What kind of income are we talking here?

[Stanka Kordic]

Hello Lara,

I have found relief and enormous satisfaction in letting go of the income tally. Frankly, it took years... I realize this is difficult when you have committed yourself to portraiture as a career and not seeing the numbers reflect a business model.

As artists, we are here to do special work. The rewards far exceed what numbers will often reflect. Always keep in mind the motivation that brings you to the studio, and let the rest fall. Your spirit, your talent will attract the right clients, and eventually, the right income. Have faith, check in with your 'source', and don't stress!

I know, easier said than done

Best regards and much success,
Stanka

[Geary Wootten]

Hi Lara,

As a newbie to the forums here and as one who is making the crossover as graphic artist to studio artist, I also thank you for bringing this subject up. I've made an ok living for 30 years in the field of sign work and logo design. I've even been able to sharpen my painting skills for fine art while doing large portraits on the many billboards I've done and the occasional custom airbrush picture on hot rods, motorcycles and T-shirts. Until digital prints appeared it was a typical "middle class" income. Now, they have changed the nomenclature and the wage scale at the same time. Sign people today have fancier names but make about 8 dollars per hour less than we used to.

At 52, I'm quite ready to go full time in the field of oil painting portraits and other gallery quality work as a way to earn a living as well as fulfilling a dream. I, like everyone else here I'm sure, have started out giving away work and discounts in order to "get the word out".

However, I've noticed a couple of weird things since actually getting paid for doing some commissions. One is, of the several pieces I've done this last year for where I've given the "deal" ....about half of them have never made it into a frame and hung properly on the walls. The other half has brought me mostly people who are looking for a similar discount. Even though I schooled the first party to tell the second parties my "real" charges.....it seems that folks in certain social gatherings can't help themselves at bragging about the "great deal my friend gave" on the artwork. I think it's a yuppie thing. Ha

It wasn't until I showed my work to curious acquaintances after an event during a school reunions last year that I got the empowerment needed to come all the way out with attracting more abundance with my service. Four people, who are very successful in their own rights, told me I have "GOT to do this." One individual commissioned me on the spot and said she wouldn't let me do the pencil piece for less than a thousand dollars. The most I had charged before this was $200-$300. I gotta tell ya.....that really inspired me. I not only felt the power I needed, but I actually pulled things off doing that portrait that surprised everyone, including myself.

I personally am chiming in with everyone else here who is making it and those who are trying to make it: just dig deeper and keep on doing what you are! Old saying: Do what you love......so that you love what you do.

Gear

[Lara Cannon]

Hello Everyone,

Thank you for all of the responses. I will keep at it!

Lara

[Kimberly Dow]

No one here has mentioned something I have noticed and that is location.

I know the internet has changed that somewhat, but not completely since we have to be paid to travel to get good photo references and that ups the price more.

I personally could not survive on just portraits. I'd love to have more, but I truly feel it is where I am. Small, low-income town. My goal is to get the word out at the nearby San Antonio to improve things - but it takes time and money to do that - especially when I do not get there often.

Doesnt it make sense that say, Michele, who lives in Seattle would have more client options than myself in a small low-income town of 25,000 people? The five people in town who can afford it have already hired me.

[Geary Wootten]

Originally Posted by Kimberly Dow

No one here has mentioned something I have noticed and that is location.

...........

Doesnt it make sense that say, Michele, who lives in Seattle would have more client options than myself in a small low-income town of 25,000 people? The five people in town who can afford it have already hired me.

Yes, Kimberly, I wholeheartedly agree. As someone has already mentioned on this forum about who can afford the service of fine portraiture...... in that, when you look at figurative artists from anytime and any culture of the past, it has always been the elite among them that had the resources to pay for the time and talent that this kind of work commands. Portrait artists of the past, when Kings ruled the earth, were set up in the palace premises so that their services could be readily available at the requests (demands) of the royal government.

Back in my hometown of 45,000 in an agricultural area of central California, I doubt there would be 10 people that would justify paying more than $1000.00 for a portrait of any size. I, prersonally, think there it's mostly due to a lack of art education. They would just say, "Gawwwly.....he shore is a good artist.....but, man.....he wants a lotta money for his stuff." Then drive off to the coast with friends in a 60 thousand dollar Escalade and think nothing of spending 500 bucks on a fancy dinner.

Happy Hunting,

Gear

[Michele Rushworth]

Geary, I think you hit on something important here:

Back in my hometown of 45,000 in an agricultural area of central California, I doubt there would be 10 people that would justify paying more than $1000.00 for a portrait of any size. I, personally, think there it's mostly due to a lack of art education.They would just say, "Gawwwly.....he shore is a good artist.....but, man.....he wants a lotta money for his stuff." Then drive off to the coast with friends in a 60 thousand dollar Escalade and think nothing of spending 500 bucks on a fancy dinner.

Chris Saper and Peggy Baumgaertner have talked about the phenomenon of "induced demand" in portraiture. Having more top quality portrait artists in an area doesn't mean less work for each (due to competition) but rather, more work for each artist. Prospective clients begin to see lots of good portraiture in the homes and art shows around them (and learn what the typical prices are) and that starts the idea growing. Once a half dozen of their neighbors have paid $5,000 plus for a gorgeous portrait, they start to think it might be a good idea too. And, Geary and Lara, since you'll both have a Seattle-area waiting list of a couple of years, maybe I'll get the commission!