Shadowman's posts

1. How do you know how much to charge for your art?

Honestly, feel the market. Having pay-what-you-want shops can give you an average price range that people are looking for, but do be aware that people will always try to ask more for less. If you want to get an estimate for a steady price, keep track of how long it usually takes you to finish each type of art (headshot, full body, colored, bg, etc) and then multiply how many hours it took you by minimum wage (which can vary between $7.25 to ~$8). All in all, it just depends what you want to get out of it. If you are active enough and spread your art far enough, you can generally charge what you'd like and someone is bound to buy it. The same can be said for undercutting, though. Just because your art is cheap does not mean people will buy from you. Your biggest opponent is advertising.

2. I imagine for online commissions you'd use Paypal or something?

Paypal is the most widely used and safest option for both you and your buyer. But there will always be other options out there-- none of which I know, however.

3. Does the customer pay you up front, after the art is received, or a half now half after sort of deal?

The most common method of payment is half up front and half after completion. I would suggest you heavily watermark any samples, sketches, wips, or completed artworks before you get paid. NEVER start working on a piece until you get at least a downpayment. Any time you spend on something should be compensated. When showing your artwork to the buyer, make sure you watermark it if you haven't gotten paid. Offer to send them an unwatermarked version after payment, whether it be a digital copy or physical copy.

4. How long is too long for the customer to wait for the product?

This is up to the buyer, honestly. Sometimes you'll get commissioned with a deadline, other times it depends what the two of you agree upon. I suggest offering a flexible time limit and let them know if you have other commissions before then.

5. If you provide prints, where do you print the art? FedEx? At home?

Some places like DeviantArt or Red Bubble handle shopping and printing for you, but you can always try each option out and see what you like best. Once you figure out your niche, make sure you include it in your charges. I suggest charging based on order size and quantity.

6. If you sell your art in the form of buttons, stickers, posters, con material, etc, do you use some kind of service that makes those for you in bulk and then you mail them out to buyers?

I have never done this, but Red Bubble is a worthwhile site to check out. You can basically upload whatever art you want and each purchase gives you a percentage. They handle shopping and printing and all that good stuff.

7. Where do you get most of your business? deviantART? Tumblr? Twitter? Instagram? All of the above and more?

I honestly find most if my business on avatar sites, but it really depends on how active you are and how much you advertise. Making a site for your own (even with a free template) can garner you more attention as it gives you more of a professional appeal and a home site for people to always find you.

8. Full time, American artists: how do you report your earnings on your tax returns? Do you keep invoices for tax season and pay it all at once? Is there sales tax on your art? I have no idea how any of that works.

It depends on state, but I believe anything over 400 dollars a year should be reported. I highly suggest talking with a tax expert.