Choosing the right medium matters — here's what to know.
Every medium has its own look, feel, and behavior. Some are best for crisp detail, some for softness and subtlety, and others for vibrant color and realism. Choosing the one that suits your expectations and the emotional tone you want for your portrait is an important part of the process.
Below, you’ll find a straightforward guide to the three mediums I offer: graphite, colored pencil, and pastel. Each has its strengths and limitations, and I’m always here if you’d like help deciding what fits your vision best.
Graphite Pencils
Graphite is a black-and-white medium, known for its range of tones and its ability to capture fine detail, contrast, and subtle shading. It’s a great choice if you prefer a minimalist, timeless look, or if you're interested in texture and form over color.
What it’s good for:
- High precision and detailed fur or features
- Soft shading and controlled lighting
- Elegant, clean black-and-white results
- Works well in any setting or frame style
What to keep in mind:
- No color — emotion is conveyed through tone, light, and expression
- Works best with sharp, well-lit reference photos
- May feel too “muted” for clients looking for color-rich imagery
Colored Pencils
Colored pencil gives you precise control and realistic layering of color. It’s perfect for portraits where fur tones, eye color, or subtle shading are important. It allows for a high level of realism, but still maintains a soft, hand-drawn quality.
What it’s good for:
- Realistic color representation (fur, eyes, noses)
- Layered detail and depth
- Great for single or multi-pet portraits
- No smudging — stable and durable when framed
What to keep in mind:
- Drawing time is usually longer due to layering process
- Works best on smoother paper, so surface texture is minimal
- Brightness depends on lighting in your photo — not all images translate equally well to color
Pastels
Pastel is a dry, blendable medium that creates a soft, almost painterly look. It’s ideal for clients who want a gentle, atmospheric feel — often used for animals with soft fur or light-colored coats.
What it’s good for:
- Smooth transitions and soft finishes
- A slightly looser, more expressive style
- A matte look that feels calm and natural
What to keep in mind:
- Pastel is a delicate medium. I don’t use fixative spray on your portrait because it can change the colors and cause smudging.
- Until it’s framed behind glass, the drawing must stay protected. I ship it carefully covered, and it’s best not to remove that protection until you’re ready to frame it.
- Be sure to let your framer know not to apply fixative, as it can darken and lose the details in the drawing.
Know What You Want?
Head over to Sizes & Pricing and choose the setup that fits your pet best — I’m excited to create something meaningful for you.
Still Need Help Choosing?
If you're still unsure which medium suits your vision or your pet’s features best, feel free to [reach out] or take a look at the sample gallery for each style. You can also share your reference photo with me, and I’ll be happy to suggest what would work best.