Lena Rivera
Commission painting for Warhammer 40,000 miniatures requires a clear and structured pricing strategy to ensure both the artist and the client are satisfied. Factors such as the complexity of the model, the desired paint scheme, and the level of detail influence the final cost. Artists often charge per model or per unit, with additional fees for intricate details like freehand designs or custom conversions. It’s essential to establish a base rate, communicate turnaround times, and provide examples of previous work to set client expectations. Offering tiered pricing for different quality levels (e.g., tabletop, display, or competition standard) can also cater to a wider range of budgets and preferences. Transparency in pricing and clear communication are key to building a successful commission painting business in the 40k community.
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What You'll Learn
- Pricing by Model Size: Base costs on model size (e.g., infantry, vehicle, monster)
- Complexity & Detail: Charge extra for intricate details, conversions, or freehand work
- Army Discounts: Offer bulk discounts for larger orders or full armies
- Turnaround Time: Increase rates for rush orders or quick completion deadlines
- Material Costs: Factor in paint, primers, and other materials into your pricing
Pricing by Model Size: Base costs on model size (e.g., infantry, vehicle, monster)
Model size directly correlates with the time, effort, and materials required for painting, making it a logical foundation for pricing commission work. Infantry models, typically smaller and less detailed, demand precision in tight spaces but are quicker to complete. Vehicles, with their larger surface areas and intricate mechanical details, require more paint and time for layering, highlighting, and weathering. Monsters, often the centerpiece of an army, combine size with complexity, featuring unique textures, multiple sub-assemblies, and elaborate bases. This tiered approach ensures clients pay proportionally to the work involved, while painters can maintain consistent hourly rates across projects.
To implement size-based pricing, categorize models into clear tiers: infantry (e.g., Space Marines, Guardsmen), vehicles (e.g., Rhinos, Leman Russ tanks), and monsters (e.g., Knights, Greater Daemons). Assign base prices that reflect the average time needed for each category—for instance, $10–$15 per infantry model, $50–$80 per vehicle, and $100–$200+ per monster. Adjust these figures based on your skill level, local market rates, and the complexity of the client’s scheme. For example, a squad of 10 tactical marines might start at $120, while a Land Raider could begin at $70, and a Knight Titan at $180. Transparency in these tiers builds trust and helps clients budget effectively.
While size is a primary factor, it’s not the only one. Consider offering add-ons for customization, such as freehand designs, intricate basing, or advanced techniques like non-metallic metal (NMM) or object source lighting (OSL). For vehicles and monsters, charge extra for complex camouflage patterns, battle damage, or conversion work. Conversely, provide discounts for bulk orders within a single category—for example, 10% off for 20+ infantry models or 15% for 3+ vehicles. This flexibility rewards larger commissions while maintaining profitability.
A common pitfall is underestimating the time required for larger models. A monster or vehicle may seem straightforward, but the sheer number of details and layers can double or triple the expected time. Always factor in drying time, assembly, and potential revisions. Use a stopwatch or time-tracking app during test projects to refine your estimates. Communicate these considerations to clients upfront to manage expectations and avoid scope creep.
Ultimately, size-based pricing simplifies quoting and ensures fairness for both parties. It allows painters to focus on their craft without constantly recalibrating rates, while clients benefit from predictable costs. Pair this approach with clear contracts, progress updates, and high-quality photos to showcase the value of your work. By mastering this system, you’ll establish yourself as a professional who delivers consistent results at a fair price.
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Complexity & Detail: Charge extra for intricate details, conversions, or freehand work
Intricate details, conversions, and freehand work demand a higher skill level and more time, so charging extra for these elements is not just fair—it’s essential. Clients often underestimate the effort behind a finely detailed emblem, a custom weapon conversion, or a freehand pattern that flows seamlessly across a model. Break down these tasks into time increments: a single freehand symbol might take 30–60 minutes, while converting a model’s pose or adding custom elements could add hours. Communicate this clearly in your pricing structure, such as adding a flat fee per detail tier (e.g., $10–$50 per intricate element) or charging an hourly rate for complex conversions. This transparency ensures clients understand the value and effort involved.
Consider the tools and materials required for high-detail work. Fine brushes, specialized paints, and sculpting putty for conversions add to your costs. Factor these expenses into your pricing, either as a percentage markup or as a line item in your quote. For example, if a conversion requires green stuff and a custom mold, add $5–$10 to cover materials. Similarly, freehand work often requires multiple layers of thin paint and precision, which increases wear on brushes—a cost that should be reflected in your final charge.
When quoting for complex projects, use a tiered pricing system to account for varying levels of detail. For instance, a basic infantry model might start at $15–$20, while a hero model with intricate details and conversions could range from $50–$100 or more. Provide clients with options, such as "standard," "detailed," and "masterpiece" tiers, each with clear descriptions of what’s included. This approach allows clients to choose their investment level while ensuring you’re compensated fairly for the work involved.
Finally, showcase your expertise in complexity and detail through your portfolio. Highlight before-and-after photos of conversions, close-ups of freehand work, and examples of intricate details. This visual proof justifies your pricing and attracts clients who value high-quality craftsmanship. Include testimonials or reviews that specifically mention your skill in these areas to build trust and credibility. By emphasizing your ability to handle complex projects, you position yourself as a specialist worth the premium.
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Army Discounts: Offer bulk discounts for larger orders or full armies
Commission painters often face a dilemma: how to balance profitability with attracting larger, more time-consuming projects like full armies. Army discounts emerge as a strategic solution, incentivizing clients to commit to bigger orders while streamlining your workflow. By offering a reduced rate per model for bulk orders, you encourage clients to invest in a complete army, ensuring consistent work and potentially higher overall earnings. For instance, instead of charging $15 per model for individual units, propose a tiered discount: 10% off for orders of 50+ models, 15% for 100+, and 20% for 200+ models. This approach not only rewards clients for larger commitments but also maximizes your efficiency by minimizing setup and color-switching between disparate projects.
However, implementing army discounts requires careful planning to avoid undercutting your earnings. Start by calculating your base rate per model, factoring in materials, labor, and overhead costs. Then, determine the discount threshold that maintains profitability while remaining attractive to clients. For example, if your base rate is $15 per model and your profit margin is $5, a 10% discount reduces your earnings to $13.50 per model, still leaving a $3.50 profit. Additionally, consider offering incremental discounts for specific army sizes, such as 50, 100, or 200 models, to align with common Warhammer 40k army compositions. This tiered approach ensures that both small and large armies benefit from the discount structure.
From a client’s perspective, army discounts are a compelling proposition. A full army painted to a consistent standard enhances the tabletop experience and eliminates the hassle of piecemeal commissioning. For example, a client building a 2,000-point Space Marine army might hesitate at the upfront cost of 100+ models but could be swayed by a 20% discount, reducing the total cost from $1,500 to $1,200. To further sweeten the deal, offer additional perks for full army orders, such as free basing, custom unit markings, or a complimentary display board. These add-ons provide value without significantly increasing your workload, making the discount feel even more worthwhile.
One caution: avoid overcommitting to army discounts without assessing your capacity. Painting a full army is a significant undertaking, often spanning weeks or months, and requires consistent communication with the client to ensure their vision is realized. Establish clear timelines and milestones, such as completing 25 models every two weeks, to manage expectations and maintain momentum. Additionally, require a deposit for army orders—typically 50% upfront—to secure the project and cover material costs. This safeguards your time and resources while demonstrating the client’s commitment to the project.
In conclusion, army discounts are a win-win strategy for both commission painters and clients. By offering tiered discounts for bulk orders, you incentivize larger projects that maximize efficiency and earnings, while clients benefit from reduced costs and a cohesive, professionally painted army. With careful planning, clear communication, and strategic perks, this approach can become a cornerstone of your commission business, attracting dedicated hobbyists and ensuring a steady stream of rewarding work.
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Turnaround Time: Increase rates for rush orders or quick completion deadlines
Clients often underestimate the time and effort required to paint a 40k army to a high standard. A rush order disrupts your workflow, forces you to prioritize their project over others, and can lead to burnout. Recognizing this, a premium for expedited turnaround is not just fair, it's essential for sustainability.
A standard turnaround time for a 40k army can range from 6-12 weeks, depending on size and complexity. For rush orders, consider a 25-50% surcharge for completion within 2-4 weeks, and a 50-100% surcharge for completion within 1-2 weeks. Be transparent about these rates upfront, clearly outlining them in your commission agreement.
Let's say a client requests a 2,000-point army painted to a high standard within 3 weeks. Your standard rate for this project might be $800 with a 6-week turnaround. A 30% rush fee would add $240, bringing the total to $1,040. This reflects the increased pressure, potential overtime, and opportunity cost of delaying other projects.
Remember, rush orders should be the exception, not the rule. Prioritize your own well-being and maintain a sustainable workflow. If you're constantly accepting rush orders, it's a sign you need to adjust your pricing structure or workload.
When calculating rush fees, consider not only the time saved by the client but also the impact on your schedule and stress levels. A rushed project often requires longer workdays, potentially sacrificing quality and your own personal time. Don't undervalue your time and energy.
Finally, be prepared to say no. If a rush order compromises your ability to deliver quality work or disrupts your existing commitments, it's perfectly acceptable to decline. Your reputation for quality work is paramount, and rushing a project can damage it irreparably.
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Material Costs: Factor in paint, primers, and other materials into your pricing
The cost of materials is a silent partner in your commission painting business, and it demands respect. Every brushstroke, every layer of primer, every drop of paint—they all add up. To price your work fairly, you must first understand the true expense of these essentials. A single pot of high-quality acrylic paint might seem insignificant, but when you’re layering colors, highlighting details, and applying multiple coats, the usage multiplies quickly. For instance, a 12ml pot of Citadel Layer paint, priced at $5.50, might only cover 3-4 miniatures depending on the technique. Primers, too, are not to be overlooked. A 400ml can of spray primer, costing around $12, can prime approximately 20-30 miniatures, but this varies based on size and coverage. These numbers aren’t just trivia—they’re the foundation of your pricing strategy.
Let’s break it down further. Suppose you’re painting a squad of 10 Space Marines. You’ll need primer, base coat colors, layer paints, washes, and possibly technical paints for effects like rust or glow. If each miniature requires 2-3 colors at $5.50 per pot, and you use half a can of primer ($6), your material cost per squad could easily reach $25-$30. But here’s the catch: paints don’t last forever. A pot of paint used for multiple commissions will eventually run out, meaning you’re not just charging for this project’s materials but also contributing to the replacement cost for future work. This is why tracking usage is critical—it ensures you’re not undervaluing your labor or overestimating your profits.
Now, consider the hidden costs. Brushes wear out, palettes get dirty, and mixing mediums are consumed. A good synthetic brush, priced at $10-$15, might last for 5-10 miniatures before needing replacement. Even water, used for thinning paints, and paper towels for cleanup, add up over time. These small expenses are easy to overlook but can erode your margins if unaccounted for. A practical tip: create a spreadsheet to log material usage per project. Note how much paint, primer, and other supplies are used, and calculate their cost per miniature. This data will become your pricing bible, ensuring every quote reflects the true expense of your craft.
Here’s a persuasive argument: underpricing materials doesn’t just hurt your wallet—it undermines the value of your work. Clients often don’t see the behind-the-scenes costs, but they do notice quality. Cheap materials can lead to poor results, tarnishing your reputation. By factoring in material costs accurately, you’re not just covering expenses; you’re investing in the longevity and credibility of your business. For example, using high-quality primers ensures better adhesion and smoother finishes, which translates to happier clients and fewer rework requests. It’s a win-win: you maintain your standards, and your clients receive a product worth every penny.
Finally, let’s compare approaches. Some painters include material costs in their hourly rate, while others itemize them separately. The former simplifies pricing but risks obscuring the true cost of materials. The latter provides transparency but can complicate quotes. A balanced approach? Calculate your material costs per project and add a markup to cover wear-and-tear and replacements. For instance, if materials for a squad cost $30, add 20% ($6) to account for brush degradation and other hidden expenses. This method ensures you’re compensated fairly while keeping your pricing clear and professional. Remember, your materials are the backbone of your art—treat them as such in your pricing.
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Frequently asked questions
Calculate your desired hourly wage based on your skill level, experience, and local market rates. Factor in expenses like paint, brushes, and overhead costs, then add a profit margin. For beginners, rates might start at $15–$25/hour, while experienced painters can charge $30–$60/hour or more.
It depends on the client and project. Charging per model is simpler for clients and works well for standard units, while hourly rates are better for complex or custom work. Many painters offer both options to cater to different needs.
Include the cost of materials (paints, primers, etc.) in your quote. You can either add a flat material fee or incorporate it into your hourly rate. Additionally, consider charging extra for specialized techniques, conversions, or rush orders. Always provide a detailed breakdown to the client.
