How I Turn Your Pet's Photo into Engraving Art (Meet Onslow!)
There's a moment I love in this shop: when someone sees their pet's face engraved for the first time. First a little gasp, then a big smile. Getting there used to mean emailing photos back and forth. Now you can do it yourself, right on our website, in about a minute.
Meet Onslow, my lovable mischievious beagle, the very patient star of our new video. Here's the phone photo we started with, and the journal it became:
How it works
Choose your journal. Pick a lined journal or an unlined sketchbook in up to 15 leatherette colors. Each color shows a real engraved example, so you know exactly what color your engraving will be.
Upload your photo. Tap "+ Add a picture" and choose a photo from your phone or computer.
Pick a look. Our AI turns your photo into engraving-ready art, and you see your own picture in each style before you choose.
Add a name, or a whole message. Add as many lines of text as you like, each in its own font. There are six to choose from, from elegant scripts to classic serifs.
Add to cart. I review every design before it goes on the laser, and I'll reach out if anything needs a tweak.
Pick the look you love
Line drawing: clean outlines, like a coloring-book page. Great for pets, people and houses.
Solid shape: a bold, filled-in silhouette. Perfect for profiles and simple shapes.
Detailed sketch: keeps the shading and little details, like a pencil sketch. My favorite for faces and close-up pet portraits.
Use my picture as is: for logos, signatures and black-and-white drawings that are already engraving-ready.
Not sure which one? Tap a different look and compare. If you'd like another version of the same look, "Try again" makes a fresh one.
Tips for the best pet portrait
Choose a photo where your pet faces the camera, with the eyes in focus.
Close-ups work best, and natural daylight brings out every bit of fur detail.
A busy background is fine. Leave "Remove the background" on and the AI keeps just your pet.
Skip heavy filters. The original photo gives the AI the most to work with.
A little science behind the shine
Here's something I love explaining (the scientist in me can't help it). A laser doesn't add color; it reveals what's underneath. On most of our journals the engraving comes out darker than the cover. But on Black/Gold, Black/Silver, Blue/Silver and Rustic/Gold it comes out lighter, in gold or silver. A detailed sketch engraved as-is on those colors would look like a photo negative, so the designer automatically flips the shading for them. Your pet still looks like your pet, and you'll see it right in the preview.
Not a journal person? Upload artwork on any product
Every product in the shop now has an "Upload Artwork" button: cutting boards, tumblers, plaques, bags and more. Upload a photo, drawing or logo (JPG, PNG, PDF, SVG, AI or EPS), choose a look, and it's attached to your order automatically. No account needed, and you'll get a free proof before I engrave.
Quick answers
Do I need an account? For the journal designer, yes, a free one. Uploading artwork on other products doesn't need one.
Will the watermark be engraved? No. The faint "preview" watermark only shows on your screen. Your engraving is made from the clean file.
How long does it take? Most single items ship within 3-5 business days after your proof is approved.
Pets make the best company and the sweetest keepsakes. Whether it's a journal for yourself or a memorial gift for a friend, I can't wait to see who you bring to the laser.
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