An artist sent me this question by email: “After looking over your art prices, I’m curious; how are you able to charge such high rates to strangers?” The writer was referring to the prices we charge for Drew’s artwork. In many cases, our prices are much higher than the prices of other artists in our field. But it… Continue reading
Browsing Category Pricing
Art Business Answers – Should You Send a Sketch to a Client Before Payment
An artist recently asked: “Should I email a client a sketch for their mural, before I’m paid anything? I worry they will take it to another artist and use it. Should I send it with a contract?” This is a great question, and there are two answers, depending on your situation. But first, my thoughts… Continue reading →
What to Charge for Art Licensing – Royalties Advances and Flat Fees
(Artwork provided by the wonderful, fun and talented Sara Jane Franklin.) When you need to have your sink unclogged, there’s little difference in price from plumber to plumber. I think that at one time in the past, the wise plumbers got together and said “let’s all charge the same high price so we all get… Continue reading →
The Deadbeat Client: Consequences and Prevention is the Cure
Most of my illustration clients are wonderful to work with. I’m blessed in that way. However, every now and again I run into a business deal that just isn’t a virtuous match. A recent scuffle with a not-so-ethical client has inspired me to write this article to help you avoid being stiffed on payment…. Continue reading →
Should you go into Debt to Sell Your Art?
“Numbers don’t lie…” The other day at lunch I met a jewelry maker. She had her charms and chains and tools laid out on a table at an outdoor café, happily making wearable art in the Spanish charm of downtown San Clemente. She was a fan of my husband Drew, and she asked if I… Continue reading →
Are your prices confusing your customers?
Customers can be like children. They take comfort in knowing what to expect. They want to know that your pricing structure makes sense and is well thought out. On the other hand, if your price quotes depend on how the wind blows that day, you may be scaring away good clients. It’s important to keep your… Continue reading →
How to Price a Wall Mural – Developing a Price Sheet and Proposal
In this article I’m going to do something that some of my friends warn me not to because they are so darn practical: I’m going to tell all. Oh My God, I’m sharing with the entire world our pricing structure for wall murals. (Subject to increase by 10% every year…) Why would I do something… Continue reading →
How to Never get Ripped Off AGAIN – For Freelancers
“Money is better than poverty, if only for financial reasons.” Woody Allen Being “ripped off”. I really don’t like the negative sound of those words. But I’m compelled to write about it because it’s a topic that comes up again and again. Yesterday an artist was in my office and she said that she’s been… Continue reading →
How to Price Your Original Artworks
Even though I’ve been managing the art career of my husband Drew for over a decade, it wasn’t until recently that we established a solid pricing structure for Drew’s original artworks. A couple of years ago when a collector would ask “how is Drew’s artwork priced?” I didn’t have a good answer – there was… Continue reading →