An Expert Breakdown – Dogster

Quality: 4.9/5

Options: 4.8/5

Materials: 4.7/5

Value: 4.9/5

Crown & Paw Pet Portraits offer a variety of ways for you to frame your favorite image of your furry friends and memorialize them forever! I loved the idea of having framed paintings of my two dogs, Halle and Indy, hanging in my home. I chose to do Halle’s portrait first because she is a stunner and is sadly getting a little older, but I will definitely be ordering Indy’s portrait soon in the same modern style!

I love how Halle’s masterpiece turned out, how easy and quick the entire process was, and this brand’s affordability. Despite each piece being custom-designed, these works of art aren’t crazily priced and I believe they are a worthwhile investment.

About Crown & Paw

Crown & Paw is a Houston-based custom pet goods brand that specializes in memorializing peoples’ furry friends in framed or canvas portraits or having their images printed on mugs, pillow cases, blankets, sweatshirts, or even phone cases. As if it wasn’t clear that this brand loves pets, they support Humane Society International (HSI) and the Best Friends Association through hefty donations. Their HSI funding works directly to end the on-going dog meat trade happening throughout Asia.

How It Works

Crown & Paw employs graphic designers who craft each pet portrait individually to ensure the artists capture the essence and personality of your pet. This is why there are so many styles to choose from, so it not only fits your home aesthetic but also the fun personality of your furry companion. Each design is first quality controlled by their in-house team to ensure perfection.

Crown & Paw allows you to choose the style of the portrait first. They have a lot of different style options, including Renaissance, watercolor, or putting your dog on a toilet or even in an Iron Man suit. I recommend falling down the rabbit hole of options, it is hilarious. I went with the “Modern Pet Portrait” for a simple and elegant look. I opted for a walnut frame and took Halle’s name off of her portrait. If you keep your pet’s name on the top of the portrait it will be all capitalized and typed in simple black font.

After choosing the style, I simply uploaded a photo of Halle by following their guidelines, which are listed online. Then, you get to approve the design yourself before it goes to print to ensure you are 100% satisfied with the portrait design. In a couple of days I was sent a proof, had one edit, and was sent another proof, which I approved.

Even after printing, there is another round of quality control to ensure there are no issues with the printing, color bleed, or ink.

Then it is packaged with minimal plastic usage to remain relatively eco-friendly but still protect your art and sent to you!

Not long after, I received the framed portrait. The portrait was extremely well-packaged and protected. The painting brought a smile to my face. It is a perfect likeness of my sweet Halle. Now it is hanging up in my reading room for all to admire!

Overview

These printed portraits are wonderful if you want a simple yet classic painting of your dog that looks just like any photo you would take of your dog. The entire experience of picking out a style, approving the design, and then finally getting your portrait is a really fun experience! Here is everything you oughta know:

Affordability

I am always super shocked at the prices of wall art whether it is framed or printed on canvas, or whether it is custom-made, or bought in a store or online. I feel like the prices are always extraordinarily high.

Crown & Paw is extremely affordable for a framed or canvas-printed painting in general but even more so when you consider that these works of art are custom-created for each and every customer.  The prices vary depending on the item (painting, mug, blanket, sweatshirt, framed portrait, canvas-printed portrait), the style would like the likeness drawn or painted in, and then the size of the portrait you want.

Photo Requirements

Crown & Paw’s in-house designers use the exact photo you upload as their inspiration. So make sure that the photo you upload is the exact picture you want because the portrait design you get will be an illustrated/ painted replica of that photo. Make sure you follow their photo guidelines listed online here. Also when you’re choosing a photo or taking a new photo, make sure there aren’t any factors in your chosen photo like sun, artificial lighting, or shade that are affecting the color of your pet’s fur or eyes. You want your pet portrait to be a true likeness of your pet, even if you’re throwing that likeness into a fun admiral jacket or sweater vest.

Variety of Styles

Take the time to look through all the different style options Crown & Paw offers. I chose to be classic and aesthetically pleasing with the Modern Pet Portrait style and I love it. It fits perfectly with my clean, minimalistic, but homey interior design preferences. But, the Renaissance styles have to be my second favorite style. The templates are to die for – great for a pet with a big and commanding personality. They would make a great gift for family members or friends who love their pets. The watercolor paintings are beautiful as well and could be a fun option for someone or whose pet is more whimsical, sweet, or gentle.

Timeline Expectations

Online it says that it will take 2-3 days after you place your order for a design proof that will require your approval before going to print. This is accurate. Make sure you check your email and approve that design or send in your edits. If you are providing edits you will receive an updated proof that you will then have to approve before your portrait goes to proof. I would recommend not having a strict time frame in mind for your portrait when you place your order. You want this art piece to be tailored perfectly to you, your home, and your pet. So don’t rush the process, be liberal with your edits, and ensure your ordered portrait is exactly how you want it.

In Summary