Pricing Your Art

[@mwarnken1234]

selling to friends and family sucks because the same people who tell you your art is so good and your time is so valuable are the same ones who expect you to discount that for their sake...

[@davidm.kesslerfineart1717]

I wasn’t suggesting that you sell to friends or family, just that most people will sell their first piece to someone they know. If you sell to friends and family, it’s up to you how you structure the pricing.

[@aquamarine2416]

so true

[@CoffeeAI201]

Hahahahaha “Your art is so good. You’re not charging enough.” Right. I’ll raise the price then. “Oh no wait I can’t afford that price. I was just sayin...”

[@archangelariel1836]

This is the main reason I’m here. I feel that my art is valuable, but people keep insinuating that I’m supposed to really lowball myself. I’m not trying to charge people a ridiculous amount, (I don’t wanna go above $150), but they’re thinking I should do $30-40. I’m like....naw.

[@archangelariel1836]

But like you said, these are the same people that looooove the work. Not to toot my own horn, but I know that it’s good af. It’s not the literal best in the world, but it’s definitely unique and beautiful.

[@kimjolleymixed-mediaartist7357]

I had a person tell me one time that he would like to own a piece of my art, but wasn't about to pay "artist" prices. (Not family and not really a close friend). He could afford my pricing structure, just wasn't willing to pay. I looked him in the eye and told him he didn't really deserve to own a piece of my art, heart, and hard work if he didn't recognize the value. His jaw dropped and I turned around and walked away.

[@davidm.kesslerfineart1717]

Kim, good for you - I love it! More artists need to do that. I have given up tens of thousands of dollars in commissions because I chose not to work with the clients. I have really good “radar” for bad clients and thankfully I can choose who I want to work with and who I don’t. Thanks for watching and sharing.

[@kimjolleymixed-mediaartist7357]

@@davidm.kesslerfineart1717 By the way, I by no means consider myself a professional artist (yet!), but have been selling for a few years. I do feel that I price my work in an acceptable price range for my skill level and do not feel like I undervalue myself at this point. After watching this video, I'm still comfortable with my pricing structure. Thank you for all the information you provide on your channel.

[@khambrelgreen]

Amen, you made the right decision. You know your value and I'm glad you stuck to your guns. I wish you continuing success

[@CoffeeAI201]

This guy is spot on. My fiancée did exactly this to find the right price. Good job man!

[@davidm.kesslerfineart1717]

Timothy, thank you! I’m happy your fiancé found success.

[@The_Soufiya]

Thank you , it’s difficult for new artist to price they art specially when you use expensive material and spend hours creating the painting but again when you are new out there it’s wiser to reduce the price thank you always watching your videos it’s very helpful

[@davidm.kesslerfineart1717]

Soufiya Ennasri thanks for watching. Best wishes for your art sales!

[@francesnorton65]

Fantastic information. No faffing around. I've always charged an hourly rate, as opposed to costs per square inch. My work takes over 100 hours per painting (on average). I explain this to clients, and have never had anyone disagree. After all, all other professionals charge by the hour!

[@davidm.kesslerfineart1717]

Frances, thanks for watching.

[@davidm.kesslerfineart1717]

@xiomara arias the answer is different for everyone, and there is no clear answer. Making and selling art is an ongoing process. The better you get, the more you’ll make, just like any other career.

[@artKarolina]

Thank you, this is probably the best explanation and definitely helps to see an example.

[@davidm.kesslerfineart1717]

Artkarolina you’re welcome!

[@josephgilbert8978]

Yes...this is the best video I have seen about this topic...very helpful!!!

[@danielakinart9238]

This breakdown was very insightful as I've been trying to figure out how to go about pricing my work. My biggest fear is under selling my work. I sometimes think that I don't give myself enough credit since I'm my worst critic.

[@davidm.kesslerfineart1717]

Glad I can help. It’s difficult to determine where to start with pricing and its very location oriented so you have to do the legwork it takes to have the prices fit into your local market.

[@davidm.kesslerfineart1717]

Thanks for watching Pricing Your Art. This video is updated from a previous video I uploaded a couple of years ago. Leave your comments. Thanks!

[@MiLsoHOOAH]

"If you're watching this video, your rate probably won't be $150/hr" Me: damn 😅🤣

[@davidm.kesslerfineart1717]

I've been painting for 30 years, so that experience costs money.

[@MiLsoHOOAH]

@@davidm.kesslerfineart1717 without a doubt!!

[@reginadunn8525]

So if I have been doing art for the past 20 years only as a hobby...sold a few pieces. How experienced can I actually say I am...🙂

[@mysticwellreiki]

Great information, thank you so much. I noticed my labor cost is high, because I am spending more time on the painting - although my overhead is low. The square inch price with your formula actually did work out closely to where I am currently at right now...just a few cents more.

[@davidm.kesslerfineart1717]

You’re welcome - thanks for watching.

[@mysticwellreiki]

@@davidm.kesslerfineart1717 Do you increase your price per square inch yearly? I also am curious to know what you do during economic shifts, make smaller paintings? Thank you so much.

[@davidm.kesslerfineart1717]

@@mysticwellreiki if you’re selling consistently at your current prices, then yes I would increase my prices 10-15% the next year. I don’t do anything different during down economic times.

[@jillpratt2447]

Wow…I’m late to the party but so glad I dropped in! Fantastic explanation on pricing! Thanks, David!

[@davidm.kesslerfineart1717]

Jill, you’re welcome - thanks for dropping in!

[@hurricanemala8186]

How does this not have more likes!!! This is good content!

[@davidm.kesslerfineart1717]

Thank you!

[@mincumonica]

Thank you David. It makes a lot of sense now. I was also wondering how was I going to pay myself and keep money for my small business and you clarified it for me. Thank you so much .

[@davidm.kesslerfineart1717]

Monica Warren thanks again for watching and sharing - I appreciate it!

[@sohinidutta97]

Thank you so much for this beautifully taught lesson! I think this is the most straightforward explanation I have found so far. Thank you!♥

[@davidm.kesslerfineart1717]

You’re welcome - thanks for watching!

[@hectorherrera8316]

Thanks, David!

[@davidm.kesslerfineart1717]

Hector, you’re welcome.

[@donnamoore1648]

Thank you. I live in upper Dorchester County, SC. No close art places near me. I'm disabled and extremely limited, however I have sold many paintings

[@davidm.kesslerfineart1717]

Donna, you’re welcome.

[@matinagrimes]

Best video with breakdown thank u‼️ I have watched Bob Ross for many years about 20 years never picked up a brush until 4 years ago I keep hearing from friends family that I could sell my work I do it for fun and relaxation I had no idea about pricing my work and after many videos and research your video finally explains what to do Thank u

[@davidm.kesslerfineart1717]

Tina, you’re welcome - thank you for watching! I’m happy to hear it helped you.

[@13paulieg]

Love your honesty!

[@lianan.osho-neo-reikiathen7489]

Thanks a lot for sharing your so-down-to-earth approach to the very difficult subject of pricing own art. Your video and advice is very helpful, and highly appreciated! Bless ya

[@davidm.kesslerfineart1717]

Liana, you’re welcome. I’m happy you found it helpful - thank you for watching!

[@susanfield2444]

Wonderful video. Thank you

[@davidm.kesslerfineart1717]

Susan, you’re welcome.

[@Moe-zo4fm]

Very helpful, Thank you! I’ve been painting on & off for 25yrs. I’ve painted portraits, and taken many art school courses at Art School in Toronto. I have been very ill, had heart surgery, improving and starting to figure out what to do with all my Art, each piece is a part of me, labour of love, but I would like to share them. I just put them on Instagram, I don’t price it or anything. I’m hoping the lessons you teach will help me know what to do with all my paintings.

[@alisonlyons4691]

I'm new to your channel, as l came across it yesterday, my eye being drawn to the colours in your paintings. Thank you for this information. The pricing is so well thought out. I have been a painter all my life and sold my work very well. I have no idea really how l arrived at the prices. I did a comparison as you have suggested, but l didnt add in all the costs as you have shown. I've had a long break from painting as my studio was sold, and my art stuff stored. It's been hard getting back in action, but here l am now ready to start fresh. Thank you for your generous information. I live on the Scottish nth west coast, so masses of inspiration. Thanks again Alioban

[@davidm.kesslerfineart1717]

Have fun starting anew.

[@dawnbancroft3520]

Very sound down to earth advise, thank you.

[@davidm.kesslerfineart1717]

Dawn, you’re welcome - thank you for watching.

[@iframalik6008]

What an amaizing explaination 👏👏👏i just luved the way u explain all the details ... em definitely gonna follow them ..feeling so relaxed n clear after watching this ..thx aloooooot💌

[@Cre-Art]

I'm a new mixed media artist and not up to the selling part yet. :) However, watching videos about the business end helps put the future there. I saw another lengthy video about pricing, but the artist didn't give thorough details on how the money breaks down. That's important data to have. Thanks for doing that.

[@davidm.kesslerfineart1717]

Naomi, you’re welcme.

[@josephtermeer5196]

This video was very helpful!

[@davidm.kesslerfineart1717]

Joseph, glad to hear it - thanks for watching.

[@FergusonArt]

Thankyou...alot to take in for a beginner...but very helpful

[@davidm.kesslerfineart1717]

Bartly, you’re welcome.

[@destinylentz7436]

Thank you so much, this is really helping me, I've recently begun my planning to begin my small business on selling my original artwork and covers of artwork and I've been struggling on finding the prices

[@davidm.kesslerfineart1717]

Destiny, happy I can help. Best wishes on the business.

[@janawest7186]

Thank you!I appreciate this!

[@davidm.kesslerfineart1717]

Jana, you’re welcome - thanks for watching.

[@janetwatkins1316]

Thank you , this video was very helpful. God bless!

[@davidm.kesslerfineart1717]

Janet, you’re welcome.

[@LR_Bushido]

:D hey ya mentioned Topeka Kansas cool used to live their

[@smooth111012]

My first few sold online

[@canadaverydry]

Just found your channel! Thank you sir for your precious advices and your work : )

[@davidm.kesslerfineart1717]

You’re welcome - thanks for watching.

[@TheMariaegg]

I am finding your videos very helpful. Thank you

[@davidm.kesslerfineart1717]

Maria Egilsson great, thank you for watching!

[@UnbeLISAble]

Very valuable advice, thanks!

[@davidm.kesslerfineart1717]

Lisa, you’re welcome.

[@fariaibrahim736]

Thank you so so much! This is what I’ve been looking for!

[@davidm.kesslerfineart1717]

Farina, you’re welcome! Thanks for watching.

[@rodrigobianchi7815]

Thank you Sir! This will totally help me to move forward in my creative endevour!

[@davidm.kesslerfineart1717]

You’re welcome!

[@johnjwm2984]

I am new to your channel. Good basic info, David. However there is a lot more to consider. If an artist shows work in a art gallery, the gallery owner will take no less then about 40% of the selling price. These days it will be more like 60% or more. If an artist shows art at an art fair, a plethora of costs spring up, especially if the fair is out of town. Those who are not professionals (hobby painters, like me) we don't worry too much about costs. I married a professional artist and I know how costs can add up.

[@davidm.kesslerfineart1717]

John, this post is for beginning artists to establish a price to begin selling work. Beginning artists just beginning to sell will not be in galleries, thus it is omitted. Hobby painters lose money constantly because they have no idea what there costs are. Thanks for watching.

[@bkp409]

Thank you David for this pricing video. I've watched it before and it is always helpful. I am getting ready to exhibit in my home town of Galveston, TX. and the gallery is asking for 30%.. I always have problems with the final price considering this 30% fee? Also, I get very anxious about showing my work to people I have known most of my life. Yikes! I love your work and I so enjoy the two pieces I bought from you. Abstract landscapes from either Taos or Santa Fe, NM. I never get tired of looking at them! You are a giant book of 27 years experience and I appreciate your continuos generosity of sharing with me and others who follow you. HAPPY NEW YEAR 2022!!!!

[@davidm.kesslerfineart1717]

Hi Barbara, your pricing should be the same across all platforms and galleries - so, you would price the gallery pieces the same as your other pieces, you don’t mark them up 30%, you absorb the cost if they sell.

[@marychristophi6688]

Absolutely , wonderful informative video thank you 🙏 Mary from Cyprus 🙏

[@davidm.kesslerfineart1717]

Mary, you’re welcome! Thanks for watching.

[@bonnie_nelms]

Part 1 makes sense. Not sure about part 2 for emerging artists. I just started in acrylics. Just completed intensive 12week art program. I’m not a fast painter, plus I paint in many layers over a period of days. A 10x10 piece would take me waaaay longer than 30 minutes. Charging by the hour would make absolutely no sense. I think I’ll stick with looking at comparable work in my locality and price accordingly. When all my work is selling out then I’ll look at increasing prices.

[@davidm.kesslerfineart1717]

Being a slow painter is the fastest way to go broke as an artist. Painting in layers is so cliche - maybe try something different. You can manage your business however works for you, but pay attention to the numbers or you’ll be a starving artist.

[@steenystuff1075]

Iamsamudra9 I paint in layers for realism. So does Michael James Smith. Anyone can knock out an impression in half an hour or so. Michael James Smith charges thousands for his work. Check him out. And don't be discouraged by the comment regarding 'cliche'. Paint how YOU love to paint. God bless you and your work.

[@victoriaheimann2708]

Wow! Thank you so much for all the wonderful information. This girl has a lot of work a head of her 😊

[@davidm.kesslerfineart1717]

It is work, but its part of being a painter!

[@valeriahernandez6607]

Thank you so much!!! This really helps, I will be doing my research

[@davidm.kesslerfineart1717]

Valeria, you’re welcome!

[@CedricWilliamsFineArt]

Thank you!! I've learned a lot!!

[@davidm.kesslerfineart1717]

Cedric, you’re welcome.

[@CedricWilliamsFineArt]

@@davidm.kesslerfineart1717 Do you have to become an established artist(having followers/made sales/website etc.)for the advantage to increase your prices on the Paintings you value the most?

[@davidm.kesslerfineart1717]

@@CedricWilliamsFineArt to raise prices you should have established good sales at a price point before increasing the prices. All paintings of the same size should be priced the same regardless whether you think some are better than others. You’ll confuse buyers if you have paintings the same size at different price points.

[@CedricWilliamsFineArt]

@@davidm.kesslerfineart1717 I understand.. thank you👍🏾

[@saharm2454]

Thank you this is very helpful

[@davidm.kesslerfineart1717]

You’re welcome - thanks for watching!

[@italiagorino6358]

Thank you very much

[@davidm.kesslerfineart1717]

You’re welcome

[@calixlaboy9333]

Thanks a million. You are so helpful!

[@davidm.kesslerfineart1717]

Calix, you’re welcome - thanks for watching!

[@dragon6ft5]

Thanks for the in depth explanation. Truly appreciated.

[@davidm.kesslerfineart1717]

Bill Mondragon you’re welcome - thanks for watching!

[@mofadali]

Thank you sir. That was helpful. You made it quite easy to me.

[@davidm.kesslerfineart1717]

You’re welcome, thanks for watching!

[@sbxgii]

Thank you so much. These have been really helpful and I now know what to do next

[@davidm.kesslerfineart1717]

You’re welcome - happy it was helpful for you!

[@RamaSivamani]

One thing I may disagree on is the idea the your art may be amateurish when you start selling. This depends on your approach to being an artist. For people that spent 10-15 years seriously working on their craft before they start selling their art are probably not creating amateurish pieces because they wanted to reach a certain level before even entering the art market. I know this is not the case for a lot of artists but I do know some artists that wanted to put in several years of serious practice before trying to start to sell their art. In those how would you adjust starting prices?

[@davidm.kesslerfineart1717]

Rama, it’s very rare that someone would spend 10-15 years of working on their craft prior to selling. It probably stems from a lack of confidence. It also depends on their education in art - do they know enough and practiced correctly to be good? They go through the same process to determine their prices.

[@sharondoolan2314]

Thank you for this valuable information

[@davidm.kesslerfineart1717]

Sharon Doolan you’re welcome - thank you for watching!

[@susanhepburn6040]

Thank you very much - you've been really helpful.

[@marialenagerodimou8877]

Thanks for the advices! I've been seeing all around internet prices that are not right for the art that they sell and I was feeling Fool to set my prices such low as I am thinking but since I just started selling my art I agree totally with you! Even though I would likely to set bigger prices! I just don't know how to start this whole process! And I am afraid that I might set my prices even less than they worth hour+material + art. The tip about to join the art community is something I considered before but I am thinking that those people on the art community might be behind closed doors and not accept more people to join or/and help.

[@davidm.kesslerfineart1717]

Just follow the guidelines in the video, thats how you start! Use my system to determine your prices, its really easy. Any art organization will be open and welcoming. Just start!

[@marialenagerodimou8877]

@@davidm.kesslerfineart1717 oh thanks! 😊 Wish to make it happen! Its a long road and few weeks ago I took the biggest risk in my entire life to follow my dreams because I do not want to be unhappy and unsatisfied anymore with what i am doing as job.

[@davidm.kesslerfineart1717]

Marialena Gerodimou you can do it!

[@MsSola26]

Hello David! I came across your channel just now and it has helped me so much! Especially since I have a big meeting tomorrow with a place that wants to purchase quite a few of my work. Definitely subscribed! ✨Do you perhaps have a video on how to stretch canvas on the board and maybe assembling the whole thing?? Just throwing that out there 🌚

[@davidm.kesslerfineart1717]

Abísólá thanks for watching and subscribing! Happy it’s helpful for you. I do not have any videos on stretching canvas.

[@RogersPhotographyOG]

Thank you for sharing this. It's difficult for artists of any type to also be a business person (think EGO).😉

[@davidm.kesslerfineart1717]

You’re welcome - and yes it is difficult to both a good artist and a good business person.

[@gaelsan6931]

muchas gracias your information is really helpful , very clear and understandable.

[@davidm.kesslerfineart1717]

Gabriel, you’re welcome - thank you for watching!

[@houria685]

thank you so much for this

[@davidm.kesslerfineart1717]

You’re welcome!

[@tamerakeeney1704]

Ty very helpful!!

[@davidm.kesslerfineart1717]

Tamera, you're welcome.

[@concavearts111]

This is really useful information - thank you for putting this out there. The only consideration I see missing - is that there is a marketing fee involved that is usually 50% or so. So if you are selling your art yourself for $250 and you want to start having other ppl sell for you - they will need to charge $500 for you to get the $250. Marketing is effort!

[@davidm.kesslerfineart1717]

I don't think many artists can afford, nor do they need another person to sell their art. There is no reason to add something to muddy the waters for pricing art.

[@heatherchristie6907]

Very helpful, thanks David.

[@davidm.kesslerfineart1717]

Heather, you’re welcome - thank you for watching!

[@Lightcode]

yeeeeeah. I always wonder about these formulae. I may spent 10hours on a 5x7 watercolour or (rarely) 30mins. So 2 very different price points. That would totally confuse buyers who often cannot tell the difference - as most of my work is abstract - and would want to know why 1 is maybe 4x more cost.

[@davidm.kesslerfineart1717]

Every 5x7 you sell would be the same price, regardless of how much time it took you to paint them. You have to determine how to price them. Use what works for you - this is what works for me.

[@YogiAmy]

This was really helpful thanks!

[@davidm.kesslerfineart1717]

YogiAmy 1993 you’r welcome. Thank you for watching!

[@themystic6851]

Thank you for making the video. It is very helpful.

[@davidm.kesslerfineart1717]

The Mystic, you’re welcome - thank you for watching!

[@reginadunn8525]

Thank you for this detailed video. Can you please tell us where the $250 selling price come from... how did you determine the mark up?

[@davidm.kesslerfineart1717]

If you watched the video, I said the margins on my work is based on income goals and overall pre square inch pricing for other pieces.

[@Junior-jw1bb]

Very helpful information - thank you

[@davidm.kesslerfineart1717]

Joe, you’re welcome - thank you for watching!

[@ThePhenomenon000]

Thank you

[@davidm.kesslerfineart1717]

You’re welcome!

[@AnyaandKharim]

Thanks a lot sir 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻

[@davidm.kesslerfineart1717]

You’re welcome - thanks for watching!

[@kanrup5199]

Are markets good places to sell artwork? Would the usual Artwork price level be too high for browsing person?

[@davidm.kesslerfineart1717]

Kan Rup, It depends on what type pf market it is, and what people that come there typically buy. If it's a farmers market where people come to buy food, then not a good fit. It is all crafts and you are selling fine art, probably not a good fit. You want buyers who are looking to buy art, not necessarily other things. You also have to make sure, if they are art buyers, that they are the type of buyers who will be interested in the type of art you make. It takes research on your part to see if it is a viable sales venue.

[@kanrup5199]

@@davidm.kesslerfineart1717 I see. I was thinking of the big general market in my town. Its not art specific so might not be best fit for main selling. Thank you for the advice.

[@davidm.kesslerfineart1717]

Kan Rup you’re welcome.

[@vhold2591]

One suggestion, write larger. Its difficult to see a breakdown of your costs even on a large laptop screen. Very helpful video for the hobbies like myselft

[@amandatrot92]

So will it be okay to up my price with more experience?

[@davidm.kesslerfineart1717]

That’s the way it works. If you are selling at your current prices, then possibly increase your prices the following year.

[@amandatrot92]

David M. Kessler Fine Art thank you !

[@mahinazabdelaziz]

Very helpful, Thank you.

[@davidm.kesslerfineart1717]

mahinaz soliman you’re welcome!

[@PokerMama55]

This is the best video I've seen on pricing your art. The only problem is that I tend to paint slow. It would probably take me at LEAST 2 hours to do that 30 minute painting you did. (I paint over a lot because I'm not happy with it). My hourly rate would have to be extremely low. As I type this, I'm thinking that my first job may be to paint faster. Is there a way I can use your system, but with some kind of change into the hourly rate? Or do I just need to learn to paint faster? Thanks

[@davidm.kesslerfineart1717]

Shirley Williams everyone’s hourly rate and painting prices will be different. You have determine what is right for you so that you can make money on your paintings. Thanks for watching!

[@nonsense3112]

I usually draw on 18 in x 24 in paper, and I was wondering if I should only take notes of the many different prizes of artwork that is the size that I'm looking for ?

[@davidm.kesslerfineart1717]

I’m sorry, I don’t understand the question.

[@nonsense3112]

When you were explaining to take notes of the different prizes and sizes, I was curious if I could just write down the prices of artwork that are a specific measurement, or if i should just go with different sizes anyways.

[@davidm.kesslerfineart1717]

@@nonsense3112 Do whatever you think will be most helpful for you.

[@nonsense3112]

@@davidm.kesslerfineart1717 alright just wanted to clear that up, thank you and sorry for the confusion.

[@sylvie1276]

I am 16 but get so many messages of people wanting commissions. I charge $80 for a 9x12 painting but I spend so long on it. I’ve been thinking about raising prices but don’t want to lose customers.

[@davidm.kesslerfineart1717]

Sylvie, congratulations on the commissions. It’s completely up you how you charge for your work. If you have plenty of work you should raise your prices 10-15% per year. If you gradually increase your prices, your customers will understand.

[@gingerredwine6326]

Just what i needed!! Thank you!!!

[@davidm.kesslerfineart1717]

Ginger, you’re welcome!

[@AuntMay2011]

This was extremely helpful! Thank you very much!!

[@davidm.kesslerfineart1717]

Maryann, you’re welcome! Thank you for watching.

[@alzahraaashkanani2984]

so how did you evaluate the 160$? how do I know if the value of the gross profit is right for my art piece ?

[@davidm.kesslerfineart1717]

Maybe you should watch the video again. I told you about pricing for your location and that its YOUR job to figure out YOUR sales goals and YOUR business goals in establishing the expenses and profit for your sales/business. YOU have to figure it out based on the information I provided. No one else can do it for you. Making and selling art is WORK.

[@fatheratum5033]

thanks

[@davidm.kesslerfineart1717]

You’re welcome.

[@allenvoss7977]

I’m charging $2 A square inch and if it has a frame double that cost is this fair ?

[@davidm.kesslerfineart1717]

Allen, did you watch the video? Did you hear me say that what you charge is based on where you live and your level based on others in your area? How could I possibly say whether your pricing is right or not????

[@colorcapacity2779]

What is your opinion on using pre-stretched canvases from an art supply store? Can you still sell your original art painted on them or is it considered unprofessional- ie, if you're selling your work, should you be stretching your own canvases? I know even the better quality brands have their brand name on the back of the stretcher bars. The question is, will gallery owners refuse to show those pieces or will it turn buyers off?

[@davidm.kesslerfineart1717]

There is nothing wrong with using canvases from an art store as long as you’re using the best ones they sell - don’t get the cheapies. Buyers don’t care what’s on the back. Galleries only care about selling paintings.

[@colorcapacity2779]

@@davidm.kesslerfineart1717 Thanks! Love your videos- very helpful.

[@davidm.kesslerfineart1717]

@@colorcapacity2779 you’re welcome.

[@alexsantiago9594]

What about watercolor?

[@davidm.kesslerfineart1717]

What about it? It’s art - use the same process to determine your pricing.

[@alexsantiago9594]

@@davidm.kesslerfineart1717 oh ok... I ask because I heard somewhere about pricing depending on the length, height and width.

[@davidm.kesslerfineart1717]

@@alexsantiago9594 per sq in of surface - that is typically how you determine a price-I know all that is covered in the video - maybe you should watch it again.

[@pandoraroy117]

Ty

[@davidm.kesslerfineart1717]

You’re welcome! Thanks for watching.

[@johnswaim3919]

My labor rate is around 5 bucks an hour. I have a tough time thinking I can ask much for something I love doing so much. I've been at it about 5 years, landscapes mostly, and I usually price, for example, a 12" x 16", $25, maybe 30. Definitely have to be cognizant of the local market and be brutal with yourself about the product. Thank you for your frank and informative content David.

[@davidm.kesslerfineart1717]

John Swaim john, that labor rate and those painting prices are ridiculously low! Get those prices up so people will take you seriously as a painter. You have no credibility at all with prices like that - and you aren’t making enough to cover your supplies. You can do it!

[@johnswaim3919]

@@davidm.kesslerfineart1717 Thank you David. It has always felt like that tightrope between charging too little and the negative impact that has on credivilitt and asking too much and being thought insane. Ha ha! I am venturing into social media, building a website, and appreciate any and all feedback and constructive criticism. Not looking to quit my day job - YET, but who knows in 10 or 20 years... all the best to you, sir.

[@tamerakeeney1704]

I live in a small town do I just google galleries or go to Pinterest?

[@davidm.kesslerfineart1717]

Tamera, I don’t think galleries are a way to sell your art. There are lots of resources online for how and where to sell your art - I have some too - so do some research on selling yourself. Galleries are not selling much work and their fees are 50%, so I don’t go that route myself. Not sure what good Pinterest would do, but then I don’t do anything on Pinterest.

[@tamerakeeney1704]

@@davidm.kesslerfineart1717 I wasn’t thinking of selling in one just looking at n getting prices n inspiration

[@davidm.kesslerfineart1717]

@@tamerakeeney1704 gotcha

[@davidm.kesslerfineart1717]

@@tamerakeeney1704 remember pricing is location specific. You must have pricing consistent with your town, area, county or region. Any other pricing won’t make any sense.

[@beckylangley4833]

Do you think .50 a sq inch would be to much for a newbe

[@davidm.kesslerfineart1717]

Go through the formula I outlined in the video - do it right, guessing is not a good system.

[@gillinacook1477]

You mention leaner inch don’t work very well. What you you mean by that please.

[@davidm.kesslerfineart1717]

Just use square inches - height times width to get area of painting, then apply a price per square inch.

[@michellemancell4270]

I would love for you to talk and describe what and how you paint your artwork in your videos. I see you painting, but can't hear what you are doing, colors you are using or why you use them.

[@davidm.kesslerfineart1717]

You need to go to my channel - I have MANY 6 video painting series where I show you and tell you exactly what I am doing every step of the way

[@joycethompson1361]

Didn't figure on gallery commission rates.

[@davidm.kesslerfineart1717]

I assumed that artists who don’t yet know how to price won’t be in galleries.

[@joycethompson1361]

@@davidm.kesslerfineart1717 point well taken!

[@len1045678]

So i have a question. I did an family portrait for a client who happen to be a friend of mines, and charge them $75 for 9×12 ( 3 heads ) with a few mistake, the client saw a well establish artist selling his portraits on the roads of europe ( the client took a video of his work and prices, and send it to me, who happen to draw really really well almost hyper realistic ) his drawing sized look 16×18 and 18×20 with a starting price at € 50-90 and the client was wondering how is he is so cheap.. and im so expensive ( according to the client ) can u please help me make sense of that cause when i saw the artist work i found him to be too cheap for high quality work

[@davidm.kesslerfineart1717]

No I cannot explain it. Art prices vary everywhere and there is no consistency.

[@len1045678]

@@davidm.kesslerfineart1717 thanks i always had a feeling cause every artist had a different price and style

[@TomMack530]

i did my first oil painting and it took me 6 months to finish it and and young lady came by and offered me $600 for it , it said ok it was a Midi evil times a knight fighting a Dragon with a Castle in the background that was 5 years ago , i was out side painting and she came over and asked me what i was painting , she watched me and she made me that offer , i was not expecting her to offer me that??? that was my very first painting i ever did it was 3 feet x 3 feet

[@davidm.kesslerfineart1717]

Tom, it should never take 6 months to do a painting - you can’t make any money with your art if you paint that slow. You didn’t have to accept her offer - but you did, so its on you. You should have had a price on it and if she wanted it she could pay that price.

[@heatherweber531]

I have been presented with an opportunity to present my artwork to a local resort's CEO and GM (General Manager). The artwork would be use in the remodeled cabins, and there are a lot. I do fluid art in any size. though I'm guessing that these are going to be in the range of 36x48 or larger; which would mean stretching my own. if this happens should I use canvas tarps from Menards? or order canvas from Dick Blick or another art supply store. This will be my biggest sale of my artistic endeavors. I have thought of using this opportunity to use a bit more expensive paints. thoughts? Should I have a different price sheet for purchased canvases vs hand stretched and gessoed? I have also considered selling them the prints of the original paintings. Thoughts of not selling originals? is I sell the original does that mean I'm selling the rights to them too? how do I protect myself from a company that is turning corporate ugg this is almost to much to think through. HELP :)

[@davidm.kesslerfineart1717]

You’re getting ahead of yourself. Go to the meeting and see what they want first. Then determine how to structure it based on what they want and need.

[@leojablonski2309]

Wisdom.

[@davidm.kesslerfineart1717]

Thanks for watching!

[@ronaldh8235]

that is actually a great video!

[@davidm.kesslerfineart1717]

Thanks Ronald! I appreciate you watching.

[@lisalovelylpa]

If you can’t make money selling your art stay home and paint for fun. If you price your art for your neighbors you will spend your entire career selling art to your neighbors. Price high paint up to your price. Eventually you will catch up. Thirty minutes of labor ? You spend your whole life being an artist lol Figure in that time lol If you figured all your overhead , taxes , time and aggravation , your price even as a beginner would be sky high , so don’t waste time pricing low. If you honestly don’t think your art is worth much don’t go into the art business. It’s a beautiful activity without selling it. Lastly, only go into business , if your survival depends on it. Most people that go into a business that they are passionate about end up hating what was once there love. Nice video. PS yeah workshops lol best way to make a buck lol

[@sarahmiller6183]

I enter a few shows a year. I have been painting watercolor abstracts, that have to be framed. Does that cost go into the materials list? Thanks!

[@davidm.kesslerfineart1717]

Yes it does.

[@JulieParisiArt]

Not sure if taking photos of original art is such a good idea? This used to make me squirm at my shows.

[@davidm.kesslerfineart1717]

Then just write down the info in the wall label - that’s what you want!

[@IMOLDIN]

Your a professional painter?

[@davidm.kesslerfineart1717]

Yes

[@wasua100]

Cool Length x Breadth X 2= price of work

[@najwaalnaief3275]

Is copying others painting ok or not before you find your own style??????

[@davidm.kesslerfineart1717]

@@najwaalnaief3275 it’s always better not to copy someone else’s work. Here’s the problem: some folks copy others work (which is copyright infringement and a crime) and then they decide to sell that piece, which is even larger crime. Try to come up with your own material - it really isn’t that difficult.

[@johnjwm2984]

A postscript. Photographing other artists work can lead to confrontation. Ask first if you can take a photo. My wife has had her work pirated and prints made and sold in Europe. There's not much you can do about when that happens.

[@davidm.kesslerfineart1717]

The idea is to collect the information. If you need to write the information down, then write it down and don’t take a picture. These are simple ideas on collecting information - use your own judgement.