What kind of income are we talking here?

Is portrait painting a current job or do you get clients every other blue moon?

I always have a waiting list of commissions since I began 3 years ago. I am not getting rich yet, but I continue to raise my prices and I do not have an agent. I know many people who are doing better than myself and I continue to study, read and train to improve my work. You can see my work and my price list on this site at Annette Ellingwood. Best of luck to you!

[Karin Wells]

My first portrait commission took longer than any other to get. I found that each portrait I produce that results in a happy customer leads to many more commissions. I have quite a backlog and have never had a period of time since I began that I was without somebody to paint. Instead of raising my prices further, I am finding ways to work faster without compromising the quality of my work. And yes, I have kept the kids in cookies by my painting.

[Lara Cannon]

Hello,

I am glad someone else started the topic of money. I know talking about income & art is probably in poor taste, but I really am curious and a little frustrated.

I started working as a portrait artist two years ago. I have had constant work since I began, but I have yet to make a sustainable income. In fact, I am fresh off of filing my taxes for the year and I have a very good idea of my revenues. After all of my expenses were added into the equation I only made $2,000 for a year of work. Although I am not putting in full-time hours, I am putting in part-time hours. (Not even Walmart pays that little!) I fully understand that building your own business takes time, and it is rare for a start-up cottage industry like portrait painting to make a significant profit for the first few years. I kind of went into all of this with the idea of improving my skills and being paid to do it. Which is my mind is a win-win scenario for now.

But looking into the future, I am curious about how long it has taken some of you to make a sustainable income (over $35,000?). I can't justify too many years of $2,000. I work too hard and portraits are such a custom piece of art that I get very little in return, other than a bigger portfolio and improved skills.

Okay, this is enough of my candid comments, I hope someone might venture a response?

Thank you,
Lara Cannon

[Michele Rushworth]

You're right that it's not uncommon for small businesses of all types to declare a loss for the first few years.

Your work is terrific, Lara. In my opinion, it's time to raise your prices at least 50%. That, plus being able to work faster with more experience should help with the profit equation.

[Lara Cannon]

Hi Michele,

Thank you, I forget how easy it is to zoom around to our websites and see what we are charging! I really appreciate your vote of confidence. I actually have raised my prices to the point that the work flow is turning into a trickle, and I am waiting before I bump them up again.

But on a less personal note, I guess I am hinting around trying to figure out if there is any kind of pattern in this business? (Or perhaps it varies so widely it is impossible to predict.) I know that even laying a business foundation takes time--not to mention the artistic and professional development required to demand the higher prices. Then of course, it also takes time to find and connect with the clientele who can afford to pay the higher prices.

Which brings me back to my original question: Can an artist who is working hard both professionally and artistically expect to make a living as a portrait artist. Or is it only an elite few who ever make it beyond hobby type wages?

[Henry Wienhold]

Originally Posted by Lara Cannon

Hi Michele,



Which brings me back to my original question: Can an artist who is working hard both professionally and artistically expect to make a living as a portrait artist. Or is it only an elite few who ever make it beyond hobby type wages?

Can an artist make a living as a professional portrait artist? Yes and no, it all depends upon the artist.

It has been said many times that a person can do anything they want if they have confidence and believe in their own capabilities. I believe that this is true, never giving up is the key.

[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