Bad Pet Portraits Are So Good
If you’ve ever looked at a pet portrait and thought, “This is so terrible… I love it”—you’re not alone. Bad pet portraits are a hilarious, heartfelt trend that’s taken the internet by storm. Whether they’re drawn by a self-proclaimed “non-artist” or commissioned from someone who specializes in the wonderfully wonky, these intentionally awful artworks have become surprisingly popular.
Rubbish Pet Portraits
If you’ve sketched your furry friend only to end up with a wonky caricature that looks more “abstract” than accurate, you’re not alone. This charmingly relatable experience forms the backbone of Hercule Van Wolfwinkle’s books Rubbish Pet Portraits and its equally entertaining sequel, More Rubbish Pet Portraits.
Warning: may not be suitable for anyone who actually likes animals or has the ability to see.
🌟 They Can Even Do Good
Some bad pet portrait artists have turned their talents into something truly meaningful. Phil Heckles, better known as Hercule Van Wolfwinkle, began drawing “rubbish” pet portraits in 2020 as a joke—and ended up raising over £400,000 for charity. He’s even published a book titled Rubbish Pet Portraits.
Where to Find (or Commission) One
If you’re ready to immortalize your pet in the worst way possible, you’re in luck. There are tons of places to get a bad pet portrait:
What Are Bad Pet Portraits?
Some are created by artists with a real flair for comedic timing. Others are DIY masterpieces made by friends, kids, or co-workers. The point isn’t to impress—it’s to entertain.
😆 They’re Hilarious
The intentional lack of skill is where the magic happens. There’s something irresistibly funny about seeing your regal golden retriever reimagined with googly eyes and a head the size of a watermelon. It’s comedy gold, and it never gets old.
❤️ They’re Endearing
Even the worst portrait somehow manages to capture your pet’s spirit. There’s an innocence and charm in the flawed execution that makes them oddly heartwarming.
🎁 They Make Great Gifts
For the pet lover in your life who has everything, a terribly drawn portrait of their fur baby is a unique and unforgettable gift. It’s personal, funny, and guaranteed to get a reaction.
🛒 Etsy
Search “bad pet portrait” or “ugly pet art” and you’ll find dozens of artists offering custom drawings with intentionally questionable quality. Some even guarantee a giggle with every order.
📱 Social Media
Instagram and Facebook are full of creators showcasing their hilariously bad commissions. Some accept DMs for orders, and others link to their shop or website.
🌐 Dedicated Websites
Sites like Bad Pet Portraiture offer custom portraits from self-proclaimed “masters of their craft”—despite having trained for “several minutes.” The humor is part of the package.
Bad pet portraits are a celebration of imperfection. Whether they’re raising money for a good cause, making someone laugh on their birthday, or just existing as a gloriously ugly piece of art, they prove that beauty is in the eye of the beholder—and sometimes, a badly drawn one at that.
