pricing?

[Bimdog]

I hope im asking this in the right forum but, I have done some portraits as gifts for family members like the one here. Now they have friends who want some done to and I dont know what a fair price is for something like this. I would like anyones opinion on this or if someone could point me in the right direction I would appreciate it.

[AdamDillabo]

most do it by skill and size. quality x square inches

lets say you charge .50$ per inch and you do one thats 12x18, it would be around 100 dollers. this is just one way people do it. or just take in account time and expenses, and use your best judgment.

[Seedling]

Alternatively, charge by the hour.

[ivow]

Can i just hijack your thread and ask a related question? :}

Does anyone have an opinion on the level of professionalism required to sell your work?

Ive wondered this because people look at my sketchbook and say they would pay for the work, which confuses me because technically its not very good. Its mostly the portraits. Would it be wrong as a newer artist to offer some work for a fee? Should you just sell anything people are prepared to pay for?

[Bimdog]

Ask all you want thats what the thread is for. I would sell anything people are prepared to pay for, theres a reason they ask. The way I see it is there is always going to be someone out there who you think is better or at least whos skill makes you jealous. People ask for YOUR artwork because there is something there stylewise or otherwise that they like, not because its technically correct. I was just looking for fair price because the last thing I want to do is undercut other artists and contribute to driving down of marketprice.

[Wasker]

Hye I don't know about american prices but the swedish society of illustrators and designers suggest a fee of 550 kr/ h calculated to american dollars that is $79.17/ h. Ofcourse the fee may be pending depending on skill and what the picture(s) will be used for.

Ivow: Are you crazy? :) If someone wants to buy what you do then go for it!