My custom animal portraits are created using vibrant, colorful chalk pastels, and my aim is to capture each animal’s personality, curiosity, fuzziness, and quirkiness.

  • Choose your size: I create my pet portraits on medium-weight, acid-free drawing paper in one of two sizes: 24”x18”, or 17”x11”. I’m open to creating portraits in other sizes, but my style generally doesn’t work well in smaller formats.

  • The Subject: I draw my portraits based on photo(s) you provide, which should be clear and well-lit. Sharing multiple photos is encouraged, as it allows me to make a recommendation on which one would best to capture your pet in my style.

  • Pricing: The base cost for each commissioned piece is $250 for 17”x11,” $300 for 24”x18.” Initial consultations - by email, phone, or in-person - is free, but a non-refundable deposit of 50% will be required before work begins. Additional charges may apply for:

    • Detailed background: I generally use simple, color-graded backgrounds as the best way to make your pet pop off the page, but I can incorporate more complex backgrounds if desired, and we can work together to figure out the fee.

    • Rush completion: if you need the product under two weeks, and depending on my availability, a rush charge of up to 50% may be incurred.

    • Sales tax: if your state collect sales tax, it will be applied to the final cost.

    • Payment method: I accept Venmo (preferred), personal check*, and Paypal. Cash is accepted on in-person delivery or consultation.

  • Completion timeframe: A completed product can be expected within two weeks after receipt of deposit, depending on availability/work backlog. During the process, I am happy to send updates and photos via e-mail or text..

  • Finishing: I apply a fixative spray on each image after completion to minimize incidental damage, but the product should still be handled delicately, and with care.

  • Delivery: I offer pickup in at my studio in Somerville, or can hand-deliver any artwork within 30 miles of Boston for no fee. Mail delivery (USPS, Fedex, UPS) available at-cost, based on current postage and packaging rates. Estimated shipping/delivery costs will be finalized between each party before work commences.

  • Intellectual Property: Unless otherwise specified in advance, Nicklebones retains the creative rights to any original artwork, and may use its image for sale both in print and online. All rights to the original image may be purchased if desired; please contact for a quote.