Math question

[Susan Ballinger]

Okay, maybe this seems trivial to some, but I'm curious as to how you would figure this example of a commission.

Say you charge $1,000 for a portrait, plus 20% for a lot of detail (clothing or background), plus 50% for each additional person. A person asks you what it would cost for two people with a highly detailed background. Would you simply multiply it all together 1,000 x 1.5 x 1.2 = $1,800 or would you add the percentages to multiply it off the original starting commission $1,000 x (1+.5+.2) = $1,700.

Since it does make a difference, which way would you compute it?

Susan