kristin bowen

As you probably can guess, I’m a little obsessed with dogs. I think you kind of have to be to make a career out of them. While most people ooh and ahh over a new baby, I’m more interested in the four-legged child of the family. I have two dogs of my own, and if it weren’t for limited square footage, I would probably have more.

I started creating these portraits a few years ago after a birthday gift for my husband turned out to be quite a hit among my friends. It wasn’t long until I started doing portraits for my friends’ pets and then their friends’ pets (and then their friends’ pets...). By being able to combine two things I really love – art and animals – I honestly couldn’t ask for a better way to make a living. 

I have a BA in Media Arts and Design from James Madison University and my background is in advertising. I spent the first seven years of my professional life working as a graphic designer and art director for several agencies on both the East and West coasts. While I still do some freelance design work, my true passion lies with my pet portraits.

In addition to Doghouse, I am also co-owner of The Kiwi Tree, an online paper boutique that recently launched with our first line of specialty greeting cards. Our website can be viewed at www.thekiwitree.com.

I am a Virginia Beach local, love dogs (did I say that already?), photography, a good book and all things “beach”. I live here with my husband, Shawn, a sweet-natured border collie named Sam and an energetic but extremely loveable pit bull named Makai.