How to Price Your Artwork to Sell Part 1: Art Pricing Do's & Don'ts and What Worked For Me

Let's talk about how to price your artwork to sell! My name is Dena Tollefson and I am a professional full time artist. Today we are discussing the Do's and Don'ts of pricing your artwork and growing your art career. If you price your art well, you will have art sales and flourish as an artist. I am sharing my personal method of pricing both watercolors, giclees, oil paintings and acrylic paintings.
Join the Dena Tollefson Art Club on Patreon! Learn more here / denatollefson
Topics include whether or not to offer free shipping, how to factor in a gallery's profit percentage, how to calculate the linear and square inch methods with specific examples in common art sizes; selling on Etsy and Ebay, artists festivals, commissions, and selling through galleries, choosing to ship internationally or not, and more.
This video is the first in a series of in depth discussions on how to price your artwork to sell. Whether you are a beginner at sales or have some under your belt and want to advance, this video is for you. Be sure to watch all the parts of this series to learn the different art pricing methods to decide which is best for you.
Are you a beginner artist who would like to market your artwork? Or have you been an artist for a long time and are ready to take the next step with your art career? I am here to help. I provide you art marketing and art career guidance for artists who would like to have gallery representation, if you need help with juried exhibits, or if you want to increase your social media reach. I help you get started in art licensing, where you license your artwork to create merch. In addition to helping you with art career coaching, I have videos for you about how to paint, painting tips and techniques, art supply unboxings, and fun and engaging Live streams.
My name is Dena Tollefson and I am a professional, full time artist from Iowa USA. I provide painting tutorials in watercolor, acrylic, and oil paint. I hope you will subscribe and come back again. Be sure to ring the subscription bell so you never miss new content for your art career development.I am known for deep, vibrant colors in my signature painting technique called Daubism.
Looking to find the art supplies I am using? Find my art supplies here www.amazon.com/shop/dena_toll...
As an Amazon Influencer, I receive compensation at no additional cost to you.
My Equipment used in today's video:
Camera Nikon D850 and lens www.amazon.com/shop/dena_toll...
Daylight LED Light www.amazon.com/shop/dena_toll...
Be sure to subscribe to my KZbin channel
Learn more at my website www.denatollefson.com
I am a Christian and my artwork is positive message, uplifting and healing. Collectors use my paintings for meditation, calming, and healing thought.
Artist’s Statement: I am a Colorist and am known for contemporary realism focusing on botanicals and landscapes, especially ponds, flowers and skies. My sky paintings are my idea of how God created Earth with one breath. Every morning and every evening He creates a new sky for us.
I employ vigorous brushwork and texture through the palette knife in my work so that people may experience along with me the "feel" of the painting. I find mosaics fascinating how the individual pieces all contribute to the whole- I want my paintings to have a similar idea where overlapping petals of paint all stand on their own and then contribute to the total.
My work known as "Daubism" is created using a palette knife where each stroke of color is isolated from the others. Most paintings will have hundreds of different colors, these colors are all individually hand-mixed from a limited set of colors creating unique colors which relate to one another. I am striving for a sensual, tactile surface in paint."
I am an American artist whose bold contemporary paintings focus on joyful use of color, texture and movement, creating a low relief effect in paint- a hybrid between low relief sculpture, mosaic, and traditional painting. Two of my paintings are in the Cedar Rapids Museum of Art's permanent collection. My originals and commissioned work are available exclusively through the fine art galleries across the US who represent my original and commissioned work. Find the list of galleries and licensed merchandise here www.denatollefson.com

[@DenaTollefson]

Hi Art Friends! Thank you so much for stopping by! I hope you find this information helpful 😊

[@peaceandcreativity4636]

Yeah very helpful You are a great person Thank you for sharing all this. 😊👍💖

[@1MightyR]

Awesome do's and Don'ts very helpful! Its a great feeling to earn money from your artwork.. I kept the very 1st 10$ i ever made from my art.

[@DenaTollefson]

Mighty thank you so much for your kind words. I love it that you kept that first $10. There is nothing as satisfying or feels as good as that first art sale. It is just like all those business owners who keep their first dollar sold in their store- the first one is always the biggest celebration. Hugs to you my friend and God bless you for a Merry Christmas

[@1MightyR]

@@DenaTollefson Merry Christmas!

[@judiburnett6527]

Thank you for sharing your expertise. I’ve sold art made with different mediums, sizes and situations. I have learned a lot about presentation and I am committed to present myself and my art as a professional. Thank you for giving me solid information that I can use as a marketing tool.

[@DenaTollefson]

Judi thank you so much for your kind words! I appreciate you!

[@DesignsbyCADPRO]

60-70% of social media? wow... that is amazing.... All of the concepts were great to listen to!!

[@DenaTollefson]

Thank you so much, Tim! Yes, that social media component is so important. Take care Tim and have a great Sunday

[@IraGorky]

Thank you, Dena. Very interesting to watch...so many different ways to figure out right price...so, always interesting to found new tips of working our the prices for art work

[@DenaTollefson]

You are so welcome! I appreciate your kind comment, Ira. Hugs to you my friend

[@helenschaefer1167]

Dena, Wow, this video is terrific! You presented it in a very friendly, easy manner that everyone will enjoy. The B Footage is very interesting that goes with the dialog beautifully. I need to watch the video again and again so that I can absorb it all. Thanks for sharing all of your tips with us; it is truly appreciated.

[@DenaTollefson]

Thank you so much! ❤❤❤ Mama I appreciate you- it was wonderful having you there at the premiere. I love you

[@dietrichschaefer7506]

This is really good and to the point. Very relevant. Good Job

[@DenaTollefson]

Daddy thank you so much! I love you ❤ it was great seeing you at the premiere ❤

[@iandouceartist]

This is the best advice online, I love your wonderful work. Sunscribed 😎

[@DenaTollefson]

Awesome, thank you! I appreciate you!!

[@CRUSHEDCHILLI1]

Absolutely amazing 👌 Fantastic Video💖 Looking forward to more such wonderful video. 🌺🌺 Thanks for beautiful sharing.💖💖💕💕💕💕💕💕💕💕💕💕💕

[@DenaTollefson]

Thank you so much for your kind words. Take care!

[@haninpoin4154]

Great job. Thank for sharing

[@DenaTollefson]

Thank you 😀

[@warawiriarts]

Thanks for sharing Dena

[@DenaTollefson]

Thank you Wari Wiri! Hugs to you my friend

[@sandrapihlskott3262]

Great video that stands out, thank's!

[@DenaTollefson]

Glad you liked it! Thank you Sandra!

[@ErikaLancasterArt]

This was so helpful, Dena! You're always so generous with the information you share. Thank you so much!

[@DenaTollefson]

Hi Erika! Thank you so much for your kind compliment ❤ I feel the same way about you 🌸🌺🌼 Hugs to you and Merry Christmas 😊

[@ramavlogs2024]

Helpful video thanks for sharing dear

[@DenaTollefson]

Thank you so much!!

[@shahzadqurashi7728]

Great information

[@DenaTollefson]

Thank you so much!! I appreciate your support- take care

[@mohamedakram-sd4kv]

Awesome. Great advice. Thanks Akram

[@DenaTollefson]

Akram thank you so much!! Take care and have a great rest of your day

[@justindwyerartistry]

This is a great video Dena! A very relevant topic for many artists. Great share and I hope you have an awesome Christmas!

[@DenaTollefson]

Thank you so much, Justin! I wish you a Merry and Blessed Christmas!!

[@victorart-]

That’s useful information. Have nice day ✨💕

[@DenaTollefson]

Thank you so much Victor!

[@draw2night]

Very interesting and effective how to price your artwork to sell. Merry christmas dear Dena!👍🌲

[@DenaTollefson]

Thank you so much, Joseph! Take care my friend and Merry Christmas to you and your loved ones

[@peaceandcreativity4636]

You are so kind.... Thank you so much for sharing this useful video 👍😊💖

[@DenaTollefson]

Thank you so much!! Hugs to you

[@peaceandcreativity4636]

@@DenaTollefson you are most welcome 😚❤️❤️❤️

[@PaintingWithYovette]

This was extremely interesting Dena. I have always sold by size, so I was happy that I fell into line with something that was the correct way of doing. Thank you dear. Have to go check out part 2. 🌹

[@DenaTollefson]

Hi Yovette! Thank you so much! Yes, selling by size is definitely the way to go. Your paintings are beautiful 🤩

[@PaintingWithYovette]

@@DenaTollefson Thank you dear, I feel the same way about yours. Especially the goldfish or Koi.

[@willmendoza8498]

That social media ratio was a shock to me. It’s the hardest part of the process for me.

[@DenaTollefson]

Will yes! Being an artist is almost like being a small business owner wearing every hat! Social media presence is so key - it is basically your marketing launchpad

[@elflordsjourneys]

Art is only a hobby to keep me and my wife from going crazy in retirement . I love to give my art away , I have a playlist of all the people that I have sent paintings too and I love to see the joy it brings them.😀

[@DenaTollefson]

Elf yes!! Art has the ability to heal and bring joy. It is wonderful you are spreading love through your artwork. Hugs to you my friend 😀

[@elflordsjourneys]

Do you know this lady, this is a interesting video kzbin.info/www/bejne/fXemZnpnf8ujmac

[@DenaTollefson]

@@elflordsjourneys Elf I was not aware of her channel- yes that topic of Artificial Intelligence and artwork (or is it art if it s generated by Artificial Intelligence?) is a great topic.

[@elflordsjourneys]

Yes I thought so also.😀

[@lisashafer346]

Hi Dena! Loved the video! Great tips, thank you so much. Where do you source your shipping supplies, though? I didn’t see them in your Amazon store. If it’s a trade secret don’t worry! I won’t be mad if you don’t want to share. 😊 Thank you for all the helpful info, I shared with my artist friends.

[@DenaTollefson]

Lisa thank you so much!!! I appreciate your support and kind words. I get my art shipping boxes from Masterpak masterpak-usa.com/collections/frontpage/products/titanstrongbox-lined and from AirFloat airfloatsystems.com/strongbox They are very similar in design, be sure to order the „lined“ version that way you get the special plastic liner which gives you puncture protection similar to a 3/8“ plywood crate. AirFloat order the „Strongbox Lined“ Masterpak order the „Titan Strong Box Lined“ Take care and I wish you a Happy and Blessed Easter!

[@lisashafer346]

@@DenaTollefson Oh my goodness that is so helpful! Thank you for giving such a complete answer. You’re so gracious! Really appreciate it. Thank you for the well wishes and I hope you have a blessed Easter as well! 🙏

[@ShoshanahShear]

How to you figure out the shipping cost if you are 1 - not in the USA and selling locally plus want to sell internationally? To include shipping can be very complicated. Do you have a different price for those who purchase locally to international? 2- I get worried about offering free shipping when looking at online stores like Bookdepository that charged free shipping and had to close. Do you have any thoughts to make sure it works?

[@DenaTollefson]

Hi Shoshanah thank you for your excellent questions. To answer your first question, you can continue selling locally with the current rates, and specify that free shipping is for local or in-country only sales, if the rates are pretty consistent for local sales. I would not recommend offering free shipping for international sales, I agree with you that it is too complicated to compute and would fluctuate too much depending on locale. For your second question, yes, offering free shipping can be an issue, you will ultimately need to decide what works best for you. On my own work I factor the price in to get the work shipped to the gallery, and this is part of my costs built into the price. I recommend watching my other videos from my Artist Life With Dena Tollefson Podcast on how to price your work to sell, these pricing videos showing different methods and should hopefully help. kzbin.info/aero/PLPyeuYhzjH1fJPNpbc7euoN0BD5914ALX I also have 2 videos on how to ship your work which covers pricing with shipping. Here are links kzbin.info/www/bejne/a2KXiKGijdiGd9E and kzbin.info/www/bejne/jqbIZGRrfpimeqs

[@mohamedakram-sd4kv]

I am in 50s Designer * artist + packagin designr and supply photo frames and Art materials imprting and workshop in China & Srilanka

[@artesmilcoloresleydi6484]

🙋🏻‍♀️🤗💐

[@DenaTollefson]

Gracias Leydi

[@mohamedakram-sd4kv]

Great Thanks for the fast reply. If any possibility CAN work for YOU please kindy consider. I am a Srilankan based in Dubai. Thanks

[@DenaTollefson]

Hi Akram! I am not looking to hire anyone at this time, but I will keep you in mind if that changes! Take care and have a super day