How long do you spend/allow for on a Con-Style Sketch?

[DonCardenas]

This may seem like a random question no real finite answer, so I am just looking for generalities here.

If you are doing a con sketch, let's say 1 figure, inked, on 8x10 or 9x12, what would you think the appropriate amount of time would be to work on it? I think we all would like to make everything as perfect as it can be, but we have to let it go at some point.

Those who buy sketches, I would appreciate your thoughts as well.

Again, I know this may yield varying answers, but I appreciate any feedback.

Thanks!

[Wood]

This may seem like a random question no real finite answer, so I am just looking for generalities here.

If you are doing a con sketch, let's say 1 figure, inked, on 8x10 or 9x12, what would you think the appropriate amount of time would be to work on it? I think we all would like to make everything as perfect as it can be, but we have to let it go at some point.

Those who buy sketches, I would appreciate your thoughts as well.

Again, I know this may yield varying answers, but I appreciate any feedback.

Thanks!

If a typical artist doing interiors in the industry can do an 11x17 page, on average, per day -- then I think that should be the starting point. If they also ink the work, make that two days. So 14-16 hours for a fully inked comic book piece.

Now as to an inked commission? Assuming it's got less backgrounds, and it's a splash in that there are no panel layouts or sequential thoughts and planning that have to do into it, I would imagine it should take 6-8 hours (roughly half the time).

If it's just figures, and smaller size, I would think 1-4 hours.

[DonCardenas]

Thanks Jason, to clarify I was more referring to the last example you gave. All current signs are pointing to me having a table at a con next year, and I was worried about if someone was crazy enough to pay for a sketch from me that I wouldn't be sure of when it's "done".

I guess i am just thinking too much about th, but I would still like to read anyone else's thoughts on the matter.

[Benjonesart]

depends on what your doing, these are my estimates for sketches on 9x12

Pencils: Head shot 10-15 min, bust and larger ususaly around 30min

Inks: +10min

gray markers: +20min

A fully inked bust or full body with grayscale usually about an hour drawing time., Most times a little longer cause it seems to take me longer while in the convention environment.

[DonCardenas]

Thanks Ben, that is very helpful!

[Devilhand]

For unknown artists I prefer the $10-20 price range pencil / inked. At this past Heroes Con I purchased a Bryan Mon sketch for $20 and he was done in around an hour. Pencilled, inked, colored - and he does his art standing up! 

Eric Henson did a headshot for $10 inked in two hours.

The higher your price, the closer you get to getting a sketch from a "pro" (meaning someone who is working in the industry as a known commodity). $100 for a sketch from Joe Bob Whozit or Keron Grant? I'll go with Keron Grant for that amount.

I've had pros put me on a list and come back the next day for my sketch.

An hour to two for a con sketch seems average to me.

Phil Jimenez takes about. . . 30 minutes for an inked head sketch that's around two inches tall.
Evan Dorkin whipped out a Milk & Cheese, inked, and colored in about 15 minutes.
Alan Davis churned out a penciled head shot for me in a crazy amount of time. Maybe 10 minutes.

You want to set parameters for your con sketches. Then practice churning those out to get quick at it. Most fans will be happy with a dynamic figure for a guy, or a sexy figure for a female.

I find that during fast layouts first then going back to ink them goes quickly. Also if you're inking, I pencil loose, then do most of my drawing with the micron / copic / pitt pens. Stuff like this. Laid them out in about an hour. Finished them each up in around 30-45 minutes. The Soranik took longer because I wanted to horse with ink. Mask. Throw ink down. Throw grays in. Throw whites in. Throw more blacks in.