What to charge at Christmas shop for artists

[Jill H]

Hi everyone, I have just found that our local art gallery is going to run a Christmas Shop at the gallery for artists of any media, as a way of helping artists to promote themselves and their work. So I was thinking about doing some prints - perhaps on canvas. I can make prints or canvasses of any size, and I have to submit images to them in a couple of weeks time for approval to exhibit.

I thought canvas might be better than prints, because prints I would need to get framed and glass which immediately bumps up the cost considerably. If I was to get canvasses made and mounted, what do you think would be a good size, and how much should I mark up the finished product? How much do you think is an ok price to charge? I got come prices today for canvasses and a 12 x 18 inch canvas is $69.95 Australian, and a 24 x 18 inch is $129. The gallery is going to take 30% (which seems a lot to me, but that's their rules) which I need to add onto what I want.

Here are a couple of examples of some I thought of putting in. Do you think they are good enough to sell? Thank you in advance. Selling is new to me so I look forward to hearing your thoughts and advice.

From Light

From Light

From Roses and Garden Flowers

From Light

[Daisho]

Make sure that those subtle tones come out right on canvas, just today I got a unwanted reminder that print =!= screen. What might work on your computer will not translate to print or canvas.

Why not print and just have it put on a wooden frame without glass? I get a print 40x60cm incl. the wood and mounting for a bit shy of 60 R$ which is shy of U$ 34

[AnonymousKiwi1]

I really have no idea about pricing, but your images are beautiful. Certainly good enough to sell. Best of luck.

Cheers, Lisa

[moscowmartin]

Hi Jill,

Lovely images, they should do well. As for canvas size, I would go with a few different ones to give people a selection. A large size may look good in the gallery but may be too much for peoples home, to small and your image could get lost among the other exhibits, ask the gallery what size sells well as they should know their buyers.

Also, ask the gallery if you will be able to have your business cards adjacent to your images for people to pick up, or even a small brochure or flyer that shows your other work and the fact that it can be ordered in different sizes.

[Jill H]

thank you so much everyone for your comments and advice. I am now thinking that the gallery taking 30% is way too much and I would have to bump up my prices to make any money and then the price might be too high and in the gallery will be the one making the extra dollars. The problem is what price to put on work so people will buy it! Especially in these days when "everyone" has a digital camera!

We have a couple of local markets that I might have a go at for the couple of months before Christmas and then all the profits are mine. Of course the audience won't be as big as the gallery - maybe. And the gallery might bring a different audience. It is so hard starting out especially when I am lacking a little in confidence with my work.

I am going to get some prints done this week and then decide.

[Henry Wilt]

Originally Posted by Jill H

thank you so much everyone for your comments and advice. I am now thinking that the gallery taking 30% is way too much and I would have to bump up my prices to make any money and then the price might be too high and in the gallery will be the one making the extra dollars. The problem is what price to put on work so people will buy it! Especially in these days when "everyone" has a digital camera!

We have a couple of local markets that I might have a go at for the couple of months before Christmas and then all the profits are mine. Of course the audience won't be as big as the gallery - maybe. And the gallery might bring a different audience. It is so hard starting out especially when I am lacking a little in confidence with my work.

I am going to get some prints done this week and then decide.

I would agree with you that 30% seems well over the top, especially for a gallery that wants to "help promote artists and their work".

Sorry, I can't help you with pricing but can you get an idea from looking around in other art shops or galleries?

You shouldn't lack confidence in your work, I can't see you having too many problems attracting customers with pictures like these. Good luck.

[gturner]

30% is perfectly normal gallery rate, many charge up to 50%
In fact 30% is the bottom end of any boutique retail margin. They carry all the overheads for the exercise and the risk.
Don't want to state the obvious, but work out want you want to make and multiply that by 1.43, NOT 1.3.
They take 30% off the GROSS, not the NETT

[Jill H]

thankyou all for your thoughts, comments, encouragement and suggestions - they are all very much appreciated. Still not sure where to go from here, but thanks!