About the Artist
About Matt Lloyd - UK Pet Portrait Artist
Hand drawn pet portraits created with care and precision.
Meet Matt
I’m Matt, the artist behind MJLArt — a Birmingham-based professional pet portrait artist specialising in bespoke, hand-drawn pet portraits.
A Royal Navy veteran of 15 years, I’ve been drawing all my life, with the past 20 years dedicated to refining my craft. Even during my time in service, I always found time to draw, using it as both a creative outlet and a way to relax.
Working from my studio in Birmingham, I create highly detailed custom pet portraits for clients across the UK and internationally. My work is inspired by my two Shih Tzus, Chester and Ozzy, and the strong bond people share with their pets — something I aim to capture in every portrait.
I’ve built a loyal global client base, including a collector with a private gallery of my work in Cornwall, and I was honoured to design the logo for the Weimaraner Club of Great Britain. I am also a proud supporter of Birmingham Dogs Home and regularly attend their events.
At MJLArt, I offer a personal service, creating luxury pet portraits that are meaningful, lifelike, and crafted to the highest standard.
Years Experience
Portraits Created
Clients
Meet the Team Chester & Ozzy
Chester and Ozzy are at the centre of everything I create at MJLArt.
Living and working alongside them every day has shaped the way I see and understand animals. They’ve given me a deeper appreciation of the connection people share with their pets, a connection that goes far beyond appearance.
That insight influences every portrait I produce. It’s not just about creating a realistic image, but about capturing something more meaningful, a sense of presence, familiarity, and the role a pet plays within someone’s life.
They are a constant reminder of why this work matters. Every commission represents a relationship, a memory, or a story, and that’s something I approach with care, respect, and attention to detail.
Chester
Chester is my eldest Shih Tzu and a huge part of the heart behind MJLArt.
At 12 years old, he has a calm, gentle nature and a quiet presence that’s impossible to ignore. Chester is incredibly reserved, happiest in familiar surroundings, and most often found asleep at my feet while I work in the studio.
He has been a constant source of inspiration throughout my journey as a pet portrait artist. His character — peaceful, loyal, and full of subtle expression — reminds me that it’s often the smallest details that matter most. That same attention to quiet detail is something I aim to capture in every portrait I create.
Chester isn’t just a companion; he’s a daily reminder of the deep bond we share with our pets, and the reason I’m so passionate about turning those connections into lasting pieces of art.
Ozzy
Ozzy is my younger Shih Tzu and a big personality behind MJLArt.
At 6 years old, Ozzy joined us just before lockdown and has been full of energy and character ever since. He’s the live wire of the pair — always alert and always ready to let me know when there’s a delivery… who needs a doorbell when you have Ozzy?
He brings structure to my day in his own way, never forgetting to remind me when it’s lunchtime or when it’s time for our daily walks. His lively, expressive nature is a constant source of inspiration and a reminder of how unique every pet truly is.
Ozzy’s character plays a big part in shaping my work as a pet portrait artist, helping me capture not just how pets look, but who they are — full of personality, life, and individuality.
Pet Portraits from Photos – Before and After
As a professional pet portrait artist in the UK, I create custom hand-drawn pet portraits from photos using graphite and coloured pencil. Each portrait is carefully crafted to achieve a realistic, lifelike finish, capturing your pet’s true likeness, expression, and personality.
Ready to Commission Your Pet Portrait?
- 20+ years experience
- Royal Navy veteran
- Trusted worldwide
- Official club artist
- Premium materials
