What is an Art Commission Calculator?
An Art Commission Calculator helps artists determine how much to charge for commissioned artwork based on the time invested and their hourly rate. This tool ensures fair compensation for creative work by calculating the total commission fee.
How to Use the Art Commission Calculator
- Enter the Total Time you expect to spend on the project (in hours)
- Enter your Hourly Rate (in dollars per hour)
- Click "Calculate Commission" to see your recommended commission fee
The calculator will display the total art commission amount in dollars.
Art Commission Formula
The formula for calculating an art commission is:
$$
\text{Art Commission} = \text{Total Time} \times \text{Hourly Rate}
$$
The result is in dollars.
Where:
- Total Time is the estimated hours needed to complete the artwork
- Hourly Rate is your desired compensation per hour of work
Example Calculation
Let's calculate the commission for a detailed portrait:
Given:
- Total Time: 50 hours
- Hourly Rate: $100/hr
Solution:
$$
\text{Art Commission} = 50 \times 100 = 5{,}000
$$
The artist should charge $5,000 for this commission.
Factors to Consider When Setting Your Hourly Rate
Experience Level
- Beginner artists: $15-30/hr
- Intermediate artists: $30-75/hr
- Professional artists: $75-200+/hr
Project Complexity
- Simple sketches require less time than detailed paintings
- Digital art may have different time requirements than traditional media
- Revisions and client feedback add to total hours
Market Research
- Research what similar artists charge in your niche
- Consider your local market rates
- Factor in your unique style and reputation
Tips for Accurate Commission Pricing
- Track Your Time: Use time-tracking tools to understand how long different types of projects actually take
- Include Prep Work: Factor in research, sketching, and planning time
- Account for Revisions: Build revision time into your estimate
- Materials Cost: Consider adding material costs separately to your hourly rate
- Underestimate Buffer: Add 10-20% more time than you initially estimate to account for unexpected challenges
Common Art Commission Time Estimates
- Simple sketch: 2-5 hours
- Character illustration: 10-20 hours
- Detailed portrait: 30-60 hours
- Full scene/background: 40-80 hours
- Animation (per second): 5-10 hours
Pricing Models Beyond Hourly
While hourly rates provide transparency, some artists prefer:
- Flat rates based on project type
- Per-piece pricing for consistent work
- Value-based pricing considering the client's budget and project value
Use this calculator as a baseline to ensure you're compensated fairly for your time and expertise!