I work in stained glass mosaics (I do mostly mirrors and some furniture). I have found that the best way for me to price is to take all of my costs (all of them...rent/electricity/materials), figure out how long it takes me to produce the piece and decide how valuable my time is per hour that it takes me. Some work is incredibly intricate on smaller pieces and thus takes me longer to complete. I also sell to interior designers that will sometimes "mark up" my work so be careful of that too
@scpatl4now That sounds reasonable. I would be careful to make sure your prices seem consistent to clients. When they ask "why is that piece so much more than this one?" if you can articulate your reasoning clearly and they understand, then there is no problem. :)
You have shed great advise. I am a stained glass artist and got some good points on selling my work. The "commission" advise was an eye opener for me. Thanks for the YouTube!
Hi! I recently decided to start selling my art because I need to take more confidence in my drawing ability. Could you tell me if you think that my art is over priced/under priced by how it looks? I am selling it for $12 plus $3 shipping. It is done on 11 X 14 paper and it is a print copy of a hand drawing
drawing. I'm asking you because you seem really experienced and I need the help! Thanks!
I like your painting in the background! It's really pretty and thanks 4 da tips cuze when I grow up I wanna be an artist! I'm really good at drawing and painting and that. In fackt I'm the best in my school! :)
thanx for all the tips and info.as a starting artist myself,i am just getting to the point of wanting to sell some of my artwork and am clueless at how much they are worth or how to go about it.
I just want to say tat your words of wisdom in the art field where very help full. I myself am a airbrush artist and i was wondering how do i price my work. I didnt want to price to low or to high. most of all when you know yourself the time and energy that you put in every piece. its not just a painting its a piece of you that your puting on every canvice.
@BraidDoctor1 I'm sorry, your question is so vague and open-ended I don't quite know how to answer it. There are MANY possible paths to becoming a professional artist, and there is no one "right" way to do it. The essentials (in my opinion): 1) create awesome body of work. 2) create awesome website. 3) exhibit your work as much as possible. 4) build your contact list by networking in person and online, then use your contact list to publicize your art.
Another advice I believe is good, is to paint series such as portraits, landscapes etc, destined to be for display only, throw some good works at an affordable price as to catch people attention so they commision and make some money
@tonchititito Lots of people can have successful careers based primarily on commissioned work, and yes, it's good to present a body of work to pique the interest of potential clients before you start seeking commissions. Commissions as bread-and-butter is definitely not for me, but I've done enough of them to know that if I were to go that route, I'd have a very particular policy in place. Going to make a video about commissions--it's on my list!
I honestly doubt paintings can sell right now for those prices. Today I went as a research, through thousands of ended listings on ebay. in the tens of thousands of dollars there is one or two sold, and one of them was a Rembrandt (Unfinished and small) as you go in the thousands there are five or six sold and none of those were new, all vintage. then is nothing sold until you get to the lower 90 and 70 bucks then you can seen many sold with free sh Good advice paint on panels (easier to ship)
@tonchititito That's because eBay is not the place to go to make money as an artist, except for a very small few who have put thousands of hours of time working on their listings building a following. One lady who did so a few years ago goes by "the raw artist," and I am impressed with her work and marketing. But really, it is not the easiest or smartest way to sell art for most people. If you are able to make it work, more power to you, but I don't personally think it's worth it.
@RadicalEel Totally agree with you! great point! I meant to say I doubt it when it comes to people that is starting to sell paintings. Professionals are completely different. I know a guy that does spray paintings, he's got such reputation that no matter what he paints there is people waiting to buy for at least 250 and up. Now for starters is quite difficult to sell for more than 100 bucks any original work. (advise: paint commercial and leave originals for display) 1 dollar per inch uff!
@tonchititito If you sell your paintings, you ARE a professional, by definition.Building a following and gradually raising your prices is a long, difficult road. But it CAN be done, over time, with strategy and work. Usually (not always but usually) if an artist is not selling any work, it's because they need to go back to the studio and make a stronger body of work. Then they need to have faith in themselves and their work. Those 2 things will lead to sales.
@tonchititito I do concede that lower-priced works make for easier (or at least, quicker) sales, and this is especially true in a rough economy. This should be taken into account and I think most working artists these days are thinking about that. But that does not mean you can't easily make more than $100 for a painting! Many people are doing it every day.
This is great advice coming from a professional artist, thank you. I have had to raise some of my prices on originals due to consignment+contract but I feel the price points are still reasonable for the buyer. I hope to one day be a full time artist. The best life you can have is to be your own boss.
Thank you sooo much i really need help with my Art help me allot with pricing , i live in a city that people doesnt aknowledge any type of Art everyone say it, i'm learning computer i think an Art broker will be better for me you advice help me thanks
@rubioproductions That might be confusing to people, since I sell my work in the States. But aside from dollars vs. pounds, some of my paintings are indeed priced that much--my price range for almost all my work is from $300 to $3,000. I really enjoy having some smaller pieces that are more affordable for people in addition to the high-dollar paintings.
I was wondering if your $1 per sq. inch includes the time spent on the piece. I shocked a collector when I told him the price of a drawing that took about a month's worth of time. (he thought it was way over priced). I thought it was a fair price, but I also like what you say about overvaluing artwork, and to just let it go.
@19scott54 It's perfectly fine to price your art at whatever you think it's worth, even if that means not selling it. Don't do anything that makes you feel uncomfortable! Each artist has to set clear goals. If your goal is to SELL art, I suggest creating less time-consuming pieces so you can actually make money for your time. If your creative need is to make more involved work, then do it! Not all art-making is compatible with money-making, and that's okay. Personally I try to find the overlap.
Thanks sooo much for doing this video. I'm just starting out and I've been a bit shy about pricing. The pricing style is a GREAT idea. Definitely going to use that.
Thanks sooo much for doing this video. I'm just starting out and I've been a bit shy about pricing. The pricing style is a GREAT idea. Definitely going to use that.
@spiralcosmosart Thank you for sharing that! Some thoughts: Wow, that geisha was a jerk. THAT is why I don't typically do commissions. If I were the artist, I would have kept painting instead of giving it up because of some sour experiences and judgements from others. And it is always so important to remember, as a professional artist, WHY you are doing it in the first place (to make ART!) :) And I'm thankful to live in a time/place with a middle class, where art is not only for the rich.
@spiralcosmosart Also note that in this story (as I've found many times in our culture) that when an artist expects to be paid for his work, he is called "stingy." An artist who works for free is certainly generous, (as is anyone who works for free) but why is one who does it for money "stingy?" I can't think of any other profession where this is the case. Money changing hands doesn't have to take the joy out of creating art! (The moral: Just don't work for that ugly-hearted geisha!)
@RadicalEel I love this story because it raises the question what makes art sell for big money? What makes a p.o.s.from Damien Hirst, CY Twombly , Andy Warhol or Jackson Pollock sell for millions of dollars? It seems to me the filthy rich are usually too cynical to believe that someone who is openly has a heart to relieve the suffering of fellow humans would contribute nearly as much. That is why the big money is for sharks in formaldahyde or a diamond coated skull.
@58kingarthur Good luck Arthur! I have yet to attend an art festival. I never have enough artwork (or time, or a van, or a booth--LOL!) Hope you are successful.
very useful! thanks for sharing... I think, If art work prices depended on how nice the artist is no one would have been able to afford buying yours ;) keep it up!
@OrengeeEshee I think that is WAY too low! I would *start* at $1/square inch. A lot of work goes into making a large painting--don't sell yourself short. I sold a 48" x 60" painting several years ago for $3,500, and both I and the collector considered that a very cheap price. People who buy large-scale artwork are used to paying $1,000 and up. They are out there, you just need to find them. So to answer your question, I'd price the 36x48" at $1,690 and the 48x60" at $2,890 as a starting point.
@RadicalEel I asked a gallery owner once and he said that I should price my paintings less because I'm just starting, buyers might question me if I sell my paintings too expensive because I'm not that well known here in my country. I'm from the Philippines and pricing my painting $1,690 and $2,890 (72,260php & 124,270 php in our money) is pretty expensive ^_^.. I spent $200 for both paintings.
ooh, i almost forgot, my paintings are Abstract (acrylic on canvas) ..
@OrengeeEshee I am *totally* unqualified to comment on how to price your art for the economy in the Philippines, if you couldn't tell by my American accent. :) I have no experience with selling art in that part of the world. So my best advice would be to check out art galleries that are local to you, and find artists at a similar stage in their career, doing similar work, and try to price yours in a similar price range. Good luck!
Could you help me I am just starting out and because I am the typical poor artist most of my painting are on the 9x12 mixed media paper for acrylics... How would you suggest I price them?
@shaorin321 If they were oil paintings I'd start them at around $100, but it's hard to say without seeing what you do. If you make lots of them very quickly you may want to price them for less. If tons of work and quality supplies go into them, you may want to price them for more.
This seems to be the most watched video on the subject of pricing art. I recently got a website at fineartamerica, and now I'm having to finally deal with this issue. I like the idea of pricing per square inch, but how do you figure the price if you're selling a print ? On fineartamerica I have an option of selling prints of my art. I would really appreciate some advice. Thanks for posting this video
@Xsublime28xX With the caveat that I don't have a whole lot of experience selling prints, I've always read that you should price giclees at 25%-50% of the cost of the original. Hope that at least gives you a ballpark idea!
Im just starting out and this was a little helpful, but dont understand why drawings would be priced less, their more time consuming. I work with all medium.
@salu880 Oil paintings are generally perceived as more valuable than works on paper, (of course, whether they actually are or not is debatable.) I think this probably has a lot to do with all the old master paintings being done in oil. It was a driving factor in my decision to switch to oils a few years ago. That said, there are no set-in-stone rules about this. If your drawings can command higher prices, by all means go for it!
I understand that this is just one person's point of view and that your experience may vary based on a lot of factors but I can't understand why someone would price their work per square inch. It's not carpeting. It's a painting. Most people don't paint the same thing all the time either. If I paint a portrait the cost is generally going to be a lot higher than an a landscape because of the time it takes to paint and in some cases the time needed to find a good reference. Your prices seem low.
@1414mwh My prices are low. (But not too low.) I think that's why my work sells. :) I do have to point out that these are my prices for general work. My prices for commissions are more than double that.
I like the pricing per square inch because it's an easy formula to get a starting price, which you can then adjust up or down for the complexity/overhead of the piece. I've also found that non-artist buyers "get it" when you say the larger ones cost more.
Hi im a New Zealand artist your priceing metherd is very help full , i have ones say i price my work to cheap . do you have a site in face book , im a oil painter have been since the age of 10,only really started selling in 2006 and find it hard to keep up with.What do you find the best way to sell , i do parks set up tents and sell also promote my self need more suggestions (INSPIRATION 6 lynn
erm... i have a problem or a dillema on pricing a car design.... could u pls advised me some tips for the pricing? cuz all of them is on a4 size paper...
@MrBlazeDemingo I'm a little unclear on what the project is--are you making a drawing or painting of a car on paper? When in doubt I'd start with the $1 / square inch rule and modify it from there until it seems reasonable.
@RadicalEel i sketch and design cars... so if (for example) the paper is around 7 to 7 inch sq... so since the paper price is $49 (total area), would (or must) i increased the price up to $70~$100,since i amateurly design a car... and pls recommend me if this statement or this discussion sounds reasonable for the pricing, since i designed it.. ^^
@MrBlazeDemingo Yes, I would price them higher than $49. This sounds more in the realm of graphic design, which I have little experience with, but to my knowledge with that kind of thing you should price by the billable hour--I suggest staring around $60/hour for your work. The client will probably want an quote, so try to estimate how long it will take you, decide on a price and stick to it, and have them sign a contract before you begin.
@RadicalEel i think... i'll drop da price to $20/hr... cuz i'm doin this for my Personal project at skul and i'm still 14 ,yet my passion is designin cars.... (or graphic designing) ^^ thank u verymuch for this!!!,i really appreciate it!!! ^^\/
I really enjoyed your video and it was very nice of you to share all this information free of charge. I thought your statements about pricing sounded right on. If anyone asks me how to sell art I say sell yourself. Very few people pay big prices for art because of its actual quality. The work might be only a sloppy "drip painting" but if the painter is exciting the sloppy work will sell. Good marketing will get the prices you quoted. For the mega prices become something of a celebrity.
I appreciate your experience and commentary, but when I initially submitted my work to New York galleries, the prices of my drawings (I work exclusively in the drawing medium) were $3,000-5,000, and have only risen, so I don't know what you meant by drawings neccesarily selling for lesser prices than paintings.
@DoctorLawyerWhatever I'd say your experience is definitely not the norm! (For anyone selling art for the first time, in any medium) but congratulations, that's fantastic! (Do you work in a large scale?) There are exceptions to every rule, but yes, generally paintings sell for more than drawings.
@nss72 Yes, it's to calculate the retail price, which should always stay the same regardless of whether you are keeping all the profit or paying a commission to a gallery. (People should never be able to see your work in a gallery, then go to you behind their back and get a lower price. Being honest and consistent with pricing pays off in the end by maintaining the value of your work.)
thank you so much, i just (actually) finished my first piece ever for a gallery and have no idea what to charge if anyone wants it at all. i make stencils for spraypaint with acrylic backgrounds... dont know anyone else that does that around here but honestly i havent looked. great advice!!!
I'm only starting art school now, but I have a passion for painting and am learning from scratch how to make it in the art world! This was very useful, thank you very much!
I like Damien Hirst's method. Just send out photos to the snobbiest elitist galleries in the World and never accept less than 50% of what they charge the buyer. Soon enough you'll be at Sotheby's.
Awesome video. One question tho', how do i price a series painting, let's say 3 paintings per series. It would mean the world if you can help me with this. Thanks!:)
@nottiesh For triptychs or other multiple-panel paintings, I calculate the total square inches and price by size just as I would a single painting. For example, 3 canvases, 12"x16" each, would be a total of 576 square inches (192 x3). I might add a bit or round up with a multiple-panel painting, to account for extra cost of materials or extra work involved in making such a piece. As long as it's in a good price range for the size, it's okay to adjust according to what you think it's worth,
@rifqi7san Art is worth only what someone will pay for it. I would price your art to sell even if that means making it cheap--you can raise your prices later. You have many years ahead of you as an artist. I think it's okay not to worry too much about pricing when you're still in the "learning stages" and you haven't officially started your professional career yet. A few years down the line, your work will naturally be stronger and you can command higher prices. Above all, keep making art!
I'm 16 and i would like to sell some of my works. My works are mostly on paper using mix media, water colors and ink.i has received great comments from most people. my works are usually small around less than 20 inches, both length and width. My audience are just from social network, family and friends. If i price it by size, isn't it a little too much? i need to make it pretty affordable and pretty much need cash fast :P
That painting looks like some sort of ornate jewelry. At first I didn't think you would have much to say that would interest me but then you really offered some good tips!
i find your video very helpful and im having that problem right now. i have trouble pricing my work im an artist not a sales man lol........ but thank you very much this helps out alot. if you would like to take a look at my artwork and comment on them i have 3 videos of my recent works. thank you
Many thaks for your video. it is full of great tips and it makes me feel more confident about making a living as an artist. Although I am not a painter but a comtemporary jeweller, what you said in your post can be applied to any form of art work. again many thanks and wish you a long and prosperous career.
@ptitfox777 Thanks! My first job (at 15) was designing and assembling pieces of jewelry for a small company, and manning the company's booth at arts fairs. I've also taught college classes on beading and jewelry design. Jewelry is often an easier sell than wall art because the prices can be lower--then again, you also have to make more sales to make the same amount of money! I also wish you the best as you grow your career!
when you say art collector, are you talking about someone who generally buys art based on what they like or based on who's well known in order to have a more valuable painting in the future?
@kcssnotbubble I don't think those things are mutually exclusive. *My* collectors, at this point in my career, are generally buying my art because they love it and want it, rather than for its eventual resale value. (They also have faith in the likelihood that I will have a long and interesting career.) When thinking of art in terms of financial investment, buying the work of living artists is always a gamble. Not that it's not a great decision, but it should be secondary to enjoying the art.
I really enjoyed your video, am a disabled abstract artist, most of my art is done with photoshop. I have got lots of comments and awards for my art. But whatever reason, I haven't sold one picture. Can you take a look at my website, it is a direct link to,, all some of my best abstracts. Make you can suggest something that can help me start selling. Thank you.
@beatmastertroy Hi, I'm sorry to say I am really not a good person to ask about how to start selling digital art, as I only have experience with selling paintings--it is a completely different niche. Hopefully someone else reading the comments will have advice for you. Good luck!
I'm in high school, and somebody wants to buy my painting. Its about 16x24 somewhere around that size i dont remember. Its acrylic and i have no idea what to sell it for. I made my own canvas and ive been working on it for a few weeks. I dont want to be greedy! Is about 80-90 good?
@bridgetGRRR Hi and I apologize for not responding earlier--I am just now trying to reply to comments on all of my videos. I hope you worked out your pricing dilemma. When I was still in HS I sold paintings for whatever I could get for them and didn't worry too much about it. I thought of that time as a major learning period and was just happy to sell anything! Once you have a consistent body of work, then it's time to think about a consistent pricing strategy.
I found this to be right on. I agree this all that she has shared. I do price my work at the square inch. I bit more but have been painting alot longer. Beautiful work too. Keep it up.
Thanks, I'm going to send a link to a friend of mine who has been going through this right now. I think it may help him. :0) I have to tell you I absolutly love your work. It is so beautiful! :0)
thanks very helpful
portraitz1 2 days ago
I work in stained glass mosaics (I do mostly mirrors and some furniture). I have found that the best way for me to price is to take all of my costs (all of them...rent/electricity/materials), figure out how long it takes me to produce the piece and decide how valuable my time is per hour that it takes me. Some work is incredibly intricate on smaller pieces and thus takes me longer to complete. I also sell to interior designers that will sometimes "mark up" my work so be careful of that too
scpatl4now 4 days ago
@scpatl4now That sounds reasonable. I would be careful to make sure your prices seem consistent to clients. When they ask "why is that piece so much more than this one?" if you can articulate your reasoning clearly and they understand, then there is no problem. :)
RadicalEel 4 days ago
love the painting behind you. I'm an acrylic artist and not very comfortable with oil...
KofykatKashyap 6 days ago
Thank you. This advice is very helpful. MP
traveltoonsbymp 1 week ago
You have shed great advise. I am a stained glass artist and got some good points on selling my work. The "commission" advise was an eye opener for me. Thanks for the YouTube!
hispirted 2 weeks ago
Overpriced, average art work.
bradwhite94 2 weeks ago
@bradwhite94 Uncreative troll attempt.
RadicalEel 2 weeks ago 6
@bradwhite94 Sandblast, your eye balls.. ;)
theartofthecovenant 5 days ago
I am in love with this woman.
Is this wrong? :o
YakuzaJoe88 2 weeks ago
you are kind!
cheers!
glaiman 3 weeks ago
She's pretty
kmish213 3 weeks ago
Hi! I recently decided to start selling my art because I need to take more confidence in my drawing ability. Could you tell me if you think that my art is over priced/under priced by how it looks? I am selling it for $12 plus $3 shipping. It is done on 11 X 14 paper and it is a print copy of a hand drawing
drawing. I'm asking you because you seem really experienced and I need the help! Thanks!
rockrapgirl 3 weeks ago
I like your painting in the background! It's really pretty and thanks 4 da tips cuze when I grow up I wanna be an artist! I'm really good at drawing and painting and that. In fackt I'm the best in my school! :)
rockinartist 1 month ago
thanx for all the tips and info.as a starting artist myself,i am just getting to the point of wanting to sell some of my artwork and am clueless at how much they are worth or how to go about it.
mydoran1 1 month ago
I just want to say tat your words of wisdom in the art field where very help full. I myself am a airbrush artist and i was wondering how do i price my work. I didnt want to price to low or to high. most of all when you know yourself the time and energy that you put in every piece. its not just a painting its a piece of you that your puting on every canvice.
mobilesinkk 1 month ago
@mobilesinkk Yes, making the art and pricing the art must be two totally separate things (if you want to sell your art, that is.)
RadicalEel 1 month ago
where can we view your paintings?
1948christian 1 month ago
@1948christian Link to my website is in the video description.
RadicalEel 1 month ago
Im just starting out and I have a different style of painting...how do I get started being a professional artist?
BraidDoctor1 1 month ago
@BraidDoctor1 I'm sorry, your question is so vague and open-ended I don't quite know how to answer it. There are MANY possible paths to becoming a professional artist, and there is no one "right" way to do it. The essentials (in my opinion): 1) create awesome body of work. 2) create awesome website. 3) exhibit your work as much as possible. 4) build your contact list by networking in person and online, then use your contact list to publicize your art.
RadicalEel 1 month ago
Thank you for posting this!
ColdHeartedMan1979 1 month ago
Another advice I believe is good, is to paint series such as portraits, landscapes etc, destined to be for display only, throw some good works at an affordable price as to catch people attention so they commision and make some money
tonchititito 1 month ago
@tonchititito Lots of people can have successful careers based primarily on commissioned work, and yes, it's good to present a body of work to pique the interest of potential clients before you start seeking commissions. Commissions as bread-and-butter is definitely not for me, but I've done enough of them to know that if I were to go that route, I'd have a very particular policy in place. Going to make a video about commissions--it's on my list!
RadicalEel 1 month ago
I honestly doubt paintings can sell right now for those prices. Today I went as a research, through thousands of ended listings on ebay. in the tens of thousands of dollars there is one or two sold, and one of them was a Rembrandt (Unfinished and small) as you go in the thousands there are five or six sold and none of those were new, all vintage. then is nothing sold until you get to the lower 90 and 70 bucks then you can seen many sold with free sh Good advice paint on panels (easier to ship)
tonchititito 1 month ago
@tonchititito That's because eBay is not the place to go to make money as an artist, except for a very small few who have put thousands of hours of time working on their listings building a following. One lady who did so a few years ago goes by "the raw artist," and I am impressed with her work and marketing. But really, it is not the easiest or smartest way to sell art for most people. If you are able to make it work, more power to you, but I don't personally think it's worth it.
RadicalEel 1 month ago
@tonchititito Try going into a brick and mortar art gallery and asking the manager how much their last few pieces sold for.
RadicalEel 1 month ago
@RadicalEel Totally agree with you! great point! I meant to say I doubt it when it comes to people that is starting to sell paintings. Professionals are completely different. I know a guy that does spray paintings, he's got such reputation that no matter what he paints there is people waiting to buy for at least 250 and up. Now for starters is quite difficult to sell for more than 100 bucks any original work. (advise: paint commercial and leave originals for display) 1 dollar per inch uff!
tonchititito 1 month ago
@tonchititito If you sell your paintings, you ARE a professional, by definition.Building a following and gradually raising your prices is a long, difficult road. But it CAN be done, over time, with strategy and work. Usually (not always but usually) if an artist is not selling any work, it's because they need to go back to the studio and make a stronger body of work. Then they need to have faith in themselves and their work. Those 2 things will lead to sales.
RadicalEel 1 month ago
@tonchititito I do concede that lower-priced works make for easier (or at least, quicker) sales, and this is especially true in a rough economy. This should be taken into account and I think most working artists these days are thinking about that. But that does not mean you can't easily make more than $100 for a painting! Many people are doing it every day.
RadicalEel 1 month ago
I sell my acrylic paintings for about $80 right now.
AnnikaGarratt 2 months ago
This is great advice coming from a professional artist, thank you. I have had to raise some of my prices on originals due to consignment+contract but I feel the price points are still reasonable for the buyer. I hope to one day be a full time artist. The best life you can have is to be your own boss.
001MeTaBoLiC100 2 months ago
Thank you sooo much i really need help with my Art help me allot with pricing , i live in a city that people doesnt aknowledge any type of Art everyone say it, i'm learning computer i think an Art broker will be better for me you advice help me thanks
savecoupons 2 months ago
you shouldn't under value your work, should put it up for £1000 per painting
rubioproductions 2 months ago
@rubioproductions That might be confusing to people, since I sell my work in the States. But aside from dollars vs. pounds, some of my paintings are indeed priced that much--my price range for almost all my work is from $300 to $3,000. I really enjoy having some smaller pieces that are more affordable for people in addition to the high-dollar paintings.
RadicalEel 2 months ago
Did you paint the one in the background? It's beautiful. :)
TheNerdgirl13 2 months ago
@TheNerdgirl13 Yes I did, thanks!
RadicalEel 2 months ago
@RadicalEel almost a Van Gogh feel. I like it! Nice video too. I have never sold my work but would like to someday.
joshwidener 2 months ago
@joshwidener Thanks! I've heard many times that my art is Van Goghish, so maybe there's something to that. Good luck to you.
RadicalEel 2 months ago
lets see some of ur art
ZombieBunny501 2 months ago
@ZombieBunny501 Link to my website is in the video description above.
RadicalEel 2 months ago
Thank you so much. This really helped. :) (ps. I agree about the "commissioned" work!
bishfam1 3 months ago
I was wondering if your $1 per sq. inch includes the time spent on the piece. I shocked a collector when I told him the price of a drawing that took about a month's worth of time. (he thought it was way over priced). I thought it was a fair price, but I also like what you say about overvaluing artwork, and to just let it go.
I may come down on the price.
19scott54 4 months ago
@19scott54 It's perfectly fine to price your art at whatever you think it's worth, even if that means not selling it. Don't do anything that makes you feel uncomfortable! Each artist has to set clear goals. If your goal is to SELL art, I suggest creating less time-consuming pieces so you can actually make money for your time. If your creative need is to make more involved work, then do it! Not all art-making is compatible with money-making, and that's okay. Personally I try to find the overlap.
RadicalEel 4 months ago
will you marry me!?
daddymojo1976 4 months ago
@daddymojo1976 Sorry, you're about 12 years too late. LOL!
RadicalEel 4 months ago
dang...
daddymojo1976 4 months ago
Thanks sooo much for doing this video. I'm just starting out and I've been a bit shy about pricing. The pricing style is a GREAT idea. Definitely going to use that.
coldmage 4 months ago
Thanks sooo much for doing this video. I'm just starting out and I've been a bit shy about pricing. The pricing style is a GREAT idea. Definitely going to use that.
coldmage 4 months ago
Thank you so much for your video. It's the most helpful one that I have found xx
Onchanta 5 months ago
Thank you so much for sharing information. This will definiterly help me to price my art work.
ukrant 5 months ago
read the Zen koan "stingy artist"
spiralcosmosart 5 months ago
@spiralcosmosart Thank you for sharing that! Some thoughts: Wow, that geisha was a jerk. THAT is why I don't typically do commissions. If I were the artist, I would have kept painting instead of giving it up because of some sour experiences and judgements from others. And it is always so important to remember, as a professional artist, WHY you are doing it in the first place (to make ART!) :) And I'm thankful to live in a time/place with a middle class, where art is not only for the rich.
RadicalEel 5 months ago
@spiralcosmosart Also note that in this story (as I've found many times in our culture) that when an artist expects to be paid for his work, he is called "stingy." An artist who works for free is certainly generous, (as is anyone who works for free) but why is one who does it for money "stingy?" I can't think of any other profession where this is the case. Money changing hands doesn't have to take the joy out of creating art! (The moral: Just don't work for that ugly-hearted geisha!)
RadicalEel 5 months ago
@RadicalEel I love this story because it raises the question what makes art sell for big money? What makes a p.o.s.from Damien Hirst, CY Twombly , Andy Warhol or Jackson Pollock sell for millions of dollars? It seems to me the filthy rich are usually too cynical to believe that someone who is openly has a heart to relieve the suffering of fellow humans would contribute nearly as much. That is why the big money is for sharks in formaldahyde or a diamond coated skull.
spiralcosmosart 5 months ago
@spiralcosmosart btw how to you suppose the "Artist's for Haiti" auction is doing?
spiralcosmosart 5 months ago
Thank you so much!
AmandaLC2011 5 months ago
That's a very substancial lesson for me starting my art career..I'll keep tract on your online lessons..thanks a lot!!
dyerome0803 5 months ago
Thanks for your advice. I'm about to go to my first out door art festival ( and I'm 60)but new to the scene and clueless.Arthur
58kingarthur 5 months ago
@58kingarthur Good luck Arthur! I have yet to attend an art festival. I never have enough artwork (or time, or a van, or a booth--LOL!) Hope you are successful.
RadicalEel 5 months ago
Thank YOu!!!
flickerman68 6 months ago
Comment removed
sorryibrokethetrees 6 months ago
Thank you for these guidelines. Great art btw!.x
rarosera 7 months ago
I agree, commissions are a pain, arrg. lol Thanks for the helpful advice. :)
Matsuyamanokage 7 months ago
Thank you so much!!! you're so good at helping and explaining things!
fadiisabella 7 months ago
your hot!!!
thefirerockstar 7 months ago
thank you!!
SubconsciousDweller 8 months ago
Becca Moody paints?
therealwillgant 9 months ago
your beauty distracts from what you are saying. I repeated the video without looking and I paid more attention!
DaveyLynch 9 months ago
@DaveyLyncch: yer right mr. dave.. so i ended up not looking at her while listening at her lesson..
dyerome0803 5 months ago
Thank you. I am just starting out. This is really helpful. Do you have a twitter?
quakerninja 9 months ago
@quakerninja Yep. Follow me @ArtByCedar
RadicalEel 9 months ago
very useful! thanks for sharing... I think, If art work prices depended on how nice the artist is no one would have been able to afford buying yours ;) keep it up!
berkeleyyy 9 months ago
@berkeleyyy Aww shucks! :)
RadicalEel 9 months ago
Thanks sooo much for the advice!!
Xsublime28xX 10 months ago
hi I'm trying to set a price for my paintings (36"x48" and 48"x60") I'm new at this so i really don't know what to do ..
I'm thinking, 0.30$ per square inch. is it a reasonable and fair price? , . please help me
thank you :)
OrengeeEshee 10 months ago
@OrengeeEshee I think that is WAY too low! I would *start* at $1/square inch. A lot of work goes into making a large painting--don't sell yourself short. I sold a 48" x 60" painting several years ago for $3,500, and both I and the collector considered that a very cheap price. People who buy large-scale artwork are used to paying $1,000 and up. They are out there, you just need to find them. So to answer your question, I'd price the 36x48" at $1,690 and the 48x60" at $2,890 as a starting point.
RadicalEel 10 months ago
@RadicalEel I asked a gallery owner once and he said that I should price my paintings less because I'm just starting, buyers might question me if I sell my paintings too expensive because I'm not that well known here in my country. I'm from the Philippines and pricing my painting $1,690 and $2,890 (72,260php & 124,270 php in our money) is pretty expensive ^_^.. I spent $200 for both paintings.
ooh, i almost forgot, my paintings are Abstract (acrylic on canvas) ..
OrengeeEshee 10 months ago
@OrengeeEshee I am *totally* unqualified to comment on how to price your art for the economy in the Philippines, if you couldn't tell by my American accent. :) I have no experience with selling art in that part of the world. So my best advice would be to check out art galleries that are local to you, and find artists at a similar stage in their career, doing similar work, and try to price yours in a similar price range. Good luck!
RadicalEel 10 months ago
now teach up something about setting up our art work with a gallery ^^
meowey55 10 months ago
@meowey55 Check my other videos--I actually posted a short one about where to start when it comes to approaching galleries. :)
RadicalEel 10 months ago
@RadicalEel yeah i found it after i got done with this videos thanks though your very helpful :3
meowey55 10 months ago
Could you help me I am just starting out and because I am the typical poor artist most of my painting are on the 9x12 mixed media paper for acrylics... How would you suggest I price them?
shaorin321 10 months ago
@shaorin321 If they were oil paintings I'd start them at around $100, but it's hard to say without seeing what you do. If you make lots of them very quickly you may want to price them for less. If tons of work and quality supplies go into them, you may want to price them for more.
RadicalEel 10 months ago
This seems to be the most watched video on the subject of pricing art. I recently got a website at fineartamerica, and now I'm having to finally deal with this issue. I like the idea of pricing per square inch, but how do you figure the price if you're selling a print ? On fineartamerica I have an option of selling prints of my art. I would really appreciate some advice. Thanks for posting this video
Xsublime28xX 10 months ago
@Xsublime28xX With the caveat that I don't have a whole lot of experience selling prints, I've always read that you should price giclees at 25%-50% of the cost of the original. Hope that at least gives you a ballpark idea!
RadicalEel 10 months ago
Im just starting out and this was a little helpful, but dont understand why drawings would be priced less, their more time consuming. I work with all medium.
salu880 10 months ago
@salu880 Oil paintings are generally perceived as more valuable than works on paper, (of course, whether they actually are or not is debatable.) I think this probably has a lot to do with all the old master paintings being done in oil. It was a driving factor in my decision to switch to oils a few years ago. That said, there are no set-in-stone rules about this. If your drawings can command higher prices, by all means go for it!
RadicalEel 10 months ago
Im just starting out and this was a little helpful, but dont understand why drawings would be priced less, their more time consuming.
salu880 10 months ago
i really like that painting in the back ground :P
renigadegi 11 months ago
I understand that this is just one person's point of view and that your experience may vary based on a lot of factors but I can't understand why someone would price their work per square inch. It's not carpeting. It's a painting. Most people don't paint the same thing all the time either. If I paint a portrait the cost is generally going to be a lot higher than an a landscape because of the time it takes to paint and in some cases the time needed to find a good reference. Your prices seem low.
1414mwh 11 months ago
@1414mwh My prices are low. (But not too low.) I think that's why my work sells. :) I do have to point out that these are my prices for general work. My prices for commissions are more than double that.
I like the pricing per square inch because it's an easy formula to get a starting price, which you can then adjust up or down for the complexity/overhead of the piece. I've also found that non-artist buyers "get it" when you say the larger ones cost more.
But you should do what works for you!
RadicalEel 10 months ago
Hi im a New Zealand artist your priceing metherd is very help full , i have ones say i price my work to cheap . do you have a site in face book , im a oil painter have been since the age of 10,only really started selling in 2006 and find it hard to keep up with.What do you find the best way to sell , i do parks set up tents and sell also promote my self need more suggestions (INSPIRATION 6 lynn
myartnewzealand 11 months ago
erm... i have a problem or a dillema on pricing a car design.... could u pls advised me some tips for the pricing? cuz all of them is on a4 size paper...
MrBlazeDemingo 11 months ago
@MrBlazeDemingo I'm a little unclear on what the project is--are you making a drawing or painting of a car on paper? When in doubt I'd start with the $1 / square inch rule and modify it from there until it seems reasonable.
RadicalEel 11 months ago
@RadicalEel i sketch and design cars... so if (for example) the paper is around 7 to 7 inch sq... so since the paper price is $49 (total area), would (or must) i increased the price up to $70~$100,since i amateurly design a car... and pls recommend me if this statement or this discussion sounds reasonable for the pricing, since i designed it.. ^^
MrBlazeDemingo 11 months ago
@MrBlazeDemingo Yes, I would price them higher than $49. This sounds more in the realm of graphic design, which I have little experience with, but to my knowledge with that kind of thing you should price by the billable hour--I suggest staring around $60/hour for your work. The client will probably want an quote, so try to estimate how long it will take you, decide on a price and stick to it, and have them sign a contract before you begin.
RadicalEel 10 months ago
@RadicalEel i think... i'll drop da price to $20/hr... cuz i'm doin this for my Personal project at skul and i'm still 14 ,yet my passion is designin cars.... (or graphic designing) ^^ thank u verymuch for this!!!,i really appreciate it!!! ^^\/
MrBlazeDemingo 10 months ago
I really enjoyed your video and it was very nice of you to share all this information free of charge. I thought your statements about pricing sounded right on. If anyone asks me how to sell art I say sell yourself. Very few people pay big prices for art because of its actual quality. The work might be only a sloppy "drip painting" but if the painter is exciting the sloppy work will sell. Good marketing will get the prices you quoted. For the mega prices become something of a celebrity.
MichiganTreasure 11 months ago
@MichiganTreasure Agreed.
RadicalEel 10 months ago
Thanks for the help :)
Ekta7 1 year ago
thank you so much it was very helpful!
toumik08 1 year ago
I appreciate your experience and commentary, but when I initially submitted my work to New York galleries, the prices of my drawings (I work exclusively in the drawing medium) were $3,000-5,000, and have only risen, so I don't know what you meant by drawings neccesarily selling for lesser prices than paintings.
DoctorLawyerWhatever 1 year ago
@DoctorLawyerWhatever I'd say your experience is definitely not the norm! (For anyone selling art for the first time, in any medium) but congratulations, that's fantastic! (Do you work in a large scale?) There are exceptions to every rule, but yes, generally paintings sell for more than drawings.
RadicalEel 1 year ago
Thanks, this video was really helpfull and it felt that you were giving an honest advice.
OrangeFoamBall 1 year ago
Hi just want to ask is the 1$ per inch include the gallery profit already if it was to be represented by a gallery? Thanks
nss72 1 year ago
@nss72 Yes, it's to calculate the retail price, which should always stay the same regardless of whether you are keeping all the profit or paying a commission to a gallery. (People should never be able to see your work in a gallery, then go to you behind their back and get a lower price. Being honest and consistent with pricing pays off in the end by maintaining the value of your work.)
RadicalEel 1 year ago
thank you so much, i just (actually) finished my first piece ever for a gallery and have no idea what to charge if anyone wants it at all. i make stencils for spraypaint with acrylic backgrounds... dont know anyone else that does that around here but honestly i havent looked. great advice!!!
misschloegianna 1 year ago
@misschloegianna Sounds like a unique process. You're very welcome!
RadicalEel 1 year ago
I'm only starting art school now, but I have a passion for painting and am learning from scratch how to make it in the art world! This was very useful, thank you very much!
P.S. I love your painting in the background!!
Zumbahh 1 year ago
@Zumbahh Thanks and good luck to you!
RadicalEel 1 year ago
Thankyou! Wonderfully refreshingly honest... so useful.
KatiaHonour 1 year ago
very helpful, thanx a lot. where bouts in u.s are you based?
CloudStrifeOfficial 1 year ago
@CloudStrifeOfficial You're welcome. I'm on the east coast.
RadicalEel 1 year ago
I like Damien Hirst's method. Just send out photos to the snobbiest elitist galleries in the World and never accept less than 50% of what they charge the buyer. Soon enough you'll be at Sotheby's.
spiralcosmosart 1 year ago
@spiralcosmosart LOL! That's totally my Plan B!
RadicalEel 1 year ago
Awesome video. One question tho', how do i price a series painting, let's say 3 paintings per series. It would mean the world if you can help me with this. Thanks!:)
nottiesh 1 year ago
@nottiesh For triptychs or other multiple-panel paintings, I calculate the total square inches and price by size just as I would a single painting. For example, 3 canvases, 12"x16" each, would be a total of 576 square inches (192 x3). I might add a bit or round up with a multiple-panel painting, to account for extra cost of materials or extra work involved in making such a piece. As long as it's in a good price range for the size, it's okay to adjust according to what you think it's worth,
RadicalEel 1 year ago
@RadicalEel Thank you so very much. Appreciate it. ;)
nottiesh 1 year ago
:) thanks a lot
alastair86 1 year ago
Hi and thank you kindly for the advice and instruction on pricing artwork. Please visit my channel. Thanks.
leroybrownno2 1 year ago
@rifqi7san Art is worth only what someone will pay for it. I would price your art to sell even if that means making it cheap--you can raise your prices later. You have many years ahead of you as an artist. I think it's okay not to worry too much about pricing when you're still in the "learning stages" and you haven't officially started your professional career yet. A few years down the line, your work will naturally be stronger and you can command higher prices. Above all, keep making art!
RadicalEel 1 year ago
Hi! thanks a lot for the tips! :D
I'm 16 and i would like to sell some of my works. My works are mostly on paper using mix media, water colors and ink.i has received great comments from most people. my works are usually small around less than 20 inches, both length and width. My audience are just from social network, family and friends. If i price it by size, isn't it a little too much? i need to make it pretty affordable and pretty much need cash fast :P
rifqi7san 1 year ago
That painting looks like some sort of ornate jewelry. At first I didn't think you would have much to say that would interest me but then you really offered some good tips!
RobbyArt 1 year ago
That painting looks like some sort of ornate jewelry.
RobbyArt 1 year ago
you are beautiful and an artist.My ideal combination.
smegma42 1 year ago
i find your video very helpful and im having that problem right now. i have trouble pricing my work im an artist not a sales man lol........ but thank you very much this helps out alot. if you would like to take a look at my artwork and comment on them i have 3 videos of my recent works. thank you
ulyssesbarbosa 1 year ago
good luck to you and your success, im now trying to work on mine... very helpful advice!
th3azscorpio 1 year ago
Hello . I would like to say all three video are very helpful to me . a new artist .I was very clue list until I saw your video on pricing art work .
Thank you
Alton
altonartwork
AltonArtWork 1 year ago
thank
1demand 1 year ago
Hi, Thanks for the tips, I'm an artist too and your tips were quite helpful. if you'd like to see some of what i do, do visit my page.
kaizaee 1 year ago
Many thaks for your video. it is full of great tips and it makes me feel more confident about making a living as an artist. Although I am not a painter but a comtemporary jeweller, what you said in your post can be applied to any form of art work. again many thanks and wish you a long and prosperous career.
ptitfox777 1 year ago
@ptitfox777 Thanks! My first job (at 15) was designing and assembling pieces of jewelry for a small company, and manning the company's booth at arts fairs. I've also taught college classes on beading and jewelry design. Jewelry is often an easier sell than wall art because the prices can be lower--then again, you also have to make more sales to make the same amount of money! I also wish you the best as you grow your career!
RadicalEel 1 year ago
when you say art collector, are you talking about someone who generally buys art based on what they like or based on who's well known in order to have a more valuable painting in the future?
kcssnotbubble 1 year ago
@kcssnotbubble I don't think those things are mutually exclusive. *My* collectors, at this point in my career, are generally buying my art because they love it and want it, rather than for its eventual resale value. (They also have faith in the likelihood that I will have a long and interesting career.) When thinking of art in terms of financial investment, buying the work of living artists is always a gamble. Not that it's not a great decision, but it should be secondary to enjoying the art.
RadicalEel 1 year ago
Comment removed
Dikshitasur 1 year ago
thank you so much dear!
alishechka29 1 year ago
your face fills my heart with joy...
lacuevadelvampiro 1 year ago
please go see my page . Im a novice artist , i paint using watercolors , advice and comments are welcome , thank you.
powergeyser2 1 year ago
thanks this will help me.
GingerKid51 1 year ago
I really enjoyed your video, am a disabled abstract artist, most of my art is done with photoshop. I have got lots of comments and awards for my art. But whatever reason, I haven't sold one picture. Can you take a look at my website, it is a direct link to,, all some of my best abstracts. Make you can suggest something that can help me start selling. Thank you.
beatmastertroy 1 year ago
@beatmastertroy Hi, I'm sorry to say I am really not a good person to ask about how to start selling digital art, as I only have experience with selling paintings--it is a completely different niche. Hopefully someone else reading the comments will have advice for you. Good luck!
RadicalEel 1 year ago
This is awesome thanks for this. It's good to get other artists' perspectives.
rayyoungchu 1 year ago
I'm in high school, and somebody wants to buy my painting. Its about 16x24 somewhere around that size i dont remember. Its acrylic and i have no idea what to sell it for. I made my own canvas and ive been working on it for a few weeks. I dont want to be greedy! Is about 80-90 good?
bridgetGRRR 1 year ago
@bridgetGRRR Hi and I apologize for not responding earlier--I am just now trying to reply to comments on all of my videos. I hope you worked out your pricing dilemma. When I was still in HS I sold paintings for whatever I could get for them and didn't worry too much about it. I thought of that time as a major learning period and was just happy to sell anything! Once you have a consistent body of work, then it's time to think about a consistent pricing strategy.
RadicalEel 1 year ago
Great advice and thank you for sharing.
tdartista48 1 year ago
Thanks for making this video. It was helpful.
JeannePaints 1 year ago
excellent advice and such a nice vid. As an artist, thank you :-)
riteasrain 1 year ago
Thanks for sharing your ideas.
I faced many f the same challenges when starting out.
And sorry to sound crass, but, you're beautiful.
jaggedlittlebill 1 year ago
I found this to be right on. I agree this all that she has shared. I do price my work at the square inch. I bit more but have been painting alot longer. Beautiful work too. Keep it up.
Aloha, Robin McCoy
Hanapepeartist 1 year ago
@Hanapepeartist Robin I looked up your website to see your work--it's beautiful!
RadicalEel 1 year ago
Thanks for sharing!
metaFLICK 1 year ago
THX 4 THE VID
LUDAing 1 year ago
Thanks, I'm going to send a link to a friend of mine who has been going through this right now. I think it may help him. :0) I have to tell you I absolutly love your work. It is so beautiful! :0)
BuffAngela158 1 year ago
@BuffAngela158 Glad to help and thank you!
RadicalEel 1 year ago
good advice!
lisacole690 1 year ago