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I've been thinking about this recently; over the last few months I think my paintwork and overall presentation have improved a lot, and I'm thinking about offering my services to people on a commission basis. I'm not looking to make tons of money for this or set myself up as a studio, just get a bit more cash to fund my own hobby stuff.
With that in mind, I'd be charging about £10 (plus postage) for a single 28mm mini to my highest standard (note that I probably wouldn't ever do anything to a lower standard, I feel if I'm doing a service for someone I ought to do it to the best of my ability), and turnaround time would be pretty fast; typically when I've done stuff for other people the mini is in and out within a week tops.
To be clear, I'm aware my work is very far from perfect; there are many, many people more skilled than me that don't do commission work, but I do think I'm good enough that I could paint a piece that someone would be happy to have on the shelf or the tabletop, and could do it pretty quickly and at a relatively cheap price.
Considering that, and the examples below, do you think I'm good enough to offer my work for sale? If so, I'd appreciate any tips on how to get started. If not, then is there anything in particular I could improve that would get me to that level?
Should go ok, painting Looks Fine but dude.. Work in photography and buy bettet camera
Do not kill. Do not rape. Do not steal. These are principles which every man of every faith can embrace.
For if you do, one day you will look behind you and you will see us And on that day, you will reap it,
and we will send you to whatever god you wish.
The quality is definitely worth paying for, especially compared to some "pro" painters out there.
Best way to start is to make some kind of page where you can post your work, what you will do, and how to contact you. Maybe start at your FLGS with flyers, tear off tabs, etc.
"And the Angels of Darkness descended on pinions of fire and light... the great and terrible dark angels"
I'm must say I'm surprised at the generally positive response, I was kind of expecting to be politely told to sod off! Sound like this is worth going ahead with! I hear you about the photos; I think it's less the camera and more the numpty behind it that's the issue. It's something I'm working on constantly, so hopefully it'll get better (see some of the old stuff in my gallery to see how bad it used to be!).
If I had a FLGS I would start there, but sadly they're thin on the ground here, only a GW within 40 miles and I don't go there enough to use it as a place to advertise. Instead, Dakka will have to do! So long as it doesn't break site rules I'll throw up a thread in P&M or Swap Shop with more details for once I get some more feedback here.
Price-wise, I'm thinking something like this:
1 28mm infantry mini: £10
1 28mm medium infantry (40-50mm base, Terminators ect) £15
1 28mm large mini (Dreads, MCs, bikes ect): £20
Then perhaps some discounted 'squad' offers if things take off and I have time.
As for what I will do, almost anything. Definitely 40k, Warhammer, AoS, Malifaux, Infinity, LotR, Mantic, anything not listed below.
What I won't do: I hate doing Tanks/large vehicles, so I'd avoid those, Space Marine Bikes (I know that's very specific, but I just really can't get on with them), Warmachine/Hordes (I don't think i can paint that style/aesthetic) and if I don't feel I can do a good job on a mini I won't take it, as I'd rather that than try and end up doing a poor job on someone else's mini.
To those with experience commission painting, am I on the right lines here? Are my prices too high? Am I too vague on what I will or won't do?
You will get told your prices are too high by people who dont do commissions, mine are pretty much budget pricing based on an average workload but I average less an hour then most 3rd world countries.
At £10 a mini assuming a minimum 90 minutes work youre making minimum wage, not taking your costs into account.
Soon his foes would learn that the only thing more dangerous than a savage three hundred pound brute is a savage three hundred pound brute with a plan - Ork Codex
I've recently started taking on commissions, if you'd like to talk a project over feel free to PM me here, or find me at:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BasiliskStudios Email: Basilisk.Studios@yahoo.co.uk
True. Must admit I was shocked myself when I first saw commission prices some studios I follow mentioned, but when you break it down it does make sense once you break down hours+costs+the service itself.
Personally I'm not overly fussed about making minimum wage or anything, as I'm not paying bills with this; its purely to make a few quid to spend on more hobby stuff for myself. That's really where the pricing comes from, actually: if I get £10 for painting a nice character mini for someone, I can buy a nice character mini for my own collection ect.
Obviously it varies from mini to mini, but in general I'll take 2-4 hours for a mini like those in the OP, not including assembly and basing. With that in mind I'm probably not near minimum wage per hour, but at the same time I think the price is about right for what the buyer is getting, and it's a price I'm happy with. The fact I paint for the love of painting helps; I don't mind being 'underpaid' if I'm enjoying the work.
Costs for me would probably be rather low; I have a pretty complete paint set and all the relevant relevant tools, so I'm pretty set there unless someone wants something done entirely in a colour that I'd never otherwise use.
Yeah its if you do a larger army commission youll burn through alot of the same colours, obviously things like basing materials will be factored in and youll need to decide if you're including basing in that price or not. Find a price thats right for you, if you under price yourself you'll lose alot of love for the hobby.
Soon his foes would learn that the only thing more dangerous than a savage three hundred pound brute is a savage three hundred pound brute with a plan - Ork Codex
I've recently started taking on commissions, if you'd like to talk a project over feel free to PM me here, or find me at:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BasiliskStudios Email: Basilisk.Studios@yahoo.co.uk
The big thing to consider is how long does it take you to get those results?
I've often thought of doing commissions, I've not been working for the last couple of years so it would have been a handy way to earn some extra cash, but my big issue is that while I can achieve what I consider to be a very decent standard on my models, it takes me forever to do it. So then I'm faced with the prospect of earning a small amount per hour, even with a healthy price, as well as burning myself out and sacrificing the time I might spend on my own projects.
Commissions aren't just being good enough, its being quick enough to turnover enough to make it worthwhile and retain your sanity.
We find comfort among those who agree with us - growth among those who don't. - Frank Howard Clark
The wise man doubts often, and changes his mind; the fool is obstinate, and doubts not; he knows all things but his own ignorance.
The correct statement of individual rights is that everyone has the right to an opinion, but crucially, that opinion can be roundly ignored and even made fun of, particularly if it is demonstrably nonsense!” Professor Brian Cox
I think I'll be working to a limit of about 5 minis at a time at most; army painting is not something I have the time or inclination to take on at the moment, and on a personal note while I'm happy to make compromises to get my own armies done, I wouldn't feel right doing that for someone else's minis.
A small squad or character to a good standard is the direction I plan to take this in, rather than hordes of the same stuff. The last thing I want to do is take on too much to the point where my favourite hobby becomes a chore.
I think you would have no problem commissioning out as many minis as you could paint at 10 GBP painted to the standard of the models you have posted.
That's much better than what I usually see in $15-20 work, and I love that you wouldn't do quick cheap models (because it makes it much more clear to the client what they'll be getting). Some painters have brilliant work, but what they do for an 'entry level' price is junky (barely tabletop).
If it gets to take too long, just increase your price a little.
Also, you might consider the price of 10GBP as a squad price (per model), as you get a lot of efficiencies painting 3, 5 or 10 at a time.
Thanks Talys, a vote of confidence from a painter of your calibre is very encouraging! I agree with you about 'levels' of painting. It can make sense from a business standpoint, I guess, as the effort vs income ratio is probably better than showcase one-off pieces, but a) I wouldn't enjoy doing lower quality minis and b) I would feel I was somehow short changing the customer by doing that. Especially as I'm not able to do absolutely top quality work, I want to be able to have a portfolio I can point at and say 'this is what you'll get from me'. That way, hopefully I can keep expectations and what I produce on the same level.
Azreal: in terms of speed, I could easily manage one job a week if the customers are there, and if I can get even close to that then it'll be 'worth it' to me. Like I say, this isn't for making loads of money, and an extra £20-30 a month is more than enough to cover my own hobby needs and then some.
Wales: Where the Men are Men and the sheep are Scared.
I think the price to quality ratio is fair. You are not looking to actualy pay the bills with it and you are quite a quick painter so sure why not. Best of luck with it.
Automatically Appended Next Post: If ibdidbt prefer to very slowly paint stuff myself inqoild comission you.
This message was edited 1 time. Last update was at 2015/07/18 20:14:19
Yes, you are easily good enough for commissions, particularly at that price.
On that topic, i don't believe in the false economy of working out your minimum wage price and multiplying your hours - you'd be competing with folks in Poland that have an extraordinarily low hourly rate and flat rate postage. The fact that you are doing this to support your hobby is ideal - use your rate to determine your work load. Too busy? Up your rates.
You've probably got a few reviews from the paint your model thread, as as me shortly too!
I think it's really refreshing to see someone wanting to paint commissions for the fun of it.
I have a real problem with art in general costing far too much. DaVinci didn't paint the Mona Lisa so he could get rich, he painted it for people to enjoy. The idea that people pay hundreds of dollars just to see her from a mile away totally negates the purpose of art and I think the same applies to our hobby as well.
I would pay money for that IoB Griffon Prince, he is spot on. I'd pursue this idea if I had comparable skill.
Just be careful - they say the quickest way to end up hating something you love is to do it for pay...like all those people who got into catering because they loved cooking, and now they don't like cooking anymore!
I'd hate to see a fun hobby get turned into drudgery. Don't let all that painting make you get "burned out!"
That is something I'm aware of, and in theory I can avoid it; as I'm not relying on this for my livelihood, I can just step away from it for a bit if the work gets too much. So long as I get a range of stuff to work on then I shouldn't get bored, and its rare that I find a mini I don't enjoy painting.
@Darkcloak: that fact that my minis could end up being used and enjoyed is another motivation for this. My own stuff spends most of the time on the shelf, so if I can instead create something that someone other than me can appreciate and make use of then I'd be very proud and pleased.
Wales: Where the Men are Men and the sheep are Scared.
If you like Paradigm I will send you a spare Samurai or two. I cant afford to commission you and I prefer to paint my own stuff but if you fancy painting something a little different and keeping the models afterwards I will send you one or two just to see what you do with them.
If anyone has any more thoughts, on anything from the site to the pricing, please do share them!
And if you know anyone in the market for nice minis at a good price, then you know what to do!
Looks good! I would however consider noting in your pricing section that a secondary factor is complexity. For example my Ciaphas Cain figure with a ludicrously detailed uniform, massive banner and pile of dead enemies would fit in your £10 section because he perches on a 25mm base. To me that'd seem ridiculous, but others they may take that as a given that it's fine.
Paradigm wrote: That is something I'm aware of, and in theory I can avoid it; as I'm not relying on this for my livelihood, I can just step away from it for a bit if the work gets too much. So long as I get a range of stuff to work on then I shouldn't get bored, and its rare that I find a mini I don't enjoy painting.
@Darkcloak: that fact that my minis could end up being used and enjoyed is another motivation for this. My own stuff spends most of the time on the shelf, so if I can instead create something that someone other than me can appreciate and make use of then I'd be very proud and pleased.
Exalted!
This is a fine ideal and I wish more of us felt the same way.
Spoiler:
About the catering comment... I am a full time cook (not chef, I despise that term) and let me tell you, I never cook at home! Unless there is a big gathering where I can really put out a nice meal I'm just not gonna do it. My wife and I eat very simple things. Raw veggies, fruit, takeout sushi, junk food. We aren't health nuts but its very true, when you do something for a living it can be hard to find the inspiration to do that thing recreationally. As a result I don't enjoy cooking the same way someone else might who doesn't have to do it for 8 hours a day. This isn't to say that I don't enjoy cooking anymore or that I never do it, its just that it takes a bit of motivation nowadays!
Take for example soup du' jour, or as I like to call it (because I'm English raised) soup of the day. Every day I get to make soup and its always fun. I have no formal training, other than 15+ years of experience, so for me its an adventure. I treat it as such, not because I don't know what I'm doing, but rather because for me its a chance to be creative. There is none of this "classic recipe" baloney! Today I made a traditional french soup, coco carrot curry (typically I don't adhere to a recipe, but this new job is a bit more stringent) and instead of the humdrum same old thing that everyone always does I threw in a nice juicy red pepper. Doesn't sound like much and I'll guarantee that I'm not the first bozo to try it, but the end result was spectacular. I sold more soup than I did clam chowder and around these parts that is kind of a big freaking deal. Islanders of any cut love their chowder so for my "traditional french soup" to sell better than a locally acclaimed favourite shows what a little creative (and focussed) thinking can achieve. I could have easily added 3 or 4 "original" ideas to the pot, but I tossed in just one especially tasty looking red bell pepper. I spiced it with a stern gaze, and a tiny bit of ginger. Put that sucker out for lunch and blam! Executed Tastily!
Why in the sweet hell is darkcloak ranting about soup? Someone get him back on track!
Right yes. So you can see that I may sometimes get passionate about cooking. The above little jaunt through the kitchen could have just as easily been me blathering on about totally incorrect Space Marine lore or painting boobs on airplanes, or other legit modelling stuff. But all that talk about soup and you know what? I'm not getting of my ass to go make any for dinner I can tell you that right now!
Anyways, fun fact, when you're traipsing around the kitchen with knives, cooking pots, chemicals, stacks of dishes and barrels of cutlery you have to BE VOCAL ABOUT IT!!!! Ahem, sorry... So you shout things like "corner" and "knife around" or "hot pot" or whatever the case may be so that people know to stay alert and avoid any accidents. Sometimes it becomes a habit... I got off work today, walked up the street and around the CORNER!!! and scared the gak out of this poor old lady and her husband. Had to explain to them that I was still in work mode! Lol
But I digress again. You can be really passionate about painting and the hobby but that can easily become... Hmmm not quite tainted, jaded maybe? Perhaps it's the need to make a living from it, and I guess I can really only attest to my own experience here, but I know for a fact it's happened to me. I just don't have that ardent push to cook, unless I'm getting paid somehow, whether it's money or the satisfaction of a group of people. Not that my wife doesn't appreciate my cooking, its just not economical to cook for two people unless you like a lot of left overs, which ... Meh. I'm a cook, its a vicious cycle.
Spoilered for brevity... I talked about soup.
Beware!
This message was edited 1 time. Last update was at 2015/07/19 04:58:31
pfft i did a couple commissions
i only take jobs that i would be excited to work on
i give a price per squad, not enough to live off
but enough to support my hobby
do you think I'm good enough to offer my work for sale? If so, I'd appreciate any tips on how to get started. If not, then is there anything in particular I could improve that would get me to that level?
Thanks for any thoughts!
I think you are good enough to do something people would pay for. I'd invest in an airbrush and spend time perfecting your assembly line so you can maximize your turnaround.
As an anecdote I can tell you the first time I saw a blue table painted army in the eight year of the 21 first millennium it was very eye catching. They use very basic techniques but with really bright saturated colors that really compliment each other so when the army is seen as a whole its very cohesive and has a lot of sex appeal (from table top distance). I have read before that the bulk of the commission industry is mostly units and armies so this kind of planning and unity in the paint scheme is going to be important. OH and get a camera and learn to take excellent pictures (The colors in the current pictures appear muted and muddy.) so people will want to buy your stuff, most wargamers are men and even the most beta of wargaming neckbeards still has the remnants of the caveman in him that is attracted by what he sees first. The colors in the current pictures appear muted and muddy.
If anyone has any more thoughts, on anything from the site to the pricing, please do share them!
And if you know anyone in the market for nice minis at a good price, then you know what to do!
The "To enquire about a Commission and see what I offer, click here" link doesn't work, for me, bud
The gallery looks good! The home page could use some artwork/photography to spruce it up a little. Alternatively, until you have that, you could just make the landing page the Gallery until you have a couple more posts to the home page. Or, I guess, you plan on having lots of pics there soon anyhow?
Either way, congrats, man! Excited for ya, and I hope for all the best to your fledgling hobby side-not-a-job
"And the Angels of Darkness descended on pinions of fire and light... the great and terrible dark angels" 
Sound like this is worth going ahead with! I hear you about the photos; I think it's less the camera and more the numpty behind it that's the issue. It's something I'm working on constantly, so hopefully it'll get better (see some of the old stuff in my gallery to see how bad it used to be!).
