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Hey folks!

I'm thinking about getting back into 40k again. I loved playing, I somewhat liked converting, but I hated painting - in large part because my hand isn't steady enough, but I don't want to have to paint again. I was a tournament player, and the paint scoring at tournaments didn't appreciate my orks, which were originally my wife's orks, which meant she painted them how she wanted - full on pink glitter flock, purple themed weapons, and pink pajama suits.




I switched to Dark Eldar, which I had entirely commission painted, but I gave all my models to someone to sell a long time ago, and suspect its probably all gone and that I need to start fresh. I need a reasonably priced option to outsource the model acquisition, assembly, and painting of an ~1850 point Dark Eldar army. I'd like some opinions on who is trustworthy and reasonable, and what sort of budget I should be expecting for an enterprise of this magnitude.

I could paint up your army for you if you'd like. You can find a rough idea of my pricing, customer reviews and pictures of my previous work here: https://www.facebook.com/BoxyBrush/
I can get a 15% discount on most of the GW models for you. It is worth pointing out that I'm not in the US. If you'd like to find someone from the US, you can find a list of all the other painting services on dakkadakka here: https://www.dakkadakka.com/dakkaforum/posts/list/612233.page

First I suggest getting an idea of what models you require in an 1850 list; then prepare to get some battlefoam or equivalent storage/transport option; no pt of having nice models painted only to have them banged up, especially dark eldar with their thin and spikey bits.

Look at the models, and ask for certain areas to be magnetized, like the sails of your gun boats, under slung weapons etc.

I would also suggest looking at the painting services available in the Dakka swap shop, or go with well known companies such as frontline gaming to get a quote. I’d offer my services but I’m booked for a while.

 Big Mac wrote:
First I suggest getting an idea of what models you require in an 1850 list; then prepare to get some battlefoam or equivalent storage/transport option; no pt of having nice models painted only to have them banged up, especially dark eldar with their thin and spikey bits.

Look at the models, and ask for certain areas to be magnetized, like the sails of your gun boats, under slung weapons etc.

I would also suggest looking at the painting services available in the Dakka swap shop, or go with well known companies such as frontline gaming to get a quote. I’d offer my services but I’m booked for a while.

I hear you - I had custom battlefoam for my ork and dark eldar armies. My wife painted my orks, and I had the entirety of my dark eldar commission painted - frustratingly, I apparently didn't take any pictures of them. I have no models left, nor foam, nor anything - so I'm starting from scratch.

Also, join the Facebook selling groups.
Every time I see someone post saying they want a painted army whatever faction, a bundle of people throw offers in.
Mostly nicely painted, lots of variant lists c..

PM for specific groups on there if you’d like

Couple of quotes in so far, ranging from $2k to $5k for about a 2k Drukhari army.

 Dashofpepper wrote:
Couple of quotes in so far, ranging from $2k to $5k for about a 2k Drukhari army.

Is that include buying the models as well? You can save yourself some money by buying lots or through eBay once gathered your army then send them out; studios like frontline gives a discount on buying from them as well; get some individual unit/vehicle quotes as well; make sure your army is done by the same artist so the army stays cohesive.

 Big Mac wrote:

 Dashofpepper wrote:
Couple of quotes in so far, ranging from $2k to $5k for about a 2k Drukhari army.

Is that include buying the models as well? You can save yourself some money by buying lots or through eBay once gathered your army then send them out; studios like frontline gives a discount on buying from them as well; get some individual unit/vehicle quotes as well; make sure your army is done by the same artist so the army stays cohesive.

Nope, all of those are solely for painting.

depend on your model count and quality you're after, 2-3 k is expected.

I have worked for frontline about a yr in the past, I can give you my rate as an example for comparison to others in the industry.

infantry= retail price x1.5
termie size inf/dreadnought/sentinels = retail x 1.75
vehicles/chariots= retail x2
HQ, ind characters= retail x2
Imperial Knight size= retail x 2.5-2.75

Models that's in a boxset/combination would be separated for detailed pricing, certain cheap models like the chaos cultists(5 models for $10) would be restructured to comparable retail model pricing, Harlequin models will be refused, I would charge retail x4, and even then I would rather pass on the commission.

That includes any magnetization, mold line cleaning, pinning, basing, mobile joints where its suppose to; doe NOT include any stripping needed on 2nd hand models, add 20% of retail for that.

my quality would probably be high table top+

But like I said, I'm booked for a while doing 1ksons, Daemons, Eldar commission; and then there is my own stuff to do as well.

Pm me for a quote, I'm not in the US, but I'm fairly sure I could beat those prices (difference in buying power and all). Just give me an army list or a rough idea of what kinds of models would have to be painted (how many infantry, jetbikes, skimers, characters, etc.)
I'm currently not booked.

The old adage about graphical work, where you can have it cheap, fast, or good, but you can only pick two really applies to commission painting. And even then, it seems that you are stuck really only getting one of them.

The reality is that good commission painters are booked up. There are no shortage of guys looking for work, but they're either not as good, or new. Pick wisely.

One of the best ways to find somebody new but good would be to look in local trading groups. You'll be dealing with somebody local, you can see their work in person, and save a ton on shipping.

PM sent.

Also learn to protect yourself from fraud. There was a post about a commission painter on the trading forum couple months back, I recall the accused name to be ‘brushslip’ or ‘brush4hire’, something along those lines, he took on a commission and kept the models, this come from the accuser.

Do your transactions through PayPal invoice, make sure it’s a sale, not a ‘GIFT’. Direct communication with the artist is highly recommended.

Edit: here’s the thread link..
https://www.dakkadakka.com/dakkaforum/posts/list/762581.page

I've done commissions for a long time now.
Advice to a client is always the same:

1) Shop around. Compare the quality of portfolio for each studio. If there's feedback, read it. Make sure the portfolio is genuine and tied to the specific artist you're looking at hiring. There are studios that employ or contract out to several artists - if looking at those be aware of the variance.

2) Look for history. Places that have been going for years are far less likely to take your models and shut up shop. Places that have no track record and are offering a ridiculously cheap price are either a) pulling a fast one or b) very inexperienced and thus a risk. That history needs to be tied to that specific business - don't rely on 'previous employment' - it's very different paying your own rent and costs compared to being paid by a studio to turn up and paint.

3) Be more detailed with your spec. 'An 1850 Drukhari army' is very vague. Say what models are in it. A raider is going to cost a lot more to paint than you might think.

4) Honestly, throw away the idea of a retail cost multiplier. This isn't the way any body who's done commissions seriously for any length of time can work.

5) You should give a list of models, and a rough choice of colour scheme. The artist should then give you a ballpark costing before a firm quote or price range. This quoting should generally include a time estimate for turnaround.

6) Don't be afraid to state a maximum budget - there are corners that can be cut, especially when doing stuff in bulk that shouldn't hit the end result too badly.

7) Most places will expect a deposit before starting work. This can vary, but will usually include purchase cost of any models and materials, and a proportion of the work cost. Be wary of places that want paying entirely up front.

8) Be prepared to pay at least minimum wage for the turnaround period. Artists have the same costs as you - rent, food, family. Places charging significantly below the value of the working time for the turnaround may have other jobs on book, or may be underquoting, or deliberately 'Scotty'ing the timeline. They should be open with you about which case it is.