Commission Advice?

[Junn]

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Hello! Firstly, I am SO sorry if this kind of thread doesn't belong here. I'm not on here super often and am still learning the layout of this site. This thread isn't necessarily me accepting commissions (though if you're interested, I'd certainly love to discuss it with you!). This thread is more about me asking for advice on how to go about doing commissions for RLC (real life currency). Would I just have to create a paypal account? How much should I charge? Any other advice? I never really considered selling art before, but I've recently gotten a bit stuck and could really use some money to help me out. ( ) So Im pretty much wondering if my art is even worth anything. Previous art: <img src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/imageproxy/imageproxy.php?img=http://i1054.photobucket.com/albums/s486/Skonit/junn_zpsgizfrqoc.png&key=a3da229a7408a0f635676c0fbcc3cced0c4bdc1e2cf4b2bdf88c988aab5a0237" class="ipsImage" alt="junn_zpsgizfrqoc.png" /><img src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/imageproxy/imageproxy.php?img=http://i1054.photobucket.com/albums/s486/Skonit/fr1_zpsbjqxutbi.png&key=b6db2b5f45ba684a08bba0bab7aa944a2d17172174a457a95264427a5a53d9f0" class="ipsImage" alt="fr1_zpsbjqxutbi.png" /><img src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/imageproxy/imageproxy.php?img=http://i1054.photobucket.com/albums/s486/Skonit/Cinn_zpss6qnzx8f.png&key=09d43e1dec5584e2ad9836f1c8f0925c19ca9617a2d0b65b590d3e0a0c7a84c7" class="ipsImage" alt="Cinn_zpss6qnzx8f.png" /></p>

 

[Scattered Ambitions]

Hello! Firstly, I am SO sorry if this kind of thread doesn't belong here. I'm not on here super often and am still learning the layout of this site. This thread isn't necessarily me accepting commissions (though if you're interested, I'd certainly love to discuss it with you!).
This thread is more about me asking for advice on how to go about doing commissions for RLC (real life currency).


Would I just have to create a paypal account? How much should I charge? Any other advice?


I never really considered selling art before, but I've recently gotten a bit stuck and could really use some money to help me out. ( ) So Im pretty much wondering if my art is even worth anything.


Previous art:

I'm not sure if I'm supposed to reply on this thread, but I'm going to anyway. Those are wonderful!

 

[Compunction]

I believe your art is lovely


Now, take this with a grain of salt, as I'm not much of an author/artist myself and I've never done commissions.


As far as rates go, I would advise that you estimate how long it takes for you to finish a piece (in hours) and tack minimum wage onto it, at least. If you feel your art is worth more than this, then charge more. Art is subjective, but it is very easy for people to take advantage of artists these days. Now, realistically, you may want to start a little lower. It's not all that fair, or even ideal, but it'll sort of rev your engine, and let people test the waters with submitting commissions to you. I wouldn't stress over rates too much though, as it's nothing permanent and you can always change it if you aren't comfortable/satisfied with whatever previous rate you charged.


Paypal is generally the best way to go, as it is pretty universal and safe, so that's what I'd recommend, but I'm not all that savvy when it comes to transactions so I may not be the best person to recommend anything.


Tip wise, I just wanted to encourage you. Your art is quite lovely, and I do hope you take that too heart. Don't let people take advantage of you, y'know? Ad don't be afraid to close commissions in the event that you feel flooded with commissions. I've noticed that customers are a lot more understanding and patient when they know the art that they paid for isn't being pushed aside.


I hope this is of some use, but in any case, I wish you good luck with your finances and commissions!!!

 

[Junn]

[QUOTE="Scattered Ambitions]I'm not sure if I'm supposed to reply on this thread, but I'm going to anyway. Those are wonderful!

[/QUOTE]
Of course you are allowed to post here! ( ) Thank you sooo much..! You have no idea how reassuring it is to hear that!!

 

[Junn]

I believe your art is lovely
Now, take this with a grain of salt, as I'm not much of an author/artist myself and I've never done commissions.


As far as rates go, I would advise that you estimate how long it takes for you to finish a piece (in hours) and tack minimum wage onto it, at least. If you feel your art is worth more than this, then charge more. Art is subjective, but it is very easy for people to take advantage of artists these days. Now, realistically, you may want to start a little lower. It's not all that fair, or even ideal, but it'll sort of rev your engine, and let people test the waters with submitting commissions to you. I wouldn't stress over rates too much though, as it's nothing permanent and you can always change it if you aren't comfortable/satisfied with whatever previous rate you charged.


Paypal is generally the best way to go, as it is pretty universal and safe, so that's what I'd recommend, but I'm not all that savvy when it comes to transactions so I may not be the best person to recommend anything.


Tip wise, I just wanted to encourage you. Your art is quite lovely, and I do hope you take that too heart. Don't let people take advantage of you, y'know? Ad don't be afraid to close commissions in the event that you feel flooded with commissions. I've noticed that customers are a lot more understanding and patient when they know the art that they paid for isn't being pushed aside.


I hope this is of some use, but in any case, I wish you good luck with your finances and commissions!!!

Ah! Thank you so much, yeah, that definitely sounds like a good idea with the prices. So maybe I could try and charge $15-$20 for something like in the samples, because it takes about 3 hours. Like you suggested, I'll just change the rates and find something that works for me and the person buying from me. I just need to find a way to get my art out there now, heh!


Thank you again! Your post has given me hope! (^U^)

 

[Auren]

Ah! Thank you so much, yeah, that definitely sounds like a good idea with the prices. So maybe I could try and charge $15-$20 for something like in the samples, because it takes about 3 hours. Like you suggested, I'll just change the rates and find something that works for me and the person buying from me. I just need to find a way to get my art out there now, heh!
Thank you again! Your post has given me hope! (^U^)

Thing with paypal: be careful when doing digital commissions. Theres no way to "track" that the customer recieved the goods, and if they dispute the transaction, its likely the money will be taken feom your account and refunded to the customer. Its a risk, and it doesnt happen often. Just be aware that it exists.


Theres also Amazon pay, or whatever its called. Its basically Amazons version of paypal.


As for prices, also include small fees like the percentage paypal will charge you as a vendor, any new equipment youre working towards (such as a new program to do art in or a new tablet, etc), and electricity user to produce the art (because computers run on something).


I have seen artists sell art similar to yours for $30-35. Just dont underprice your work. And even if it onlh takes you, say, and hour to produce your picture, you still need to be sure youre making enough profit to make more art and to feed yourself.

 

[Auren]

Also: I believe if you make over a certain amount with your own business (which this will be), you will have to report it on your taxes.

 

[Alexandra]

Imma second the suggestion for charging at least a minimum wage hourly rate for your work, and never going below that unless you have a very good reason. I've seen artists criminally under-charge for their work.


And if anyone tells you you should be happy to do a load of work for them for exposure only, burn their house down politely decline.