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? 

[GBK]

Wonderful portrait of Cosmo, Linda!  Your work is inspiring and truly the best I have seen, Love it!

[PJ and Zach]

A beautiful piece of art!

[Kyoko]

Very nice....

[Lucy & AnnaBelle's Mom]

Wow, your work is amazing.  While of course I love all the photos of the doodles I also loved the photo of the teddy bear in the antique high chair.  Beautiful photo. 

[Linda and "Toby"]

Thank you, Lucy! 

[Kyoko]

 The lady who did the pet painting on Youtube Corel Paint tutorial said that she can charge $1200.00 on 16X 20(?) portrait!!

I think if you give them a digital image that they can print out numerous copies, the price should be much higher. And may lose authenticity = value. I think if people wants copies, you may give them some discount on second painting, but the duplicates should also come from you... I think that digital image should be sold only on special occasion like if you work for shelter or something.

Good luck with your business... Your work is amazing....

[Lynda Kamrath]

See my comments, Kyoko.  You got me started today.  $1200 is ridiculous, but she is an artist, and they can charge whatever they can get.  You do need to be careful, however, about copyright issues, even with a photograph.  I really like the CD idea.  Since my friends live all over the place, it is much easier to just do the work at home and send the CD.  And that is where doing work over a photo that they took themselves, is the very best idea.  Besides, everyone loves their own photos and in this day of digital photography, anyone can display their own "art".

[Kyoko]

CD was always convenient for me, when I need to purchase professional photographs ( My son is a professional dancer ) but I always had to pay much higher cost to purchase CD's... CD was always good so that we were able to send headshot, etc... vial e~mail.

[Linda and "Toby"]

It's so difficult to know how/where to set prices on these things. I would rather charge less and bring more people joy by making it affordable for them to have a portrait of their pet that they can smile at everyday. If I could get it to a point where I'm painting 5 a week, I'd be living my dream by making money doing what I love. :)

[Kyoko]

Your work is beautiful!! I am sure you can!!!