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I have a cash-strapped friend who does what I think is a decent job, and he's looking to get into painting for money. Curious if this has been adequately answered in another friend, a quick search didn't turn anything up.

Here's a few examples, I guess.

What is the relevant question? Someone saying 'I have' doesn't really do anything. Are you asking whether he should? Whether he could?

Painting comissions isnt a quick or easy way to make money, from what I understand most make considerably below minimum wage unless they can produce tabletop quality in as short amount of time as possible. Or are at the other end of the spectrum where they produce beautiful display pieces for high price tags. Either way standard work likely pays better and is more consistently available.

I have recently started taking on commissions myself after having painted to sell for a while, and been through a couple of commission jobs. I find it enjoyable to paint and its a chance to work on miniatures that I might otherwise not have access to (money etc.). However I can say that I make considerably more in my dayjob than I do on commissions.

To summarise, yes you can make money, likely not alot.

All depends on pricing for what you get honnestly. Cause I've seen loads of better commision work. Sorry if I come over to you as a buttwhipe from what I'm saying, but I'm not trying to be honestly. I don't know the usual price for paintjobs as it varies a lot I guess.

No, no, that's fair. I really appreciate the help.

And Grumpy Eldar, thanks - hey, it's the honesty that's important.

How much do the painting-commissioners usually charge? I've frequently seen prices quoted as being "somewhere around the price of the model."

There's no one answer to how much to charge for commissioned painting. You usually start out by not making near as much as you should and then raising the prices you go. Eventually you discover what the market will bear.

Painting commission sucks. Ask worthy painting.