Have you ever finished a beautiful painting or a lovely piece of pottery and then felt a little bit stuck? You look at your work and think, "I love this, but I have no idea how much money to ask for it!"
Don't worry. You are not alone! Almost every artist feels this way at first. It can feel a bit scary to put a price tag on something you made with your own hands and heart.

Jump To: Artwork Price Calculator

Today, we are going to learn how to price your artwork in a very simple way. You don't need to be a math whiz or a business expert. We are just going to talk about it like we are friends having a cuppa in Queens Park.

Why Do We Need a Price Tag?

If you are creating art just for yourself and don't want or need to make money from it, you don't need to worry about pricing it. But if you would like to make some money to cover the costs of materials so you can continue creating, or you actually want to make it into something more than a hobby, then keep on reading.

When you make art, you are using your special skills and your time. Just like a baker sells bread or a gardener helps with the lawn, artists provide something beautiful for the world.

Putting a fair price on your work isn't being "greedy." It's actually a way of being kind to yourself and to other artists. When we all charge a fair price, it shows everyone that art is important and valuable.

The Simple "Cake" Way to Price Your Art

To make it easy, let’s imagine you are baking a cake for a friend. How would you figure out what to charge for that cake?

Step 1. The Ingredients (Your Materials)

First, you have to pay for the flour, the eggs, and the sugar. In art, your "ingredients" are things like:

• The canvas or the paper.
• The paint or the clay.
• The frame (if it has one).
• The brushes you used up.

You should always make sure your price covers these costs first. If you spent $150 on a nice frame from Murray's Art and Framing, you need to make sure you get that $150 back!

Step 2: Your Magic Time and Skills

You deserve to be paid for your time, just like any other job. As your skills improve and you spend years practising, your talent wage should increase too.

Starting Out:
When you are first starting out, it might take you longer to create a piece while you are still learning. You might choose an hourly rate at the lower end of the spectrum, such as $25 to $30 per hour.

Growing Your Expertise:
Just like any other profession, as your talent and skills increase, you should give yourself a pay rise! Perhaps you increase your rate by $10 per hour each year. By year three, you might be charging $50 per hour. Even if you become faster at painting, your increased skill means the work is more valuable.

Step 3: Reputation and Brand Awareness

We also need to factor in your brand and reputation. As more people get to know you and your brand awareness grows, your artwork naturally becomes more valuable. Once you have a following or a history of successful exhibitions, you can add a Reputation Percentage to your price. This is usually an extra 10% to 20% on top of your base price to reflect your standing in the art community. Make sure you check out our When to Increase Your Prices Checklist and try out the checklist calculator there, too.

Step 4: The Art Recipe (The Formula)

Now, let's put it all together!

Ingredients + (Hourly Pay x Hours Spent) + Reputation = Your Price

Example: Starting Out

• Ingredients (Canvas, Paint, Frame): $200
• Magic Time: 10 hours at $30 each ($300)
• Total Price: $500

Example: After 3 Years of Practice

• Ingredients (Canvas, Paint, Frame): $200
• Magic Time: 10 hours at $50 each ($500)
• Base Price: $700
• Reputation (10% to 20%): $70 to $140
• Final Price: $770 to $840

Artwork Price Calculator

Looking Around Toowoomba or your local area

It is also a great idea to see what other artists in our lovely town are doing. Look for art that is a similar size to yours. If they are selling for around $400-600, then you know your price of $500 is in a very good "sweet spot." Remember the reputation factor though. Some of these artists may have been working and selling their artwork a lot longer so if they are more expensive, that is okay.

Don't compare yourself to famous artists in big art museums (well not just yet anyway). Just look at other friendly local artists who are at a similar stage as you.

What About Galleries?

Sometimes, a local shop or a gallery will offer to sell your art for you. This is great because more people will see your work!

Usually, the gallery will keep a little bit of the money (this is called a "commission") to pay for their rent and lights. Before you say "yes," ask them how much they keep. Most of the time, it's about 30% or 40%. You will need to make your price a little bit higher to make sure you still get paid for your "Magic Time."

Frequently Asked Questions (The Simple Version)

"Can I give a discount to my best friend?"
Of course you can! But here is a secret: always show them the full price first, and then write "Friend Discount" next to it. This shows them that your work is valuable, even if you are giving them a gift.

"Should I lower my price if it doesn't sell right away?"
Not necessarily! Sometimes the right person just hasn't seen it yet. If you know your "Cake Recipe" (the formula) is right, be patient. Your art is worth the wait.

"What if someone says my art is too expensive?"
That is okay! Not everyone can afford a hand-made cake, and not everyone can afford a hand-made painting. It doesn't mean your price is wrong; it just means that person isn't your buyer today. Be polite and keep smiling!

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Key Takeaways for Your Pocket:

Cover your costs: Always get your money back for frames and paint.

Value your time: Your "Magic Time" is important!

Keep it consistent: Use the same "recipe" for all your art.

Be proud: Setting a price is more than just a business decision; it is an act of respect for your craft. It shows the world that you value the time, skill, and heart you pour into every piece. By choosing a fair price, you are honouring your creative journey and making it possible to keep sharing your vision with the community.