For the best results, choose a photo that:
Is sharp and in focus
Has good natural lighting
Clearly shows your pet’s eyes and face
Is taken near eye level
Is high resolution
The more detail I can see, the more detail I can preserve in paper.
Commission Details
A pet's personality often lives in the details. The alert ears, the familiar head tilt, the expression in their eyes. Each portrait is carefully designed to preserve those small details that photographs capture for an instant and memories hold for years.
Each custom pet portrait begins with your photograph and is individually designed before being hand cut from multiple layers of archival paper. By separating the image into carefully arranged layers, I create depth, dimension, and shadow that can't be achieved with a flat print or painting.
Details
• Custom portrait created from your photo
• Hand cut from multiple layers of archival paper
• Designed to capture your pet's unique expression
• Head-to-collar/shoulder composition
• Available for dogs, cats, rabbits, birds, and other pets
• Sizes: 1 or 2 pets for 8 × 10 inch artwork / 11 × 14 inch frame; 3 pets in 11 × 14 inch artwork / 16 × 20 inch frame
Timeline: Most pet portraits are completed within 1–2 weeks
Deposit: Not necessary; pay up front
Artwork: 8×10 inches
Framing: 11×14 inches; choose white or black
Shipping: Complimentary within the United States
Frequently Asked Questions
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Dogs, cats, rabbits, birds, and many other companion animals. If you have a nonconventional pet, feel free to ask.
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Yes. Multiple pets can be included in a single portrait and is priced accordingly.
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Yes. Each portrait is designed on my tablet then cut by hand from archival paper before being assembled layer by layer.
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Absolutely. Many of my commissions are created to honor pets who have crossed the rainbow bridge. It is a privilege to create something that helps families remember a pet who meant so much to them.
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Your portrait is inspired by your photograph, but it is interpreted through the medium of layered papercutting. The finished piece captures your pet’s likeness while embracing the depth, texture, and character that make handcrafted artwork unique.
Inquiries & Requests
If you still have questions about custom pet portraits or you’re not sure what you want, fill out the form below and I’ll respond within 1-2 business days.
Start by telling me a little about your pet and when you might need your portrait by. I’ll take it from there, and together we’ll create a beautiful portrait.
If you’d prefer to email me directly: hello@evelyngoldmanart.com