Commissions.......

[Ken Davis]

Ok this is a new one for me.
I recieved an email from a guy at comic art fans about one of my old Optimus Prime sketches.
This one as matter of fact ->>>>
However I no longer have it, as it hangs on the wall of my nephews room.
So I emailed the guy back and told him the same...
no response as of yet but I did this quick sketch based on the original, just for kicks..

[Rex]

Both of them are looking good.

[Ken Davis]

Thanks Rex.
He emailed me back today, He would like for me to draw a teched out looking prime but not holding a sword, but his gun instead.
What do you guys charge for such things? I am not a pro artist so I have not a clue...

[E.J.]

Kick Ass my friend!

You draw an awesomeous Prime!

[mez]

What do you guys charge for such things? I am not a pro artist so I have not a clue...

ONE MMMMMILLION DOLLARS! bwahahahaha!!
sorry.
I say at least 45 but if you start adding background then maybe 60 or more! If you ink and color then well charge him some more.

[E.J.]

Mez has the right idea on the charging thing.

[Joe D.]

kick ass brother! I remember the first time I saw the original. great stuff! :D

Yeah I'm thinking of starting to take on commissions, and I wasn't to sure about money, and how much to charge.

[Ken Davis]

Thanks for the support guys!

here is what he wrote >

Hiya Ken, Thanks for responding.
I am willing to pay 35 to 45 dollars through paypal, for your penciled version of Optimus Prime.
Depending on the detail you place on him, and any backgrounds you wish to add etc....
I will be happy with just Optimus though!!
However I would like to make a few changes to the artwork.
I don’t care for the sword but would prefer his blaster rifle or even his energy axe!!
That would be cool.
I am curious about the type of paper you use
and of course the time it will take you to complete the sketch / pinnup.
Let me know as soon as you can.
Thanks Ken.
Mitchell

[E.J.]

Take the full $45 and don't include any background. Background means more money, more drawing more money, simple equation.

You would need a larger piece of paper to add the gun to the drawing and since you've already done so much to the drawing, you'll have to ask for a compensation fee for the extra time and work.

Just some thoughts.
EJ

[Ken Davis]

Yea bro, I told him $45.00 and he replied back that that was fine,"hell I get that just for showing up next door just to look at a lock"
That sketch up there is on copy paper, I started a new one a couple hours ago on Blue line Pro art boards BL1017....
He has decided too, that he wants the battle axe thingy to come out of the arm.....
the link he sent, seen here>>>>>>>>>


I will try to get a scan up tommorrow and show you my humble progress........
Thanks again for the support guys.

[Jon]

I REALLY need to up my prices I think lol.

[Rex]

Thanks Rex.
He emailed me back today, He would like for me to draw a teched out looking prime but not holding a sword, but his gun instead.
What do you guys charge for such things? I am not a pro artist so I have not a clue...

I generally don't do cartoon /comic style commissions. The money is terrible. If i were to do one, I'd set the price high. Perhaps $200.00 for a tight pencil drawing. All of it paid in advance. No refunds. Try and avoid $10 - $30 drawings. In my limited experience those drawings are commissioned by people who have no intention of paying. You'd be better off saying no, then negotiating those kind of prices.

[Ken Davis]

Well he has already paid half via Paypal... I will admit after spending two hours!!!! so far on this,
I think I should have asked for more $$$$!!!

Anyway here is the update, sorry its a crappy scan, I am using my office printer/fax/scanner, and its not the best in the world.


By ken_davis at 2008-07-15

I've got to erase that hand, and draw in the battle axe.... then hard line the light pencils for the leg and the other arm...... damn, I hate using a RULER!!!!

[E.J.]

lookin' good dude and yeah you should have asked for more money !

[Rex]

Well at least you have half. I'll be slightly impressed if your client comes up with the other half. With luck he won't demand several modifications before paying the second half. (It's happened to me for $10.00 drawings) Keep us posted on how this works out.