7 Tips for Pricing Your Artwork
Simple Thoughts to Help You Price Your Artwork
Have you ever felt unsure about how much you should charge for your animal portraits?
Maybe you worry your prices are too high… or maybe deep down you know you’re undercharging for the amount of time, skill, and love you put into your artwork.
L:earning how to price your animal portraits properly is an important part of growing as an artist.
Your prices should not only reflect the final artwork, but also your materials, your experience, your time, and the value you bring to your clients.
So today, I’d love to share a few thoughts that may help you feel more confident when pricing your animal portraits ✨
1. CONSIDER YOUR COSTS
Think about what you pay for your art materials. Factor in the cost of materials (pastels, paper, framing, etc.), tools, and time. Make sure to cover your expenses and ensure profitability.
Your materials and tools are part of your business expenses.
It’s important that your pricing supports both your creativity and your sustainability as an artist.
2. KNOW YOUR MARKET
Research what other animal portrait artists are charging in your niche. Compare your skill level, style, and audience to ensure you’re in the right range.
This can help you better understand the market and position yourself more confidently.
Every artist’s journey is different, so use comparisons as guidance — not pressure.
3. PRICE FOR YOUR TIME
Calculate how long each piece takes to create and price accordingly. Don’t undervalue your time—remember, you’re charging for both the time it takes to complete the work and the expertise you’ve developed. You are putting so much love into your work, so don’t undercharge that value!
Your experience and effort matter.
The hours you spent learning and practicing are part of the value too. Don’t undervalue your time—remember, you’re charging for both the time it takes to complete the work and the expertise you’ve developed. You are putting so much love into your work, so don’t undercharge that value!
4. VALUE YOUR EXPERIENCE
If you’re a seasoned artist with a unique style or high demand, your pricing should reflect that. As you grow and develop, it’s okay to increase your prices.
Growth in skill often means growth in value.
And it’s completely okay for your pricing to evolve over time.
5. INCREASE YOUR PRICES
Create a waitlist if you’re doing commissions. Then, raise your prices every 3-4 months, depending on demand. If you’re fully booked for several months, go up with your price. Don’t hesitate to increase your prices—there are people out there for every price point.
Demand is often a sign that your work has growing value.
Raising prices gradually can help your business grow in a healthy way.
6. BE CLEAR ABOUT CUSTOM ORDERS
Custom animal portraits often take more time and effort. Be transparent about the additional work and offer different tiers based on size, complexity, and detail.
Clear communication helps create trust with your clients.
It also helps people better understand the value behind your work.
4. CONSIDER YOUR LONG-TERM GOALS
Align your prices with your overall vision for your art career. Whether you’re building a loyal client base or aiming for high-end commissions, set prices that help you achieve your goals without undervaluing your art.
Your pricing should support the kind of art life you want to build.
Think long-term, not just short-term.
Final thought:
Pricing your animal portraits is not only about numbers.
It’s about valuing your materials, your time, your experience, your growth, and the love you put into your artwork.
As your skills and confidence grow, your prices can grow with you — and there will always be people who truly value what you create
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