I just had a conversation - or discussion with my parents not so long ago. My father has wanted me to do a drawing he could use for the back of his leather vest (for several years) so I jokingly said he could pay a little for it and I would start right away. Like 15$ - A family discount. lol. They started mixing "Oh, so I should really have demanded money for helping you with the closet" and things like that. "we're family, we do favours for each other" I would do other favours for free - ofc - but not really art. And wouldn't they want to support me as an artist?
+Hoshi-Hana, As a parent I would definitely be the 1st customer! There's nothing I want more than for my children to succeed and be confident in their dreams, talents, skills… That being said I wish we hadn't paid so well for things like yardwork, Ha ha ha. Now we're old and they don't offer to come help if we do a big projects around our house. I wish we had taught them the value of family doing for each other. We truly shorted ourselves and them because what we could've said was, "you did such an excellent job on trimming those bushes that I would trust you to landscape a bit by the front entrance. As a matter of fact you did so good that I'll pay you 30 bucks if you plant some ornamentals with some mulch etc. "We would've been able to "kill 2 birds with one stone" had we been smarter. The benefits of family working together, & opportunity to nurture their talent. All that to say, "yes, your family should be willing to pay for your beautiful skill and talent"
...look for something that they can truly use and value your help with. Something that says this is what family does for each other because we love each other! So that they have a contrast. Then the next time you're free artwork is solicited… You will have something to LOVINGLY share as an example. Another approach you could take is "OK dad I will do this art for you if you first agree that when it is finished, you pay the artist what you feel it is worth. Pay The artist and not your daughter. " One final thing… being realistic… 30 years from now will you wish you had did it for him in any circumstance? If so then I would try the first few ideas to get him to pay and if he doesn't I would go ahead and do it so that later in life you have no regrets. Only a happy memory of his eyes as he beholds the beauty created by his very own child. God bless!
I agree. Family (and children) should come first when it comes to support and encouragement like that. But they do want to encourage me. However I did a birthday invitation card design (printed too) for my grandmother and she insisted on paying me for the work. But ofc she's of the old school where you deserve money for a work done. :) And she wants me to get far so I really appreciate her support.
Exactly! Mine expect me to give every piece of art I make to one of them and if I want to keep it or would only be willing to sell it then I am "stingy."
Most artists are great at creating their art, but, when it comes to selling it, we generally fall flat... Like just about everyone else, I always struggled when it came to pricing my art. Many formulas were suggested to me.... most of these were complicated and hard to maintain. It took quite a while for me to gain a "reputation" as a competent artist. Thankfully, I attained a modicum success .... through art shows and winning an occasional art award... An article in an art magazine about my work also added to my credibility. I am now getting commissioned quite regularly for art pieces. It soon became obvious that I must adopt a pricing formula that was consistent. For stock and commissioned art pieces I charge $1 per inch. If the commissioned piece is of a subject that is "odd" or specialized, I ask for a non refundable deposit up front. (around 20% of the total price..sometimes more). The reason I do this is to cover the costs of materials...and part of my work time, should they not want the piece I created or simply just pull out of the deal, for one reason or another. After all, if it did not sell, it becomes a stock piece. I quite often find that some people have Champagne desires, but live on a beer budget. I never barter on the price I set for a piece of art. However I will, at times, round off a price...for example - $420 round off to $400. A old artist friend once gave me this piece of advice... "Never create your art just for the money, create your art because you love doing it. If you love it, you will do it well and the art will sell itself" - Cheers
Might consider getting a friend, family member, or partner to "Rep your Art" - Once a few pieces have been sold - it becomes easier - it's mostly the "unknown aspect of selling" just a comfort level that will grow in time and experience. A true story regarding SALES - Luckily, I was in the Sales Profession during my Career years - VP Sales - Fortune 500 Corporations for PreEmployment and Wellness Services - Appx 4-6 Million billed annually from my sales efforts. It was a stressful business - I spoiled my clients - because "I cared" ... Then stress caused a disease and after the disease treatment (radiation) caused such undesirable symptoms - those created real challenges - I had to quit working - Single Mom - child in College - no family that was close or could be trusted, - lost most everything and yada yada yada. 12 year Chapter of - uncomfortable situation - Now, I have greater clarity, learned what I'm certain the chapter purpose of the experience was meant to help me realize and to teach me - Together with that, I am confident that I also was given the Creative Gifts I have, to also use in a "profession, that I have Passion in experiencing - living life consciously in the moment and enjoying what I do., while making the income to give me security and independence, that I desire" God truly does give when we Ask and Believe. Both Jesus and Quantum Physicists are correct - although it took Science 2000 years to further validate what Jesus said so long ago, and they call it "The Law of Attraction"... Best wishes to you and your Creative Successes 💫
If you are starting out, just charge someone what the materials cost, and explain you are starting out and any extra income will help you develop as an artist. People love to feel like they are contributing to a good cause. The best salesman sells a story
jorge nunez really I'm new I do anime I'm so stuck! So what if it's on a4 paper and pencil how much would you charge then? I got a canvas for £5 I could do it on that I work part time in a supermarket I just love drawing and everyone tells me I'm good friends I mean but I don't know how much to price online... Or is making stickers a better option sorry for all the questions you sound smart and I'm trying to learn! Lol
I went through various stages when it came to pricing. at first it was too low, then way too expensive, then some people said i was charging too much, some said i wasn't charging enough .. then i got lost and annoyed. then i tried to have various pieces with various prices so everyone can find something for their own budget but i realized thant even cheaper, some pieces weren't still selling. i realized the price wasn't the problem, it's the art itself. some people will pay thousands of dollars for something they truely want to own, some people will never spend evern 10$ for that same piece. So it got me thinking and i decided to apply a basic rule + a personal factor. what it does is basically, there's the "basic" cost like materials, tools and such and then i also kinda need to define how much i need to earn to make a living (like a descent amount) and when an artwork needs 5 to 8 hours minimum, it's just impossible to sell anything below 50 or 60$ for my smallest piece and usually goes closer to 100$. that's just the base cost. and for mot people it's still too much but for some other, it's cheap. i sold most of my artworks around 80 to 100$ and even more sometimes. Then comes the personnal factor which is "how much would I personally pay to buy this" or things like "would you buy this if it was from you fav artist" and it's gives me a rough estimation of how much the piece worths to my eyes. Then let's not forget about fees (shop, paypal) and taxes (get an extra 20% .. that's painful) and now ... most of my news artworks can't be cheaper than 100 or 200$ and in the near future, i'm gonna have to get even higher due to the time i spend on them. Most people who love what i do can't buy it, but they don't realized (and sure enough, every one doing commissions for 20$ don't realize that either) that even if we love to paint, it is a source of income, it's a job and when you spend 20 or 30 hours on a piece, you can't sell this for 50$ ... specially if you're already starting with 40$ of material costs. When i sell a piece for 100 or 200$ you can know for a fact that i will "loose" around 50% of that in various costs/tools/taxes/fees/shipping ... to really be able to make a descent living out of my original sales, i should sell them nowhere less than 150$ to 400$ .... i might end up doing that, the original is just ... there's too much inside it to sell it for less than what i think it's worth. i used to be like "oh it's better if i do more artworks but cheaper than having a great artwork that is expensive and nobody buys it" but then, even by having more "mini" artworks that aren't the best i can do just for the sake of having "cheap" options for customers, i still didn't sell much. i realized i was neglecting my artist evolution and that it wasn't something i wanted to. I'd rather not sell my originals than sell them for 40$. I tried to compare myself to other artists, i even contacted some, most people ignored me ... i read books, i checked others stores of artists who are more famous or less famous than me. and there's no rules at all. i saw things that i would never buy for what they were charging but they still got sales ! i also saw some artists selling gorgeous things for not enough money at all ... it's sad to see deviant art has become a cheap commission place. What can you do towards people selling their work for 40$ when you can do the same great thing as they do but you are asking for a descent amount like 100$ ? most people will go for the 40$. I also think it's not only about how much your charge but also how many people are buying your art. Let's say i have one customer buying a 150$ piece, it's the same if i have 3 customers buying a 50$ piece. but it's getting hard when you have to produce more work. In my dreams, what i would love is having time to create great pieces and sell them for 500$ each lol I never, never, thought about charging based on per square inches or per linear inches ! :-O How could you decide you sample cost then ? why 1.40$ ? why not 1$ or 1.50$ ? and why 20$/linear inch and not 15$/lineart inch for example ? i was basing my work on the time i spent on it but it's not the best approach as you said but i can't only based on size, some pieces took 2 or 6 hours and they were the same size ^^; Thank you for the video Lisa ! :)
time doesn't _always_ equal money with art. because people work at different speeds and it's kinda silly if one artist can make a super detailed painting in 20 minutes vs another that takes 10 days to do the exact same thing. it's about skill! you get faster as you go along. and also attachment to art is a big thing too.
@ Lachri -- Unfortunately your right about pricing art by size rather than quality. That's because the general public is totally uneducated in what it takes to produce a "professional" piece of artwork. I've done portraits all my life & I get the same question all the time... "Well if you do it smaller can I get it for less?" Well it still takes just about the same amount of time & effort which is something the public doesn't understand. Technology is another thing that has dramatically reduced what artist can make, why pay big money for art when you can buy a print or poster for a couple of $$. I now live in a very blue collar area where people would rather spend their money on beer rather than "wasting" it on art. My answer to this is that I get out & work in public & sell 'em stuff while they're drunk. All kidding aside, nowdays I mostly just paint for myself, I've cut way back on commission work limiting myself to no more than a portrait per month. Also I get outdoors & paint as much as possible, this always attracts a crowd of people, next to me I'll have my medium sized print rack filled with finished work that they can casually look through, if they see something they like they can take it home for a price. The most important thing is to ALWAYS get the cost of ALL your materials, I usually figure in an extra 20% on that cost to cover my running to the art supplier or to cover my shipping cost since I order a lot of my supplies on line.
I started selling realistic oil pet portraits. I charged 75$ for each one. I think I am bumping it up to 100$ bc each one takes 10+ hours and I dont have time for 10 paintings!!
Lisa, these are great tips. Personally, I would like to do the 'blue dot' thing. I have only sold two paintings in my life.. One sold for less that I expected and the other one sold for much more that I expected. The first was that I out-smarted myself. I let the buyer take home the painting, hang it, and let them decide what they wanted to pay. He always bought expensive things and toys. I knew that he would never want to hang a piece of cheep art on his walls. Of course I thought he would offer a very generous amount. Fooled me. I was expecting about $500 or more and only received $150. My mistake. The second was a very large painting in length. 18" by 96", I let a gallery owner / art instructor price and sell it to a collector who purchased her paintings often. It brought in $1500. Wow ! I was happy to share $500 with the owner who had not required or nor expected a commission. Your tips on pricing are great and something to save for future reference. Again, Lisa, thanks for all you do. P.S. Lisa, many of your paintings need to sell for the price of the 'blue dot' painting.
My Store manager wanted me to do his Military uniformed portrait and would not want to pay more than $ 150/-. ( For the size 18"x 24", my price was $ 450/- )Well, him being my Manager, I thought at least I am getting some real work that I love. He loved my work and really was in tears seeing my finished work. NOW...see how it got appreciated! (This is my sarcastic tone!) He left the job and one fine day I met him at the Mall as he was working over there. He said, can you make the exact same painting as his mother has kept that painting and he wants to have one for himself. But he did not want to pay even the partial advance money. Now that I had no way of contacting him if he does not pay for the painting completed, what would I do with that piece? I can not even sell as an Art piece! So declined the order altogether!
I once sold a painting for 30€ and when I told my art teacher she held back tears telling me I could've charged about 200€. But to be honest I feel bad taking money from people for my artworks, I think it's because I've always been drawing and painting, but I've never seen any worth in it, it has rather been way to spend my free-time. It's really hard for me to change my way of thinking. :o
Oh my gosh thank you so much for this video. Because I’ve been told that I’m not charging enough and I don’t value my work enough, and I do I just wasn’t quite sure how to do it and I love the way you broke that down so thank you I am going to adjust my prices accordingly
I'm a new artist. People have been contacting me about purchasing my work, I had no clue where to start my pricing. This was very helpful, thank you so much ❤
Awesome!!!! Yes, this has been my biggest headache of all. I love that you give so much back ground info on your prices. In seeing the quality of your work and what you charge, ive found some confidance in myself. thank you for this video!!
Wow! The information in this video is so valuable to many of us, . Thanks so much for a thoughtful way to inspire us and to get to the bottom of business. I have given free paintings for birthdays or as a thank you for a true friendship, or just because I’m a nice person. Mostly family and I love giving away my painting to all my special people only. I truly appreciate all the suggestions in the video. Definitely, I’m behind watching your videos. What I mean is that now on 2020, prices have increased and it is time to sit down and evaluate the paintings and set a goal to sell. It has been wonderful to watch your videos. Each one with different ways of inspiration. Blessings and be safe.
Lisa, I saw this on TH-cam again, and I decided to view it because I am so encouraged when I hear of that million dollar 'Blue Dot' painting. I will be starting to work on my 'Blue Dot' painting. Thanks for the encouragement.
Thanks for your videos. I am learning so much about the business and marketing side of the house. Especially your video on not drawing enough. Thank you.
TRUTH!!!!! I learned as a wedding photographer the perils of pricing. It took the joy out of my life. What was a great gig working a couple assignments a week involving sports, 2008 presidential campaign, or the old lady at a knitting club, the surfboard shaper etcc... became a nightmare when I chased making money in weddings. Turning it into a business caused too many compromises in my life and a race to the bottom in terms of pricing (and quality). The rabbit hole of YT got me to this video and brought back nightmares.... lol. Thank you for bringing me back to reality! I would rather seek validation by chasing ribbons at my state fair or some other competition with an occasional sale. If it means being a failed artist... so be it.
Interesting, I've found it usually works the opposite way: newer artists seem to charge too little, even when they're VERY talented, just because they're desperate to sell, whereas more experienced artists--well, I'll never said anyone charges "too much" for their art if they can get what they're asking, because I assume those who charge more have seen how their markets respond, and have calibrated their prices on the basis of how much work they want to do. The ones who I've seen who've never made a sale are the only ones I would say are asking "too much." Absolutely on target, though, about all the factors that affect what an artist will be able to sell for: pricing ALWAYS has to take timing into account, and ALWAYS needs to be adjusted, often, depending on where you are in building your business. For any artist, it's always going to be ongoing trial-and-error: there's no such thing as the "right" price, because everything depends not just on skill, but also on previous sales, portfolio, name recognition, where you're selling, how much you've sold, how much you want to sell, etc.
Thank you. I always had a problem with my pricing and I have been giving away my work from what I have learned here.i really appreciate it. Hope I can get people to see my art and get my name out there.
Thank you so much for this video!!!! I seriously needed help with this!!! I just had no idea of bout how much u should charge usually I ask for $100 at a medium-sized canvas sorta and it takes me quite some hours to make my paintings, anyways this helped alot thanks!!! :)
+Paz H. Von Quesada German Shepherd kennels -- I hate to say it but the truth is our artwork, as far as the commercial side of the trade is concerned, is only worth what someone is willing to pay for it. Try & at least get the cost of your materials back plus a little something for you effort for those works that can't seem to find a home.
thank you so much. I have been an artist, selling artist, for some time. Self published and was making a name for myself pretty good. You have really spoke to me that all the stuff I wanted to avoid, I am going to have to face head on anyway. Pricing is hard. I have a lot of obstacles in my way, a diabled husband I care for. But I can work around that and now is the time
Thank you so much for this video! Pricing always seems to be a confusing subject and you explained it so clearly! I know painting is your thing, but have you done any work with textiles, sculpture or small crafts? Any tips on pricing art other than wall art?
Lily Manson I used to do crafts and that really ends up being the same, you want to figure out what others at your skill level and in your area are selling for :)
Wonderful advice as always. I always charge by the hour. All other professionals do, such as builders and plumbers, why not artists? Clients will understand this if explained to them. After years of experience, I have a pretty good idea of how long a picture will take. And usually larger works take longer time. This comes in useful when quoting for a commission. As demand increases, so should your prices. An hourly rate should factor in your materials cost, too. Lisa, your prices are too low. I'm currently on $50 an hour (built up over 50 years' experience) and never bat an eyelash when stating that to a buyer. 😁
Lisa, thank you so much for this video. It helps clarify a lot of misconceptions. Could I ask the linear square inch method you use. The $20 that you charge does this incorporate cost of materials, packaging & posting? Many Thanks, Regards Rahul.
This is great advice! I've used the sq in method and it has worked well as a good place to start. Pricing by linear in is something I haven't heard of but the pricing looks similar. Before I priced by size figuring out what to charge was tough. I've been told the price for large pieces are too expensive and I usually offer a print instead. Most buyers I have encountered don't know exactly what it takes to make a painting. They see a print at a store and decide they want their own custom piece and their artist friend could whip up something in no time and give it to them for cheap. From personal experience, I've encountered that.
Wonderful advice on pricing artwork, I'm in the process of starting my business and had no idea how to price my pieces. Your videos have helped tremendously!
Your advice here is VERY practical. I appreciated what you had to say and it's some of the most logical advice I have heard in a long time... thank you for posting this..
So i’ve tried checking online and doing research on what to price my artwork, but a lot of artists don’t even come near close to the size or medium I work with. I do a lot of 18x24” pieces using copic markers and faber castell pencils (sometimes I might use watercolor in the background). I do have a BFA degree in art and I’ve been using the copic markers as my main medium for about 5 years now. So what would be a good estimate of a price for someone who is just starting their art business with these materials and things in mind?
And what if it's a sentimental piece that you are doing, such as portraits? Do you still do the linear inch and charge extra? Pricing art has always been hard for me!!! I have over 20+ experience...
It's all the same for me unless it requires a lot more work. For example, I did a sea turtle in colored pencil recently. Normally for that size I would charge $600. This one took three times as long as usual to complete though due to the detailing, so when I sell it it will be at least double what I normally charge :)
Lachri Fine Art thanks so much!!! That helps...I ended up trading my painting for a really nice camera, so now I can start doing youtube videos...wish me luck!!
Really good advice Lisa, thanks so much for covering this topic. The only think I'm really struggling with is how much to charge to cover the cost of pencil supplies, namely I have no idea how to measure how much coloured pencil or graphite pencil I use up per drawing and how to include that in the cost. Also, do you charge extra per additional subject in your paintings?
Hyogail I do charge extra per subject and depending on medium and style. As for how much to cover the cost of supply, start paying attention to how much of your pencils are used up on each piece :)
Great video! This is something I still can’t figure out my area is artsy but don’t seem to have many buyers maybe I haven’t figured this all out yet! I have been in 3 galleries with sales! But can’t seem to find following and family and friend think I am off my rocker for my price I wouldn’t want to sell them much cheaper but I want people to be enjoying them as I build a fan base.
I like the linear method. I'll probably use that for my acrylic paintings(Liquitex). I'll be making a price list for buyers soon and let people know the estimate prices and that it may change depending on medium and amount of details. I also work with other mediums like coloured pencil (polychromos), graphite and watercolours so I was wondering if selling matted artwork changes the price?
Great video! I've already figured out how much to charge for my paintings, what I'd like to know is how much to sell the prints of those paintings for. Would it be a percentage of the selling price of the original art? If so, what percentage would be fair?
I don't go by percentages. I just have a flat rate for different sizes of print. Because I sell through fine art America for my prints, my mark up is a flat rate by size, but fine art America bases the actual price on what type of print it is. For example, a print on canvas would be more than a poster type print. You could do something similar.
Thanks, Lachri, I found your tips about quoting the Fees for a commissioned work very helpful. Still, it is going to be difficult to fix the amount as a friend of my cousin got inspired to get her deceased pet dogs' portraits done as she saw my painting of my cousin's deceased pet dog when she visited her home. I don't know that lady but a referral coming from my cousin makes me wonder how to deal with the situation.
This is a comment to all who sell or plan to sell their work. Please use quality materials and supplies. Lisa has produced many videos explaining the positive qualities of the materials that she uses in her drawings and paintings. Even in one case, Lisa has changed her recommendation on a quality color pencil because the quality had shifted. When you sell you art, you owe it to the purchaser to have the best quality of materials available so the work will last for years. Years down the road, it should be as vibrant and fresh as it was when it was new. It is OK to practice with 'cheep', but do your best to sell 'quality'. The most expensive materials and supplies are the 'cheep ones' that fail and cause your reputation as an artist become tarnished.
+Michael Parry -- Mike you couldn't be more right. A couple of years ago I met up with an old friend whom I did a portrait of her son back in the 70's. She still had that portrait hanging in her living room & it still looked as good as the day I gave it to her. A true professional artist is not just good at painting & drawing but a master craftsman as well. I use only archival materials that will not fade, rot or fall apart over time.
+Carl Pen , Those who have your work are pleased that you live by those rules. It was good for you to see your work after many years. You did it correct and it displays that care. Lisa always stresses the use of quality in all she will do.
I learned this slightly late (3yrs = ~200 pieces) but I was using cheap value brands. I started feeling more confident so I bought better quality wow was I missing out and now have been transitioning to professional material as I replace my voids or every time I sell a piece never again for the cheapest. Trying to upgrade papers but still I big step for watercolor middle/top of the road and that was amazing! Sheaffer Select Coins
Worst comments begin with its just a hobby - and that you're not looking to be professional are you? but you've spent years to develop yourstyle... fabulous Lachri great insights sales & marketing and factors for artists thanks for the energy boost & encouragement cheers. L = SallyAnn
If I am just starting out and want to go by the linear inch method, what should I be charging per inch? If your prices are 20, should I do more like 5 or 10? Or should I keep it closer to 20? Please help. Thanks!
Hey i found your vlog very informative. I used to paint a lot but i just give it away since i dont want people to think that im after the money, i paint because i just like to and its my talent then after finishing college i started working facing the reality amd set aside doing some art works, now im starting to build myself again and starting to paint and asking myself how much do i charge for it. This helps me a lot since i dont think the paintings I have created this year is worth 100 dollars lol but my friends said it is worth the money so this helps me a lot. Thanks. :)
Off topic you're pretty...Back on topic you're pretty much on point, from the art I sold and gallery experience I've had I agree with you. However if the artist is very good a potential buyer will assume or know the art piece will be expensive regardless of dimensions.
That's a great tip on pricing! Thank you!! X3 I hope to make art in the future {:3 By the way...where are you getting the $1.40/square inch/ $20 linear inch from your calculations? :o Just curious.
+Lita Krupp I can't answer for her, but for what it's worth: For a number of years now, I've been pricing my work at $1.50/sq inch and rounding to the nearest $5 dollars. So, for say, a 24"X36" @ $1.5/sq-in would be $1,296 and I'll round it to $1,295 for the sticker price. The reason I chose that number is because it seemed, more or less, to be about in keeping with what other artists in my area, doing similar types of work, and who were selling well, were charging. On top of that, I've done some experimental tweaking here and there, raising and lowering prices between shows, and what not, to see what effect it might have. And, the 'sweet spot' seemed to be right around $1.50/sq-in for me. Much higher, or much lower, and sales seem to start dropping off. And, yes, it might seem counter intuitive, but it's been my experience that pricing your work too low -- especially at art shows -- can cause you to actually make less sales. People judge the worth of the work by the price-tag, or something -- they think if your art is priced much lower than the guy in the booth next you, it must be because it's not as valuable, or you're not as serious an artist, or something, and they're more reluctant to buy from you.
Thank you for all of your tips. I am new to art. I am struggling with the prices of my artwork. I possibly have two sold to a neighbor, if the price is right. I am worried about over-pricing, as I might lose two sales, but I still want to earn a little extra money. The possible sales are 16x20 acrylic on canvas, semi-abstract. I am also thinking about painting on wood and covering with art resin. Any advice would be greatly appreciated.
These are amazing tips ~ My problem is that I do cartoon art, and it never takes me more than 1-2 hours to finish a drawing. Then when I sell this cartoon drawing for 20$ I feel like for the time I spent on the drawing, I'm charging too much, even though I use high quality supplies & the art is not that bad- Also what bugs me a lot is that my family and friends are mad at me because I don't agree to make them free art. They expect me to draw for free just because we are close and that is really annoying because they don't understand the amount of money I spent on art supplies and the fact that art is not done in one second.
I've been pricing per size but when it comes to family portraits or portraits of a few pets that's where I find it hard to know how much I should charge. I've done a family sketch before on a 8x10 of four people which turned out amazing, but haven't done a family painting yet. Though I've been asked to do one. What would you suggest?
+LachriFineArt Hello Lisa, thanks for your videos, very insightful...I was wondering if you include the cost of materials into the cost per inch...or if that cost is in addition to? I'm leaning towards the idea of it being in addition..thanks..
This is such a great video! I've finally gotten to a point where I can somewhat confidently price my artwork (though I know it's still undercharging, but it seems that will only change once the fan base gets larger), but it's an issue I can definitely relate with. Great tips for pushing through that phase! I've always been intrigued by EBay as an art selling platform. I love the idea but I'm terrified of failing. The one time I tried listing an original it was a flop, the highest bid didn't come close to my reserve. Do you have any tips to become successful with EBay? The linear inch technique for pricing is awesome, I hadn't heard of that before. Great system though, it definitely does give things a more even increase.
Danielle Trudeau For Ebay, I don't do reserves or start lower than I'm willing to accept for a piece. I put the price at the very minimum I would be willing to accept.
The cost of your supplies are actually much more than most mediums. Just because you don't use up canvases doesn't mean you didn't invest just as much into the ability to create art as someone working in traditional media. You had to buy a good tablet $900-2400 depending on the one you got. You had to have a computer to do it on, you had to buy the program to use with it. I know photoshop has you pay monthly to use their program now. This all adds up. On top of that digital artists quite often have to upgrade their supplies. Now you do run into a difference of pricing because you're essentially selling prints, not originals since the original is digital. There you may want to have a set of prices based more on what type of art you are creating. Maybe a certain price per subject, like one dog would be $200, additional dogs in the portrait would be $100 each (I'm just throwing numbers out there, you have to decide what your time is worth). If you are making the prints for them, then charging by size on top of that would work.
Damn... i probably undercharged my work! :( Well, its my first real canvas and quality material painting, so, i take it as something to learn about. Thank you!
do you price your commisions the same as you othet paintings? at the moment I do and its based on size (but not really square ink). If someone bought something at a certain price I won't ever lower it....and I plan to raise prices as people buy work and then if they stop buying it, drop it to the last price people liked....I've raised prices once to cover taxes and I raise my private art lessons... I'm still learning haha thanks!
I'm charging by the hour at the moment but I'm starting to think I should charge by size now. 🤔 The thing is sometimes I paint very quick "painterly" large acrylic paintings and sometimes I paint very realistic portraits of people in oils which takes waaay longer. 🤷♀️
How much should I charge for a hand drawn pencil sketch that now is a digital colored graphic? the size of the portrait is a 8.5"X11" page. The reason why I am asking is because I was asked to do various cartoon graphics which has taken me about almost over a month now due to the person asking me for more detail work. And I am currently trying to figure out on calculating a breakdown price and one that seems fair. I am only charging per graphic not by hour. Each graphic has taken me about 2-3 hours but I feel as though I still need help with pricing.
I do wonder about this often. I also found this same info in another blog. I just sold a 30x40 painting that I charged by Sq inch and the client was mildly surprised. She was actually expecting less. I charged 50cents per Sq. In. And the price tag came out at $600. After her reaction I was considering lowering the price but I stuck to my guns. I might have lost her as a future customer but it is a necessary gamble. I think I will try the linear inch approach next time...
Carlitos Fajardo You should always make sure the client is aware of the final price before you ever start. You should also get a deposit before you start to weed out those who say they want something until it comes time to pay.
True... I do ask for deposits from people that I am a little unsure of. This one is cool though. It kinda came round about. She wanted a big painting of a horse. That is as much of any details I got from her. So I created something without any pricing mentioned...
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I think the hardest thing about selling to friends and family is friends and family don't want to pay, because they're friend's and family, lol ..
I just had a conversation - or discussion with my parents not so long ago. My father has wanted me to do a drawing he could use for the back of his leather vest (for several years) so I jokingly said he could pay a little for it and I would start right away. Like 15$ - A family discount. lol.
They started mixing "Oh, so I should really have demanded money for helping you with the closet" and things like that. "we're family, we do favours for each other"
I would do other favours for free - ofc - but not really art. And wouldn't they want to support me as an artist?
+Hoshi-Hana, As a parent I would definitely be the 1st customer! There's nothing I want more than for my children to succeed and be confident in their dreams, talents, skills… That being said I wish we hadn't paid so well for things like yardwork, Ha ha ha. Now we're old and they don't offer to come help if we do a big projects around our house. I wish we had taught them the value of family doing for each other.
We truly shorted ourselves and them because what we could've said was, "you did such an excellent job on trimming those bushes that I would trust you to landscape a bit by the front entrance. As a matter of fact you did so good that I'll pay you 30 bucks if you plant some ornamentals with some mulch etc. "We would've been able to "kill 2 birds with one stone" had we been smarter. The benefits of family working together, & opportunity to nurture their talent. All that to say, "yes, your family should be willing to pay for your beautiful skill and talent"
...look for something that they can truly use and value your help with. Something that says this is what family does for each other because we love each other! So that they have a contrast. Then the next time you're free artwork is solicited… You will have something to LOVINGLY share as an example. Another approach you could take is "OK dad I will do this art for you if you first agree that when it is finished, you pay the artist what you feel it is worth. Pay The artist and not your daughter. "
One final thing… being realistic… 30 years from now will you wish you had did it for him in any circumstance? If so then I would try the first few ideas to get him to pay and if he doesn't I would go ahead and do it so that later in life you have no regrets. Only a happy memory of his eyes as he beholds the beauty created by his very own child. God bless!
I agree. Family (and children) should come first when it comes to support and encouragement like that. But they do want to encourage me.
However I did a birthday invitation card design (printed too) for my grandmother and she insisted on paying me for the work. But ofc she's of the old school where you deserve money for a work done. :)
And she wants me to get far so I really appreciate her support.
Exactly! Mine expect me to give every piece of art I make to one of them and if I want to keep it or would only be willing to sell it then I am "stingy."
Most artists are great at creating their art, but, when it comes to selling it, we generally fall flat...
Like just about everyone else, I always struggled when it came to pricing my art.
Many formulas were suggested to me.... most of these were complicated and hard to maintain.
It took quite a while for me to gain a "reputation" as a competent artist. Thankfully, I attained a modicum success .... through art shows and winning an occasional art award...
An article in an art magazine about my work also added to my credibility. I am now getting commissioned quite regularly for art pieces.
It soon became obvious that I must adopt a pricing formula that was consistent.
For stock and commissioned art pieces I charge $1 per inch.
If the commissioned piece is of a subject that is "odd" or specialized, I ask for a non refundable deposit up front. (around 20% of the total price..sometimes more).
The reason I do this is to cover the costs of materials...and part of my work time, should they not want the piece I created or simply just pull out of the deal, for one reason or another. After all, if it did not sell, it becomes a stock piece.
I quite often find that some people have Champagne desires, but live on a beer budget.
I never barter on the price I set for a piece of art. However I will, at times, round off a price...for example - $420 round off to $400.
A old artist friend once gave me this piece of advice...
"Never create your art just for the money, create your art because you love doing it. If you love it, you will do it well and the art will sell itself" - Cheers
Might consider getting a friend, family member, or partner to "Rep your Art" -
Once a few pieces have been sold - it becomes easier - it's mostly the "unknown aspect of selling" just a comfort level that will grow in time and experience.
A true story regarding SALES -
Luckily, I was in the Sales Profession during my Career years - VP Sales - Fortune 500 Corporations for PreEmployment and Wellness Services -
Appx 4-6 Million billed annually from my sales efforts.
It was a stressful business - I spoiled my clients - because "I cared" ...
Then stress caused a disease and after the disease treatment (radiation) caused such undesirable symptoms - those created real challenges - I had to quit working -
Single Mom - child in College - no family that was close or could be trusted, - lost most everything and yada yada yada.
12 year Chapter of - uncomfortable situation -
Now, I have greater clarity, learned what I'm certain the chapter purpose of the experience was meant to help me realize and to teach me -
Together with that, I am confident that I also was given the Creative Gifts I have, to also use in a "profession, that I have Passion in experiencing - living life consciously in the moment and enjoying what I do., while making the income to give me security and independence, that I desire"
God truly does give when we Ask and Believe. Both Jesus and Quantum Physicists are correct - although it took Science 2000 years to further validate what Jesus said so long ago, and they call it "The Law of Attraction"...
Best wishes to you and your Creative Successes 💫
yes, I do the same...when I have orders from "non-relatives"! Thanks.
If you are starting out, just charge someone what the materials cost, and explain you are starting out and any extra income will help you develop as an artist. People love to feel like they are contributing to a good cause. The best salesman sells a story
jorge nunez really I'm new I do anime I'm so stuck! So what if it's on a4 paper and pencil how much would you charge then? I got a canvas for £5 I could do it on that I work part time in a supermarket I just love drawing and everyone tells me I'm good friends I mean but I don't know how much to price online... Or is making stickers a better option sorry for all the questions you sound smart and I'm trying to learn! Lol
@@YogiAmy I would stay to charging by square inch. It's just easier.
so true
YogiAmy 1993 charge how long it took you to draw it & if it has alot pf details!!doesn't matter if its on paper what matters is what you draw
True, true and true. Learned that in my Thriving Christian artist program
I went through various stages when it came to pricing. at first it was too low, then way too expensive, then some people said i was charging too much, some said i wasn't charging enough .. then i got lost and annoyed. then i tried to have various pieces with various prices so everyone can find something for their own budget but i realized thant even cheaper, some pieces weren't still selling. i realized the price wasn't the problem, it's the art itself. some people will pay thousands of dollars for something they truely want to own, some people will never spend evern 10$ for that same piece.
So it got me thinking and i decided to apply a basic rule + a personal factor.
what it does is basically, there's the "basic" cost like materials, tools and such and then i also kinda need to define how much i need to earn to make a living (like a descent amount) and when an artwork needs 5 to 8 hours minimum, it's just impossible to sell anything below 50 or 60$ for my smallest piece and usually goes closer to 100$. that's just the base cost. and for mot people it's still too much but for some other, it's cheap. i sold most of my artworks around 80 to 100$ and even more sometimes.
Then comes the personnal factor which is "how much would I personally pay to buy this" or things like "would you buy this if it was from you fav artist" and it's gives me a rough estimation of how much the piece worths to my eyes.
Then let's not forget about fees (shop, paypal) and taxes (get an extra 20% .. that's painful) and now ... most of my news artworks can't be cheaper than 100 or 200$ and in the near future, i'm gonna have to get even higher due to the time i spend on them.
Most people who love what i do can't buy it, but they don't realized (and sure enough, every one doing commissions for 20$ don't realize that either) that even if we love to paint, it is a source of income, it's a job and when you spend 20 or 30 hours on a piece, you can't sell this for 50$ ... specially if you're already starting with 40$ of material costs.
When i sell a piece for 100 or 200$ you can know for a fact that i will "loose" around 50% of that in various costs/tools/taxes/fees/shipping ... to really be able to make a descent living out of my original sales, i should sell them nowhere less than 150$ to 400$ .... i might end up doing that, the original is just ... there's too much inside it to sell it for less than what i think it's worth. i used to be like "oh it's better if i do more artworks but cheaper than having a great artwork that is expensive and nobody buys it" but then, even by having more "mini" artworks that aren't the best i can do just for the sake of having "cheap" options for customers, i still didn't sell much. i realized i was neglecting my artist evolution and that it wasn't something i wanted to. I'd rather not sell my originals than sell them for 40$. I tried to compare myself to other artists, i even contacted some, most people ignored me ... i read books, i checked others stores of artists who are more famous or less famous than me. and there's no rules at all. i saw things that i would never buy for what they were charging but they still got sales ! i also saw some artists selling gorgeous things for not enough money at all ... it's sad to see deviant art has become a cheap commission place. What can you do towards people selling their work for 40$ when you can do the same great thing as they do but you are asking for a descent amount like 100$ ? most people will go for the 40$. I also think it's not only about how much your charge but also how many people are buying your art. Let's say i have one customer buying a 150$ piece, it's the same if i have 3 customers buying a 50$ piece. but it's getting hard when you have to produce more work. In my dreams, what i would love is having time to create great pieces and sell them for 500$ each lol
I never, never, thought about charging based on per square inches or per linear inches ! :-O
How could you decide you sample cost then ? why 1.40$ ? why not 1$ or 1.50$ ? and why 20$/linear inch and not 15$/lineart inch for example ? i was basing my work on the time i spent on it but it's not the best approach as you said but i can't only based on size, some pieces took 2 or 6 hours and they were the same size ^^;
Thank you for the video Lisa ! :)
time doesn't _always_ equal money with art. because people work at different speeds and it's kinda silly if one artist can make a super detailed painting in 20 minutes vs another that takes 10 days to do the exact same thing. it's about skill! you get faster as you go along. and also attachment to art is a big thing too.
@ Lachri -- Unfortunately your right about pricing art by size rather than quality. That's because the general public is totally uneducated in what it takes to produce a "professional" piece of artwork. I've done portraits all my life & I get the same question all the time... "Well if you do it smaller can I get it for less?" Well it still takes just about the same amount of time & effort which is something the public doesn't understand.
Technology is another thing that has dramatically reduced what artist can make, why pay big money for art when you can buy a print or poster for a couple of $$.
I now live in a very blue collar area where people would rather spend their money on beer rather than "wasting" it on art. My answer to this is that I get out & work in public & sell 'em stuff while they're drunk.
All kidding aside, nowdays I mostly just paint for myself, I've cut way back on commission work limiting myself to no more than a portrait per month. Also I get outdoors & paint as much as possible, this always attracts a crowd of people, next to me I'll have my medium sized print rack filled with finished work that they can casually look through, if they see something they like they can take it home for a price. The most important thing is to ALWAYS get the cost of ALL your materials, I usually figure in an extra 20% on that cost to cover my running to the art supplier or to cover my shipping cost since I order a lot of my supplies on line.
Good advice
It's kinda irritating how art is basically a popularity contest.
+Tee G. and more and more it would appear that life is becoming a popularity contest.
I hope i get pop .
That's how life is. You gotta get your name out there to make it otherwise you won't get anywhere really
Those Dang Humans! Wanting to like the artist before buying their expensive art to put on the private wall of their home, Dang!! :)
There is something to be said about skill and technique in art.
I started selling realistic oil pet portraits. I charged 75$ for each one. I think I am bumping it up to 100$ bc each one takes 10+ hours and I dont have time for 10 paintings!!
Lisa, these are great tips. Personally, I would like to do the 'blue dot' thing. I have only sold two paintings in my life.. One sold for less that I expected and the other one sold for much more that I expected. The first was that I out-smarted myself. I let the buyer take home the painting, hang it, and let them decide what they wanted to pay. He always bought expensive things and toys. I knew that he would never want to hang a piece of cheep art on his walls. Of course I thought he would offer a very generous amount. Fooled me. I was expecting about $500 or more and only received $150. My mistake. The second was a very large painting in length. 18" by 96", I let a gallery owner / art instructor price and sell it to a collector who purchased her paintings often. It brought in $1500. Wow ! I was happy to share $500 with the owner who had not required or nor expected a commission. Your tips on pricing are great and something to save for future reference. Again, Lisa, thanks for all you do. P.S. Lisa, many of your paintings need to sell for the price of the 'blue dot' painting.
Michael Parry haha thanks :P
Lol....Go You!!!!!!!
My Store manager wanted me to do his Military uniformed portrait and would not want to pay more than $ 150/-. ( For the size 18"x 24", my price was $ 450/- )Well, him being my Manager, I thought at least I am getting some real work that I love. He loved my work and really was in tears seeing my finished work. NOW...see how it got appreciated! (This is my sarcastic tone!) He left the job and one fine day I met him at the Mall as he was working over there. He said, can you make the exact same painting as his mother has kept that painting and he wants to have one for himself. But he did not want to pay even the partial advance money. Now that I had no way of contacting him if he does not pay for the painting completed, what would I do with that piece? I can not even sell as an Art piece! So declined the order altogether!
I once sold a painting for 30€ and when I told my art teacher she held back tears telling me I could've charged about 200€.
But to be honest I feel bad taking money from people for my artworks, I think it's because I've always been drawing and painting, but I've never seen any worth in it, it has rather been way to spend my free-time. It's really hard for me to change my way of thinking. :o
i hear ya on that one. i always do my best to express my love to others with my art work.
😔 It's how you spend your time and time is valuable.. If people get it, money is the least of value they can give as an exchange
It almost sounds like a self esteem thing. If people want to pay you for your work, oblige them.
I never took money for painting. I always gift it but painting is just hobby.
@@ferox965 You’re right! Luckily I have been able to change my mindset the past few years🥳
Oh my gosh thank you so much for this video. Because I’ve been told that I’m not charging enough and I don’t value my work enough, and I do I just wasn’t quite sure how to do it and I love the way you broke that down so thank you I am going to adjust my prices accordingly
I'm a new artist. People have been contacting me about purchasing my work, I had no clue where to start my pricing. This was very helpful, thank you so much ❤
"Ugh, Math!" Great quote. We think alike. Great show. Thanks for sharing the size pricing concept.
:D
This is the most sensible ideas I have come across so far.... thanks for sharing!!
=D
Awesome!!!! Yes, this has been my biggest headache of all. I love that you give so much back ground info on your prices. In seeing the quality of your work and what you charge, ive found some confidance in myself. thank you for this video!!
Wow! The information in this video is so valuable to many of us,
. Thanks so much for a thoughtful way to inspire us and to get to the bottom of business. I have given free paintings for birthdays or as a thank you for a true friendship, or just because I’m a nice person. Mostly family and I love giving away my painting to all my special people only. I truly appreciate all the suggestions in the video. Definitely, I’m behind watching your videos. What I mean is that now on 2020, prices have increased and it is time to sit down and evaluate the paintings and set a goal to sell. It has been wonderful to watch your videos. Each one with different ways of inspiration. Blessings and be safe.
Lisa, I saw this on TH-cam again, and I decided to view it because I am so encouraged when I hear of that million dollar 'Blue Dot' painting. I will be starting to work on my 'Blue Dot' painting. Thanks for the encouragement.
That last tip really resonated with me, thank you!
Thanks for your videos. I am learning so much about the business and marketing side of the house. Especially your video on not drawing enough. Thank you.
Abraham Melendez I'm glad to help :D
Archival supplies are a necessity, another thing I learned from Lisa. Along with Glazing and now pricing.
Fantastic Lisa. Very well described! Thank you!
Garry Stafford :D
Sorry, I just found your video on Etsy, so no need to repeat yourself. Thank you for always posting such great information!
Skye McDonald haha perfect :D
TRUTH!!!!! I learned as a wedding photographer the perils of pricing. It took the joy out of my life. What was a great gig working a couple assignments a week involving sports, 2008 presidential campaign, or the old lady at a knitting club, the surfboard shaper etcc... became a nightmare when I chased making money in weddings. Turning it into a business caused too many compromises in my life and a race to the bottom in terms of pricing (and quality). The rabbit hole of YT got me to this video and brought back nightmares.... lol. Thank you for bringing me back to reality! I would rather seek validation by chasing ribbons at my state fair or some other competition with an occasional sale. If it means being a failed artist... so be it.
Great information. How did you arrive at the rate of $20 for the linear inch?
Interesting, I've found it usually works the opposite way: newer artists seem to charge too little, even when they're VERY talented, just because they're desperate to sell, whereas more experienced artists--well, I'll never said anyone charges "too much" for their art if they can get what they're asking, because I assume those who charge more have seen how their markets respond, and have calibrated their prices on the basis of how much work they want to do. The ones who I've seen who've never made a sale are the only ones I would say are asking "too much."
Absolutely on target, though, about all the factors that affect what an artist will be able to sell for: pricing ALWAYS has to take timing into account, and ALWAYS needs to be adjusted, often, depending on where you are in building your business.
For any artist, it's always going to be ongoing trial-and-error: there's no such thing as the "right" price, because everything depends not just on skill, but also on previous sales, portfolio, name recognition, where you're selling, how much you've sold, how much you want to sell, etc.
I have my first sale coming up and have no idea how to price my art. I think you just saved me...thank you!!😘❤
Thank you. I always had a problem with my pricing and I have been giving away my work from what I have learned here.i really appreciate it. Hope I can get people to see my art and get my name out there.
Thank you so much for this video!!!! I seriously needed help with this!!! I just had no idea of bout how much u should charge usually I ask for $100 at a medium-sized canvas sorta and it takes me quite some hours to make my paintings, anyways this helped alot thanks!!! :)
Paz Hernandez I'm glad it helped :D
+Paz H. Von Quesada German Shepherd kennels -- I hate to say it but the truth is our artwork, as far as the commercial side of the trade is concerned, is only worth what someone is willing to pay for it. Try & at least get the cost of your materials back plus a little something for you effort for those works that can't seem to find a home.
thank you so much. I have been an artist, selling artist, for some time. Self published and was making a name for myself pretty good. You have really spoke to me that all the stuff I wanted to avoid, I am going to have to face head on anyway. Pricing is hard. I have a lot of obstacles in my way, a diabled husband I care for. But I can work around that and now is the time
I have been struggling with pricing my work, thank you for your helpful tips !
Thank you so much for this video! Pricing always seems to be a confusing subject and you explained it so clearly! I know painting is your thing, but have you done any work with textiles, sculpture or small crafts? Any tips on pricing art other than wall art?
Lily Manson I used to do crafts and that really ends up being the same, you want to figure out what others at your skill level and in your area are selling for :)
Wonderful advice as always. I always charge by the hour. All other professionals do, such as builders and plumbers, why not artists? Clients will understand this if explained to them. After years of experience, I have a pretty good idea of how long a picture will take. And usually larger works take longer time. This comes in useful when quoting for a commission. As demand increases, so should your prices. An hourly rate should factor in your materials cost, too. Lisa, your prices are too low. I'm currently on $50 an hour (built up over 50 years' experience) and never bat an eyelash when stating that to a buyer. 😁
Hey, thanks for putting it into perspective i appreciate it. Now i have a guide on how to charge thanks . you Rock
your video make lot of sense on that topic sell your art work.
Such a huge common question 🙋🏽♀️! Thank you ☺️.
Lisa, thank you so much for this video. It helps clarify a lot of misconceptions. Could I ask the linear square inch method you use. The $20 that you charge does this incorporate cost of materials, packaging & posting? Many Thanks, Regards Rahul.
This is great advice! I've used the sq in method and it has worked well as a good place to start. Pricing by linear in is something I haven't heard of but the pricing looks similar. Before I priced by size figuring out what to charge was tough. I've been told the price for large pieces are too expensive and I usually offer a print instead. Most buyers I have encountered don't know exactly what it takes to make a painting. They see a print at a store and decide they want their own custom piece and their artist friend could whip up something in no time and give it to them for cheap. From personal experience, I've encountered that.
Benjamin Baros Yeah I've seen this a lot. I just giggle at people who try this on me. I've had people who knew better try this on me too.
Wonderful advice on pricing artwork, I'm in the process of starting my business and had no idea how to price my pieces. Your videos have helped tremendously!
Thank you Lisa, I appreciate that you took the time to share this topic, which is now important to me. It is very helpful.
Your advice here is VERY practical. I appreciated what you had to say and it's some of the most logical advice I have heard in a long time... thank you for posting this..
Great information. I may have missed it...how did you arrive at the rate ($20) for the linear foot compared to the $1.40/sq. foot.
thank you for sharing your personal experience. you'll be surprise how many don't. thank you.
So i’ve tried checking online and doing research on what to price my artwork, but a lot of artists don’t even come near close to the size or medium I work with. I do a lot of 18x24” pieces using copic markers and faber castell pencils (sometimes I might use watercolor in the background). I do have a BFA degree in art and I’ve been using the copic markers as my main medium for about 5 years now. So what would be a good estimate of a price for someone who is just starting their art business with these materials and things in mind?
Excellent! Best breakdown on pricing artwork that I've read/heard. Thanks so much!
And what if it's a sentimental piece that you are doing, such as portraits? Do you still do the linear inch and charge extra? Pricing art has always been hard for me!!! I have over 20+ experience...
It's all the same for me unless it requires a lot more work. For example, I did a sea turtle in colored pencil recently. Normally for that size I would charge $600. This one took three times as long as usual to complete though due to the detailing, so when I sell it it will be at least double what I normally charge :)
Lachri Fine Art thanks so much!!! That helps...I ended up trading my painting for a really nice camera, so now I can start doing youtube videos...wish me luck!!
Really good advice Lisa, thanks so much for covering this topic. The only think I'm really struggling with is how much to charge to cover the cost of pencil supplies, namely I have no idea how to measure how much coloured pencil or graphite pencil I use up per drawing and how to include that in the cost. Also, do you charge extra per additional subject in your paintings?
Hyogail I do charge extra per subject and depending on medium and style. As for how much to cover the cost of supply, start paying attention to how much of your pencils are used up on each piece :)
Great video! This is something I still can’t figure out my area is artsy but don’t seem to have many buyers maybe I haven’t figured this all out yet! I have been in 3 galleries with sales! But can’t seem to find following and family and friend think I am off my rocker for my price I wouldn’t want to sell them much cheaper but I want people to be enjoying them as I build a fan base.
Thank you thank you this makes so much more sense than a lot of other people's guidelines. I'm always unsure of what to charge. Thanks again. 😊
Shannon Sand I'm glad I could help :D
Thank you so much for replying Lisa, you're the best.
I like the linear method. I'll probably use that for my acrylic paintings(Liquitex). I'll be making a price list for buyers soon and let people know the estimate prices and that it may change depending on medium and amount of details. I also work with other mediums like coloured pencil (polychromos), graphite and watercolours so I was wondering if selling matted artwork changes the price?
Excellent advice here and put very clearly!
Thank you for sharing these tips...not a lot of established artists would do this!
Danielle M :D
Great video! I've already figured out how much to charge for my paintings, what I'd like to know is how much to sell the prints of those paintings for. Would it be a percentage of the selling price of the original art? If so, what percentage would be fair?
I don't go by percentages. I just have a flat rate for different sizes of print. Because I sell through fine art America for my prints, my mark up is a flat rate by size, but fine art America bases the actual price on what type of print it is. For example, a print on canvas would be more than a poster type print. You could do something similar.
Super helpful, great video and helped me sell my first piece for double the price I wanted to charge
Thank you for this, all of your videos are great!
+Zac Frost :D Thanks!
Excellent, informative video. Thank you.
Excellent video! Thanks so much for putting this together and sharing it. Your work is stunning, by the way. ;)
Thanks, Lachri, I found your tips about quoting the Fees for a commissioned work very helpful. Still, it is going to be difficult to fix the amount as a friend of my cousin got inspired to get her deceased pet dogs' portraits done as she saw my painting of my cousin's deceased pet dog when she visited her home. I don't know that lady but a referral coming from my cousin makes me wonder how to deal with the situation.
This is a comment to all who sell or plan to sell their work. Please use quality materials and supplies. Lisa has produced many videos explaining the positive qualities of the materials that she uses in her drawings and paintings. Even in one case, Lisa has changed her recommendation on a quality color pencil because the quality had shifted. When you sell you art, you owe it to the purchaser to have the best quality of materials available so the work will last for years. Years down the road, it should be as vibrant and fresh as it was when it was new. It is OK to practice with 'cheep', but do your best to sell 'quality'. The most expensive materials and supplies are the 'cheep ones' that fail and cause your reputation as an artist become tarnished.
Michael Parry =D
+Michael Parry -- Mike you couldn't be more right. A couple of years ago I met up with an old friend whom I did a portrait of her son back in the 70's. She still had that portrait hanging in her living room & it still looked as good as the day I gave it to her.
A true professional artist is not just good at painting & drawing but a master craftsman as well. I use only archival materials that will not fade, rot or fall apart over time.
+Carl Pen , Those who have your work are pleased that you live by those rules. It was good for you to see your work after many years. You did it correct and it displays that care. Lisa always stresses the use of quality in all she will do.
I learned this slightly late (3yrs = ~200 pieces) but I was using cheap value brands. I started feeling more confident so I bought better quality wow was I missing out and now have been transitioning to professional material as I replace my voids or every time I sell a piece never again for the cheapest. Trying to upgrade papers but still I big step for watercolor middle/top of the road and that was amazing!
Sheaffer Select Coins
*cheap
Worst comments begin with its just a hobby - and that you're not looking to be professional are you? but you've spent years to develop
yourstyle... fabulous Lachri great insights sales & marketing and factors for artists thanks for the energy boost & encouragement cheers. L = SallyAnn
I feel like a unique abstract brush techniques get more value then hyper/realistic paintings.
That's because of this stupid thing called as "modern art"
About to sell my very first painting and this is helpful! thanks
Amazing tips thanks so much for that!
***** :D
If I am just starting out and want to go by the linear inch method, what should I be charging per inch? If your prices are 20, should I do more like 5 or 10? Or should I keep it closer to 20? Please help. Thanks!
Hey i found your vlog very informative. I used to paint a lot but i just give it away since i dont want people to think that im after the money, i paint because i just like to and its my talent then after finishing college i started working facing the reality amd set aside doing some art works, now im starting to build myself again and starting to paint and asking myself how much do i charge for it. This helps me a lot since i dont think the paintings I have created this year is worth 100 dollars lol but my friends said it is worth the money so this helps me a lot. Thanks. :)
Off topic you're pretty...Back on topic you're pretty much on point, from the art I sold and gallery experience I've had I agree with you. However if the artist is very good a potential buyer will assume or know the art piece will be expensive regardless of dimensions.
That's a great tip on pricing! Thank you!! X3 I hope to make art in the future {:3
By the way...where are you getting the $1.40/square inch/ $20 linear inch from your calculations? :o Just curious.
+Lita Krupp I can't answer for her, but for what it's worth: For a number of years now, I've been pricing my work at $1.50/sq inch and rounding to the nearest $5 dollars. So, for say, a 24"X36" @ $1.5/sq-in would be $1,296 and I'll round it to $1,295 for the sticker price. The reason I chose that number is because it seemed, more or less, to be about in keeping with what other artists in my area, doing similar types of work, and who were selling well, were charging.
On top of that, I've done some experimental tweaking here and there, raising and lowering prices between shows, and what not, to see what effect it might have. And, the 'sweet spot' seemed to be right around $1.50/sq-in for me. Much higher, or much lower, and sales seem to start dropping off. And, yes, it might seem counter intuitive, but it's been my experience that pricing your work too low -- especially at art shows -- can cause you to actually make less sales. People judge the worth of the work by the price-tag, or something -- they think if your art is priced much lower than the guy in the booth next you, it must be because it's not as valuable, or you're not as serious an artist, or something, and they're more reluctant to buy from you.
Thanks for this! I just discovered your channel today - LOVE!! I'm an instant fan!
+Jen Zeman Thanks :D
Thank you for all of your tips. I am new to art. I am struggling with the prices of my artwork. I possibly have two sold to a neighbor, if the price is right. I am worried about over-pricing, as I might lose two sales, but I still want to earn a little extra money. The possible sales are 16x20 acrylic on canvas, semi-abstract. I am also thinking about painting on wood and covering with art resin. Any advice would be greatly appreciated.
Amazing talking speed, would be scary to have an argument with you ... good infos though :-)
Try watching this at a 0.75 speed setting.
LMAO, right?!
haha.. yes..
this reminds me, I need to make up a price list, not that I do a lot of commission work, but it would probably help with printing :)
fuzzydragons Having an available price list on your website is a pretty big deal :D
These are amazing tips ~
My problem is that I do cartoon art, and it never takes me more than 1-2 hours to finish a drawing. Then when I sell this cartoon drawing for 20$ I feel like for the time I spent on the drawing, I'm charging too much, even though I use high quality supplies & the art is not that bad-
Also what bugs me a lot is that my family and friends are mad at me because I don't agree to make them free art. They expect me to draw for free just because we are close and that is really annoying because they don't understand the amount of money I spent on art supplies and the fact that art is not done in one second.
Thank you so much for sharing this information! This helps immensely!
I've been pricing per size but when it comes to family portraits or portraits of a few pets that's where I find it hard to know how much I should charge. I've done a family sketch before on a 8x10 of four people which turned out amazing, but haven't done a family painting yet. Though I've been asked to do one. What would you suggest?
Thanks!!! This help me a lot!! This is something that I've been struggling with. Many thanks!!! Bless you!👍🏽
Excellent advice!Thanks
+LachriFineArt Hello Lisa, thanks for your videos, very insightful...I was wondering if you include the cost of materials into the cost per inch...or if that cost is in addition to? I'm leaning towards the idea of it being in addition..thanks..
+Jonah Davison It's all together for me. I don't add extra unless they want to upgrade to a higher quality canvas (like belgian linen).
Thank you for advice. Greatly appreciated! :D
Thanks for sharing your insight
This is such a great video!
I've finally gotten to a point where I can somewhat confidently price my artwork (though I know it's still undercharging, but it seems that will only change once the fan base gets larger), but it's an issue I can definitely relate with. Great tips for pushing through that phase!
I've always been intrigued by EBay as an art selling platform. I love the idea but I'm terrified of failing. The one time I tried listing an original it was a flop, the highest bid didn't come close to my reserve. Do you have any tips to become successful with EBay?
The linear inch technique for pricing is awesome, I hadn't heard of that before. Great system though, it definitely does give things a more even increase.
Danielle Trudeau For Ebay, I don't do reserves or start lower than I'm willing to accept for a piece. I put the price at the very minimum I would be willing to accept.
What if you do digital painting and drawing? The cost of supplies if you already have your tablet, are gone. So should you charge by size then?
The cost of your supplies are actually much more than most mediums. Just because you don't use up canvases doesn't mean you didn't invest just as much into the ability to create art as someone working in traditional media. You had to buy a good tablet $900-2400 depending on the one you got. You had to have a computer to do it on, you had to buy the program to use with it. I know photoshop has you pay monthly to use their program now. This all adds up. On top of that digital artists quite often have to upgrade their supplies.
Now you do run into a difference of pricing because you're essentially selling prints, not originals since the original is digital. There you may want to have a set of prices based more on what type of art you are creating. Maybe a certain price per subject, like one dog would be $200, additional dogs in the portrait would be $100 each (I'm just throwing numbers out there, you have to decide what your time is worth). If you are making the prints for them, then charging by size on top of that would work.
Damn... i probably undercharged my work! :( Well, its my first real canvas and quality material painting, so, i take it as something to learn about. Thank you!
This is a really, really, REALLY helpful video.
do you price your commisions the same as you othet paintings?
at the moment I do and its based on size (but not really square ink). If someone bought something at a certain price I won't ever lower it....and I plan to raise prices as people buy work and then if they stop buying it, drop it to the last price people liked....I've raised prices once to cover taxes and I raise my private art lessons...
I'm still learning haha thanks!
I'm charging by the hour at the moment but I'm starting to think I should charge by size now. 🤔 The thing is sometimes I paint very quick "painterly" large acrylic paintings and sometimes I paint very realistic portraits of people in oils which takes waaay longer. 🤷♀️
That was super helpful! Thank you!
This is so useful 👌
Awesome,thanks for information, calif, palm 🌴springs.
Thank you, this helped me so much. 😁❤️
I have never seen Primacolors fade as you state. I have been working with them for 25+ years.
Then you are likely using the lightfast colors in the set, intentionally or not.
@@Lachri They are Artist grade. I have only had good experiences with them.
How much should I charge for a hand drawn pencil sketch that now is a digital colored graphic? the size of the portrait is a 8.5"X11" page. The reason why I am asking is because I was asked to do various cartoon graphics which has taken me about almost over a month now due to the person asking me for more detail work. And I am currently trying to figure out on calculating a breakdown price and one that seems fair. I am only charging per graphic not by hour. Each graphic has taken me about 2-3 hours but I feel as though I still need help with pricing.
I love this! Thank you so much, this was a total lifesaver!!! ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️
Very nice informative video thank you so very much!!❤❤
This was very helpful! Thanks!
Hii.. u r 2 good.
I am new artist .. i dont know how much should i charge black and white portrait ..and colour portraits...??
Lisa,
This was very informative. Thank you for the great tips. What are your feelings on newer artists using Etsy to sell paintings?
Outstanding! Thanks so much:)
This video really got me thinking...I usually spend 20-30 hours per drawing and the most common selling price is 30€
I do wonder about this often. I also found this same info in another blog. I just sold a 30x40 painting that I charged by Sq inch and the client was mildly surprised. She was actually expecting less. I charged 50cents per Sq. In. And the price tag came out at $600. After her reaction I was considering lowering the price but I stuck to my guns. I might have lost her as a future customer but it is a necessary gamble. I think I will try the linear inch approach next time...
Carlitos Fajardo You should always make sure the client is aware of the final price before you ever start. You should also get a deposit before you start to weed out those who say they want something until it comes time to pay.
True... I do ask for deposits from people that I am a little unsure of. This one is cool though. It kinda came round about. She wanted a big painting of a horse. That is as much of any details I got from her. So I created something without any pricing mentioned...
Super helpful! Thank you!