A Week of Running My Etsy Shop, Painting Pet Portraits, My First Ever Commissions!

A Week of Running My Etsy Shop: Painting Pet Portraits and My First Ever Commissions!

This past week has been an exhilarating journey as I officially launched my Etsy shop, dedicated to painting custom pet portraits. After months of preparation, research, and honing my skills, I finally opened for business. Little did I know that within days, I’d receive my first ever commissions! Here’s a glimpse into what this exciting week has been like.

Day 1: Setting Up Shop

The first day was all about perfecting the presentation of my shop. I wanted everything to be just right: from the shop’s name to the description and, most importantly, the product listings. I spent hours tweaking the wording and making sure the photos of my previous pet portraits were high-quality, clear, and vibrant. Etsy makes the setup process fairly straightforward, but I still found myself nervously double-checking everything.

Finally, when I hit the “Open Shop” button, it felt surreal. I officially became an Etsy seller! Now, the waiting game began.

Day 2: My First Commission!

On the second day, something incredible happened—I received my very first commission! A customer reached out, asking if I could paint a portrait of their golden retriever, Max. I was over the moon with excitement but also slightly nervous. I knew that this was my moment to shine and to create something that truly captured the spirit of their beloved pet.

I immediately responded, thanking them for the opportunity and confirming the details. The client sent me several pictures of Max, along with some preferences for the background color and style. It was time to get to work!

Day 3-4: Painting Max

The next couple of days were spent diving into the actual painting. I always start by sketching the basic outline, ensuring I’ve got the proportions and key features down before applying any paint. Max’s fluffy fur and kind eyes were a joy to recreate. I worked meticulously, layering the colors to give his fur depth and texture.

During this time, I kept the client updated with progress photos. Communication is key in commission work, and I wanted to make sure they were happy with how things were going. Their encouraging responses gave me the motivation to keep pushing for perfection.

Day 5: Another Commission!

As I was finishing Max’s portrait, another surprise came in the form of a second commission. This time, a customer asked for a portrait of their two cats, Luna and Milo. It was thrilling to know that people were noticing my work and trusting me with their cherished pets. I was beginning to feel like a true artist!

Day 6: Wrapping Up Max’s Portrait

With Max’s portrait complete, I did a final review to ensure every detail was just right. I packaged the painting carefully, adding a thank-you note for the customer, and shipped it out. This was a huge milestone for me—not just because I had completed my first Etsy commission, but because I felt I had poured my heart into the work.

The satisfaction of creating something so personal and meaningful for someone else is indescribable. I eagerly awaited feedback from the client, hoping they would love it as much as I enjoyed painting it.

Day 7: Starting Luna and Milo

With Max’s portrait behind me, I was ready to start on the next project: Luna and Milo, two beautiful cats with striking features. Each animal has its own unique personality, and as an artist, it’s my job to capture that in the painting. I began sketching their faces, excited to bring them to life on canvas.

At the same time, I continued to promote my Etsy shop on social media, sharing snippets of my process and interacting with potential customers. The support and enthusiasm I’ve received from friends, family, and online followers have been incredible.

Final Thoughts

This week has been a whirlwind of creativity, learning, and growth. Running my Etsy shop and working on commissions for the first time has shown me how rewarding it can be to share your passion with others. I’ve already learned so much about the business side of things, like handling customer inquiries, managing time, and ensuring that my work meets the high standards I set for myself.

As I continue painting Luna and Milo, I’m excited to see where this journey will take me. I know there will be challenges ahead, but if this first week is any indication, I’m ready for them. Here’s to many more pet portraits, happy customers, and fulfilling days of painting!

If you’re thinking of starting your own Etsy shop or embarking on a creative venture, I highly recommend it. It’s hard work, but there’s nothing quite like the joy of seeing your art in the hands of someone who truly appreciates it.