The Royal Journal

Royal dog portrait of a whippet in a red velvet hood with ermine trim and a gold chain
Royal Dog Portraits: Choosing the Perfect Costume for Your Dog
Velvet, ermine or a general's jacket? How to choose the royal costume that suits your dog's coat, breed and personality, plus how to take the perfect photo. Read more...
Renaissance style royal portrait of a ginger tabby cat in a navy military jacket
Renaissance Cat Portraits: Turning Your Cat into a Masterpiece
Why cats make the perfect subjects for Renaissance-style portraits, which costumes suit which coats, and how to take a photo that turns into a masterpiece. Read more...
Custom pet portrait canvas hanging on a wall above a shelf
Which Canvas Size Is Right for Your Pet Portrait?
12x16, 16x20 or 18x24? A simple guide to choosing the right canvas size for your space. Read more...
Custom royal cat portrait as a gift for a cat lover
Unique Gifts for Dog and Cat Lovers They Will Actually Keep
Skip the novelty mugs. These are thoughtful gifts for the dog mom, cat dad or devoted pet lover in your life. Read more...
Memorial royal portrait of a whippet in a red velvet robe
Pet Memorial Ideas: A Lasting Way to Honor a Beloved Dog or Cat
Losing a pet is losing a member of the family. Here are gentle, meaningful ways to keep their memory close. Read more...
Renaissance style royal portrait of a dog in an ermine robe
Royal Pet Portraits: Why We Paint Our Pets as Kings and Queens
For centuries, kings and queens commissioned portraits with their beloved dogs. Here is how royal pet portraiture began and why it is more popular than ever. Read more...
Royal portrait of a miniature pinscher created from a phone photo
How to Take the Perfect Photo of Your Pet for a Custom Portrait
The secret to a beautiful custom pet portrait is a good photograph. Here is exactly how to take one with your phone in five minutes. Read more...