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Artwork Dimensions (inches)

Enter the width and height of the artwork in inches

Your Hourly Rate ($) What you want to earn per hour of work

Estimated Work Hours Total hours you expect to spend on this piece

Material Costs ($) Cost of canvas, paint, and other materials

Experience Level Your professional experience affects pricing multiplier

How to Price Your Art Commissions

Pricing artwork is one of the most challenging aspects of being a professional artist. This calculator uses industry-standard methods to help you price your commissions fairly, ensuring you're compensated for your time, skills, and materials while remaining competitive in the market.

Key Factors in Commission Pricing

Size: Larger pieces require more time and materials
Time Investment: Your hourly rate multiplied by work hours
Materials: All supplies including canvas, paint, brushes, varnish
Experience Level: More experienced artists command higher prices
Complexity: Detailed work justifies premium pricing
Market Demand: Popular artists can charge more
Profit Margin: Essential for business sustainability

Common Pricing Methods

Artists typically use one of these pricing strategies:

Square Inch Method: Price × (Width × Height) + Materials
Hourly Rate Method: (Hours × Rate) + Materials + Profit
Market Comparison: Based on similar artists' prices
Value-Based Pricing: Based on perceived value to client

Tips for Successful Commissions

Always require a deposit (typically 30-50%) before starting
Create a clear contract outlining scope, timeline, and payment terms
Factor in revision rounds and set limits
Don't undervalue your work - cheap prices attract problematic clients
Build in rush fees for expedited timelines
Consider licensing fees for commercial use
Keep detailed records of time spent for future pricing

Frequently Asked Questions

Should I charge differently for digital vs. traditional art?

While digital art may have lower material costs, it requires significant investment in equipment and software, plus the same skill and time investment as traditional art. Many artists charge similar rates for both, adjusting mainly for material costs. Digital art often involves more revisions, which should be factored into pricing. Consider the end use - digital art for commercial purposes often commands higher prices due to its versatility and reproduction potential.

How do I handle clients who say my prices are too high?

Professional artists encounter price objections regularly. First, educate the client about what goes into creating custom artwork - the years of training, materials, time, and expertise. If they still resist, they may not be your ideal client. Never apologize for your prices or dramatically undercut yourself. You can offer payment plans or suggest a smaller, simpler piece within their budget, but maintain your hourly rate. Remember, clients who value art will pay fair prices.

What's included in the 30% profit margin?

The 30% profit margin covers several business necessities: taxes (self-employment tax can be 15-30%), business overhead (studio rent, utilities, insurance), equipment depreciation, marketing costs, administrative time (emails, invoicing, client meetings), and actual profit for business growth. This margin ensures your art business is sustainable long-term, not just covering immediate costs.

How accurate is this pricing calculator?

This calculator provides a solid baseline using industry-standard formulas, but pricing is ultimately flexible based on your specific market, reputation, and client base. Use it as a starting point, then adjust based on your local market conditions, your portfolio strength, and demand for your work. Track your actual time on projects to refine your estimates over time.