Two Years of Dogrose and Catnip: The Honest Truth About Chasing a Dream of being a Pet Portrait Artist in Wiltshire.

This month marks two years since I officially became self-employed, launching Dogrose and Catnip as more than just a hobby. What began as me picking up my pencils again after years of life getting in the way slowly grew into a small business that I hoped would combine my love of animals with my passion for art. I wish I could say it’s been easy—but honestly, it hasn’t. And please understand....this is not a downer on my decision. Just an honest assessment about it all!

A Crowded Market: Trying to Find My Place as a Pet Portrait Artist in Wiltshire

The world of pet portraiture is packed. Social media is full of incredible artists, and sometimes it feels like everyone with a sketchbook is offering pet commissions. It’s both inspiring and, at times, disheartening. Trying to stand out in such a saturated space has been one of the hardest parts of this journey...of being a Pet Portrait Artist in Wiltshire.

That’s why I’ve been developing my marble background portraits—trying to create something that’s not just a likeness of someone’s pet but a unique and contemporary piece of art. Something that feels different in a world full of similar offerings. Whether this approach will help set me apart long-term, I don’t know yet—but it’s helping me stay creatively inspired, and that matters too. And if that doesn't work....we'll think of something else!

Dog Walking: Not As Simple As It Sounds

Alongside my art, I started offering dog walking, which I thought would be a relatively straightforward way to supplement my income. After all, who wouldn’t want to spend their days outdoors with dogs? And I have no wish to walk lots of dogs at one go prefering a more caring 1-to-1 situation where I can really get to know the dogs, almost like they were my own! But, again, it’s another crowded market. Whether it’s a post-COVID shift or simply a reflection of people rethinking their careers, it feels like everyone’s chasing work that brings them more joy—and dog walking seems to be high on that list. Who can blame them?

My Husband’s Story: Self-Employment Isn’t Simple and Household Bills wait for no-one!

About eighteen months ago, my husband also decided to become self-employment as a marble sculptor. https://www.nickruggsculpture.co.uk/ A life long ambition of his! His work is beautiful (though I admit I’m biased), but being far less comfortable with technology and marketing, he’s struggled to get his business seen. Even now, with sculptures currently exhibited at the Talos Art Gallery near Calne, sales remain elusive.www.talosartgallery.co.uk/

To make things harder, he’s recently developed health issues with his arms—serious enough that he’s seeing a specialist today. If he’s told he needs surgery, or even just a long period of rest, it could mean months without him being able to work. Which leads me to a harder truth. Bills Wait for No One. If my husband has to stop working, I may have no choice but to give up dog walking and look for a full-time job to help cover the bills. It’s not something I planned, but this is what marriage is about: supporting one another, especially when life throws its challenges your way. We’ve been married 37 years, and we’ve always faced things as a team. This will be no different.

But one thing I want to be clear about: I won’t be giving up Dogrose and Catnip.

Even if I have to adjust how and when I work, I’ll continue with my pet portraits and my art. It’s part of who I am now. Whether it’s evenings, weekends, or any spare moment I can find, I’ll keep drawing. I’ll keep creating. Because no matter what happens, Dogrose and Catnip isn’t going to stop and I will be a Pet Portrait Artist in Wiltshire for many years!

Looking Ahead............

Two years in, I’m proud of what I’ve built, even if it’s smaller than I’d hoped. I’m proud that we both had the courage to try. And I’m grateful to everyone who’s supported me along the way—whether you’ve bought a Pet Portrait, followed me online, talked to me at a craft fair in Wiltshire, or simply cheered me on from a distance on Facebook.

As I continue to develop my pet portrait style, I’d genuinely love to hear from you.

• What would you like to see more of?

• Do you like the marble backgrounds, or is there something else you'd love to see?

• Is there a particular style or approach that would make a portrait feel extra special to you?

Your ideas and feedback mean more than you know—and could help shape the next stage of Dogrose and Catnip.

Here’s to seeing what year three brings. Whatever happens, the pencils will keep 'colouring in!'.

I'd love you to Subscribe to my Website to follow how it all goes!

Lynda x