How Do I calculate My fee?

[apprentice]

I've recently been asked to come up with a quote for a very large bronze project, the likes of which I've never experienced.

Some people have suggested that I put a price tag on what I'm worth an hour and project how long the project will take. I see time put into a project as totally unpredictable.

Some people have suggested taking foundry quotes, etc., and doubling it; that my fee should match the foundry costs.

Any suggestions would be MUCH appreciated?

[G. Murdoch]

Having never done any bronze myself, I can't provide specific advice. The suggestions you've received so far sound reasonable. Start with the foundry, find out what the hard costs will be, then go from there. At some point you will likely have to estimate how long it will take you to complete the project. This is difficult if you have never worked on the proposed scale before, or if you are not in the habit of recording your hours.

Whenever people are asking for an estimate for a budget, they are asking you to be a professional, which means having some idea about the business side of large projects. The creative part, actually producing the sculpture, is what we love to do, however making a living at it typically means learning and applying basic business sense. A pretty sure way to remove yourself from consideration for any project is to reply "I don't know how long it will take" when asked by the people with the money. Good luck.

Graham

[G. Murdoch]

Reflecting on my first response to your post, I thought I could be a little more constructive. So, things to consider when calculating a budget include:
1) Tools
2) Materials
3) Foundry fees
4) Transportation & installation costs
5) Studio expenses (rent, utilities, etc...)
6) Living expenses for the duration of the project
7) Documentation
8) Misclenaneous costs (20% of the above total)
9) Artist's Fee

When attempting to estimate how long a project will take, calmly think your way through every stage of the process, writing down your best guess regarding time for each stage, then double it. Better to under-promise and over-deliver. If you think you could complete the project in six months, tell your potential patron that you can guarantee delivery within one year. Be honest with them regarding your lack of experience on projects of this scale, tell them that your time estimate is only an educated guess, but do not tell them that you have no idea.

I am awaiting a block of marble from China for a commission. In the contract I wrote that I would deliver the sculpture within 90 days of taking possession of the stone. With luck the carving will only take 40 days or so. Had I told the patron he would receive the sculpture in 45 days, I would be under enormous pressure. This way I can comfortably finish the sculpture in 50 or 60 days, and still come in under time.

Your fee should reflect your experience and education (formal or informal), so if you have under 10 years of experience, charge apprentice wages, say, $ 20/hr. If your experience warrants journeyman's or master's wages, so be it. Good luck

Graham

[HappySculpting]

Hi Graham,

Just wanted to say that this run down of how to determine what to charge was helpful to me. Thanks for taking the time to help others.

~Tamara

[apprentice]

Graham,

Thank you so much for your response. Your info has been a great asset to my measure.

:)

Bryan

[leahfuhs]

It depends how much experience you have. Bronze does take a VERY long time once you have poured and cooled, the process to get it to where you want it is tedious even if you dont have flash to clean up (as im sure you know). the LOWEST quote should be double the foundary costs, if it's a big piece (larger than 2feet by 2 feet) i would add a thousand USD or two to the final number. if it's much larger, i would charge hourly from when you start work after its cooled, (doubling foundary costs would be your initial low quote) at no less than 20USD/hour until the piece is finished. (hope this was helpful) :rolleyes:
I've recently been asked to come up with a quote for a very large bronze project, the likes of which I've never experienced.

Some people have suggested that I put a price tag on what I'm worth an hour and project how long the project will take. I see time put into a project as totally unpredictable.

Some people have suggested taking foundry quotes, etc., and doubling it; that my fee should match the foundry costs.

Any suggestions would be MUCH appreciated?

[evaldart]

When all else fails I have not ever lost my shirt by doubling the production costs (materials,paid assistants, transportation, installation etc) If all this adds up to 10,000, pay yourself 10,000...20,000 total. I HAVE lost my shirt on occasion by some of the more thought-out methods/formulas.