Why Supporting Small Artists Matters: The Heart Behind Dogrose and Catnip
- lyndajruggart
- Sep 22, 2025
- 6 min read
Table of Contents
The Unique Charm of Handmade Art
For me, creating art is about connection. It’s about connecting with the subject, with those who see it, and with the emotions that make a piece truly memorable. Handmade art has a unique charm that mass-produced items simply can’t replicate. Every pet portrait commission I create at Dogrose and Catnip carries my time, attention, and love for animals. It’s this personal touch that makes handmade art so special.
When I paint a custom pet portrait, I capture not just your pet’s appearance, but their personality—the tilt of a head, the sparkle in the eyes, or the mischievous grin that makes them unique. It’s incredibly rewarding when clients tell me that seeing their pet “come to life” in a portrait brings them joy, comfort, or even nostalgia. A handmade piece is personal, emotional, and lasting—something mass-produced canvas prints or generic pet-themed items simply cannot achieve.
I also value sustainability in my work. I try to use eco-friendly materials for my organic T-shirts.
Mass-produced clothes can carry a heavy environmental footprint, but handmade products are often more ethical and sustainable.
By choosing my creations, you’re supporting a small business that cares about quality, individuality, and the environment. Every order helps me continue creating while bringing joy into people’s homes.
Handmade vs Mass-Produced: Why It Matters
There’s a noticeable difference between handmade art and mass-produced goods. Factory-made items are uniform and efficient, but they often lack soul. Every custom pet portrait I create has its own unique character—subtle variations in brushstrokes or pencil lines that make it one-of-a-kind. Even when I produce prints for mugs, tote bags, or canvas prints, the original work carries depth and emotion that cannot be replicated by machines.
For instance, a generic mass-produced mug might feature a stock dog or cat image, whereas my custom pet portraits capture a pet’s unique personality. Every detail—from the fur pattern to their gaze—is designed to make the artwork feel alive and personal. This makes it perfect as a gift for birthdays, Christmas, or simply a way to celebrate a cherished companion.
Quality is another key difference. I ensure that every canvas, print, or clothing item—whether it’s an organic T-shirt, hoodie, or sweater—is made to last. Mass-produced items may wear down quickly, but my handmade products are crafted to maintain their beauty and integrity over time. By choosing Dogrose and Catnip, you’re investing in long-lasting, meaningful pieces that bring joy every day.
Craftsmanship and Creativity:
The Dogrose and Catnip Difference
At Dogrose and Catnip, my love for art and passion for animals come together in everything I create. I’ve been drawing since childhood, and after returning to my art later in life, I found a new purpose in capturing the personalities of pets and wildlife. Each pet portrait commission begins with careful observation and attention to detail, ensuring the final artwork reflects the true essence of the subject. (Read more about me here)
I carefully select high-quality products. My canvas prints, art prints, mugs, tote bags, and clothing are chosen to showcase my artwork beautifully and ensure durability. Each portrait is crafted with attention to detail, and my goal is always to capture the character, quirks, and personality that make each pet unique.
Creativity and care are at the heart of everything I produce.
Creating art that resonates with others is my greatest joy. A custom pet portrait is more than a painting—it’s a memory, a gift, and a meaningful keepsake. Through my online shop, you can also enjoy my artwork on practical, everyday items, from eco-friendly tote bags to hoodies and sweaters, letting you bring a touch of handmade creativity into your home.
Craftsmanship Beyond Portraits
Craftsmanship extends beyond portraits. Every product in my shop is created with care and attention. Canvas prints are stretched with precision, mugs and tote bags are printed with vibrant, lasting colours, and clothing is made from sustainable, high-quality materials. I want each item to be both beautiful and functional.
Even smaller items like greeting cards, note books or art prints receive the same dedication. Every line, colour, and composition is considered, making each product feel personal and thoughtful. Whether it’s a Christmas gift, a birthday surprise, or a treat for yourself, my goal is to make every piece memorable.
Craftsmanship is about care, dedication, and love for what I do. Every commission, every product, and every order I create reflects my commitment to delivering something truly special. That’s the Dogrose and Catnip difference, and it’s why many clients return to commission new pet portraits or buy more products from my online shop.
Supporting Local Artists: More Than Just a Purchase
Supporting a small, local artist like me is about more than just buying art—it’s about investing in creativity, community, and culture. Every time you commission a pet portrait or purchase a canvas print, art print, mug, tote bag, or clothing item, you help me continue doing what I love. Your support sustains my creative journey and helps me bring more handmade art into people’s homes.
Buying from a local artist also has a wider impact. I collaborate with local printers, suppliers, and craft services, meaning that your purchase supports not just me but others in the creative community. Choosing handmade, local products from Dogrose and Catnip helps the local economy and encourages cultural and artistic
expression.
There’s also a personal connection. You know the artist behind the work, the care put into each piece, and the story that accompanies it. Whether you’re buying a custom pet portrait for a birthday, Christmas, or just to celebrate a beloved pet, your purchase has meaning beyond the product itself—it supports creativity, individuality, and the joy of handmade art.
Celebrate Your Pet with a Custom Portrait
Creating custom pet portraits is one of the most rewarding parts of my work. Every pet has its own personality, and capturing that in a portrait is a privilege. Whether it’s for a birthday, Christmas, or simply to commemorate a cherished companion, I work closely with you to make sure the final piece reflects your pet perfectly.
Commissioning a portrait is simple. You can contact me via my website, and we’ll discuss your ideas, reference photos, and preferred style. I guide you through the process, ensuring that your portrait is exactly what you imagined. A pet portrait commission also makes a thoughtful, meaningful gift that will be treasured for years to come.
For many clients, a portrait is more than decoration—it’s a memory. Seeing your pet captured in a handmade portrait can bring comfort, joy, and a sense of presence, especially for pets who have passed. This is what makes custom pet portraits so special.
Shop Dogrose and Catnip: Where Art Meets Everyday Life
In addition to custom pet portraits, I offer a variety of products that let you enjoy my artwork every day. My online shop includes canvas prints, art prints, mugs, tote bags, greeting cards, and organic T-shirts, hoodies, and sweaters. Every item features my artwork, so you can bring a little piece of creativity and joy into your home.
A coffee mug featuring one of my pet portraits, a tote bag adorned with wildlife illustrations, or a hoodie with a cat design isn’t just functional—it’s a small way to incorporate art into daily life. By purchasing from my shop, you’re also supporting a small business and helping me continue creating handmade art that matters.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How do I commission a pet portrait?A: Contact me via my website. I’ll guide you through selecting reference photos, styles, and formats to create a custom pet portrait you’ll love.
Q: What products are in the Dogrose and Catnip shop?A: I offer canvas prints, art prints, mugs, tote bags, greeting cards, and organic T-shirts, hoodies, and sweaters. Explore the shop here.
Q: How long does a custom portrait take?A: Times vary depending on complexity and my current workload. I’ll give you an estimated timeline when we discuss your commission.
Q: Are the products eco-friendly?A: Yes! I use sustainable materials wherever possible, including organic cotton for clothing and recyclable packaging.
Q: Can I purchase a gift voucher?A: Yes! Gift vouchers are available, making it easy to give the gift of art to someone special.
Key Takeaway
Supporting a small artist like me at Dogrose and Catnip brings more than just a product into your home—it brings creativity, craftsmanship, and heart. By commissioning a pet portrait or buying canvas prints, mugs, tote bags, or organic T-shirts, you’re helping sustain independent art while enjoying unique, meaningful, handmade items.
To explore my artwork or commission a portrait, visit Dogrose and Catnip or read more about my journey on my bio page. I can’t wait to bring your pets to life through my art!
Thank you for your support!
Lynda
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