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Hey guys, Ive been thinking about doing commission painting for some time now, but I'm not sure in the least bit how to even get my foot in the door. My plans are to maybe just get a battleforce and paint it up really nice, and then sell it on Ebay, but Im not so sure.

So...how did you guys get started? can you possibly share a story of your first real profit?

and here are some questions I have:

Whats a good way to get started in commision painting?

How can I gauge my painting level, so that I know if Im good enough? <---- Now this one is an important one for me. A lot of my models I try to get done in the quickest time possible while still making it look above tabletop standard, and Im not sure if painting for someone else would yield much higher quality since its not for me and I worry how they would feel.

Any good advice for a first time commision painter?

and a quick favor, would it be possible for you guys to check out my Gallery and tell me if I could make a profit from the painting level I'm at?

http://www.dakkadakka.com/gallery/images-39757-20964_My%20Bad%20Moon%20orks%20Picture%20redux.html

If you want consistent profit no your not up to standard. Check out Nucleosaur, once your at that level I don't think you'll find it hard to sell your work.

The current economy doesn't lend itself well to commission painting being a hobby and an outlet of extra cash.

InquisitorVaron wrote:If you want consistent profit no your not up to standard. Check out Nucleosaur, once your at that level I don't think you'll find it hard to sell your work.

The current economy doesn't lend itself well to commission painting being a hobby and an outlet of extra cash.

Yea I've seen his work, guess I gotta pick up an airbrush then

I was painting Napoleonics for my History teacher when I was in middle school for $$$. It just kind of went from there. Historicals turned into sci-fi and fantasy stuff. Now I take on a commision here & there in order to stay sharp, keep busy & to help fund my own gaming addiction. If you think you'll be making anything significant, you aren't ready yet. You need to clean up those lines, if you're going to do freehand stuff like the checks. Could you make a profit doing it, probably, but your time to money ratio isn't going to be very high. Keep at it, read everything you can find on new techniques, paints, inks, etc. And most importantly, remember, PRACTICE, PRACTICE, PRACTICE!!!!

Moartiki wrote: can you possibly share a story of your first real profit?

This is very unlikely to happen, after keeping very accurate books now for about 12 months, I think I have maybe pulled $200 profit.....and I have done a lot of nice stuff, high table top standard. Good luck looking for that profit though.

Ashton.

Redfinger wrote:

Moartiki wrote: can you possibly share a story of your first real profit?

This is very unlikely to happen, after keeping very accurate books now for about 12 months, I think I have maybe pulled $200 profit.....and I have done a lot of nice stuff, high table top standard. Good luck looking for that profit though.

Ashton.

Okay, Im not trying to get rich or anything from this. I just would like to get more into the painting part of the hobby and stop focusing so much on the gaming part. doing these commissions Im just trying to find a reason for painting many different models from all of the armies coming out, and atleast getting my money back for them.

Sorry if I made it seem like Im trying to get a load of money out of this. it would also be self gratifying knowing people like what I do and would be willing to buy it.

I got into commission painting after I won my first bronze demon. People in my gaming group took notice of my stuff and eventually word spread after I had painted a couple of armies. I took a look at your gallery and I think your off to a decent start, you just need to come up with a set of prices you feel justifies your time and work.