Advise me on how to price a certain commission

[Wulfsbane]

How much should I charge an independent comic company for illustrating (full digital paint) a cover for them per book? I've tried Googling for answers but haven't had any luck so far. I'm still going to keep searching but I thought I'd ask anyway.

Please, I would really appreciate some advice.

[J Wilson]

We could come up with an answer, but it would likely be wrong. It depends on the small company's budget, your skill and experience, and a lot of other factors (like how interested you are in the project).

Sadly, for many small publishers, any reasonable fee will be too much.

If you really have no clue, think of a number that would make you happy for the work involved, then add 20-50% more. If they go for it, great. If not, you have room to negotiate down and still feel happy.

[Wulfsbane]

Sadly, for many small publishers, any reasonable fee will be too much.



Ain't that the truth. But there's nothing a starving artist like me can do about that except to work harder and keep an eye out for better opportunities.

In the meantime I think I can settle for your suggestion. So thanks very much for the reply :)

[Mirana]

Wulfsbane - Here are a couple resources that should help you with pricing your commissions: The Employment Discussion forum's sticky on Pricing (http://conceptart.org/forums/showthread.php?t=97244) (go to that forum for more useful info on contracts, copyrights, etc.) and Comic Art Commissions (http://comicartcommissions.com) where you can look at what other artists are charging for their level of work (listing approx pricing is required when you sign up). You can also sign up yourself.

[Wulfsbane]

Mirana - Those are some really excellent links, just the ones I needed. Bookmarked and ready to explore. Thank you very much :)

[tensai]

Apart from what's in the employment sticky, check some of the videos on Richard Solomon's blog (http://richardsolomon.com/confab/2008/11/05/how-should-one-price-a-piece-of-art/) and/or check this thread (http://www.conceptart.org/forums/showthread.php?t=139423).

[Wulfsbane]

Tensai - Those link shares are very much appreciated. Now I gotta think up some questions myself to ask Mr. Solomon.

[Bowlin]

Even though this says "Graphics Artist Guild", it's also about various illustration business'...

Pricing & Ethical Guidelines (http://www.amazon.com/Graphic-Artists-Guild-Handbook-Guidelines/dp/0932102131/ref=pd_bbs_sr_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1226067604&sr=8-1)