Portrait Commission Fees: What You Really Pay for Custom Portraits

When you hire an artist for a portrait commission fee, the price an artist charges to paint or draw a personalized portrait of a person or group. Also known as custom portrait pricing, it’s not just about talent—it’s about time, materials, and the artist’s reputation. Unlike buying a print or stock image, a commissioned portrait is made just for you, from scratch. That’s why prices vary wildly—from under $200 to over $10,000. What’s the difference? It’s not magic. It’s details.

Most artists base their portrait commission fees on three things: size, medium, and experience. A small 8x10 inch pencil sketch from a new artist might cost $150. A full-color oil painting of a family of four on a 24x36 inch canvas from a well-known artist? That could hit $5,000 or more. The medium matters too. Watercolor is faster and cheaper than oil. Digital portraits often cost less than traditional ones, but high-end digital artists charge just as much for their skill and editing time. And don’t forget: an artist with 15 years of experience, a gallery presence, and five-star reviews isn’t just selling a painting—they’re selling trust and reliability.

Location plays a role too. Artists in big cities like London or New York usually charge more than those in smaller towns, not because they’re better, but because their costs—studio rent, materials, marketing—are higher. Some artists offer payment plans. Others require a 50% deposit upfront. A few even include two rounds of revisions. Others don’t allow changes after the sketch stage. These aren’t random rules—they’re part of how artists protect their time and set boundaries. You wouldn’t hire a contractor without asking about their process. Don’t hire an artist without asking either.

And then there’s the hidden factor: the subject. A simple headshot of one person? Straightforward. A full-body portrait with a pet, a detailed background, and multiple people? That’s a whole different project. Artists often charge extra for complex compositions. Some even add fees for photo references that are blurry, poorly lit, or taken from awkward angles. It’s not they’re being difficult—it’s that bad reference photos mean more guesswork, more time, and more frustration.

What you’re really paying for isn’t just the paint or the pencil. You’re paying for the artist’s eye—the way they capture a smile, the light catching a cheekbone, the quiet tension in a hand. You’re paying for the hours spent studying your photo, sketching, correcting, layering, and refining. You’re paying for the fact that this portrait will outlive your phone photos, your social media posts, maybe even your grandchildren.

Below, you’ll find real examples, pricing breakdowns, and advice from artists who’ve been doing this for years. Whether you’re looking to hire someone or trying to set your own rates, these posts give you the facts—not guesses, not hype, just what works.