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