When you google the term pet portraits, you find pages upon pages of talented artists offering their services. It's amazing.
On one hand, I am thrilled to see so many artists out there doing it. Hooray for artists working! I wish every single one of them success.
On the other hand, it of course begs the question, "Well then, what can I bring to the table, with so many others out there already doing what I want to do?"
The answer, thankfully, came pretty easily to me, because it's a philosophy I've carried with me in everything I've done throughout my life. It is what I would suggest to any other artist contemplating trying to make a business out of their art:
BE DIFFERENT
My animal portraits are different than any of the other pet portraits I've seen. They are bold, contemporary and colorful, and have a style all their own. There are several benefits to this. One fantastic one is that when I say I wish competitors success, I can do so honestly, because they're not offering the same product that I am offering. Also, in my work I feel like I'm presenting something fresh and new into the world rather than recreating something that already exists. When you see my work, you know it's my work. It can't be mistaken for another artist's painting.
Of course, in being unique, my drawing and painting style may not be everybody's taste, and that is 100% OK with me. For those who are drawn to it, what a fantastic event that is! They found something different and beautiful to them, and it's something that only I an create. Luckily for me, I've had some great success during this first year as a professional pet portrait artist, and have some very happy clients out there enjoying my art.
So, to all of the other artists out there wondering if this is something you can or should do, I say this:
FIND WHAT MAKES YOU UNIQUE, AND CREATE THAT
There will always be somebody out there who loves what only you can create.
Follow my blog for more art musings, art supplies/product reviews, news about my work and events I may be attending. Also, please be sure to check out my Etsy shop at artbyisadora.etsy.com for some amazing pet portraits, tattoo art, hand-painted gifts and more!
