Meet Ashley Stephenson

Hi Ashley, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
Hi! My name is Ashley Stephenson, and I am an artist based out of Memphis, Tennessee. I am known for my custom pet portrait paintings that feature thick paint and realistic details.

I have been obsessed with art and painting ever since I could remember, but I decided to go public with my work in December 2020 when one of my sorority sisters asked me to do a portrait after seeing one I had done of my golden retriever, Dallas. I created an Instagram and Facebook called “Pet Portraits by Ashley” and was completely blown away by the response I got. I received over 30 orders before Christmas that year and was painting night and day until Christmas Eve!

I launched my first website in October of 2021 and have continued to receive so much love and support from the community and surrounding areas. I currently attend the University of Memphis where I am finishing up my Marketing degree, and I plan on combining my love for art with my career. It truly is a blessing to be able to bring joy and color to peoples’ lives, and I don’t plan to stop!

Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way? Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
It took a lot of encouragement from my fiancé to finally post my work online, and without him, I may have never done it!

I was always self-conscious that maybe I wasn’t good enough, but I have learned that art is dynamic, and I don’t have to fit into a singular mold with making new art. Pet portraits are fun to paint, but it isn’t always sunshine and rainbows.

I really am passionate about the work I create, and sometimes it is really tough to hear the unfortunate stories that come along with some of the commissions. I have cried over multiple paintings, they just really pull at my heartstrings.

As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I specialize in custom pet portraits! I am commission-based, which means I do original works of art for all of my clients.

The process is quite simple, you send me a photo of your pet, and I transform it into a fun work of art! My portraits are different from other pet portraits because I use a thick medium to create textures that resemble fur. 

It makes each piece even more unique and special to its owner. I am always accepting new commission orders, and I love new and exciting projects! I am currently working with a client who wants a portrait with 5 dogs- the more, the merrier, am I right?!

So, before we go, how can our readers or others connect or collaborate with you? How can they support you?
If you want to order a pet portrait for yourself, or a loved one, please don’t hesitate to reach out don’t be afraid to give me all the fun ideas you have! Memorial portraits are also a special way to show your love to someone who has recently lost a furry family member.

Keep in mind, I get very busy around holidays and greatly appreciate advance orders to give me ample time to perfect your piece! Feel free to submit an inquiry on my website, email me, or even send a message for more info on my social media pages.