For decorative artists painting on surfaces is just one venue. There are also those of us that paint walls and borders for people who want that something extra in their home.
The dilemma is always, when starting out, what to paint and how much to charge.
I can only go by my own experience … as there are many ways to enhance your own home as well as someone else's – and get paid for the pleasure of doing so.
What to Charge Your Customer
Your prices depend on a few things:
- Your Location,
- Your Clientele, and
- Your experience.
My prices differ by area and by the piece. As a rule I charge $100.00 per square foot in the area which I live; which is cheap considering that if I have to drive to Baltimore (north of me) or Richmond (south of me). YET, here in my own home town (population 500) for murals or borders in my neighbors' homes its $25-$50 a square foot.
I guess my best advice to you is to think about how much time each project is going to take. $20 for 2-3 hours next door should be fine to start out with. 3 - 8 hour days with a hour commute may be well worth $500 or more once you add up gas, food, day care and so on.
As for painting on furniture: try pricing out per bud or flower, it is simple and easy for you to calculate and easy for your client to accept. This way, if you are a "slower" painter, you are not taking advantage of your client, and if you are really quick, you can knock out a few
pieces in no time but still put out a product that is worth the cash your clients have spent.
Presentations:
Buy spiral bound drawing pads (11x 14... spiral at the top) and fill the pads with paintings. Present simple designs first and then samples of a few more detailed pieces.
The pads are only 30 sheets, and can easily be filled with simple double load designs painting; between all of the different bears, and fruit PLUS the flowers... The choices will really show off your talents and give your clients a multitude of choices for their home.
Happy Painting!....Kenyatta
