Read on Twitter
Thread on how to price commissions!
1.I see a lot of commission sheets with $15, $25, $50 prices. STOP DOING THAT!! If you actually divide the amount of hours you worked on that piece by these prices, you would be making FAR LESS than minimum wage.
2.Figure out your hourly rate
1.I see a lot of commission sheets with $15, $25, $50 prices. STOP DOING THAT!! If you actually divide the amount of hours you worked on that piece by these prices, you would be making FAR LESS than minimum wage.
2.Figure out your hourly rate
This price should be a good amount higher than minimum wage. $25/hr is really as low as ANYONE should be going. That number should get bigger every time you finish a commission until you're at a professional rate ($50-$100/hr) 3. Keep track of how many hours you actually spend on
one piece, similar to the commission you're offering. If you're like me, even the simplest artwork can take 6-8 hours. Keep this time in mind when you're charging flat rates for commissions. Yes, you charge for the time you spend sketching, looking at reference, etc.
4. I know
4. I know
it can feel really taboo to ask for a lot of money for artwork. Especially when friends/coworkers ask for it. But you're doing everyone a disservice by charging $200 for a fully rendered oil painting of someone's dog. You're devaluing yourself and art in general. Working for less
than minimum wage, doing a pretty labour intensive skill, is going to destroy your mental and physical health.
5. I don't know anyone who actually makes their entire living off of commissions. I feel like there's this myth online that big artists make their money off of doing
5. I don't know anyone who actually makes their entire living off of commissions. I feel like there's this myth online that big artists make their money off of doing
them. Honestly, I hardly do them because 99% of people who inquire can't pay my rate. And I refuse to work for less. I think some artists make their money off of selling prints/stickers/original art, combined with client work. I know it's tempting to make an extra $100 by drawing
someone's cat. But don't. Art is expensive. ALSO!! Never purchase commissions at $20-100. Most of the people who reach out for commissions are looking to spend $50. That's not okay!! Please save up if you're looking for someone to make you custom art. Or just buy their prints!!
