WHY IS YOUR ART SO EXPENSIVE?: ART COSTS AND EXPLANATIONS FOR NEW COLLECTORS

Hey, It's Desire'.

So, as a beginner fine artist, I am very interested in selling my work. I soon want it to be my main source of income. However, there seems to be a lot of confusion around what art is exactly worth or how much it should cost. So, I decided it might be beneficial to make a guide for new collectors and interested buyers so I don't get wide-eyed looks when I say an original oil painting is going to cost more than $70. Most people whose entire life hasn't be consumed by art wouldn't know how much things should costs, and that's okay! Just remember to be respectful to your artist.

ORIGINAL ARTWORK:

Original artwork is the one of a kind "real" artwork. It's the actual canvas/wood/paint/work that the artist has made. Since it is the only of its kind, it will cost substantially more than any reproductions or prints of the work. Think of if you were to buy the original handwritten manuscript to a book versus buying a copy of the book from a store. That original manuscript would cost tons more than the copy of it you would get at the store. It's the same idea.

When pricing originals, different artists look at different factors. Most consider time spent on the piece, cost of materials, demand of the work, and size of the work. So, if I were to sell an original 11x14in oil painting that I worked on for 12 hours at $30, I would be making $2.50 an hour which is absurd. Not only that, but I would a have to subtract my materials costs, which is almost $10 a painting. Besides that, if I get the painting framed, that cost would have to be inputted too. Galleries also take a fraction of the sales if they're responsible for the work, so works in galleries may appear to be more expensive than an artist selling the work on their own.

COMMISSIONS:

A commission is a paid request by a collector/customer. This paid request can come in many forms, from paid sketches to full on original artworks. Commissions often require a small contract between the artist and collector to make sure the artist is properly paid in the event of the collector backing out. Most commissions require an upfront partial payment and the final payment before the work is revealed/sent off.

Keep in mind that a commission is also an original artwork. It will generally cost more than the artist's originals because it's a special request. The artist is going out of their way to accommodate customer requests and revisions. However, being able to look at this special piece in your home/business is worth the money. Most commissions will not be made into prints unless the collector has specifically given permission.

PRINTS/REPRODUCTIONS:

I think this is what most people have in mind when they ask to buy my art. When I give them prices, they say things like "I thought it would be like $40." This is a standard sort of print price. The prices of prints depend on many things, like the quality, quantity, size, and maker of the prints. Most range between $15-70. There are a few exceptions, like large canvas reproductions of the work or framed prints or even hand embellished prints. Prints, like most artwork, pay respect to the most basic economic factors: time, availability, costs, and materials. They aren't quite as awing as having an original artwork in your collection, but they can still be a good way to bring some life into your space. Most artwork that is seen in common places (Walmart, doctor offices, classrooms) are prints. If you really like an artist and want their work, prints are a great option. Many artists even have Holiday sales, so be on the lookout.

I hope this was even sort of helpful to any of you who decide to read it all. Being a little informed can really help you save money and save face. I do really encourage you to start an art collection. It is like having a piece of magic in your everyday life.

Thanks, Desire'