Today, we’re diving into a topic that’s near and dear to my heart: getting your first commission. Whether you’re just starting your artistic journey or gearing up for your first paid project, this episode is for you. We’re going to talk about all the feelings that come with that first big step—the nerves, the excitement, the self-doubt, and, of course, the pure joy of delivering something meaningful to a client. I’ll share my personal story of how I got my first commission, the lessons I learned...
Dec 27, 2024•9 min
oday, we’re going to talk about something every artist has faced at some point: criticism. Yep, that uncomfortable moment when someone points out something they don’t like or think could be better about your work. If you’re a pet portrait artist—or any kind of artist, really—you know how much your heart and soul goes into your art. So, when someone critiques it, it can feel like a personal attack. I’ve been there, trust me. Early in my career, criticism would absolutely wreck me. I’d lie awake r...
Dec 20, 2024•9 min
Today I want to get real with you about something that every artist—especially new pet portrait artists—faces: self-doubt. If you’ve ever found yourself staring at a half-finished portrait thinking, “Am I even good enough to do this?”—you’re not alone. I’ve been there, and honestly, sometimes I still feel that way. But over the years, I’ve learned some ways to push through those moments, and today, I’m here to share them with you. That's what we'll dive into in this episode! Get in touch with me...
Dec 13, 2024•6 min
Is tracing your art cheating or not? I know I’m probably going to get a lot of criticism for making this episode, but I really want to talk about this subject because I believe it’s important, and a lot of artists are already using this approach. And why not? Why not make our job easier if we have the tools to do that? The subject I’m talking about is tracing, and that will be the topic of today's episode. Get in touch with me! Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dragospepina_art/ Youtube: http...
Dec 06, 2024•8 min
In this episode, I’m sharing the biggest lessons I’ve learned from six years as a pet portrait artist! From tackling tricky projects to connecting with amazing clients, I’ll talk about what’s shaped my journey and the things I wish I’d known when I started. If you love art, animals, or just a good story, this one’s for you! Get in touch with me! Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dragospepina_art/ Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@DragosPepinaArt Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/dragospepina...
Nov 29, 2024•9 min
In today’s episode, I’ll discuss 5 things I wish I knew before becoming a pet portrait artist . These are lessons I’ve learned—sometimes the hard way—that would’ve saved me so much time, stress, and paint! Get in touch with me! Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dragospepina_art/ Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@DragosPepinaArt Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/dragospepina
Nov 18, 2024•8 min
In this episode, we dive into the delightful journey of creating pet portraits! Join me as I explore the joy and satisfaction found in each stage of the artistic process, from selecting the perfect reference photo to the final brushstroke. I will share tips on how to stay present and enjoy every moment, connect with your subject, and unleash your creativity. Get in touch with me! Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dragospepina_art/ Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@DragosPepinaArt Facebook: ht...
Oct 25, 2024•9 min
It's essential for us as artists, but we sometimes don’t talk about it enough: the importance of support from those around us—our family, friends, followers, clients, and even our art community. Today, we're discussing something beyond technique, talent, or passion. Creating art, especially pet portraits, isn’t just a job for many of us. It’s a passion, a calling. But let’s be real: it’s also tough! The journey of being an artist can be filled with self-doubt, creative blocks, and moments when y...
Oct 18, 2024•32 min
Where you create your art matters more than you might realize, and it’s not just about having a fancy studio or the perfect supplies. It’s about creating an environment that nurtures your creativity, helps you focus, and keeps you inspired. Today, I want to dive into something that’s often overlooked but can make or break your creative process: your space. Get in touch with me! Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dragospepina_art/ Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@DragosPepinaArt Facebook: http...
Oct 11, 2024•19 min
There’s nothing quite like capturing the personality of someone’s beloved fur baby on paper. It’s such a rewarding experience, not just for me as an artist, but especially for the pet owners who get to see their pets come to life in a whole new way. Because, as any pet owner will tell you, our pets aren’t just animals—they’re family. And every portrait carries with it so much emotion, whether it’s about celebrating their playful personalities or honoring a pet that’s no longer with us. Get in to...
Oct 04, 2024•7 min
So, I’ve been thinking about something lately, and I figured this episode would be the perfect space to just talk it out with all of you, and maybe… get some advice? I love how this podcast feels like a little community, and I know that a lot of you are creative souls, pet lovers, or both, so I think you might have some thoughts on what I’m about to say. Get in touch with me! Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dragospepina_art/ Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@DragosPepinaArt Facebook: https:...
Sep 27, 2024•7 min
Today we’re tackling a topic that every artist, especially pet portrait artists, encounters at some point—the dreaded slow period. It’s that time when commissions slow down, the inbox is quiet, and self-doubt starts to creep in. Get in touch with me! Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dragospepina_art/ Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@DragosPepinaArt Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/dragospepina
Sep 20, 2024•19 min
Whether you’re a seasoned artist or just starting, you know that creating beautiful portraits of our furry friends involves a lot of time and dedication. But with long hours at the easel or computer, it’s easy to forget about taking care of our physical well-being. So, let’s chat about how to manage and prevent physical strain while keeping our creative juices flowing. Get in touch with me! Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dragospepina_art/ Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@DragosPepinaArt F...
Sep 13, 2024•18 min
We will explore the ten most difficult challenges you’ll face if you want to become a pet portrait artist and trust me, these aren’t just small hurdles—they can sometimes feel like mountains. But don’t worry, I’m not here to list the challenges. I’ll also share practical tips on how to avoid them and, if you find yourself stuck, how to fix them. Whether you’re just starting or you’ve been in the game for a while, this episode is packed with insights to help you navigate the tricky terrain of bei...
Sep 07, 2024•23 min
Whether you're already on the platform or just thinking about it, this episode is packed with insights to help you decide if TikTok is worth your time. Today, we're exploring a topic that's been buzzing around lately—TikTok. More specifically, we will talk about how TikTok can either be a great friend or an enemy for pet portrait artists. Get in touch with me! Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dragospepina_art/ Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@DragosPepinaArt Facebook: https://www.facebook.c...
Aug 30, 2024•21 min
No matter how skilled or experienced you are, sometimes a client’s expectations don’t align with the final piece. This can be a stressful and disheartening experience, but it’s also an opportunity for growth and learning. Get in touch with me! Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dragospepina_art/ Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@DragosPepinaArt Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/dragospepina
Aug 24, 2024•18 min
Suppose you’ve ever admired a beautifully rendered painting of a golden retriever or a pastel drawing of a cat. In that case, you might think that creating such art is all about cuddling up with cute animals and letting creativity flow. But there’s so much more to it than that, from managing demanding clients to mastering the business side of things. Today we’re peeling back the layers on a subject that combines two of life’s greatest joys—art and pets. Get in touch! Instagram: https://www.insta...
Aug 10, 2024•8 min
Anxiety is like a monster that lives somewhere in our minds, which is very hard to get rid of but not impossible. I also suffer from this problem, and sometimes, this monster digs its claws into my mind and throws me off balance. But what does this have to do with being a portrait artist? This feeling of anxiety is like a boulder that stands in your way and doesn't let you do anything, and you can't get past it because it's always in your path. This can lead to overthinking and then to a creativ...
Jul 27, 2024•9 min
Social media, particularly Instagram, has become an integral part of our lives and a powerful tool for artists. It's a fantastic platform to showcase your work, connect with fellow creatives, and reach potential clients. But a big misconception is floating around: a high follower count automatically translates into a steady stream of commissions. This isn't always the case. So, in this episode, we'll break down why that is and explore what matters when getting commissions as a pet portrait artis...
Jun 14, 2024•17 min
AI has started to take the world by surprise, and while for some people it feels like a fantastic revelation, for others it might seem like a new devil that has appeared on Earth. For artists, AI can be both their best friend and their greatest enemy. Get in touch! Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dragospepina_art/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/DragosPepinaArt Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/dragospepina Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@DragosPepinaArt
Jun 07, 2024•19 min
Imagine this: you pour countless hours into a drawing, alongside passion and soul, and in the end, it gets lost, arrives bent, or with other defects. Wouldn't you feel like pulling your hair out because of the frustration and anger? Absolutely! But thankfully, there's a solution – paying a bit more for shipping and opting for a tracking number and warranty. And since the client is already covering the shipping costs for the commission, talk to them and explain why it's better to pay a bit more b...
Apr 05, 2024•8 min
And I’ve made it to my 40th episode! I know it doesn't sound like a lot but for me it is a huge milestone! Now let's move on to this episode! The biggest question is: Is it worth creating a drawing for a pet influencer for free in exchange for exposure, hoping to receive many commissions as a result of this collaboration? That's what we'll dive into in this episode! Get in touch! Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dragospepina_art/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/dragospepina Youtube: https...
Mar 29, 2024•8 min
Do you know how they say 'The eyes are the windows to the soul'? Well, that applies to our furry friends too! But, how do we bring those eyes to life in our commissions? That's what we'll dive into in this episode! Get in touch! Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dragospepina_art/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/dragospepina Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@DragosPepinaArt
Mar 22, 2024•7 min
I've got some great news about my pet portrait business! I just landed the biggest order yet. Super pumped to dive in, but have to admit, feeling a tad nervous too since it's something new, never tackled such a large format before. Here's the kicker: Yesterday, I decided to shake things up and tweak my website prices. I thought, why not offer larger sizes? Time to step out of my comfort zone, right? Well, surprisingly, just a few hours after making that change, I got an order for one of the new ...
Mar 15, 2024•6 min
Get in touch! Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dragospepina_art/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/DragosPepinaArt Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/dragospepina Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@DragosPepinaArt
Dec 29, 2023•5 min
Get in touch! Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dragospepina_art/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/DragosPepinaArt Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/dragospepina Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@DragosPepinaArt
Dec 22, 2023•10 min
Get in touch! Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dragospepina_art/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/DragosPepinaArt Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/dragospepina Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@DragosPepinaArt
Dec 15, 2023•15 min
Get in touch! Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dragospepina_art/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/DragosPepinaArt Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/dragospepina Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@DragosPepinaArt
Dec 09, 2023•13 min
Get in touch! Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dragospepina_art/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/DragosPepinaArt Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/dragospepina Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@DragosPepinaArt
Dec 01, 2023•23 min
In this episode, I will share with you how I became a pet portrait artist and found my calling and share my story with you. Being a pet portrait artist was not always my plan, but 6 years ago it just happened when I drew my cat for the first time, and since then, I knew I wanted to become a pet portrait artist and that was how I found out I love it so much. Get in touch! Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dragospepina_art/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/DragosPepinaArt Facebook: https://www.face...
Nov 12, 2023•9 min
