I’m a paper cut artist, and over the years I’ve worked on many custom pieces. Some are playful, others celebratory—but a few are quietly heartbreaking. One of those was the silhouette portrait of a girl and her cat, which remains one of the most moving custom requests I’ve ever received.
The girl’s name was Sophia. She messaged me with just a photo and a single sentence:
“His name was Milo. He just passed. Could you help me keep a part of him?”
In the photo, Sophia is holding a striped cat in her arms. Neither is looking at the camera; they’re both gazing into the distance. Milo isn’t the typical cuddly cat—he has a serious, almost regal expression, as if he were her equal, not a pet.
I didn’t ask many questions. I started working on the design the next day.
Unlike some artists who use scissors, I create each pet silhouette entirely by hand using a precision knife. Every portrait starts with soft pencil lines on black paper. Then, one slow stroke at a time, I carve out the shape of memory.
I began with Sophia’s hair—short and layered, suggesting both strength and softness. Then I moved on to Milo, focusing deeply on his expression. I wanted to capture that slightly aloof, proud gaze. It said: “I’m not here to please you—I’m here because I choose to be.”
That’s what makes custom pet portraits so meaningful. They go beyond appearances; they aim to capture personality.
As I worked on Sophia’s hand, which gently cradled Milo’s body, something struck me. Neither of them looked at each other in the photo—but their connection was unmistakable. It was a kind of mutual stillness, the quiet intimacy of two souls who had spent years together in unspoken understanding.
When I finished the paper cut, I sent a photo of it to Sophia. She responded almost instantly:
“He always liked to sit like that. Like a little king. That photo was the last time I held him. Thank you—for bringing him back.”
A few days later, she told me she had framed the portrait in a pale green wooden frame and hung it near the wall where Milo used to nap in the sunlight. Now, each morning, the sun falls gently across the silhouette—just like it used to on him.
“I don’t want to be overwhelmed by grief,” she said, “but I also don’t want to forget. Your paper cut sits right between reality and memory—quiet, sincere, and exactly like him.”
That’s when I realized something important:
Paper cut art isn’t just about craftsmanship. It’s about remembrance.
A pet silhouette may seem simple—black and white, with many details left out. But in that simplicity lies power. With less, we say more. It’s not just what’s shown, but what’s felt.
Each personalized dog or cat portrait I create tells a quiet story. And though I remove color and texture, what remains is unmistakably real.
We all have a Milo in our lives—an animal who wasn’t “just a pet,” but a companion, a piece of home, or even a part of ourselves. Losing them can feel like losing a chapter of our own story. Through a small, delicate silhouette, we can preserve that chapter, and maybe read it again when we need to remember.
If you have a pet—past or present—and would like to turn their spirit into a timeless piece of art, I would be honored to hear your story. I offer custom pet portraits, including dogs, cats, and other beloved companions, all hand-cut from paper with care and attention to detail.
📩 Get in touch to commission your own personalized paper cut. Whether it's for remembrance or celebration, I’ll help you keep a moment forever on paper.
Let your memories be seen—and gently held—one silhouette at a time.
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