2 answers
Astrid
Student
Mendon, Massachusetts
1
Question
Asked
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How would I go about taking formal commissions for my paintings?
For context, I am a senior in HS and would like to start making money off of traditional painting commissions, like landscape paintings, portraits, etc. I have the skills to do so, but I am wondering how I would go about establishing myself on socials and how I could create a customer base. I’m also confused on what I should charge for my work and I don’t want to undercharge for it. Do any artists have tips and tricks for putting their art out there and gaining a customer base?
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2 answers
Alicia Dunn
Professional Artist
2
Answers
Oakland, California
Updated
Alicia’s Answer
I would start out by submitting work to online galleries. There are countless galleries on line such as UGallery, Singulart, and the list goes on. Once accepted at one you can begin listing work for sale. They might help with the pricing. Otherwise, look for similar styles/sizes online and you will start to get an idea for pricing. When you are starting out, I’d recommend keeping your pricing on the low side in order to get some sales under your belt and to start to build a client base.
Post your work on social media and always mention you are available for commissions. Instagram is ideal for artists as it’s such a visual medium. Follow decorators and designers in the hopes this will bring their attention to your work.
Commissions can be priced slightly higher than your posted prices (assuming you have prices online via a vis the online gallery representing you from Step One.). It is a good idea to get a deposit upfront to solidify the collector’s commitment, typically. 30-50% of the sales price. This will also help cover materials.
Post your work on social media and always mention you are available for commissions. Instagram is ideal for artists as it’s such a visual medium. Follow decorators and designers in the hopes this will bring their attention to your work.
Commissions can be priced slightly higher than your posted prices (assuming you have prices online via a vis the online gallery representing you from Step One.). It is a good idea to get a deposit upfront to solidify the collector’s commitment, typically. 30-50% of the sales price. This will also help cover materials.
angie azur
Writer | Artist | Death Doula | Yoga | Meditation | Psychology | Philosophy
78
Answers
Weaverville, NC
Updated
angie’s Answer
Your question: How would I go about taking formal commissions for my paintings?
My thoughts:
Hello, Astrid,
What a good question. I am an artist - I use art in therapy sessions and as a source for me to heal. I have been wondering the same thing about selling my art....so I asked around, and some artists gave me some advice. My advice would be for you to find artists in your town and visit them. Ask them how they started and how they determine their costs. What I've heard is you add up the canvas, or paper you used, the paints, and the hours you put into your work and come up with a fair price from there. If you overprice yourself, no one will buy. So, it's better to get your work out there first and then raise your prices as you become more known and start to buy better supplies for your work.
What other artists have told me:
- Get involved in your local arts, community art fairs, art safaris, art walks, etc...
- Talk to local artists
- Take local art classes and/or small business classes
- Find out what sells in your area - is there a notable something that people would love to remember they saw? Like if you live San Francisco, you might paint the Golden Gate Bridge.
- Keep track of what sells, when it sells, and for how much it sells
I hope that helps a bit.
Good Luck!
Angie
My thoughts:
Hello, Astrid,
What a good question. I am an artist - I use art in therapy sessions and as a source for me to heal. I have been wondering the same thing about selling my art....so I asked around, and some artists gave me some advice. My advice would be for you to find artists in your town and visit them. Ask them how they started and how they determine their costs. What I've heard is you add up the canvas, or paper you used, the paints, and the hours you put into your work and come up with a fair price from there. If you overprice yourself, no one will buy. So, it's better to get your work out there first and then raise your prices as you become more known and start to buy better supplies for your work.
What other artists have told me:
- Get involved in your local arts, community art fairs, art safaris, art walks, etc...
- Talk to local artists
- Take local art classes and/or small business classes
- Find out what sells in your area - is there a notable something that people would love to remember they saw? Like if you live San Francisco, you might paint the Golden Gate Bridge.
- Keep track of what sells, when it sells, and for how much it sells
I hope that helps a bit.
Good Luck!
Angie