What goes into making a bespoke pet story?

Buddy is a 7 year old Cockador. He’s cheeky, full of energy, loving, sometimes anxious and a little bit naughty! Buddy’s dad got in touch about creating a bespoke book to capture every aspect of his beautiful character.

1. The story starts with you

To start Buddy’s story, I asked his dad to fill in a short questionnaire. I wanted to know more about Buddy’s character and his relationship with his dad.

Our character books are written from the perspective of your pet, so I want to get inside their heads! I found out that Buddy thinks his dad is a pushover for cuddles and treats!

I also sent Buddy’s dad a link to upload his favourite photos. It turned out that he just couldn’t decide on the best ones! Like most doting pet-parents he had a whole album of Buddy pics, so he sent me the lot!

I need between 10 and 15 good quality pictures to prepare your book. I am always happy to sift through pet pic albums (it helps me to get to know your pet better), but I ask clients to make sure they send pets only: no beach holiday snaps!

2. Research

You might be surprised to find that I do research for your bespoke book! I don’t just read the information a client gives, I also learn more about your pet’s breed.

Buddy is a Cockador: a cross between a Cocker Spaniel and a Labrador. I researched all three breeds to get a good sense of Buddy’s characteristics (and where he gets all his energy from!).

3. To the drawing board

I always start drawing before writing. Drawing helps me to get to know your pet. As I draw, I often find the words of the story coming to me naturally.

I hand-draw the illustrations directly from the photos you send, so that you recognise your pet on every page. I use the photos to inspire the action and poses of the illustrations, but often add new elements to enliven your pet’s story.

For Buddy for example, I drew him on the dancefloor and parachuting from a plane! –Brave and reckless activities this fun loving pup wishes he could do if he were human.

I draw digitally (using Procreate) using watercolour and pencil tools. I’ve always loved the imperfect finish of hand-drawn illustrations because they show the care and attention that has gone into each one. 

Drawing digitally is fantastic for publishing, because I can set the illustrations directly into the book on my publishing software.

4. Writing

Buddy’s story started as a group of events and illustrations that brought out his character. This is how most of my bespoke stories begin.

I then wove the pieces together with prose that brings out Buddy's voice. I wrote Buddy as fast-paced and easily distracted: A dog who is always on to the next thing and thinks every experience is even better than the last.

I like to have fun with our character story books – gently exaggerating characteristics in endearing and humorous ways. 

I perfect the prose while setting the story for print (I use Affinity publishing software). This ensures that the words and the visuals work perfectly together in the finished product.

5. Checking

I want all my bespoke books to represent your pet just as they are. So proof checking is one of the most important stages.

I sent Buddy’s dad a coloured PDF proof of the formatted book so that he could check it over and make any changes. 

6. Printing

When the proofs are signed off, it’s time to print! I use a print on demand service to create our bespoke books. You will receive the final book directly to your door!

Why all the work is worth it

A lot of work goes into creating your bespoke pet book. But the result is a lasting treasure that celebrates your pet’s character and your special relationship with them. No number of photos, videos or portraits can do this in quite the same way.

I craft every book with love: from one pet lover to another. I don’t use AI cheats to create the illustrations or the text, so every aspect of your book is bespoke to you.

Buddy’s dad was elated with his bespoke story. He’s even bought copies to share with family and friends! For me, that makes all the hard work worthwhile.

What could I create for you? Contact me to start your story.