How Do Artists Price Man-Sculpting Commission Work?

I usually talk about this like I’m explaining a game economy to a friend because pricing sculpted commissions really feels like balancing stats. First, pick your base tiers — say mini bust, full bust, or full figure — and set a starting price for each. Then add modifiers: highly realistic anatomy +$X, custom clothing +$Y, mold & cast +$Z, rush +20–50%. For a quick heuristic, many hobby sculptors use a rate-per-hour model (I’ve seen $20–$50/hr commonly) and multiply by estimated hours, then add material costs and a small profit margin. That keeps things fair and adjustable.

From the buyer side, expect to pay more for unique poses or commercial rights and to give a non-refundable deposit. From the maker side, track time honestly, set clear revision limits (one or two rounds), and list what's included: armature, base, painting, shipping. Also check what others charge in your community to avoid underselling — undercutting hurts everyone. In short: be transparent, split the job into parts so clients see what they pay for, and don’t be shy about raising prices as your work improves — confidence sells just as much as skill.

Pricing man-sculpting commissions mixes cold math with warm intuition, and honestly I kind of love that tension. I break it down into clear pieces in my head: materials, time, complexity, overhead, and rights. Materials are obvious — polymer clay, epoxy, armature wire, silicone for molds, resin for casting, paint, primers, sealers, and bases all add up. Time is trickier: you have to estimate sculpting hours, curing/baking/drying time, sanding and painting, and sometimes time spent making molds and multiple castings. I mentally multiply the sculpting hours by an hourly rate that reflects experience and local living costs; hobbyists might charge $15–$30/hr, while pro-level sculptors often start at $30–$70+/hr depending on skill and demand. Add a materials buffer (I usually add 10–20%) plus an overhead chunk for tools, workspace, and admin.

Complexity is what blows simple math out of the water. A small stylized bust is one thing; a full, anatomically detailed male figure with realistic hands, hair, textured clothing, and dynamicPose can triple the hours. Faces, hands, and drapery are time sinks. Custom features (tattoos, armor, props) and multiple expressions or interchangeable parts increase price. There’s also a concept or design fee if you’re creating from scratch rather than working from reference photos — I generally charge a non-refundable deposit (30–50%) up front to lock in the project and cover initial time. Rush fees are real too: if someone needs a piece in two weeks instead of six, add 20–50%.

Don’t forget rights and reproduction: personal-use commissions are cheaper; if the client wants commercial rights or multiple reproductions, prices jump because you’re giving them something they can monetize. Clear contracts help — scope, revision limits, delivery method, shipping responsibility, and a refund policy. Look at the market in your niche (miniatures vs. display sculptures vs. prop reproductions) and be honest with turnaround times. For buyers: provide clear references, be ready to pay deposits, and expect process photos for approval. For creators: track hours for the first few commissions to refine your pricing; it’s the best way to learn your real rate instead of guessing. I’ve adjusted my numbers several times after underestimating hand details and finishing time — it’s part of the craft, and you get better at valuing your work with each piece.