Hello and welcome back! In this article, I would like to share my experience as a new miniature painter who has started accepting commission work. I know many of you are interested in turning your hobby into a potentially profitable side gig. Well, let me tell you, it’s fun, hard work, and full of unexpected challenges.
KEY TOPICS FOR THIS ARTICLE
- Transition from Hobby to Professional: I share my challenges and rewards in moving from hobby painting to commission work, managing client expectations, and overcoming imposter syndrome.
- Efficiency Techniques and Tools: Discover how I use airbrushing and batch painting to save time and maintain quality on large projects.
- Client Communication and Project Management: Learn how I effectively communicate with clients and manage project timelines for successful commission work.
Just as a brief recap, I started painting to scratch a creative itch I had while my wife was overseas. Little did I know that this journey would continue to grow to what it is today. I have traditionally painted my models or models I intend to give as gifts.
That is changing as we will get in to in the coming paragraphs. Usually, I have a couple of hours in the afternoon to paint a couple of days a week when my kids are playing with friends in the neighborhood, but that’s about it.
So with that as background here we go!
INTRODUCTION: WHERE IT ALL BEGAN
At the end of last year (2023), my presence in various groups on social media had grown and people were reaching out asking for painting work. First and foremost, this was a shocking experience! I joke with people that my painting skill is marginally above replacement level.
So you can imagine how honored I was that people wanted me to do work for them. I also have a little bit of imposter syndrome related to my work. Thinking that I don’t belong in the world of commission painters, but that is for others to decide not myself.
When I got started I realized that I didn’t know what I didn’t know about painting for others. There were things I could not have anticipated before taking on commission work.
The Beginning Projects
The first people who reached out were Dungeons and Dragons (D&D) players I knew and whom I had played D&D with previously. These were one miniature projects so they could have something nice on their table. These projects were low-stress projects.
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Where the timeline was not a factor because the nature of D&D campaigns. You can play the same character for months to years. I would work on the project, but getting to the end result wasnt there weather implied by client or self-imposed.
Feast or Famine
In the spring of 2024, I had somewhat of an explosion of people interested in my painting work. I began a three-model project for a coworker, and within a week, I had four other projects come in. You might be thinking, “Why is he complaining about getting work?”
Not really complaining. More of an observation, as work starts to accumulate, there is a level of stress that comes along with it. When I have taken someone’s money as a deposit for work, I want to get that work done as quickly as possible, with the highest level of quality as I am able.
So the client can get a return on their investment. The way that I to help manage timeline expectations for clients is a running project list on my Discord server. This way, clients can see what project I am working on and where their project is in the queue.
Clients’ Wishes vs. Reality
The project that I started with was a centerpiece model for a co-worker’s Sisters of Battle (Adepta Sororitas) army. Saint Celestine is an absolutely beautiful sculpt, but I didn’t know how difficult it would be to actually paint her. Her body is held aloft on the base by parchments, making her appear to be flying.
This did cause a significant wobble each time I moved my hand or touched her with the brush. The bigger issue I had was the client wanted her to look as if she were flying through clouds.
I tried many different techniques and setups to make this happen, and every single one of them looked like a third-grade arts and crafts project. So with hat in hand, I spoke with the client who was agreeable to change to something that in the end looked better.
The Big Boy
While working on Saint Celestine, the models for my next project arrived. This was a 41-model Black Templar project for a gentleman who found me on social media. His models arrived when I was approximately 50% complete with Saint Celestine.
Those models sat on my game table for a couple of weeks before I had a chance to start them. However, once I cracked open the box, I was excited about the opportunities that were going to come my way while working on this project.
A New Perspective
Prior to this Black Templar project, I had acquired enough Stormcast Eternal models to have a full army. However, I had never sat down to “paint an army” before. I had just painted the units I thought looked cool, and that eventually became my army. I had to learn new ways to maintain the same quality of work that the client had seen online. While needing to do so faster than I had done in the past.
Good Ol’ Airbrush
I had used my airbrush to prime models in the past. Then would dry brush my zenithal highlights on after that. This is a long process and would take a significant amount of time across 41 models.
Therefore, I committed to using the airbrush as much as possible for this project. I used the airbrush for the zenithal highlights. Then using it to paint all the models with contrast paint saved significant time. I am sure! This is a technique I will be using in the future.
Summary
Doing the same color scheme over a large volume of models can be taxing. Trying to find excitement while painting the same part of a different shoulder pauldron for the 27th time can feel like Groundhog’s Day—A classic movie everyone should watch by the way.
What helped me push through those times when I was less than motivated to work? It was the feeling I would get when the client saw the final product. The same was true when pushing through the difficulties on Saint Celestine.
Thinking of the client’s reaction when he saw the model for the first time made it easier to push through the struggles. This is especially true with Saint Celestine, because I hand delivered it to the client. His reaction was golden!
Painting for other people is rewarding, and it helps me expand my skills and comfort zone by working on projects I wouldn’t do for myself. This makes me a better painter overall.
Final THOUGHTS
Looking to take on miniature painting commission work?
If you’re a fellow miniature painter considering taking the plunge into commission work, I encourage you to go for it! The journey is filled with challenges, but the rewards are equally plentiful.
Each project pushes you to grow as an artist and brings a unique sense of accomplishment. Whether you’re just starting out or looking to expand your skills, taking on commission work can be a fulfilling and enriching experience.
Don’t hesitate to share your work on social media, engage with the community, and be open to new opportunities. And if you ever need advice or want to share your own experiences, feel free to reach out!
Happy painting!
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Alexander Foust is a loving husband, father of twins, and committed Emergency Room Nurse. Balancing his personal and professional life, he finds strength in his faith and enjoys fitness, miniature painting, and tabletop gaming. You can reach Alex who is open to miniature painting commissions via email ([email protected]) and his MARLevel Painting Facebook page.
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Killer article Alex! Its awesome to see people turn their hobby into a side hustle!