Commission Batch

Painting for money changes everything. Your own models can sit half-finished for months. A client's models have deadlines, expectations, and someone paying for a specific result. The difference between a hobby painter who takes commissions and a commission painter is process.

You'll manage a full client batch from brief through scheme approval, batch painting, sign-off, and shipping using a workflow that protects both your time and the client's investment.

The Client Brief

Get everything in writing before you touch a model. Quality level (tabletop, tabletop-plus, or display), color scheme (specific paints or reference images), deadline, and price. "Make them look cool" is not a brief. "Ultramarines 5th Company, tabletop-plus, Kantor Blue armor, gold trim, desert bases, delivered by March 15, $25 per model" is a brief.

Agree on quality using reference photos, not words. "Tabletop standard" means different things to different people. Show examples of your work at each tier and let them point. Commission rates typically run $5-8 per infantry at tabletop, $15-25 at tabletop-plus, and $50-150+ for display characters. Don't undercharge. Factor in materials, shipping, and communication time.

Intake and Inventory

When models arrive, inventory everything. Count sprues, check for missing parts, note damage or miscasts. Photograph the lot as-received. If models arrive assembled, note assembly quality (mold lines, gaps, alignment) and discuss whether cleanup is included in your quote. Document model count, condition, agreed scheme, deadline, and payment schedule in your project tracker.

The Test Model

Paint one model to completion before touching the rest. Match the client's references, apply the agreed quality level, photograph from multiple angles, and send for approval. This saves you from painting 20 models in a scheme the client doesn't like. A few extra days beats a full repaint.

If changes are requested, make them and re-photograph. Lock the scheme only after written approval. A "looks great!" text is fine. Save it.

Batch Painting

Batch paint using the exact recipes from your test model. "Kantor Blue, two thin coats" not "some blue." Batch in groups of 5-10, assembly lining each color across the batch. All armor, then cloth, then metallics, then details. Faster and more consistent than painting each model to completion.

Send progress photos at pre-agreed checkpoints (after basecoats, after shading, before final details). Clients who feel informed are happy clients. Clients who hear nothing for three weeks get anxious.

Details, Approval, and Shipping

After batch stages, handle individual details: sergeant markings, unique weapon loadouts, decals (use Micro Set and Micro Sol for transfers that look painted on). QC each model individually before final approval photos.

Photograph every model against a clean backdrop with two lights at 45 degrees. Send the full gallery for sign-off. These double as your portfolio images.

Matte varnish the batch (Vallejo Matte Varnish or spray, but watch humidity above 60%). Let varnish cure 24 hours. Pack models in bubble wrap or KR Multicase pluck foam trays inside a rigid box with padding on all sides. Ship with tracking and insurance. A $500 batch shipped without insurance is gambling.

Common Mistakes

• No written agreement. Quality level, price, deadline, and revision policy in writing. Every time. Email, DM, text thread. Something you can reference later.
• Skipping the test model. One test model, approved in writing, before batch work begins. Non-negotiable.
• Underpricing. Track your hours on the first few commissions. If you're earning less than minimum wage, raise your prices.
• No progress updates. A quick photo every few days takes 30 seconds and keeps the relationship healthy.
• Cheap shipping. Proper packing costs $5-10. Insured shipping costs a few dollars more. This is not where you save money.

Commission painting is a business, even if it's a side hustle. Treat it like one and clients will treat you like a professional.