Need your advice/feedback (re: Commissioned Pet Portraits)

[Linda and "Toby"]

I'd like to bounce an idea off the group...  

I'm thinking about trying to go after some work for commissioned Pet Portraits. I'll still keep designing/building website, but I need to find a way to create multiple streams of income, and nothing would make me happier than to get really busy doing pet portrait work! One way that would save me time - and save the client money - would be to offer clients the option of choosing a High Resolution Digital File instead shipping them a 16x20 stretched canvas Giclee or Mixed Media Painting. This way they can use a Groupon or any other special offer from a printing company, and they can make additional copies for family members, etc. I was thinking about pricing it a $225, with a "limited time" offer of $150. Do you think that would be a fair price? In a perfect world (and better economy) I would want twice that amount, but I need to find a price point that people would be willing to pay...

 

I was playing around with the wording for it on my website: http://bellcreativegallery.com/portraits-by-linda-a-bell/ 

 

Any thoughts or suggestions? 

[F, Calla & Luca]

Oh Linda, your portraits are priceless. I have no idea what people will spend but I do wish you much success with this venture.

[Camilla and Darwin]

I agree with F, your paintings are wonderful and priceless! I am not a very good help being a poor college student, I would not be able to afford something like that but I would expect it. I also expect to not be able to afford any kind of custom art, framing, etc. I think your price sounds perfectly reasonable, considering that they could print it at any size and as many times as they want. Keep us updated!

[Elizabeth & Cosmo]

To me, this price sounds quite reasonable (and the limited-time offer sounds like a real bargain!), especially since you allow the client to make multiple high-resolution copies from the file.

I would be willing to pay that myself, though I doubt I would have much use for the multiple copies.

Also, just curious, would you offer other sizes in the stretched canvas?

I would love to have a high-quality portrait of Cosmo! I'd be very interested in becoming a customer!

[Diane Margetts]

I know a couple of people that would likely be interested at that price . . .

[GBK]

I think $150.00 is very reasonable for the quality of work you do Linda!  And your right, the canvas etc. company's are giving pretty good rates.  With your deal, they can print one for grandma/grandpa etc. in the sizes they prefer....  I say go for it ;)

[Linda and "Toby"]

Thank you guys for the feedback! It's so hard to know how to price things like this. If it's too low it diminishes the perceived value, and if it's too high, you can't get any work and wind up a starving artist. It's a fine line.... 

Elizabeth, I would love to do a painting of Cosmo! I'll send you a PM. :) 

[Donna K & Quincy]

I know your work is wonderful and worth every penny. :>) I hope you find yourself busier that you ever hoped to be. Let us know when you are ready to roll.

 

[Linda and "Toby"]

Thank you, Donna! *hug* That would be a dream come true! I'm ready to get started. Now I just need to get the word out there. : )

[Camilla and Darwin]

Darwin just shared your website on his fb page, and he has over 1000 dog friends. :-)

[Linda and "Toby"]

Thank you Darwin!!!

[Jane, Guinness and Murphy]

I think that this price is very reasonable, Linda.  I'm even wondering about that "limited time offer"...I'll be totally honest...that usually turns me off.  Since your work truly is art, it doesn't seem to fit with the "limited offer" concept.  That's just me, and I'm probably just a bit weird about things like this.  I think one of your portraits is definitely worth at least $200 and you could offer special pricing individually as you see fit.  Also, have you considered partnering with pet photographers to provide this service....they take the photo and you create the portrait.  This is really exciting....can't wait to hear more.

[Linda and "Toby"]

That's a very good point, Jane! Thank you for sharing your thoughts on this. You're right - it looks much better (and more professional) to simply put $200. And then I can give special pricing to certain individuals or groups, ie, I'll be happy to paint portraits for anyone on DK for $150.00, and extend this "special pricing" to friends/family, as well. 

It might be a bit difficult to partner with pet photographers (although I'd be very interested in doing this!), because it could take away from them selling a 16x20 photo portrait for a premium price.

I was thinking this morning about reaching out to my local humane society and offering to donate my time/services to do a small line of greeting/note cards for them, with a portrait of a pet that's up for adoption on the front, and on the back, have a note that says something like... "Thank you for supporting the Southern Nevada Humane Society." And then, below that in small print, "Artist, Linda A. Bell, donates her time/services to help support our animal friends in needs. Website: http://www.bellcreativegallery.com"  Maybe?

 Canc