Shared Balance Hub
Pricing Art: A Practical Guide for the Emerging Artist
Pricing is not a guessing game. A good method helps an Artist explain value to collectors and galleries without apology. Your price needs to be fair, consistent, and easy to update as your career grows.
List your inputs: materials, studio overhead, packaging, and time. Estimate hours per piece and assign an hourly studio rate that covers living and growth. Combine inputs with a simple size factor, such as price per linear inch for paintings or tiered pricing for works on paper versus panels. Keep the formula public so you can stand by it.
Study comparables. Choose five Artists working at similar scale, medium, and career stage. Note their ranges across original works and editions. Use this to sanity-check your formula and position your prices with confidence.
Publish a pricing sheet with three sections: originals, limited editions, and commissions. For commissions, specify what is included, number of revisions, payment schedule, and deliverables. Clarity avoids scope creep and protects relationships.
Increase prices consistently. Raise by a small percentage after milestones like a sold-out release, a major group show, or a residency. Announce price changes in advance to your mailing list. Predictability earns trust.
Finally, maintain records: invoice numbers, buyer details, and certificates of authenticity. Great documentation reassures collectors and makes future sales easier for everyone involved.