[squbrigg]

Just when you think you've seen it all!

I could use some serious advice....I was approached this week by a corporation who is building a new building here locally. They asked if I would be interested in providing them with a very unique center piece for their foyer, a display. I had the manager to the house to view my work and we discussed the project and I have offered them some ideas for the display and they love the ideas. I wouldn't go into the specifics of the display, but it is sufficient to say it will be 4' X 4' X 3', includes a full sailing ship, and an associated scene in the surrounding area. The piece has historical significance to the location and to the company. They haven't begun to build the building yet, but it is fast tracked , so I would have about 4 - 5 months to complete it for their grand opening. They prefer to use a local artist, and I know that I can do the project and do a first class job.

I am honoured to asked..... but my delema is this.......what do I charge them for something like this? Taking on a commission isn't something I've ever done before. I want to be fair, but not taken advantage of. They want a world class piece, and within their time limit, so it means dropping everything else to concentrate on this. I believe I can manage the work, even with my physical and mental limitations.

I would appreciate any advice you could offer....I know some of you are professionals and probably do this all the time. But, while I have sold many of my ships and carvings before my accident, I haven't taken on something like this before. And as you may remember, I have difficulty "sorting things out", a result of the brain injury. So I could really use your advice. (You can e-mail me privately if that is more convienient/appropriate)

Bob

[Callynne]

Bob, how wonderful, you must be so excited and feel so honored!! I'm sorry I don't have any advice to offer, I'm sure some here will or can point you in the right direction. I do hope they offer the advice here, I'm curious how one figures something like that out also!

Again, congratulations, I'm very, very happy for you and look forward to seeing this project from start to finish!! Callynne

[AlArchie]

Bob, congratulations on your prospective commission! My only advice would be not to under-price your work. Here's a link to a professional carver in Taos, NM, who's works I have seen. There are some of his priced items listed at this link.

http://www.terrywolff.com/ShopTaos/w...ings/index.asp


Maybe you can get an idea for pricing your work. Along with his works, there were several other excellent sculptures, in the round, of about the same size you are mentioning for yours, and they were selling for anywhere between 5K and 40K. You might check some of the east coast nautical websites for some more comparisons...I know I have seen whale carvings around 20" long for around $3500. Excellent pieces, by the way!

I'd also check with your contractor and see what their price range is....unless you are trying to get one of your pieces prominently displayed, if they are expecting something for nothing, tell them to find someone else!

Good luck with this endeavor.....please post some pictures if you get the commission.

Al

[Anthony Filetti]

Bob,
It's difficult to answer your question, but I would start with questions of my own...why do YOU want to do it? Is it for the possibility of having your works displayed prominently for a long time, or is it a way of supplimenting the cost of your art, or could it be a opportunity to expand your skills in a way in which you have previously desired? I think the answer to these questions should give you guidance as far as pricing goes...

From my own life experiences, a bank I had previously worked for had bought a new building and the building had a large atrium that they decided to buy a sculpture for. It was rumored that they paid $40,000 for the artwork which turned out to be nothing more than about 7 pieces of colored plexiglass simply bent (no major shaping here) and hung from cables.

I'm not sure the company cares much what it pays since it will be written off as a business expense, this might be an opportunity for you to display your fine craftsmanship and at the same time not be forced into being a starving artist.

Keep us posted, you know we'll want to see your progress and let us know how you make out with this dilema...

...my two cents.

[Paul_Guraedy]

Bob, there is an excellent article on pricing in the March 1999 woodc@rver ezine by Joe Dillet.



http://carverscompanion.com/Ezine/Vo...ol3Issue2.html

This might give you some help. Just clicked on it and it took me there.

Paul

[Thor]

HI Bob,
Congrats on your exciting endeavor.
One bit I would like to remind you of, is that commissions are "harder" than simply selling something that you made for the love of it. You have clients to please, dimensions to fit into, materials to purchase that you didn't just pick up at a bargain price, and maybe even tools to purchase or other expenses to endure. The prep work involved is time to you as well. Drawings to prepare, presentations to have approved, and all of this is just a little bit stressful, especially to an artist such as yourself, who really just likes carving wood.

Most artists charge approximately 15 to 20% more for commissions than they would for the same size piece if it was sold as is to a client after already completing it. This is a justified cost after the list of complications that I put in the first paragraph.

I would ask them what their budget is, and then approximate the detail, and materials accordingly. Then, you have a better idea what they want and what you can provide for the money.

Having 4 to 5 months to get it done may sound like a lot of time, but after the preparations to actually begin to carve, that time will be even less. Give yourself some leeway for error, problems or setbacks on their side as well as your own. I am personally very good at running out of time for commissions which makes me very nervous.

I hope to see the progression of your work in pictures, and know you'll do a very professional job and your carving career will benefit from the exposure tremedously.
Congrats again,
Thor

[birdcarver7]

hello bob,looks like you,ve got some good advise already,thor ,i think nailed it,i would say this,what ever you decide on,dont turn it down,sounds like a great opportunity,would be good for getting your name around even more,all the best ,milford.

[Mitchell]

Bob,

The referenced article by Paul is good for reference.

Basically, you need to consider your time and materials. Do not underprice your price/hour. Don't forget that you will be missing out on other carving activities....you need to be compensated for your dedicated time. For your materials, be sure to add a percentage for working loss - expect to make a mistake or two.

Add a percentage for tools - you will need to make an allowance for "wear and tear" on them.

Also, don't forget that this is a business - with a budget established to pay for these types of items. Ususally they are "healthy" budgets. If you are concerned about being too high - I recommend being "high" - itemize the costs that you expect and discuss the list with the person in charge of the project. If it is out of line, they should be willing to work out with you. That way BOTH parties should be happy as there will be no surprises.....at least as far as price. I am sure that they will be surprised with the final product as you do excellent work.

[rales]

Bob,

Gosh, this sounds like a great project! Thor did indeed nail most of the points I would bring up. 1) find out their budget range 2) figure what your time is worth - and be generous here (+25% at least)... you will be spending more time with the client - probably more design/drawing time and problems will pop-up! You will also be spending more time with decorators, project people etc. - and if there any committees involved - they can be brutal. 3) fiqure on new tools and supplies (I know a lot of people fiqure this is just an excuse to buy some new stuff - but they don't charge the client for it) - if you need it - bill it!

It doesn't sound like the project itself is intmidating to you... just the scale?

Dang, Mitchell just got in ahead of me... I'm not going to edit...

Good Luck!
rales

[Hi_Ho_Sliver]

Bob...I fear you will sorefully underrate and underprice your work! They want world class work...well they came to the right man....they want it done on "their" time schedule, not yours and you will have to drop everything else....I will tell you about your ships what I have been told about my paintings....figure out what you think is a real and accurate and fair price......then multiple it by about 10!! In this case, I would add $$ for the time you have lost by dropping everything else on your agenda...these people do not care about the dollar amount and if you come in too low, they feel they are not getting the "best"...all this is my personal opinion but I saw a pitiful stainless steel sculpture (if you call it that) that was installed in front of a state building that cost $60,000.00 and was a good example of "nothing"! lol