Do's and Don'ts when evaluating your work

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Whether it's your first piece of art or your XNUMXth, properly grading your work can be an extremely difficult task.

Set your price too low and you could leave money on the table, set your price too high and your work could start piling up in your studio.

How to find this golden mean, this golden mean? We've put together 5 important do's and don'ts when pricing your art so that your work finds a worthy home.—and get a decent salary!

SHOULD: Research prices of comparable artists

How much do similar artists charge for their work? A thorough research of your market will give you a better idea of ​​how your art should be valued. Consider the work of other artists that are comparable in style, material, color, size, etc. Also note the achievements of these artists, their experience, geographic location, and productivity.

Then search the Internet or visit galleries and open studios and see their work in person. Find out how much these artists charge and why, as well as how much they sell for and which don't. This information can be a great indicator to help you make sure your prices are at the right level.

DON'T: underestimate your work or yourself

Creating art takes time and many of the materials can be expensive. Consider reasonable hourly labor and material costs when evaluating your art, including framing and shipping if applicable. The US Department of Labor is donating $24.58 for the fine artist.—use this to help you evaluate. Your price should reflect the money and time you put into creating your art.

Art business prodigy Corey Huff of The uses this trick: "If my prices don't make me at least a little uncomfortable with overcharging, I'm probably underpricing!" Take as much as you cost (within reason).

DO: Keep the same price for your studio and galleries

If you're thinking about selling work from your studio for lower prices than a gallery, think again. Galleries invest time and energy into their sales and are generally not happy to hear that you are selling work for much less. Take this from business coach Alison Stanfield, they...

What's more, other galleries may find out about it and be less inclined to work with you. Make sure you set prices that are broadly the same for your studio and your galleries. This way, people can buy your great work anywhere, and you can maintain a good relationship with your galleries.

DON'T: let emotions get in the way

It's hard, we know. With all the time, creative effort, and emotion you put into your work, it's easy to become attached. Being proud of your work is great, but letting your emotions drive your prices is not. Pricing your work should be based primarily on its physical characteristics rather than personal value. Subjective qualities, such as emotional attachment, are difficult to explain to buyers. If there are one or two works that are particularly important to you, consider keeping them off the market and keeping them in your private collection.

DO: be confident and stand on your own price

Whether you sell a lot of work or are new to the field, be confident in yourself and your prices. If you don't, buyers will quickly figure it out. Set a firm price and let the buyer answer—and ignore any nagging inner thoughts about lowering it. When you take the time to properly and realistically evaluate your work, you can stand behind the price. If the buyer wants to lower the price, you will be ready to justify your price. Confidence works wonders and will help you get home with the money you deserve.

Want more help appreciating your art? Let's consider one of them.