the essential guid for builidng your career as an artist - lisa congdon

when emailing illustrator Joel pekman, she suggested that i buy this book- a book she said she wished she had at the beginning of her career... so i've bought it! I've only read a bit so far but the things have been very helpful - and when i have needed some guidance to something particular the answered seemed to be in here!  

Pricing print reproduction: 

double the price you paid for each print to be printed plus the price of packaging e.g cellophane sleeve - this will give me a starting point of for wholesale price/ price you offer the retailer. 

if i print it off myself, itemized all costs - ink, paper packaging and time. 

double the wholesale price - this will be the retail price or the price you extend to customers on your site or craft fairs. 

if the print is part of a limited edition you can mark it up higher. 

pricing originals: 

inconstant pricing will only confuse or anger potential buyers. 

buyers typically purchase a piece based on a connection they've made with the piece- this can be visual or something that happens when they learn about a piece. 

evaluate the relevance or popularity or the piece in relation to the niche you sit in 

- look at how work similar to mine is priced 

-start slightly lower to those in competition to you as they are more established, so you will be offering a more competitive price that will get my work moving. 

when people see you up you price in the future-this gives the impression of success. 

offer a variety of less and high intensive work so people who like your work but cant afford the big one will still have the op to buy a piece by you. 

introducing yourself to a gallery

show up to opening of other artist or at galleries you admire. - supporting other artists and see how the gallery system works

meet and network with other artists and gallery owners. 

by being involved in your community, you are demonstrating your desire to participate.