How much should I charge?

Censorsh!t

Hi!

Looking for a bit of advice here on how much to charge for custom pet portraits. So far, I've sold just four paintings, and one on the way, so don't have too much experience in the area yet, and all are from people I know.

I paint in acrylic, usually 40x50cm, but have done one bigger one. So far my charging has been all over the place because they have been people I know mostly, and so I lower it if its a friend! So I've been ranging from €25-€50 so far. I don't want to charge too much because I'm not yet quite confident in my abilities, and don't want to overcharge!

I've attached some images, the portrait of the horse being the largest.

Thank you in advance!

jennyjoy

I'd say where you are at is a good start. If someone requests a portrait that is more detailed/in depth, like they have a few dogs in one picture you'd paint, or they'd want a bigger painting, then I'd say to charge more (closer to 50). After you start selling your first few, also see how often you need to get new supplies, canvas, and such. Since you want to make a profit, your profits shouldn't just be going back to buying more materials. If that's the case, then I'd say to increase the amount for each painting. It'll be a process of trial and error in the beginning, but starting out is the best start you can do!

Bongalongherb

They are very good OP. Great talent you have there.

lulu1

Hi these are very good. The horse is my favourite We had a portraite done of our dog about 2 years ago. It was done on canvas and with oils and cost 125euro It took the artist about 6 weeks to do it because he says it takes the paint about 5 weeks to dry. I would charge 50e at least even though you are starting out. I am the same as you i posted my xmas crafting and same prob dont know how much to charge or if they would even sell Good luck

Jellybaby1

lulu1 wrote: »

Hi these are very good. The horse is my favourite We had a portraite done of our dog about 2 years ago. It was done on canvas and with oils and cost 125euro It took the artist about 6 weeks to do it because he says it takes the paint about 5 weeks to dry. I would charge 50e at least even though you are starting out. I am the same as you i posted my xmas crafting and same prob dont know how much to charge or if they would even sell Good luck

Your paintings are lovely, you are very talented. Now I'm no artist but is the above actually true about 5 weeks drying time? I wouldn't want to pay an artist to watch paint dry.

Raminahobbin

Jellybaby1 wrote: »

Your paintings are lovely, you are very talented. Now I'm no artist but is the above actually true about 5 weeks drying time? I wouldn't want to pay an artist to watch paint dry.

I'd imagine if he was using oils that could be correct alright. My old boss used to have a few paintings on the go at once when she worked in oils, rotating them and leaving them a few days/weeks to dry between stages.

jimmii

Those look great! If you are looking to build this into a proper income then you need to consider the time it takes for each one too. If its taking you 4 or 5 hours to do then if you are charging €25-€50 then you aren't coming out with a great deal. We deal with people who do commissions and in general it seems to start at about €20/hour.

Are you taking on any work at the moment? I would love a picture of our two cats!

Jezek

Definitely charge by the hour. It's the only way to do it at this level, I think. Costs + Wages = how much you charge. Overall, I think anywhere around 60 -80 would be considered a good price for a product like this.

cobham

One rule of thumb is to take account of the frame cost and then double that for a painting that is framed. That would be for watercolour. With your work being a special commission surely you should add more?

Censorsh!t

Thank you everyone for the encouraging replies

I don't usually take very long to do a painting - usually about two hours, but I guess I could put the price up a small bit anyway, at least now that I've done a number of paintings for people.

Its just that I always freak out a bit wondering what if I mess it up or just can't do it - so far it's all worked out okay though!