Spied this Gallery while having lunch in Capri. You have to admit; this is quite the SLOGAN. Those Italians really know how to spin a phrase! Anyway, let’s talk about PRICING your artwork. Not easy, but here’s my take on it…
ONE OF THE MOST OFTEN ASKED QUESTIONS is how should I price my artwork? My answer was most often…”Uhhhh…”. Even if you’re not Italian, you can take that word out of your vocab. Listen up.
This question is a toughy and there several ways to go about it. Below are suggestions that work for some artists, and at the end I’ll give you the method I personally use.
TIME AND MATERIALS – If you’re just beginning to sell and have little or no sales history, at the very least you should cover your costs (time and materials) it took to create the artwork. You could decide on an hourly rate and multiply it times the time you spent on it, then add on the cost of the materials.
COMPARE – Take a look at the competition, or other artists in your area and see how they are pricing their artwork. Then make a judgement from there. My feeling is, if your work is comparable, your pricing should not be a lot over their price nor under their price (which sorta makes buyers think your work isn’t as good or worth as much – and it IS worth it. Don’t forget that and don’t be shy about asking a fair price!)
DON’T BE EMOTIONAL ABOUT IT – Yes, some pieces are dear to our hearts. If that’s the case, perhaps you’d rather not sell it? Selling our pieces is a business and if we’re going to compete and survive we should maintain a business attitude about it. This means don’t charge more for one of those pieces that may have special meaning to you. Consistency is key to building a reputation.
MY FAV – I like this method because it’s the most consistent and works for any size. If the piece is larger, the price adjusts accordingly. Choose a price per square inch. Yes, you heard me, per square inch. No, I’m not going to tell what my rate is, but let’s use $1.20 for example.
Your artwork is 10” x 11”. So, you multiply 10 x 11 to get the number of square inches, which equals 110 sq. inches. Now, just multiply again by the price per square inch, which is $1.20. 110 x 1.20 = $144.00. Simple! But let’s try it again so I can be sure you got it:
- Artwork is 16 x 20
- 16 x 20 = 320 sq. inches
- 320 sq. inches x $1.20 = $384.00. Sell it for $384.00
No more fumbling around for a price. You know what your rate is and you can quickly come up with a price whenever you are asked (might need your cell phone calculator, I admit). And this is the price you use wherever you sell – galleries, Facebook, friends, the White House.
I hope this helps, as it was something I personally struggled with for quite some time. Now, though, I’m at peace. 🙂 So, peace be with you and all of that! Thank you so much for reading.
Kathie xo
Thanks for the tips!
Thanks for commenting, Rosita!
Does this square inch method apply to just the image or to the mat and frame also? Thanks.
It is so difficult for me to put a price on my own work…. thank you so much for helping me make sense of it. Awesome advise, Kathie.
Thanks Kathie, as usual your sharing is priceless’!!! Will try square inch . I struggle with pricing. Usually I find myself on the low end.
Thanks. Your words are very wise. If one leaves craft or art markets or show visitors price works….one won’t even be able to take more workshops ! I know….For lots of reasons one day, I decided to work small but I use this major magnifying visor ! Merci.
Thank you so much, it has always been a struggle for me.
Thanks for the tips
Thank you!!! I seriously needed this tip, thank you again Kathie
Great advice from our Fearless Leader!!
I’ve been working on some pieces & people have asked me if I sell my art. I haven’t sold yet but just might give this a try. I get so much JOY just seeing to looks on friends faces when I “give” them a piece of my art! But if I do another art show, I now know how to better price my pieces. Thank you, Kathie!!
Namaste!!
Thanks! Good to have some thoughts. This is one of the reasons that my work is piling up in the closet…. LOL
If someone asks if you sell your art. That means they are interested. Say “YES”! And don’t feel guilty about it. Get used to the idea that your work is worth selling.
Thanks for the information!
Thank you for this helpful information. If your artwork touches someone’s heart, they will purchase it.
I’m curious Kathie if you don’t also add in the cost of framing for your pricing? This can be a huge variable as people approach matting and framing in multiple ways. Or, are you considering your own framing costs to be absorbed in the square inch price? If your pictures are often of a certain size and you frame them in a consistent way, I guess that could work. Please advise. Thank you.
Hi Kathie, This was great info and I will definitely try it. Thanks a bunch.
Always fantastic information. Thank you for sharing. Hugs! 🙂
Great info. I am always wondering if I am selling at the right price, your way makes sense . Thanks for the help.