I will summarize/clarify the opinion that I expressed in an earlier email to you regarding celebrity portraits in a portfolio for marketing portrait commissions. Perhaps this is what you meant in your poll question in regards to "valid".
Andrea interpreted the question the way I thought people would interpret it, or one of the ways, which is why I wanted to change the poll question. But, that Andrea is a quick typist
and she got a post up there before I could change it. So, the below is what I feel we discussed.
1. It's important to build a well-rounded portfolio as one of the first steps into the world of portrait commissions since generally, people only buy what they can see. So, if a prospective client has a little girl to be painted, you increase your chances of getting a commission if you show little girl portraits in your portfolio...the more charming the better.
2. I also believe the look of success tends to bring success. If you've painted your sister's child, your sister and your father all in appealing marketable portraits, no on ever has to know these are your relatives. They could simply appear to be commissions. In the mind of the prospect, the very fact that others have commissioned you (so they think) gives you credibility.
3. If you feature only or mostly celebrity portraits that are not commissions, to me, it seems to communicate that no one has retained you previously to paint a commission. Of course, if an artist is very successful and has in fact painted many celebs, that's a different story. But, in that situation, the artist's fees will reflect that level of success.
4. Then there is the subject of figurative painting which is not a portrait commission. It is painted by the artist and put up for sale. That is totally valid.
5. There are, of course, exceptions where a portfolio filled with celeb portraits might bring you a commission. But, I feel in order to get into a higher level in fees and stature in the field, you need to start with a well-rounded portfolio of subjects and not just (or mainly) celebs. Of course, some artists specialize in adults or children, in which case, they would build their portfolio accordingly.
Hope this clarifies. And, I agree with Andrea that you have a lot of talent!