Artist Guide 04 - Pricing

Nothing I make is intended for sale at the time of creation and only becomes so in the fullness of time. 
Pricing is one of the hardest tasks for so many artists in their creative process, numbers and money is a ‘right brained’ process after all, or is it! 

Pricing works is and always has been a bit of a breeze for my works have a value  related not only to the emotional input during creation but also long afterwards, a sentimental value if you like.  I like to live with my work after creation, either hung on the wall or placed around my studio and home as if in a gallery setting, they bring me joy, happiness, contemplation, consideration of attributes and let downs, it is only when I have tired of any one piece that I consider it to have any monetary value, a value which is based entirely on the length of time I have enjoyed it, moreso,  how much I would accept to part with it; time on construction, creation, size or complexity really plays no part at all in my considerations.
As I come toward a show or a point of sale everything does become very relaxing as I finalise my prices, some rise and some fall though each with a value that is related, not only to the emotional value but also in relation to other works of similarity; by the time I get to the point of providing a price I know in my heart of hearts that it is realistic, honest and true value for money with hope only that the buyer will gain as much from their purchase as I lose in its loss.
You have to be realistic when it comes to pricing not only of the intrinsic value of the work but also what you have given your art over the span of your lifetime and career, what have you sacrificed to bring a piece of work to the material world .
Commissions work is an entirely different concept and is usually based upon so many different variables that it would be far too much to consider in a single blog post, the subject matter, the materials, the work, the time, the complexity and even the person is a consideration, only good consultation with the client will bring a mutually acceptable agreement.
As a matter of experience abilities increase and tasks become easier, works are produced more fluidly and maturity to a point where the making of art does become easier, it is for this reason that you must reflect upon what has gone before more than simply what effort has gone into a single piece.

Happy Creating and enjoy your works.

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