Pattern Commission Advice

[glacidea.livejournal.com]

Guttentag, first time poster here. I was asked today for a commission I never have been asked for before. Now I am no stranger to commissioning and have been taking them for a few years now. I've had my fair share of screw-ups and becoming overloaded, making all the usual commissioning mistakes, but I've gotten into a good tempo now. Recently, I've been making and selling patterns, just to try something new. I made a MLP one and a dino and such. I just do it as a side hobby to bring in some extra money every now and then.

I received an email today asking to commission a pattern from me. I had never thought of taking pattern commissions before and so I am baffled as to what to do. I was thinking cost for how many pieces it would be, extra cost if I am unable to sell it normally, there should be something about commercial use, etc etc. I've never done anything like this before, so I would greatly appreciate advice and tips, plus pricing information and such.

I make plush, which is obvious from the above paragraph (examples here: loneplushieinfo.webs.com/ so you can judge based on my skill for like...pricing). My commission prices are usually in the 150 to 300 range and obviously a pattern won't be NEAR that much. So yes, just all advice and everything will be GREATLY appreciated <3

Comments

[stormslegacy.livejournal.com]

I don't know a ton on the subject but i do know custom patterns *easily* cost more than the plushie...as others said A. you need to do tests but B. you're giving them unlimited ability to reproduce the design. Even if you say they can't sell it, that's hard to enforce.

One place I'd ask for help is the forums on Etsy, there are a number of people there that make all kinds of commissioned 3D items and you're likely to find an answer.

It might be best to look at other plushie-maker's policies to get an idea of standard business practices.

[glacidea.livejournal.com]

Yeah, I've done plush commissions for years, but you're right. a Pattern commission is infinitely MORE valuable since you can make as many as you want, especially if you get a plush out of it. I will check out etsy. Thanks!