Pros of Scratchboard Scratchboard is an excellent choice for your custom pet portrait! It is a rare, ancient medium that most people haven't heard of and only a few artists work in. Scratchboard is highly-detailed and offers incredible black and white contrast. My work, specifically, is photo-realistic and focuses on the unique details of your pet's face. For that reason, your reference image is the most important part of having a portrait commissioned. Reference Images To g