SHOULD YOU COMMISSION YOUR WARHAMMER ARMY? Real Talk

Let’s be honest: not everyone wants to paint their whole army.

You love Warhammer. The lore, the strategy, the thrill of the dice. But when it comes to painting? That’s where a lot of us stall out.

Maybe your backlog has become a literal fortress of grey plastic. Maybe you’re burned out from painting 100 boltguns. Or maybe you’re just too busy to spend your evenings layering edge highlights on a dozen Intercessors.

Whatever the case, commission painting isn’t just for collectors and display cases anymore. It’s become a legit, smart option for competitive players, casual gamers, and anyone who wants an amazing army — without sacrificing all their free time.

Let’s dig into what it really means to commission your army, how much it costs, and whether it’s the right move for you.

Why Commission an Army in the First Place?

Here’s the truth: painting a full 2,000-point Warhammer army takes a ton of time. Even at a solid tabletop level, you’re likely looking at 100+ hours of work — not including the learning curve, mistakes, gear, or mental energy.

And not everyone loves the painting side of the hobby. Some people want to build lists, play games, and dive into the narrative — not grind through batch painting every weekend.

Commission painting lets you focus on what you enjoy while a pro handles the artistic side. It's no different than hiring someone to tattoo your custom design or photograph your wedding. You're still calling the shots — just bringing in a specialist to execute your vision.

What Does It Actually Cost?

Commission pricing varies depending on the quality level, model type, and who you hire. You might spend around ten bucks a model for basic tabletop work, or go upwards of fifty to a hundred for character-level detail. High-end display or competition pieces can run even more.

A full army? That could range from about $1,200 to $3,000+, depending on size and style. But before you get sticker shock, consider what you’re really buying: a huge amount of labor, skill, and time — plus the benefit of not having to do it yourself.

Most people commission armies using a mixed-tier approach. That means painting characters and centerpieces to a higher level, while keeping troops and vehicles simpler. It saves money and still looks amazing on the table.

Can’t I Just Paint It Myself?

Sure, and if you love painting, you absolutely should. But here's the thing most people don't talk about: your time has value.

Let’s say you spend 100 hours painting your army. If your day job earns you $30/hour, that's effectively $3,000 of your time — not to mention all the stuff you could’ve been doing instead, like playing games, hanging out with friends, or relaxing.

And unless you’ve already got a well-equipped hobby station, you’ll need to invest in brushes, paints, basing materials, lighting, and more. The true cost of a self-painted army often isn’t much lower — it just comes in time and scattered receipts instead of an invoice.

If painting is your jam, go for it. But if you’re constantly stressed or guilty about your hobby backlog? Commissioning might actually save you money and make your hobby fun again.

What You’re Actually Paying For: The Reality of Being a Commission Painter

It’s easy to look at commission pricing and think, “That’s expensive.” But let’s flip the perspective. Here’s what it takes to be a commission painter — and why most of us aren’t just chilling in a mansion, sipping Nuln Oil cocktails.

Gear & Tools

  • High-end brushes (and lots of them): $20–100 each, replaced often

  • Full paint collection across brands (Citadel, Vallejo, AK, Scale75): Thousands over time

  • Airbrush systems and compressors: $300–600+

  • Lighting, photography, wet palettes, custom storage — all adds up

  • Specialized materials for basing, weathering, conversions, etc.

Time

  • Every model takes hours, not minutes

  • Plus planning, client calls, photo editing, packaging, shipping

  • And don’t forget admin: invoicing, social media, website upkeep

Business Overhead

  • Studio rent, utilities, equipment maintenance

  • Insurance (because accidents happen)

  • Shipping materials, foam trays, packaging — especially for international clients

  • Marketing, ads, platforms fees (Etsy, Squarespace, PayPal, etc.)

Physical & Mental Load

  • Repetitive strain from hours of precision painting

  • Eye strain, back pain, burnout

  • The pressure of hitting deadlines and client expectations every single time

So when a studio quotes $2,500 for a fully painted army, they’re not getting rich — they’re staying afloat. A good commission painter is part artist, part project manager, part logistics expert, and part customer service rep. It’s a labor of love — but it is labor.

Who Should You Hire?

This is where things get interesting — and risky, if you're not careful.

There are big studios out there with large teams, fast workflows, and factory-like consistency. They're efficient, but you might not get much personal attention. And then there is the price…

Then there are boutique studios (like Rogue Miniatures) that focus on high-end detail, personal service, and working closely with each client. You'll likely pay a bit less too. And you’re getting real collaboration, clearer communication, and models that feel like they were painted for you, not just at you.

Freelancers and marketplace painters (from places like Reddit or Fiverr) can be hit or miss. There are some great artists in the mix — and some horror stories. If you go that route, vet carefully.

Whoever you choose, make sure:

  • Their portfolio shows consistent quality at the tier you’re paying for

  • They’re clear about pricing and timelines

  • They’ll send you WIP photos and regular updates

  • They’ve got positive reviews from real clients

If anything feels sketchy or vague, walk away.

What to Expect from a Great Commission Experience

Here’s how the process usually goes:

  1. You send over your army list and ideas — models, color schemes, timelines, etc.

  2. The studio sends you a quote and schedule.

  3. You approve a test model (if offered), and the real work begins.

  4. You get progress photos and can give feedback.

  5. Final photos arrive, then your army ships out — packed safely, insured, and ready to roll.

Throughout the process, you should feel informed, respected, and excited. That’s the mark of a good studio.

The Real Benefit: What You Gain

This isn’t just about getting a painted army — it’s about what that army unlocks.

  • You get to actually play more games, instead of prepping for them

  • You can walk into any store or event proud of your force

  • You stop feeling like a hobby failure for not painting 100 minis

  • You focus on the parts of the hobby you love — gaming, collecting, building lore

And maybe best of all, you get to look forward to opening a box of beautifully painted minis, instead of dreading the next batch of half-primed grunts.

Final Thoughts

If painting brings you joy, keep at it. But if it stresses you out, burns you out, or keeps you from playing — don’t be afraid to hand the brush off.

Commission painting is a smart investment in your hobby. It’s not cheap, but it’s worth it — especially when it means you get to spend more time rolling dice, telling stories, and actually enjoying the game.

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Steven Beck

Steven is the Owner and Founder of Rogue Miniatures, and Blasted Miniatures. He has a passion for Miniature Painting of all styles, and seeing painted armies on the tabletop!