Meet Sarah Lew | Pet Portrait Artist | Photographer

We had the good fortune of connecting with Sarah Lew and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Sarah, what inspires you?
I am inspired by both dogs and art. The idea for my business, Paint my Buddy, was born from my love for my own dogs, the community I connected with through my dog’s instagram account, and their dogs as well. I couldn’t imagine a better way to share my passions than by combining two of my favorite things. And I continued to be inspired by everyone’s stories about the love between them and their pet.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
I’ve admired fine arts since I was little. I earned a Bachelor’s degree in Arts and work in Graphic Design, but I consider being a fine artist my true calling. I believe that a humble attitude can help anyone refine their skills in any profession. Personally, I never stop learning—I constantly observe other artists I admire and take classes to grow and expand my abilities.

With the rapid advancement of Artificial Intelligence (AI), I believe it’s more important than ever to remember the unique value humans bring to art. AI can create a beautiful, impressive picture of your pet in any style you desire, in just seconds; however AI can’t replicate the emotional depth and personal touch we infuse into our work. That’s why we must continue pouring our heart and soul into every piece we create—and never stop nurturing our creativity.
I hope people recognize my brand as more than just a place to get a pet portrait—it’s about experiencing the love we share with our pets through art. When I paint each animal, I look into their eyes, try to capture their unique personality, and aim to create a piece that pet owners will treasure—a piece that brings a smile every time they see it. When customers join my painting workshops, I want them to feel the joy of creating art centered around someone they love. It’s not just about the final piece, but about enjoying the process, too. In a world where AI-generated art is on the rise, there’s something irreplaceable about making something with your own hands. Art created by you carries your love, your emotion, and your connection—and that’s something no technology can replicate.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
I’d definitely take them to some of the pop-up markets I participate in! Pop-up markets are trending right now as more people are beginning to appreciate small businesses and handmade goods over mass-produced items. It’s incredibly inspiring to see so many passionate small business owners come together to share their brands and build their dreams.

Of course, a museum visit would also be on the itinerary! My favorite is the Norton Simon Museum in Pasadena. While it’s not the largest museum, it houses a stunning collection of artwork—including my favorite piece, St. Cecilia by Guido Reni—as well as amazing works by Van Gogh, Degas, Renoir, and many more. We’d also have to make a stop at The Getty Museum and LACMA (Los Angeles County Museum of Art).

If you’re visiting SoCal, a trip to the beach is an absolute must! Whether you prefer a peaceful, secluded spot or an iconic destination like Santa Monica, SoCal’s beaches are all stunning in their own way. And if you can stick around to catch the sunset, it’s the perfect, satisfying way to end your day—or your entire trip.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
First and foremost, I want to express my heartfelt appreciation to my family for their unwavering support from the very beginning. I’d like to dedicate this shoutout to everyone who has supported me—by attending my workshops and pet photography sessions, ordering custom pet portraits, and cheering on my small business in every possible way. I’m also deeply grateful to the dog community, whose love and dedication to their pets inspire me daily, and to the small business community, who continually and wholeheartedly uplift one another. Thank you to the pop-up shop hosts and event organizers who gave me a platform to grow—Poppiseed Market, Creative Babe, and 714 Market. And last but never least, to my angel dogs Siu Gut and Chong Chong, and my sweet dog Momo—without you three, Paint My Buddy would never have come to life.

Website: https://www.sarahlew.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/paintmybuddy/