This question is for artists......?

Question:Particularly anyone who draws or paints on a commission basis (someone asks you to do a particular piece). How do go about pricing your work? This has always been a problem for me. I don't want to over charge, but I don't want to give it away, either- I work hard at what I do. Can anyone give me advice? Thanks!

Best Answer - Chosen by Asker: Particularly anyone who draws or paints on a commission basis (someone asks you to do a particular piece). How do go about pricing your work? This has always been a problem for me. I don't want to over charge, but I don't want to give it away, either- I work hard at what I do. Can anyone give me advice? Thanks!

It all depends on how valuable is your time. If you feel you are worth $30.00 an hour, then if you have an understanding of the work to be done estimate based on your experience how long it will take to do.

Example for a Mural on a wall
20 hours x $30 = $600.00 labor.
This includes setup, and cleanup.
Supplies = $100.00
10% for incidentals
Sub total = $770.00.
Don't' forget about Uncle Sam. I'm sure they want their share too. This is dependent on your state (I'm assuming you are in the U.S.)

Pencil drawing on drawing paper
4 hours on 18"X24"
4 X $30 = $120.00
Nice Frame facing glass and edge mat? $50.00 Marked up for your time to build frame or finding frame at local frame shop.

Incidentals 10% = $17.00
Sub total $187.00

Then tax.

It's all up to you what you want to charge. The key is you want return customers, and your work to be compensated. Remember your are offering a service. They are paying for your skill, talent, your expertise/knowledge for this product that is one of a kind.

I hope this helps?

Well....When i do a particular pieces i usually ask around. i have a friend who draws a lot too. When i sell my work i choose what i think it should be. It really depends on how big this piece is. If its in really good quality then i would sell it in between 150.00 to 200.00

First of all, look at the painting and rate it between 1 and 10 on how good you think it is, then go ask others. then think about how long it took you to complete it. Say it took you about 10 hours.. a reasonable price would be about 150-200 or maybe even more if you think its really good. You would be getting paid 15 - 20/ hr.. some artists get paid way more then that... it all depends.