subject: How to start a portrait business [print this page] When I set out to make a living out of commission portraiture I didn't actually have any idea of what I was doing. Fortunately I was lucky enough to have sold a business for a very modest sum which allowed me to follow my true dream. However, commission portraiture is not a business that can be developed in a matter of weeks or months. It takes years to get established as a commissioned portrait artist, and it may even take a lifetime to fully realize the excellence in your potential before rheumatism finally sets in and certifies you to permanent retirement.
So having made the decision to become a professional portrait painter I learnt a few essentials which formed the basics to getting started in business.
1. Your first portrait example
2. Presentation of your work.
3. The photographed original sample.
4. Your identity.
5. The price list.
6. Start-up costs.
1. Your First Portrait Example
You'll need to create at least one sample portrait in each size and in each medium you'll be offering. Your first original samples must be the best portraits you've ever created to date. They need to represent the size and complexity a client can expect by commissioning a comparable portrait.
2. Presentation of your Work.
Make sure your work is mounted and framed and quite frankly if you have no talent for this then get the professionals in. Presentation is everything. Don't blow it at this stage.
3. The Photograph of your Original Portrait
High quality photographs of your finished work are essential to show your portraits at their best, and will constitute the beginning of your portfolio. In my opinion a professional photographer is essential for this. Plus the quality of photographs will be good for the web and if any prints are required of your original work.
4. Your Identity
Business cards, stationary, brochures, websites all represent you so don't make it cheap and tacky. Take some time to get it right!
5. A Price List
To begin with, you'll need a price that is specific to every size and medium you offer. You'll need to determine whether you'll offer a framed or unframed price. Try to price realistically so that you get work but don't price them so low that people begin to think that work that's too cheap can't be good.
6. Start-up Costs
No retail space, retail stock, staff, working capital loans, an advertising budget or any of the other expenses normally associated with new business development. But you do need living expenses. Remember you cann't paint on an empty stomach or live under a haystack.
So you get your first commission. You go to the pub, drink copious amounts of your favourite tipple to celebrate and then panic.
Do I ask for a deposit? Well apart from the fact I have a rather large tab at the local pub that requires paying I say no. Be bullish pay on completion. It does your credibility good. But, show the client the work in progress, either by uploading photos onto the Internet or by inviting him or her to pop into the studio if they want, to ensure they are satisfied.
On completion don't get soft. Make sure you get paid in full before you let the finished article out of your sight.
A portrait in oils will take between three days to two weeks to complete, depending on the size, background involved, breed of dog and quality of the photo that the client has submitted. something to consider when setting your price list.
So last but not least. Work with proper tools in perfect light and turn down problem clients-well you won't get paid in the end so why go there?
What else can I say? Well quite a lot really but I wouldn't want to put you off would I?
How to start a portrait business
By: chris sabian
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