A pet owner's frustration turned into an AI startup
The Californer/10333182

SAN FRANCISCO - Californer -- Petsy AI is a new platform that transforms a single pet photo into a 4K, museum-quality portrait in under a minute—removing the cost, hassle, and long wait times that have defined the pet-portrait industry for decades.

With over 90 million U.S. households owning pets and billions spent annually on pet products, personalized pet art has become one of the fastest-growing categories. Yet the process has always been slow, expensive, and fragmented.

San Francisco, California — November 27, 2025 — Petsy AI was founded by designer and digital artist Matt Bulbul, who became frustrated after discovering that creating a portrait of his cat meant days of waiting, multiple uploads, and spending $100 or more. "Every option felt generic, slow, or inaccessible," Bulbul said. "Traditional artists do amazing work, but most people can't afford it. And existing AI tools required twenty photos and hours of processing. I kept asking myself: where's the magic?"

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The turning point came during an early experiment at a PetSmart, when Bulbul snapped a blurry photo of a fish through a glass tank. Despite poor lighting and reflections, the model produced a vivid, expressive portrait within seconds. "That's when I realized this could work for every pet—dogs, cats, birds, fish, rabbits, reptiles," he said. "If someone loves an animal, they deserve art that celebrates it."

Petsy AI focuses on four pillars:
Instant results: One photo, one minute. No forms, no complexity.
Evolving artistic styles: Classical oil, watercolor, modern pop art, seasonal themes, and weekly new releases.
Affordable for everyone: Digital portraits cost a fraction of traditional commissions.
Creation to print in one flow: Users can download the 4K artwork or order framed prints, canvases, and posters without needing separate vendors.

Bulbul emphasizes that the platform is not a replacement for artists but a bridge. "This opens doors for millions who would never otherwise commission a portrait," he said. Early users have already shared emotional reactions as ordinary snapshots become gallery-ready keepsakes.

As generative AI reshapes creative culture, Petsy AI offers something rare: speed, warmth, and accessibility.
In a world racing toward personalization, Petsy AI asks: can we finally say goodbye to the wait, the cost, and the compromise?