Choosing a photo for your pet illustration

The photo you love most is not always the easiest one to turn into an illustration. A tiny face at the far end of the garden may hold a brilliant memory, but it gives less detail to work from than a clear photo taken nearby. Before choosing a mug, hoodie or digital keepsake, spend a few minutes comparing the pictures already on your phone.

Look for a photo that feels recognisably like your pet: the expression, the shape of their ears, the markings around their eyes. The aim is to make those details easy to see, rather than to create a formal portrait of an animal who has other plans.

Start with a clear face

Open the original photo and zoom in on the face. Check whether the eyes, nose and distinctive markings remain clear. A photo can look sharp in a small thumbnail and reveal motion blur when viewed more closely. If you have the original file, keep it rather than sending a screenshot of the image inside a messaging app.

For a portrait of the head, try to include the whole head and ears. A cropped ear or a muzzle hidden behind a toy leaves part of the pet out of view. A favourite toy can still be part of the picture; decide whether it helps show the pet you want remembered or obscures an important feature.

Choose light that shows the markings

Compare photographs taken in different light. Prefer one where you can distinguish the darker and lighter areas of the coat, rather than a silhouette against a bright window. Strong filters can change fur colour, so keep an unfiltered version available.

You do not need to interrupt your pet's routine to stage a photograph. Look for an existing picture taken in clear, even light. If taking a new one, choose a calm moment and a familiar setting.

Match the view to the illustration you want

A front-facing photo and a side profile show different features. Pick the angle you actually like, then check that the important details are visible. If the ears, eyes or markings are difficult to see, an additional reference can help explain the appearance you have in mind, but the final artwork scope needs to be agreed for your particular request.

A full-body picture is useful when the body position matters. It is less useful as the only reference for a small face if the animal occupies very little of the frame. Keep the original files together and be clear about which picture is the main reference.

Compare the illustration style before choosing a product

Browse theTailed illustration examples. These show the comic-style treatment you are considering; a photograph and an illustration will not look identical. Check whether you like the outlines, colours and overall treatment before deciding where the artwork should appear.

For a familiar face at tea time, compare large-print and patterned pet mugs. For something to wear, explore personalised pet clothing. The photo can be the starting point for either choice; the product determines how the illustration is displayed.

A quick check before uploading

• Is this the original image rather than a small screenshot?
• Can you see the face and distinguishing markings clearly?
• Does the picture include the parts of the pet you want shown?
• Have filters changed the coat colours?
• Is it clear which image should be the main reference?

If you are unsure which photo is suitable, contact theTailed with your question before committing to a particular design. Keep the original photo safe so you can return to it if another reference is needed.