Cold Hard Truth About Commission Painting Miniatures...| Painting Warhammer For Money
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- Опубліковано 10 лип 2024
- So you want to start commission painting business? Have you ever thought about what does it take to take some commissions? If you are not sure whether to paint miniatures for money or not, you should be prepared before you start. Commission painting warhammer or any other miniatures can be great, but it has it's negatives...
Commission painting for other wargamers is something that many of us consider to be a dream job. Now I have taken some commissions here and there and I can tell you that painting miniatures for money can range from quite alright to very annoying experience. Every time you paint miniatures for someone else, you will not keep the models, so investing your precious time for someone else's miniatures just to make some money can be frustrating - especially when you have a job already. Rather than start commission painting business, isn't it more satisfactory to paint your own miniatures? This is always THE question that I ask myself when I am painting warhammer for money.
Note, that I suggest that you can start commission painting on fiverr, but you can also ask around your friendly local gaming store or on any forums etc.
#paintingwarhammer #warhammer #miniatures
/ zumikit0
/ zumikit0
I am painting miniatures for warhammer, age of sigmar, marvel crisis protocol and much more! Whether it is superhero miniatures or space marines, I will paint them! If you are looking for some sweet miniature painting tutorials or warhammer hobby content in general, this is the right channel for you! - Навчання та стиль
Are you personally trying to start commission painting or get some commissions? Let me know! 🖖
I'm trying to start comission painting. 🖖
@@joeygdworld awesome! Good luck with that :)
id like to try im just stuck on how to jump in, through what website? My own website, a site like etsy, fiverr, etc.
@@concon1629 the more platforms you have, the better, use them all! Make facebook and instagram page for your business, post your finished stuff there to male people interested, you can even try paying ads to advertise if you feel like it.
I am trying. I started my etsy shop today. My IG is astartes_painter if you want to check it out
Give a man a fire, and he's warm for an hour. Set a man on fire, and he's warm for the rest of his life
And dead
@@all-father4873 One problem at a time, please.
"Give a man a fish and feed him for a day. Don't teach a man to fish...and feed yourself. He's a grown man. And fishing's not that hard." - Ron Swanson
Terry Pratchett quote!
Your beard could hold so much paint.
Wow, ok I guess
But can it hold a tip?
@@Zumikito can we get a demo?
I just recently took up my first commission and I agree wholeheartedly with your video. I think taking a commission here and there is cool but I can't see myself making a living off of it and doing it all the time. Thank you for this video!
Your videos are always clear and concise thanks for the great content
Love your vids man! This vid really helped as I’m starting to do commissions myself
It always makes me happy when someone says it helped. Thank you for the kind comment!
Great video! You answered questions I didn't knew I had. Thanks for the insights
Cheers!
I've spent the vast majority of my career working from home, the last 20 years at least. I'm a comic artist, and its the one thing people think is amazing about my job, but always massively underestimate how hard it is. From loneliness (and a variety of other ratherunpleasant phsychalogical problems that develop, especially working creatively), to your home becoming your work space and vice versa, to every day blurring in to the next, motivation, organisation, lack of job security... the list of difficulties is endless... there are positives, of course, but no one considers the true downsides, and is largely dissmissive of them if you try to explain.
I think people are really starting to see it very differently now, at least in the uk, with ongoing lockdown and work from home issues due to covid... I know a lot of people really starting to struggle with working from home. It is most definitely not as easy, or the fairy tale lifestyle, people like to think.
great channel by the way... very inspiring.
Thank you for sharing this, it is important for people to know that being freelance artist and working from home is not just fun and freedom all the time. I feel like having a separate workplace outside from your home would help a ton so you can separate working time.
Once again thank you
Absolutely love your work, Neil!
@@Lambgarnish Thanking ye kindly, am glad you like the work.
Not that I like to pimp my product on other peoples channels... but...
I will be having a proper go at youtube soon, so if you'd like to see more... I will take this opportunity to let you know it should be content coming in the next few weeks ;) :)
@@ShutUpWesley Well I think that depends on what that space is, and what it is for... Feng Zhu, for example, shares his space. Plus he spends a lot of time working in studios and on location on projects. He doesn't work solely from home (or a private studio)
If you don't share the space, working from home, or your private studio, doesn't change any of the main issues, not really. And depending where you are and what you do, finding others in similar fields to share a space isn't easy.
Plus you also have to factor in the cost, depending where you are in the world, renting a space can be extortionate, especially as an individual.
The best answer is cofee shops or co working spaces, although this can be expensive depending where you are in the world. And they only work if you can take your work there, for someone like a miniature painter, you can't just up and go to a coffee shop, findiong someone to share a space with would be tough as it's so niche, and as I say, getting a space alone, doesn't fix any of the main issues...
Don't get me wrong, working in creative fields as a freelancer isn't all woes an difficulties... just to say it comes with a lot of issues that most people, when you tell them what you do, don't really consider :)
@@neilgooge Aye. After I thought about My comment a second time, I deleted it. There were too many things I did not think through. 😁
Great video ! Keep up the great stuff.
As a new guy stepping into this industry I have found your words really wise. Thank you for the analyzing and points!
And I'm finding more peoples that willing to try out my painting 😂
Thank you for the kind comment, if you decide to go that route, good luck! :)
Good points - especially about staying at home all the time :D But since I started commission paiting full time, I also tend to have a game or two each week and I'm jogging every other day. So it luckily works the other way around as well :)
Depends on how you manage the time :)
Good video, sums it up about right. I've started painting full time since May this year. Living in Poland makes it easier as you mentioned ;) anyway, after a few months I've come up with a very short description about the difference between comission and hobby painting which you have included in your video. When you do it as a hobby, you paint WHAT, HOW and WHEN you want. When you do comissions none of the above apply ;) thanks for the vid, cheers!
If you have the time and your good at it. Paint what you want. When you want. Sell it when you want on Ebay sell "as is" If your from Poland you can work for days Im from Canada and iv worked with Polish they dont stop. One was in camp for 4 years before he left. The town was 60 miles down the road ... lol Super fast workers to. You wont get the clients my way but its a zero stress way haha.
@@savagex466-qt1io I think I agree with the last sentence :D my comment was 8 months ago, have had 2 days off since then ;)
first video about this topic that I can call "clean" and honest. Thank you from another "custom stuff maker"!
Hi, it was wonderful listening to your talk and also reading comments. I have been doing Commissions on and off since 1987, both in small scale/large batches and one off large bespoke figures. I love your comments and the only thing I would add is develop your own style because eventually people will come to you to do what you do rather than paint a copy from some article/book, I have developed a natural style that does go with SpaceMarine or some other figures but have international demand in other areas, the other thing is don’t paint something you wife hates, I don’t do any sort of Demons, did once and she hated it. I also started charging a very low price but have got a lot better in say how long this or that takes and can quote accordingly. Speed is also really handy, I can paint 24 figures in a day so that helps, but there is still customers who have work done before who say they can get it done somewhere else and can I match it, I have learnt to never ever fall for that and just state that is how much it cost and that this is my style and let them go
Thanks for the insight!
No hate, but your vids do deserve more views! Your tutorials and other vids are great! Keep on creating content, because your doing awesome stuff!
No hate can be taken from such a nice comment, thank you! I am sure that with time more people will come to enjoy them :)
Man that little comment about kids not being nice to you broke my heart. Hope you’re happy doing what you do man
Haha, I don't think about it anymore, there is no need to feel sorry. Ultimately, going through tough times makes you stronger. Thank you for your kind words
Im not a great painter but you are make me improve a lot thanks so much
Hey hey, I appreciate it! :)
Thanks this was helpful
Awesome videos, only just discovered you channel! You've inspired me to start a Sons of the phoenix army myself using your techniques. Could I ask what brush or brushes do you use? Keep up the good work!
Thank you for the kind comment, there will also soon be a video on how to shade white armor really fast next week or so! I use maestro Davinci kolinsky brushes, worth all the money
I could never figure out pricing I ended up just asking what their cost band is and depending on the number I tell them to what level of detail I can do depending on number of models
I mostly just do commissions for people in m,y community. it feels good when you get to see other people enjoy your work, honestly better than enjoying it myself sometimes. Also the clout you get it a nice upside.
Out of curiosity... What is the awesome "blessing" music at 11:10? I've noticed it in several of your videos.
Edgar Hopp - Army of Angels :) licensed from Epidemic Sound
I just wish there were more great commission painters in Australia, currently have 3 commissions on the go with 2 in Au and one in the UK, just about ready to tell my work to start making my paycheques out directly to the painters 😛
Jesus Christ, that must be a lot of money
Douglas there is, I now in our local area several people post when asked, personally I manly only do figures in my local area as you don’t have to pack an post an Army off to someone, but then again I am now doing a very niche market and sending figures all over the world
Thanks. It was an area I was curious about. I had some questions. And I know you're busy so I won't be insulted if you ignore me.
1. Do you ask the client to provide minis already prepped? I spend soooooo much time removing mould lines and filling gaps
2. What's the rough jump in price between table top and the next level?
3. Been using inks to save time. Any time saving tips that really work?
And finally, you're now a UA-cam star with a cool beard, that animals could nest in. Those horrible kids at school are probably stacking shelves or driving a bus. Screw them.
Hi, I appreciate the feedback and the nice comment, those kids can now definitely flip off :) now to your questions
1.Either I ask them to glue them and prepare them before, or they have to pay for it... It still takes you time, so it doesn't make sense to do it for free
2.Depends, I personally don't charge per mini at certain quality level, but I give myself rough estimate of how many hours will I spend painting the miniature and give client final price for project . For example tabletop squig can take you 30 minutes and pushing him to higher level takes like 90-120 minutes vs tabletop marine may take like 2 to 3 hours and pushing him to better standard can take up to even 20 hours per marine. So counting hours like that makes more sense to me, also it entirely depends on color scheme and what exactly does the client want.
3. Inks help, oil wash helps with armor, doing bases before the miniatures themselves makes it easier, getting an airbrush helps for priming and varnishing and creating zenithal. I will keep on publishing more tips on how to paint better and faster, so as I discover more knowledge, I will definitely share it!
Also thank you for sticking with me, I have seen multiple comments from you :)
@@Zumikito hi. Thanks. I appreciate your time to reply. I'm not as good as you but think I'm pretty good. I was considering it but not sure I could do it as a full time job!! As miniac says, PAINT MORE MINIS!!!
@@neilbrown2451 try taking some commissions and you will see :)
If anyone has experience painting for commission I've got a question I can't quite find the legal answer to. There's 2 versions:
1. Say I buy the STL for a model from a creator who offers a "merchant" tier on their patreon. I don't get the tier just the model. I paint it and display it on a website with a price listing just for that completed piece. I sell it once to whomever.
2. I do the same thing but instead list the photos as reference for my commission painting service. I print from the STL I already purchased, paint and send it to the customer.
Do either of these scenarios leave me open to copyright consequences? Are "merchant" subscriptions specifically for selling unpainted prints or do you need them to do commission work?
What is the miniature that you painted for a client at 0:44? They look sick!
I have been painting miniatures since the early 80’s. I have an established designer for 45+years. I am ready to retire and start painting full time. I think I ready….perhaps.
where do you live if I may ask? also; great channel!
Dude how is it that you are an expert on 2 of my favorite subjects? Trading with FTMO and Warhammer mini painting 😂
So crazy
I guess it was just a matter of time until someone finds out 😅
@@Zumikito am I really the first one to notice? 😂
@@garland.trader yes, pshhh
Pros and cons I have found over the years.
Pros: a little bit of extra cash to pay for rule books and my own miniatures.
Cons: You will have to paint a lot of shit you don't want to paint in a color scheme you will most likely hate. *metal sisters of battle in white and gold.(shudder)
If you live in the US and want to get paided you have to charge a pittance. If you sell on consignment your stuff will sit for fucking ever.
I've honestly only gotten better after I stopped trying to make money and just said well screw it I want this for my table or mantel piece and started painting things I want to paint for myself. And if people want them I give them a price. If the price to too high for them well too bad that's what I'm willing to let it go for.
That is very healthy attitude towards this topic have to agree with that
Can you do a full paint guide for a Retribution of Scyrah warjack character?
Hi, unfortunately I don't have a plan to paint Ret charcter in the near future, but if there is gonna be higher demand for it, I might add it to the pipeline :)
@@Zumikito its all good, i really liked the "How to paint crisp white" video and the retribution scyrah character you did, by the way love the vids keep it up👍
One thing I can say for certain is that skill is not a factor in commission painting. I've seen a dozen guys doing commission work on Marvel United that look like they started painting yesterday. Good on them I guess.
Iv noticed that to. I never thought Id be able to say " hey I can paint that even better " as long as you keep practicing you can get it down for sure. Thats why its so cool to keep some of your first mini's or modles you have painted you can see how far you have come. I still cant draw haha. Thats because I dont practise I guse for some reason painting mini's come more easy to me then drawing or painting say canvas.
pleasure to listen you. but soon ur videos will run out so upload more :)))
I will, but I only have so much time to create them haha
Oh. In Poland is not cheap, especially fuel. The prices of everything go up by government action.
Inflation go whoooooosh
what if your 13
Ah yes, time to get hit by some truth.
Haha, that is unreal timing my dude
That was all you brutha, hit me right after I clocked out from work haha
Painted commissions for 7 years, and all I have to say is this. Nerds are the cheapest pricks on the planet, the amount of times I was haggled with, whined at about prices, and hell knows what else.
Poland? Relatively cheaper? Buahahaha... No my friend. Just no. Poland has very high costs of living. Sad but true.
I highly doubt that living wherever in Poland would be more expensive than living in London or Paris for example. On avarage this has to be true, simply go over statistics :)
@@Zumikito I live in UK but come from Poland. Rent is somewhat cheaper but everything else is the same as in the west of EU or even more. And average hourly rate is way lower...
@@Zumikito it's a popular misconception... Dw mate. Great content on your channel
@@Voytaz1985 your case might be different of course, but on avarage it has to be the case. Thank you :)
@@Zumikito everything except rent and hourly wage is almost same price in poland and other West European Countries. Of course when you compare to Paris or London it won't match but in France or GB are some more cities than these two :)
I Poland it is cheaper than in UK??? Great joke man:) It is not at all. In UK I buy mini for 20£ when earning 1400£. In Poland you pay 100zl for mini when earning 1400zl... This is not cheaper...
Perhaps there has been some misunderstanding, I am not talking about about hobby prices specifically, but overall prices. Let's say that I charge 500$ per commission and you make for example 1500$ in total (ragardless of where you live). With this amount, it makes a huge difference if you spend it in Poland or UK, since you can get much more stuff overall in Poland for that money (food, clothes, housing etc.)
@@Zumikito well overal prices: in uk i pay 300£ monthly for 3 room apartment when earning 1400. In Poland i was paying 700zl for one room apartment when i was earning 1500zl. Bieleve me Poland is expensive in big cities and earnings are low. Almost no way to earn lowest income and live alone. You momtly coast will be bigger than what you are earning. I liived in poland for 35 years. I live in Scotland now for almost 4. There is no way I'm going back there.
@@NightWolf1982pl Surely your case might be different, I am not saying it is not, but overall it must be the case. On avarage, cost of living in Poland is lower than in UK. Cost of living index for UK is 101.3 (so 1.3% more expensive than US) and in Poland it is 52. Yes, in your case it could be different, absolutely! But for most it can't be.
@@Zumikito statistics and reality are two different things. You can have your opinion I can have mine.
@@NightWolf1982pl Data is taken from reality though. As I mentioned, your case might be different, but on avarage I know that it must be true. I am ok with that if you keep your opinion, but I am not even stating my own opinion, just talking about data
I really disagree with the whole "you don't care about other peoples models"
From a professional standpoint, I would never recommend doing something to someone else's stuff that you wouldn't do to your own. They are paying you for your time and your work. experiment on your own time, but always make it a point to offer your best work for those that trust you with their models and money.
I wouldn't do anything to anyone else's models that I wouldn't do to my own either. It always depends on what they want, if they want strictly some certain color scheme on space marines, there is no room for your own input. But most of the time they will give you some room to manoeuvre where it's up to you. This doesn't mean you can give them bad result, but that you can try something you wouldn't otherwise. Also, if I had to offer my best job that I can do as you said, my potential customer would never accept my price 😬
I used to do commission painting as my main source of income. I was successful because I could look at a kit and know how long it would take to assemble and paint to the desired quality. This is important because to give out accurate quotes and not screw yourself out of money. A space marine assault kit will take me 1 hour to assemble, and 5 hours to paint to a rank and file quality. As such I would charge 90 dollars to paint that box set. Yes, that's $15 an hour, and a decade ago I would paint 60 hours a week making $15 an hour. It was good money.
The biggest issue with commission painting is the clients. You will eventually get someone who is going to be really nitpicky with the color scheme, right down to basecoat shades through highlight shades, even though they are a bad painter and really have no idea what it is they are suggesting. I had someone that wanted purple marines highlighted to yellow, I was like WTF? I gave that person their shit back, and you have to know when to do exactly that.
Edit: And you absolutely choose what you want to paint. You do not have to accept a commission because someone asks. I hated painting empire and brettonians. I refused to take commissions on them, nuff said. LOL
Thank you for the info! Well that is a good skill you have there, because I can not really tell how long am I gonna spend on a kit.
Regarding your last point - you sort of choose what you wanna paint if you have more than enough clients so you don't have to worry about losing money. If that's the situation, great! Otherwise, commission painters will sort of have to take what they are given
Nah man, you have it a little wrong. Make a man a fire and he is warm for one night. Set a man on fire and he is warm the rest of his life....