How do you start a miniature painting service?

[MythBeasts]

Hi there,

I am looking to start a miniature painting service but I don't now where to start. I have a small but increasing portfolio of my advanced tabletop standard. I got a 7/10 on this site and painted them in good time. I have a website, business cards etc. I have also just started to sell my work on eBay.

But how do you get commissions? Is it word of mouth, eBay selling or going to local gaming clubs? A bit of paid marketing? I also saw the MiniWarGaming are letting people paint for advertising credits. Is that worth doing?

www.mythbeastspainting.com
http://www.coolminiornot.com/361912?browseid=9892291

 

[gohkm]

I'm looking to get into commission painting as well, but I'm admittedly somewhat less than quick about it. I'd love to hear more on this.

I was told to just put up my portfolio and if someone looks at it and contacts me for work, then I've cracked it.

That approach has been more than less successful at the moment, though.

 

[MAXXxxx]

Word of mouth works pretty well I think.
If you put on an ad. here + other painting sites + gaming sites you'll have enough work soon.

But for that you'd need to prove somehow that you can do larger projects. I's not enough that you painted 1 mini to 7+ if the customer wants a full skirmish to that level AND within 1 or 2 months.
So you must prove somehow that you can keep to the estimated times, keep to a certain level AND be constant about it (so not even big improvements from first to last figure).

Also most people want full forces (35-50pt WM for example) painted to a pretty basic TTQ standard, so most will aim to get at around the 5.5-6.5 level. If you do better then you're wasting time, if worse than the customer will be unhappy.
Aaaand in the mean time you'd need to do some jawdropping ones to show what you're capable of. Most likely noone will pay for that level, but it's needed as a form of advertisement.

(I'm one of the rare, who'd be happy to outsource single minis too, but for now I wouldn't ask either of you, I'd say you need a bigger portfolio (more painted minis, 1 or 2 full armies wouldn't hurt either) + improve still a bit to show off.

 

[Anthonyr8925]

What max said is entirely true another way I have gotten more buisness is by working with my FLGS to out a couple models in their display case and also keeping my buisness cards there. Once one client likes your work word will spread quick. Don't take more then 2 max units at a time to start out (ie 10 space marines or 10 WM models) stick to your guns on pricing and be willing to work with people on every thing as it's your goal to make them happy!

 

[cfwheeler58]

This is easy.

1) Show a potential customer anything I have painted
2) Show the potential customer anything you have painted
3) Take their money
4) Do the work
5) Give them the finished product
6) Don't send me pictures

See. Easy........

 

[MythBeasts]

Thanks guys,

This helps. MAXXxxx you're advice is very insightful. Yes' I've just started out but it is good to know that full painted units are a must for the portfolio. Will also be adding vehicles & monsters in due course. I've gone overboard with the characters as I have like 6 more to add. Must focus on units.

I'm also looking into perfecting the art of speed painting whilst retaining quality for those 5.5 - 6.5 figures that most people want.

Anthonyr8925 :

Once one client likes your work word will spread quick

Thanks so much. This means it will take some time to become a 'full time' painter.

Don't take more then 2 max units at a time to start out

Again this pushes me in the direction of - have a full time job with miniature painting on the side then with enough practice and clients - go full time.

All the best gohkm with your work too.