by Jennifer Velasquez

We’re rounding out our June Meet the Member series with John and Wendy of Positively Dog Street where they create colorful custom pet portraits, pillows, prints and cards.⁠

NYHC: Tell us about what you make

John and Wendy Walters: We do a range of products (and services) but everything starts with a watercolor painting. We do custom pet portraits, fine art giclée prints of dogs we've met on our walks around the city, stationery, pet charms, and velvet cat-shaped pillows and ornaments featuring our watercolor cat paintings.⁠

NYHC: What is unique or different about your process and/or designs?

J&WW: Because there are two of us, people often ask us "who does what?" to which we answer "it's a trade secret." Why? Because what really matters is that we both work on the process of making everything we do, whether it's applying paint to paper, sewing and stuffing cats, or just consulting on projects. We're a true team.⁠

NYHC: Do you have any favorite pieces? What makes them special to you?

J&WW: Every custom order for a pet portrait is special, and we really love it when people share stories about their pet with us! We consider it a real privilege to be entrusted with the job of painting their best friends. And the velvet cat pillows are so fun: so soft and cuddly, and the printing of the watercolor painting on the velvet is fabulous! The colors are so vibrant!⁠

NYHC: Is there a new piece/opportunity/change that you're excited about?

J&WW: We've been having fun experimenting with collage, and drawing street scenes. And we're super excited to have ramped up production of velvet kitty ornaments during our enforced downtime, which means we'll finally get them up on Etsy this year!⁠

NYHC: Share an important lesson you've learned from running your business.

J&WW: Don't cut corners. Create the highest quality product you can so you can be proud of what you make. 35 years ago we started a company hand-making sewn hats for adults and children. I have worn one of those hats every winter for most of those years, and it still looks almost new. ⁠

Also, make what you're passionate about and don't try to second guess trends. It will show in what you produce.⁠