Today we’re excited to be connecting with Kim Russo again. We’re excited to feature one of their products in our gift guide – learn more below and we encourage you to use your gift budget to support small businesses & creatives whenever possible.

Kim, we loved learning your story, but I think our audience is going to appreciate learning about the product side of your story as well. So, maybe you can help bring everyone up to speed?
This shop specializes in custom pet portraits, offering a variety of styles to suit different preferences:

Solid Color Backgrounds: Highlighting the pet with a clean, bold background.
Scene Backgrounds: Featuring detailed settings that reflect the pet’s personality.
With Objects: Incorporating meaningful items into the portrait.
With Person: Capturing the bond between a pet and their owner.
Why It’s Special:
Each portrait is highly personalized, designed to showcase the unique personality and story of your pet. The artist’s attention to detail ensures every piece is meaningful and one-of-a-kind.

Who It’s For:
Perfect for pet owners who want a special keepsake or anyone looking for a heartfelt gift for a pet lover.

These custom portraits fill a gap in the market by providing artwork that’s not only beautiful but deeply personal.

What’s been the most exciting part of the journey of taking this product from idea to real life?

The most exciting part of this journey has been the incredible opportunity to bring cherished memories to life through art. Each portrait starts with a client’s favorite photo of their pet or a loved one’s pet, and it’s an honor to turn those moments into something tangible and lasting. Many of these portraits are created as heartfelt gifts, often commemorating a special bond or a beloved pet that has passed away.

The most rewarding moment comes when clients see the finished piece for the first time. Their reactions—whether it’s joyful tears, a big smile, or heartfelt gratitude—make all the hard work worth it. Knowing that the artwork resonates so deeply and brings happiness to someone’s life is an unmatched feeling.

It’s not just about painting a pet’s likeness; it’s about capturing their spirit, their personality, and the connection they share with their owners. Being part of those meaningful moments and creating something that people truly treasure has been the most fulfilling part of this creative journey.

Have you tried any fun, non-traditional marketing ideas? If so, we’d love to hear the story and details.

I’m proud to support numerous non-profits by donating my custom pet portraits to their silent auctions. It’s a meaningful way to give back to the community while also sharing my work with a wider audience. These portraits often become the most sought-after items at the auction, sparking excitement and bidding wars. Knowing that my art not only raises funds for important causes but also brings joy to the winning bidder is incredibly rewarding. It’s a win-win—supporting great organizations while introducing my work to new pet lovers who truly value the sentiment behind these pieces.

What’s next on the product or brand roadmap?

I’m thrilled to announce that I’ll be launching a “how-to” digital product this summer! This resource will guide you through the process of capturing pets’ unique personalities and teach you how to paint stunning portraits quickly and efficiently. If you’ve ever wanted to learn the secrets behind my work and develop your own painting skills, this is your chance. Stay tuned and follow @o_brand_designs on Instagram for updates and the official launch date—you won’t want to miss

Image Credits