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Just to add.

I do airbrushing, and I charge $500+ to paint a motorcycle helmet, and it takes me about a week (40 hours or less), so when I have some guy asking me to paint 100 models for $500 that will take me a month its a little obvious not to take that job.

Basically be a hard ass, dont budge on prices, if they find someone else then power to them, that guy will kill himself with work.

LazzurusMan wrote:Well atm I can paint a squad of ten to a pretty good standard in a week...pretty good being about the same level as this commissar

This is dry brushing and washes, this would be a $5 models since you could burn through them fairly quickly.

I charge $40 for this, and it took me about 4 hours.



$10 per troopers is a paint job at this level

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I know some people just want someone to drybush the 3 color tournament minimum so they can participate, and there are services that cater to that. There are also services that cater to a higher level and charge accordingly (Like that awesome Farseer posted earlier!).

Regardless of people's opinions of that Commissar, as long as you are forthcoming with examples of your work, people can decide for themselves if that's what they want.

I am fortunate enough I can devote full-time hour to commission painting, which lets me keep my turnaround times tight... if that commissar represents what you are going to turn out, I'd expect to see 10 figures a day done to that level, not a week... just sayin'. I also agree with what Ravenous said about the pricing.

Also, its masochistic and borderline irresponsible NOT to have an airbrush if you are going to consider commission painting. Its 2011, and I cant see anyone paying money for a vehicle model full of brush strokes.

But MOST importantly... always be transparent, forthcoming, and honest in your business dealings. As commission painters, we are asking a lot of our clients. "Hey, send me your army and a bunch of money and trust that you won't regret that decision"... we do not need any more shady operations casting Commission Painting in a bad light.

100% with you on that last point BRS.

I agree with Battle Ready and everything he said.

Your commissar may be basic, but it is perfectly acceptable. Theres a good deal of guys who just want their armies painted to a minimum standard.

I also want to give my opinion on starting up a service. Make sure you are ready. To often we see good guys fall behind and get themselves in trouble. Don't let that happen to you.

Start small and see if it is worth your while to pursue it further.

Thanks for all the tips and help guys

I will most likely be starting in the new year when I have some pics up to show how I paint...atm I charge a tenner for the level of paint on the commissar on independant charracters...anybody think that's too much or too little?

This is only within my local area atm...I'll move up to nationwide or county-wide after the new year

I think that pricing is fair for that quality.

Starting small and local would be a great way to safely venture into commission work. It will allow you to have a personal relationship with some of your very first clients. This will help build a portfolio and gain references.

I also suggest reading some books, or watching some tutorials to help build your skills. I have been painting for a long time and felt that I hit a plateau as far as my skills went. Thats when I really started watching painting tutorials on youtube, and reading some of the books available through CMON. Since then I see that I am gradually improving. I have also confidently moved from black primer to grey or white.

It is very rewarding being able to compare models that I painted years ago to my more recent projects.

Battle Ready Studios wrote:I charge $40 for this, and it took me about 4 hours.

Charge waaaaay more, Thats criminal for $40, should be $80 at least. You arent working at mcdonalds where anyone can do it, you have materials to cover and a skill that many people lack, it shouldnt be on par with "do you want fries with that?".

Yeah, I'd back that. There's no way I'd only charge $40 for that/4 hours work. You're ripping yourself off, mate.

Here's my 2 pence worth.

Im looking to start commision painting too.

Currently im doing a few commisions for free (fully booked though) really just to see how i feel doing it. Then i'll paint 3-5 just for ebay from that i'll work out any prices once (if) they sell.

As for cmon tbh i've only ever put three models on there and i really dont think its a decent way to judge how good you are. Best way is as mentioned start up a blog and seperate threads for commision pieces to get your name out a little more.

A wee note: i dont think im personally good enough still to do commision work but i've been asked alot if i would so thought id at least try it.