Pencil portrait payment arrangements

I ask for half to start work, the final half after I have sent a preview by email and they have approved it.

Note that I do not word it as "50% up front." I feel that the words "up front" have a negative connotation connected to them, as if I do not trust the client. Of course, I do trust the client and I would not want to send a negative message. So I say half to 'start work,' which has the almost subliminal message of 'I don't work until I get some payment' without actually coming right out and saying it! Also, "50%" sounds like a discount and seems to cheapen the message.

Some artists ask for 33% at the start, with 66% at the end (basically that's one third up front.) This seems to be a very fair arrangement, but it's more difficult to do mathematically! So do what you think is best for you and for your customers.

Many artists consider 20% of the percentage they receive to start work as a non-refundable deposit. This is a way of protecting your time invested. It does make sense, when you evaluate setting aside time to work on the customer's project, and you may have already started work on a portrait when the person wants to back out. I have 20% non refundable listed on my price list, but I generally wouldn't charge it unless a person had caused me some income loss because of backing out.

What to charge for a pencil portrait

What to charge for pencil portraits?

I don't mean to tell you what to charge your customers, but I do think in general that artists underestimate the value of their art. I think this is because many of us just have natural talent, so we take it for granted. But it's taken you a lot of work and time (although you may not think of it as work because you love it so much)

Pencil portrait prices can vary by where you live, but here are some general prices:

Wanting to build a portfolio: $25 and permission to use artwork on any and all materials

Just starting out and have a few portfolio pieces: $75-$125

Artists with a little experience: $125-$250

Published Artists: $250-$450 or more per artwork, depending on project.


People equate price with quality. This is a perception that we know is not true in all cases. However, I have had more customers since I found more confidence to increase my fees. You can place a notice on your pencil portraits pricing page that "all prices are subject to change without notice."

You may elect to set your prices as the highest level that you feel comfortable with - and that you feel you could justify if necessary.

As your skills increase, raise your prices. If you become so busy that you are having trouble keeping up with your portrait commissions, this is a sign that it's time to raise your prices.

The higher your prices are, you may find that the level of respect you receive as an artist also increases. It's like the adage - if you don't respect yourself, no one else will either!