“Sketches, Spills & Slight Overshares”

Welcome to the chaos I call a creative career.
This is part sketchbook, part studio diary, and part “did I really just write that?”
It’s where I share the behind-the-scenes bits — from smudgy beginnings and last-minute commissions to the stories that probably belong in a group chat, not a blog.

Expect art, honesty, oversharing (obviously), and the kind of beautiful mess that only ever happens when you’re doing something you love.

All Posts

Commission a Pet Portrait in the UK: Process, Pricing & Timescales

If you’re thinking about commissioning a pet portrait in the UK , you’re probably wondering how the process works, how much it costs, and how long it takes from first enquiry to finished artwork. These are the questions I’m asked most often — and this guide is here to answer them clearly and honestly, without any pressure or art-world jargon. Commissioning a portrait can feel a little daunting if you’ve never done it before. My aim is always to make the process feel calm, per

Emma Keys

Jan 54 min read

The Real Value Behind a Commission - By UK Pet Portrait Artist Emma Keys

(and why a portrait is so much more than paint on paper) When people ask about commissions and pricing, the reactions vary, some think it’s far too little for the work involved, others pause, unsure what goes into it. Both make sense. Art is personal, and value looks different to everyone. If you’re curious about what goes into my process, you can read more about commissioning a portrait here Watercolour Dog Portrait - French Bulldog Since updating my pricing this autumn, som

Emma Keys

Oct 23, 20253 min read