How much should I charge for a commissioned painting?

Question

I've never commissioned one of my paintings before. It was done on 16x20in canvas (if that effects anything). Any suggestions would be really helpful. :)

Answer 1

Depending on your level of expertise, you can charge by the hours that you put into the work, you can charge by the square inch, or you can figure your cost of materials, including framing, and then tag on what ever profit you think is fair. It also depends on who is doing the buying... often people have an idea in their mind of what is fair and it helps to know that as well.

Answer 2

Size does matter..some. There are painters that charge by the square inch. I should not worry about that for now (or the next years)

Just think of a reasonable price. Double that and ask for it. There is no way any of us can tell you what to charge as we don't know how long it will take you, what quality you deliver or what promise your work has for the future.

I have sold early work (comparable in size) between $50 and $1000. Really I am not kidding. I always found I sold myself short after a year or so. That I actually painted a pretty nice picture and they got it dirt cheap.

Be SURE they know what they will be buying and what it will cost before hand. It will safe embarrassment and disappointment on both sides.

hence:Contract

Good idea specially if you are dealing with businessmen they would expect you to come up with that. Keep it simple. Painting (size) what is should represent and the price and date agreed upon. Payment on delivery.

(btw: You sell the original work, not the copyright to that work. It should state you sell the copyright in that contract (or another contract) or copyright is still yours. Just so you know. NEVER give away your copy right. Just give permission for a specific purpose *in print* if you have to or be payed VERY well.)

Answer 3

Email me and send me a photo of it and I'll tell you.

Note to all young artists: Never take on a commission without having a written agreement.

In the agreement you must specify,

the name of the person commissioning it, and their contact details

what the subject of the commissioned painting is

the size, ground and medium

the time frame involved (eg. 3 weeks or whatever)

the agreed purchase price

and that payment will be made upon receipt of the completed commission.

you need two signatures on it, yours and the buyer, and you each need to have a copy.

If you don't have a contract: The buyer can say they don't want it and refuse to pay. Be professional in your approach and they are less likely to mess around with you.

Lidy

www.notthetate.co.uk/lizzie

Answer 4

Ok, so, you have to charge the canvas, the paints that you use, plus hours (you can do an estimate how much time you are going to spend doing this), and of course, your talent. You are a student, so don't be so mad! Usually, those kind of paints are more than $200. Negotiate with your client.