How to Get Portrait Commissions
To fellow portrait artists wanting to go full time,
Only about 5 years ago did I start using instagram to post my artwork and I had a very small following. I still only have one thousand people following me, but I am able to get commissions on a regular basis and support my family from that work and selling paintings online. Commission work is great because straight away you know you are getting paid for it and you can charge a higher price than your originals because what you are painting is uniquely special to just a small group of people. Legendary marketing expert Seth Godin says to make your product for just one person, make one person your target market, because then you know who you are serving. So obviously commission work hits the nail on the head in terms of knowing your target market.
The portrait I think is the ultimate commission. If you have the skills and you can show people that you can paint the portrait then all you have to do is make people aware that they might want to commission a portrait of a loved one and you’re the person they want! You’ve done the hard part already. Learning to paint, so now you just need to employ a couple of simple marketing strategies.
INSTAGRAM REELS If you are not already using instagram then you should be. Start with a dozen or so Posts or Reels showcasing your work. The reason I say Reels (instagram videos) is because they get sent out to more people other than just your followers. The algorithm rewards engagement so asking your audience questions is even better. When you initially post your work only goes out to 1 percent of your followers and the algorithm will only continue to send out your content if you are getting engagement. Your instagram should also be a behind the scenes of what your work is like in the studio. So showcasing your work on the easel, in progress, showing your face, and something that is unique to you as a person all helps your audience feel like they know who the artist is behind the work.
WORD OF MOUTH: It is the best marketing strategy after all. I used to be afraid to say I was an artist or that’s what I wanted to do. I felt like I should have some kind of ‘normal job’, but making paintings is a trade just like any other at the end of the day, so be proud of what you can do. It is highly skilled work. Show 10 people you love the most what you’re up to and because it’s interesting and they love you then they will probably end up tell 10 people. Then that’s 100 people! Maybe one person will ask you for a commission. If your work resonates and is interesting it will continue to spread but you have to keep painting. That’s what is most important!
Now that you have employed those marketing strategies you just have to make sure you have another couple of things covered.
PRICE: It can seem very complicated but there are a couple of questions you can ask yourself to keep you from over or undercharging:
How long does it take? 1, 2, 3 or more sessions? Every artist is different, every portrait is different. How long do you typically spend usually comes out in the work. There is no wrong answer. You might be doing quick sketches, so they would obviously be less expensive than a week long oil painting. Size comes into account. Best to offer a few options to broaden your reach. Just be honest with yourself and ask how much you need to earn per day to live and save a bit of money and go from there. Everyone is different.
If I charge this price do I feel like I am getting ripped off or will the client feel like they are getting ripped off? Once you have come up with a price this is probably the best way to know if you are getting it right.
DEPOSIT: It is best to ask for a deposit. I ask for 50%. This way you can lock it in, buy the materials you need and get started.
GET THE LIKENESS: The most important thing. Make sure you get the likeness. Don’t give up. Keep asking yourself, does it look like this person? If it is taking you longer than expected don’t worry. The worst thing you can do is put out wok that you’re not proud of, so do the best you can first!
At the end of the day, commissions are a great way to challenge yourself and improve your painting. Just love what you do and enjoy the journey!
