I want to document my experience with time tracking for commissions, because tracking time changed my business model more than any other single practice change.

Before tracking: I quoted prices based on rough estimates and pattern matching to other artists' rates. My estimates were consistently wrong on complex pieces.

After tracking: I have a database of hours spent on different types and complexity levels of work. A full-body character illustration with complex costume and simple background: average 8.5 hours over thirty completed examples. A simple portrait bust: average 2.2 hours.

The quotes I give now are based on actual historical data, not guesses. The accuracy of my estimates has improved significantly. More importantly, my pricing reflects my actual cost structure rather than market guesses.

The tool: I use Toggl Track, which is free and works on everything. I start the timer when I open the file and stop it when I close it. The friction is minimal enough that I've maintained the habit for two years.