new tail in the works!

[melbel1023]

i'm starting to collect my supplies for my next tail - i think i may make a video tutorial with this one!
i already ordered my fabric, after this weekend i will order my paint and get my latex/supplies!
i'm working on a classic green tail, which will then be followed by a red violet one (in the months that follow).
hopefully, my green tail will be under way before september!

i was also asked to commission a tail for someone, so, if they let me, i may post some of their tail's in-the-making photos!
i already gave them a ball-park figure for supplies, but how much should i charge for labor? i don't really want to be in the "business" of tailmaking - especially since ALEX latex isn't necessarily the most permanent material (though my blue tail is holding up amazingly thus far, after three swims, six dry-land appearances, and one beach trip), so i don't want to rip off someone as far as labor charges go, but i also don't want to cheat myself.
anyone have any ideas? so far, her tail is costing anywhere from $300 to $380 in materials.

[Mermaid Sirena]

I find this same problem all the time when I do freelance for design work. I charge by the hour for that, find a good base price that seems around average then subtract a bit as I am not a professional (YET!) and go from there. I think you would want to average out how many hours of labor it took (I'm guessing the tail drying doesn't count to much towards this number, though it should have some small bearing) to make your tail then figure out how much if you charged by the hour it would of cost. Average that number out a bit and subtract a little (you have practice now so it wont take as long) and have that be the base price of this and any future tail commissions. If some one wants fancier things that will take longer you can adjust it from there.

It might also help to look at what other tail makers charge, guesstimate on material costs and then subtract that from the whole to see what they charge for labor.

[Mermaid Saphira]

Did you ever finish/ get your tail started?? :)