Meet Mandi Pratt | Artist for Pet Portrait Gifts and Memorials

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

Hi Mandi, Let’s talk about principles and values – what matters to you most?
If you ask me what I value most, it’s connection—real, soul-level connection—and holding on to the memories of those we love most. That’s not just a nice sentiment for me; it’s the heartbeat of why I became a photographer and why I handcraft custom pet portraits using my Grammy’s printing press.

Pets give us a unique kind of love—one without conditions, without judgment. But unlike us, their lives are heartbreakingly short. Long before I had a business, I knew I wanted to find a way to keep them close even after they were gone. That desire to remember forever the companions who shaped my life led me to blend my photography background with an heirloom art form.

Each portrait I create isn’t just ink on paper. It’s a physical piece of someone’s story—a frozen moment that says, You mattered. You still matter. When a pet parent tells me they cried when they unwrapped their portrait, or that it’s the first thing they’d grab in fleeing their home from disaster, I know I’ve done my job.

In a world that moves too fast, I believe slowing down to honor connection—whether it’s with a person, or a place, and especially with a pet companion—is one of the most valuable things we can do. That’s why I do what I do. Not just to make something beautiful, but to make something that keeps love tangible.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
What sets me apart from others is simple: my clients are never just numbers. They become friends—people I care about, whose stories and pets matter to me as much as my own. Every portrait I create, whether for a happy occasion as a holiday gift or for pet loss, is a deeply personal experience and I’m honored to be trusted with such meaningful memories.

One of the things I’m most excited about is always who I get to meet and help next. Each family and each pet brings their own story, and being part of preserving that story is endlessly rewarding.

I got here with an art degree, years of practice and mentorship by two master printmakers, and the encouragement of my Grammy, who passed down her printing press and her love for creativity. But it wasn’t easy. My background was in art—not business—so I had to learn the entrepreneurial side one challenge at a time. I overcame those hurdles by staying committed to the people I serve, finding innovative ways to help, and never giving up.

Along the way, I’ve learned to keep moving, keep serving, and approach everything with love and creativity. Innovation is part of my process—sometimes even incorporating a pet’s ashes, paw print, or fur into a memorial portrait to make it truly one-of-a-kind.

If the world remembers anything about me or my brand, I hope it’s this: I’m here to help in every way I can. With me, it’s never just about the finished art piece. It’s an all-encompassing, heartfelt experience—one where I offer resources, support, and friendship through the process. Once someone becomes my client, they’re part of my extended family. At Greyboy Pet Prints, I believe pets are family and art is healing.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
If my best friend was visiting L.A. with their pup, we’d kick things off with a drive-through Starbucks for a pup cup (as long as her dog doesn’t have tummy troubles), then take a leisurely stroll along Griffith Park’s dog-friendly trails for fresh air and city views.

On another day, we’d wander the Santa Monica Pier for that iconic boardwalk energy and unbeatable people-watching.

We’d also dedicate a day for Rosie’s Dog Beach in Long Beach—perfect for pups who are already dog-friendly and love the sand and surf—packing plenty of towels and fresh water for both humans and canines.

To wrap up the trip with some peaceful, pet-free time, The Huntington Library and Gardens or Descanso Gardens would be my top picks for beautiful, soul-restoring reflection. And if there isn’t a family member or trusted friend to watch the pup, I’d look into a nearby Dogtopia for a safe and fun doggie daycare option. All of this would make a fun and memorable trip. Of course, we would take lots of selfies and photos so we could remember everything!

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
If I could dedicate my Shoutout to one person, it would be my 97 year old Grammy. She’s an artist through and through, and she’s the one who passed down not just her talent, but her tools—and her heart—to me. When she lent me her printing press, it wasn’t just a gift of equipment; it was an invitation to carry forward a legacy of creativity and care.

That press has become the cornerstone of my custom pet portrait etchings, helping pet parents remember forever their very loved pet companions who mean the world to them. Often when I pull a print, I think of her encouragement and quiet understanding that art can be a form of love.

My Grammy showed me that the things we create can be healing and even therapy—and that in itself is a beautiful way to keep connection alive. Without her influence and guidance, I wouldn’t be doing what I do today.

Website: https://greyboypetportraits.com/

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

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/GreyboyPetPrints

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@GreyboyPetPrints