pricing art

Anna Fine Foer collage

The Art Biz ep. 177: Why You Should Raise the Prices of Your Art and How to Do It

Two things are clear when it comes to pricing.

First, it’s a struggle for most artists. And, second, there’s a good chance that your prices are too low.

The difficulty with pricing art is legendary. You’re not the only one who doesn’t have it all figured out.

Fear not! In this post and podcast episode, I give you 5 reasons to raise your prices and then thoughts on how to do it.

The Art Biz ep. 177: Why You Should Raise the Prices of Your Art and How to Do It Read

11 Tips for Pricing Your Art

I wish I could pull a number out of the hat and tell you how to price your art.

It’s not that easy, as you’ve surely discovered. Every artist’s path to their sweet spot for pricing is different.

I’ve come to know that there isn’t a single art market that you can look to as an exact model. There are many art markets – each with its own pricing structure.

Here are a few guidelines to begin with.

Art-Pricing Guidelines

1. Your first step is to research your market. Look for artists who do similar work using similar materials and who are at a comparable point in their careers.

Whenever you compare your prices to those of other artists, make sure you know that the work you’re looking at is actually selling. It doesn’t do you any good to look at prices from an artist whose work isn’t moving.

Many artists have adopted a formula for square-inch pricing. This is fine, but it must be based on something. You can’t pull a number out of the air. Follow all of the tips here and your formula will be well grounded.

2. Start lower. It’s easier to start on the low end of the scale and raise your prices than it is to lower your prices later.

However . . .

3. Never undervalue your work. Selling your art too cheaply means you’re probably not getting paid what it’s worth.

When you devalue your art, you devalue the art of every other artist who is trying make a living – many of whom genuinely need the money.

The dangers in pricing your artwork too low are:

11 Tips for Pricing Your Art Read

Bundling To Increase Your Income

A few weeks ago I had a sale of my audio products. I didn’t discount the products themselves. Instead, I bundled them together and added bonuses. If you’re open to creative solutions for selling your art, consider having a bundle sale instead of a discount sale of your products.

Bundling To Increase Your Income Read

Price Tag

Don't Confuse Price with Value

Guest blogger: Debby L. Williams Have you noticed on Antiques Roadshow that the appraisers always start with: “Tell me about this piece” ? Appraisers are trying to find out the story and history of the object and how much it means to the owner. Before they give any valuation to the owner, they want to

Don't Confuse Price with Value Read

Guidelines for Pricing Your Art

Here are a few general rules for pricing your art. Just a quick glimpse for those who are beginning to explore this difficult process.

    1. Your prices must be consistent. People shouldn’t pay less at your open studio than they do at a gallery. You have one price and should never (never ever) undersell your representatives.
    2. Start on the low end, while paying yourself enough. You can always raise your prices. It’s nearly suicidal to lower your prices later and it won’t make your current buyers happy at all.
    3. Don’t forget to pay yourself a wage! The most common mistake artists make is forgetting to pay themselves. You have to cover overhead and materials, but you also need to be compensated for your time.
    4. Attach higher prices to originals and larger works. As a general rule, originals are priced higher than reproductions and larger works sell for more than smaller works.
    5. More expensive materials (bronze, precious gems) command higher prices.
    6. Click for 5 more tips.

Guidelines for Pricing Your Art Read

Scroll to Top

Are you presenting yourself in the most professional manner online?

Get The Artist’s
Online Presence Audit

48 places to check to make sure you are ready when someone runs into you online. Free with optin.

*You will also receive updates about new podcasts, blog posts, and programs. You can opt out at any time.

Privacy + Terms