Today we’d like to introduce you to Laura Lee Schafer.
Thanks for sharing your story with us Laura. So, let’s start at the beginning and we can move on from there.
Cartoon Petwork began by partnering with shelters to create digital prints of animals as a way to increase exposure and help incentivize adoption. I am a graphic designer and I suffer from OCD. My ESA (emotional support animal), Marley, is a mutt that I adopted from a shelter, and she has changed my life in such a positive way. My husband and I have since adopted another dog, Stella. Both Marley and Stella came from harsh backgrounds, yet they still had so much love to give. So many animals remained in need of a loving home, but I couldn’t adopt them all, so I had to think of another way to help. That’s when I had the idea for Cartoon Petwork!
I started Cartoon Petwork in Spring of 2019 as a means to combine my two passions for art and animals. I have since been commissioned to create custom pieces of art for loving pet owners worldwide. These illustrations have made great presents, as well as memorials for animals lost. But no matter where Cartoon Petwork may lead, I will remain true to why this business was started – to help animals in need. As a result, I continue to partner with animal shelters to match every illustration sold with an illustration of a pet who is still in need of their forever home.
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
It definitely hasn’t been smooth sailing, which I feel is the case for most new businesses. One challenge I’ve faced is the fact that there are already many pet artists out there, so why should people choose Cartoon Petwork? People should choose Cartoon Petwork because of the amount of care that goes into each and every piece. Each one of my illustrations is hand-drawn. I don’t just run the original image through an automated computer system to quickly pump out a cartoon. Rather, I take the time to study the animal to create a custom work that truly captures the animal’s spirit. When pet owners see my illustrations for the first time, I want them to see their animals’ personalities emanating from my work.
We’d love to hear more about Cartoon Petwork.
One thing Cartoon Petwork is known for, which is something I am very proud of, is the “ADOPTION ALERT” seen throughout its Instagram. I partner with animal shelters to help spread awareness of animals who are still in need of finding their forever home. My goal with these cartoons is to provide an upbeat energy to the prospect of pet adoption.
What is “success” or “successful” for you?
If my cartoons help even one animal find their forever home, then I consider my work a success.
Pricing:
- My illustrations typically run between $35 and $50, depending on the detail of the animal. I have two styles from which to choose, lined or unlined.
Contact Info:
- Shop: etsy.com/shop/
CustomArtByLauraLee - Instagram: @cartoon.petwork
- Facebook: @TheCartoonPetwork
- Email: cartoonpetwork@gmail.
com - Website: cartoonpetwork.com
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