PawMotifPAWMOTIF / BEFORE YOUR PORTRAIT
A good portrait begins
with a familiar face.
You do not need a studio photograph. Choose one clear photo that shows your pet’s face, markings, and expression. Here is what to look for before you make your free preview.
Explore the portrait styles ↗One pet · JPEG, PNG or WebP · Up to 8 MB
01 / THE PHOTO
Look for the details you recognize.
Clear eyes and face
Zoom in on the original photo. The eyes, nose, and fur markings should be easy to see. A soft background is fine; a blurry face gives the portrait less detail to work with.
Soft, natural light
Try a window or open shade. Keep light on the face rather than behind your pet. Deep shadows, strong flash, and color filters can hide the coat color or expression.
One pet in the frame
Choose the companion you want to portray. Avoid a group photo with overlapping animals, hands covering the face, or an object crossing the eyes. The current portrait flow is designed around one pet.
02 / THE COMPOSITION
Leave the features room to breathe.
Keep ears, chin, and markings visible
A face photographed near eye level is a useful starting point. Leave a little room around the head instead of cropping tightly through the ears. For a fuller composition, include the chest or body so the chosen style has more reference to work from.
Let the style set the composition
Peek portraits, painted studies, and photographic styles use different layouts. Read the style page before uploading. Your original photo is a reference, rather than a promise that the final portrait will keep the exact pose, background, or crop.
03 / BEFORE UPLOADING
Use the original file when you can.
Find the clearest version
Use the original camera file instead of a screenshot or a copy compressed by a messaging app. Skip decorative text, stickers, and heavy filters. There is no published minimum pixel requirement; checking the face at full size is more useful than enlarging a small file.
Check the format and size
The uploader accepts JPEG, PNG, and WebP files up to 8 MB. If your phone photo is HEIC, export a JPEG or PNG copy first. If the file is too large, export a smaller copy while keeping facial details clear, then check its file size again.
Review the selected photo
On a style page, choose your file and check the thumbnail before creating the preview. If you picked the wrong photo, use “Change your photo.” Keep the original on your device so you can try a different reference if needed.
04 / A FEW QUESTIONS
Before you begin.
Can I use an older photo of a pet I want to remember?
Choose the clearest original you have. A meaningful photo can be a starting point, but missing or blurred details cannot be reliably recovered. Check the preview for the features that matter most to you before purchasing.
Does my pet need to look straight at the camera?
No. A gentle side angle can show their expression, as long as the face remains visible. Avoid a view where the nose hides the eyes or the head is turned away. A suitable result still depends on the photo and the style.
What if the upload does not work?
Check the file format and the 8 MB limit first, then try a supported original file. If the problem continues, contact support@pawmotif.com with the error you see. You do not need to email a private photo to report an upload problem.
Will my photo appear in the public gallery?
We do not add your photograph or commissioned portrait to the public gallery without your permission. The photo is handled by the portrait service and its image-generation provider; see the privacy policy for details and deletion requests.
READY WHEN YOU ARE
Choose the style that feels like them.
Preview your custom portrait for free. If you decide to purchase, the current offer is a $29 USD digital download, available for 90 days after payment.
Choose a style & preview ↗Purchase and delivery details