Okay, so you’ve seen those adorable pet portraits Chewy sends to their customers, right? You know, the ones where someone’s dog or cat is turned into a beautiful, frame-worthy piece of art? Well, they’re made by regular artists like you, and you can become a Chewy pet portrait artist online!
If you love drawing pets and want to turn that talent into something real (and paid), becoming a Chewy pet portrait artist online could be your thing.
And no, you don’t need to be famous or have a million followers.
Chewy works with a bunch of freelance artists who just really love creating art for fellow animal lovers.
So, how do you get in on this?
That’s what I’m here to explain, and don’t worry, I’ll keep it super simple.
No fancy art degrees required, although, hey, if you have one, cool!
It’s more about your passion, your skills, and knowing where to apply.
Ready? Let’s go make some art magic happen, and get some tails wagging along the way.
What is a Chewy Pet Portrait Artist?
So you know Chewy, the place so many of us order our pet food, toys, and all the other stuff our furry (or feathered or scaly) friends need?
Well, Chewy does something really special that a lot of people don’t know about.
Every now and then, they surprise some of their customers with a custom portrait of their pet, totally free, just because they care.
And the talented people who actually create these portraits? Those are the Chewy Pet Portrait Artists.
These artists paint or draw your pet, often by hand, and the portrait shows up at your door like a little love letter from Chewy.
Sometimes they do this to celebrate happy moments, like adopting a new pet.
Other times, they send portraits to comfort someone who’s lost a pet, as a way to honor that pet’s memory.
The portraits themselves are super personal and thoughtful.
They’re not just some quick sketch — they really capture the heart and soul of your pet.
People treasure them because they hold so much meaning, whether it’s a goofy smile, a pair of big curious eyes, or that look your pet gives you right before they do something they know they’re not supposed to do.
What makes it even sweeter? These artists usually work quietly behind the scenes, never asking for attention.
But their art touches hearts in such a powerful way, it’s become part of what makes people love Chewy so much.
It’s more than a company sending a package — it’s a company saying, “We see how much you love your pet, and we love them too.”
Skills You Need to Become a Chewy Pet Portrait Artist
Okay, so picture this, you get to create adorable portraits of pets for a living.
Sounds like a dream job, right?
It totally can be!
But before you start turning adorable pets into stunning works of art, there are a few key skills you’ll need.
Don’t worry—it’s not rocket science, just a mix of talent, patience, and a love for pets.
1. You Gotta Have Some Art Skills
This is the big one.
You need to know your way around a pencil, paintbrush, or digital tablet — whatever your favorite art style is.
The goal? To not only make the pet look like the pet, but to capture their vibe.
Whether they’re a goofy golden retriever or a sassy tabby cat, your art should show off their personality.
2. Know What Makes Pets… Pets
If you’ve ever tried to draw a dog and accidentally made it look like a weird horse, you’ll know why this matters.
Understanding basic pet anatomy — things like how a dog’s nose is shaped or the way a cat’s ears sit — helps you make portraits that actually feel right.
And when you really know animals, you can spot the little quirks that make each one special.
3. Client Communication Skills (It’s Part of the Job!)
This might surprise you, but being a portrait artist isn’t just about making art — it’s also about understanding what the pet’s family wants.
Sometimes the pet is still with them, and sometimes the portrait is a way to remember a pet they’ve lost.
Either way, being able to ask questions and really listen to what matters to them makes your art even more meaningful.
4. Being Organized (Because Deadlines Are Real)
Let’s be real — you probably won’t just have one portrait to work on at a time.
You might have several projects, all with different due dates.
Staying on top of your schedule (without cutting corners on quality) is super important.
No one likes waiting forever for their art, right?
5. Experience with Custom Art (Bonus Points)
If you’ve ever done commissions, like someone paying you to draw their dog or make a personalized gift, you already know how this works.
It’s all about balancing what the client wants with your own creative style.
It’s not always easy, but that back-and-forth is part of the magic.
Tools and Equipment for Pet Portrait Artists
This could go two ways, traditional brush, paint and canvas, or the digital style.
Whether you’re into getting your hands messy with paint or prefer the digital route, having the right tools makes a huge difference.
Well, you don’t need a whole art store, just a few essentials to get started.
Let me walk you through it.
1. For Traditional Artists (a.k.a. Paint Lovers)
Paints: Acrylic and oil paints are the top picks for pet portraits.
Both give you rich colors, and they hold up well over time.
Acrylic dries faster (good if you’re impatient like me), while oils give you more time to blend. Totally up to you.
Canvases: You’ll need something to paint on, of course!
Small canvases like 6×6 inches are great for cute little portraits (think Chewy-style).
You can go bigger if you want — your call.
Brushes: You’ll want a mix of brushes — some tiny ones for whiskers and eyes, and some bigger ones for backgrounds and fur.
A Comfy Space: Trust me, having a space that feels good to work in makes all the difference.
Good lighting is a must (you need to actually see what you’re doing), and if you can, grab a little easel to hold your canvas.
2. For Digital Artists (Tablet & Screen Crew)
Tablet: If you’re drawing on a tablet, brands like Wacom and Huion are super solid (and way more affordable than you might think).
If you’re using an iPad, Procreate is basically a must-have.
Art Software: Speaking of Procreate — it’s perfect for iPads.
If you’re on a computer, Photoshop is the OG, but there are lots of options.
Just pick one that feels right for you.
A Reliable Computer: This part gets overlooked, but trust me, if your computer can’t keep up with your art, it’s frustrating.
Make sure it has decent RAM and a good graphics card so your creative flow doesn’t hit a wall.
Photography for Digital Submission
This part’s important if you’re working with companies like Chewy — especially if you paint by hand, you might need to photograph your work to send it in.
Lighting Matters: Good lighting = good photos. Natural light is great if you have it, but bright indoor lighting works too.
Camera: You don’t need a fancy DSLR. Honestly, today’s smartphones take great photos. Just make sure the shot is clear and captures the real colors.
File Formats: Before you hit send, check what file type they want (like JPEG or PNG). And double-check the size — nobody wants to resend files over and over.
That’s really it! Don’t stress about having everything right away.
Start with the basics and add on as you go. The most important thing? Just start.
Step-by-Step Process: How to Become a Chewy Pet Portrait Artist Online
So, yes Chewy hires artists to create custom pet portraits. That’s amazing!
But… how do you actually get started? Don’t worry—I’ll walk you through it, step by step.
Step 1: Check Out Chewy’s Artist Program
Before anything else, go to Chewy’s website and look for their artist program or any artwork done by artists.
This is how you’ll know what they’re looking for, and any available artist jobs on their career page.
It’s always good to know what they expect before jumping in!
Step 2: Build Your Pet Art Portfolio
If you want to get hired as a pet portrait artist, you need to show off your best pet-related artwork.
Gather your cutest, most detailed pet portraits—dogs, cats, birds, bunnies, anything!
Try to include different styles so they can see what you’re capable of.
And remember: high-quality photos of your work make a huge difference!
Step 3: Create a Space for Your Art Online
You don’t need a fancy website, but you do need somewhere people can see your work—like an Instagram page, an online portfolio, or even an Etsy shop.
This makes it easy for Chewy (and potential customers) to check out your art in one place.
Step 4: Apply to Chewy
Once your portfolio is looking fabulous, it’s time to reach out directly to the Chewy art team.
All you have to do is email your portfolio to: [email protected]
In your email, introduce yourself briefly (no need to write a novel), let them know you’re interested in becoming a Chewy Pet Portrait Artist, and attach your best work — especially pieces that show off your pet art skills.
That’s it! Simple, right?
Step 5: Show Off Your Best Work
Chewy wants to see what makes you unique, so pick pet portraits that really show your personality and skill.
Whether you’re great at realistic fur details or fun, colorful cartoon pets, make sure they see the best of what you can do!
Step 6: Stay on Top of Pet Art Trends
Pet parents love trendy and unique art.
Some people want bright, bold colors, while others love soft, lifelike portraits.
Take a little time to browse Instagram or Etsy to see what’s popular right now, Chewy will appreciate that you’re up to date!
Step 7: Follow Up (But Be Patient!)
After submitting your application, it might take a while to hear back.
If it’s been a few weeks, you can send a friendly follow-up email to check in.
Just keep it short and professional—something like, “Hey, just wanted to follow up on my pet portrait application. Looking forward to hearing from you!”
How Much Do Chewy Pet Portrait Artists Make?
Chewy pays pet portrait artists $35 for each 6×6-inch portrait they complete.
The faster you work, the more you can earn — but if each piece takes you a long time, the pay might feel low.
What Affects Your Earnings?
The pay is always $35 per portrait, no matter how detailed or creative your style is.
So, artists who work faster and still create great art tend to earn more overall.
What Can You Expect to Make?
Beginners: It might take time to get faster and figure out the process, so earnings could start slow.
Experienced artists: With practice, you can finish more portraits in less time, which helps boost your income.
Even though you can’t sign your work or have total creative freedom, some artists like the steady work and flexibility Chewy offers.
Tips to Stand Out as a Chewy Pet Portrait Artist Online
Find Your Art Style and Own It — Maybe you love super realistic fur details, or maybe you’re all about fun, cartoony vibes. Whatever feels like you, stick with it. That’s what makes your work special.
Show Off Pet Personalities — Every pet has their own spark — goofy grins, soulful eyes, sassy side-eye. Capture that, and pet parents will adore your work.
Let People Peek Behind the Scenes — Share quick videos or progress pics. People love seeing the process (and they appreciate the work even more).
Ask for Kind Words — Happy clients? Ask them to leave a review you can share. Nothing beats word-of-mouth love.
Be Social (Even if It’s Awkward) — Post your art regularly where pet lovers hang out — Instagram, TikTok, you name it. It keeps you on people’s radar and shows Chewy you’re serious.
Conclusion
So, if you are considering becoming a Chewy pet portrait artist online, here’s the truth — it’s all about loving pets, loving art, and mixing those two things together.
It also helps to have a little corner of the internet where people can find your work — like Instagram, TikTok, or even a simple website.
Once you’ve got everything in order, send in your application and let your unique style shine.
One more thing — this stuff takes time.
Every artist starts somewhere, and the ones who make it? They’re the ones who didn’t quit.
So keep drawing, painting, or designing, and most importantly, have fun with it.
Who knows? The piece you create today could be the one that gets you noticed.
So go for it! Pet parents and their fur babies are waiting to see what you can do!