What is it?
Creating custom pet portraits is a fantastic way for teens to combine artistic skills with fundraising. By offering personalised drawings or paintings of people's beloved pets, you can raise money steadily while doing something enjoyable and meaningful.
Why does it work?
People love their pets and are often willing to pay for a unique keepsake celebrating them. Custom artwork feels personal and special, which encourages supporters to invest more than they might in generic fundraising products. Additionally, word-of-mouth from happy customers can lead to repeat commissions and referrals.
Step-by-step plan
1
Decide on your medium (pencil sketch, watercolour, acrylic, digital, etc.) and practice a few pet portraits to build confidence and examples.
2
Create a portfolio of your best pet portraits to show potential customers, either as a physical folder or a digital album on social media.
3
Set clear pricing based on size, complexity, and medium. Typical prices range from £20 for a simple sketch to £50 or more for detailed paintings.
4
Advertise your service by sharing your portfolio with family, friends, and local community groups, and post on social media platforms like Instagram and Facebook.
5
Ask customers to send clear photos of their pets. Confirm details like preferred size, style, and deadline.
6
Complete the portrait carefully, keeping the customer updated with progress photos if appropriate.
7
Arrange payment once the portrait is finished, then deliver the artwork either in person or via post with protective packaging.
8
Request feedback or a testimonial to build your reputation and encourage repeat orders.
Realistic earnings
Most teenagers can expect to earn between £20 and £50 per portrait, depending on complexity and materials. With consistent orders, aiming to complete 1-2 portraits a week can help you reach your fundraising goal within a few months.
Top tips
✅ Always ask for clear, high-quality photos of the pet from multiple angles to capture details accurately.
✅ Set realistic deadlines and communicate them clearly to avoid stress.
✅ Keep your workspace organised and protect finished pieces carefully to prevent damage.
✅ Consider offering small add-ons like custom frames or digital copies for extra income.
Common mistakes to avoid
⚠️ Underpricing your work and not factoring in material costs or time spent.
⚠️ Taking on too many commissions at once, which can lead to missed deadlines and unhappy customers.
⚠️ Not confirming details upfront, resulting in misunderstandings about what the customer expects.