More New Greeting Card Designs

Designs designs!  Greeting Card designs!  I am creating new designs and I haven't had a chance to update my website yet, so here are all the new ones since my last post.

Upon many requests, here are more sympathy cards...

 

 Here is another "Thinking of you" Card...

Check out wholesale information here. Email funamals@gmail.com to make an order.

New Greeting Card Designs!

I had a fabulous time at H.H. Backer Associates Total Pet Expo in Chicago a few weeks ago.  Since then, I have been working on new greeting card designs.  (Progress has been greatly reduced due to some medical issues, thank you for your patience!)  These are just a few new designs, including sympathy, get well and thinking of you.  All of the designs seen below printed on recycled paper in the USA and available for wholesale with a minimum purchase order of 50 mix and match cards.  Click here for more details, pricing and an order form.  I am currently working on more as well.

All greeting cards are printed on FSC certified paper that is made in the USA and printed in Grand Rapids, Michigan using eco-friendly processes.  Each card comes with a blue envelope to match  and a UPC barcode on the back for easy inventory tracking.  Click here to visit the main website and download a price list and order form.  Or email Amy at funamals@gmail.com.

How to Order a Custom Pet Portrait

Check out this Video to learn how to order your custom pet portrait online through etsy.   

**PLEASE NOTE A CHANGE IN POLICY since this video was created. PLEASE AVOID photos taken with cell phones INCLUDING SMART PHONES**

This is the Blog post for all Questions Related to Custom Pet Portraits.  Finally...some clarity!

Frequently Asked Questions...

How long does it take until I get my pet portrait?
7-10 business days to complete before the portrait is shipped.  If you need it quicker than that just message me and let me know.  I take holiday orders through much of December.  If you have any concerns about receiving your order in time for holiday gifting, just contact me. 

How do I send my photo?
In my etsy shop you can click on the "Contact" button and a conversation box will pop up.  You can attach your digital photo file there.  Alternatively, you can email your photo to funamals@gmail.com.  Make sure that you leave the name that correlates with the etsy account in the text.  Digital files are preferred, but you can also send your photo via "snail mail" and it will be shipped back to you with your pet portrait.  (Note that this method takes longer for the finished product).
 
How do I pick a good photo?
A nice quality photo with good lighting is best.  I prefer "head shots" of pets so I can get the details in their face and capture their personality.  If a pet's photo has red-eye I take it out when I paint it.
 

Can I use a picture from my cell phone?
Please no cell phone photos of any kind.  They will not have a high enough quality for me to work with.  The better the photo the better the painting.  300 dpi is great!  (dots per inch) The higher the resolution the better.

I have more than one pet.  Do they need to be in the same photo in order to be in the painting together?
No.  It is better to have a nice, quality photo of each pet.  I can compose them together in the painting.  It helps if they are taken in the same kind of light.

Can you ignore all the stuff in the background of my photo?
Yes!  I usually do unless a client has a special request to keep something in the photo.

Here are some examples of good photos vs. bad photos....

 

 

if this guide didn't answer your questions you can contact me at funamals@gmail.com.

Another Monday behind the Paint Brush...

Monday, Monday!  Here's a sneak preview of a portrait for a client :)

The Tacocat Challenge

illustration by Amy Hofacker

illustration by Roberta Rivera

illustration by Ryan Hipp

I posted this idea to anyone on Facebook who was interested in pursuing the "Tacocat" challenge and drawing their own version of Tacocat--which Ryan Hipp pointed out, is spelled the same forwards and back.  I think this project was definitely worth the fun :)  The photo that inspired all of this is the one below...

Appreciating Fan Appreciation

Touching the lives of clients through paint...

I do a lot of custom paintings and ship them out to places all over the world.  Although I don't usually hear much back from my clients, I enjoy what I do and get a lot of satisfaction from it.  With each order there is always a story behind it.  People get the paintings done as gifts, for loved ones, friends or themselves.  The pets are always very special and close to their heart.  I've painted a rescued pet baboon, a pet frog, birds, as well as countless dogs and plenty of cats.  Often the pets have passed away.  People love to have a painting done to memorialize their dear family member.  I can relate as my pups are very important to me as well.  

Here is a story about a client who ordered a custom pet portrait with a really unique composition.  In the chosen photo the dog is sleeping next to the client's husband.  The choice of composition carries a lot of meaning to the family as he had just had surgery and, amid a project needed to lay down in the back of the van.  The dog, always his loyal companion joined his master in the car.  She placed her order and sent the photo, but before the painting was finished and shipped the dog passed away.  

The client decided to keep her order and was very happy to receive it.  On Thanksgiving, a few weeks later I received an email telling me how happy they were to have the painting and how much it meant to them.  She sent me this photo of the painting matted and framed.  This is a story that really touches my heart and encourages me to continue to do what I do.