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art, art as a living, art career, art for sale, Artist, cheap art, creating art, custom art, inflation, making it as an artist, making money with art, successful art career, why is art so expensive
The other day someone asked me if I would lower the price of one of my custom paintings. She said that she knew it was a “labor of love” so she would understand if I wouldn’t. I didn’t. It isn’t because I am greedy about my “love”. It’s actually due to the fact that creating art is a “labor of expense”.
A lot of people do not realize what goes into that painting you hang on your wall. Aside from a lifetime expenses like education, I am talking about the day to day. We have to pay for our inventory such as canvas, frames, mats, texture mediums, varnish, brushes and paint, but we also have to use a ton of electricity and water. We buy paper towels by the pallet. My studio requires plastic sheeting, special flooring, butcher’s paper to cover my table. I constantly need to purchase equipment and supplies such as tables, chairs, printers, scanners, printer ink, paper, pens, pencils, staplers, calculators, spray bottles, shelving, computers, cameras, containers, lighting, gloves and a special ventilation system (so I do not breath in toxic fumes all day). And when one of those breaks or runs out, I have to call an expert to come fix it or I have to buy a replacement.
And then there is the “F” word: Fees. We pay listing fees whether a piece sells or not, marketing fees such as CPC, yearly fees for art sites, fees when we sell a piece and fees to receive payment like PayPal and Credit Cards. Social media are starting to charge fees if you want to be seen too. There are so many fees that sometimes you just feel “F”d.
Very few artists get rich on their work alone. Yes, there are famous success stories that we can all fantasize about, but for the average creative, the best you can hope for is to make some sales now and again. If you are really fortunate, it might get to be your only job. But that is even more rare. Sharing household expenses with my husband has allowed me to make this my full-time career. But a lot of my artists friends work regular day jobs and create on the side. That is typical. It’s just ridiculously expensive to produce artwork and the income gained is too low in comparison.
Everyone feels the sting of inflation and artists are no different.
My hope is that this blog comes across as”informational” and doesn’t just sound like a rant. I rarely get on a soapbox because I am too busy working. 🙂 Maybe, when someone that is not into creating art reads this, they will gain a new appreciation for our labor and expense…Just maybe…
Abstract Art by Sharon Cummings 
Reblogged this on S.O.U.L. S-P-A-C-E and commented:
This is not a ‘rant’ at all Sharon, but an honest view of the cost of time & material invested in creating art. Thank you!
Those of us who live it know it is true! And do not get me started on “time”….LOL
Reblogged this on william patrick photo and commented:
Creating Art by Sharon Cummings
This is so poignant Sharon, yet so true. Do not lower your prices. If people want art then let them pay for it, for the love and joy you bring to their lives! Visual arts is such a misunderstood profession. I’m one of those who’s had to wear many hats just to keep the art going and flowing, to be able to pay for my photography gear. You’ve set a great example here, and I thank you! You’re so brave!
It’s my pleasure to share and inform sometimes….I do work very hard and as you know there are times when you wonder why? LOL But I do LOVE what I do regardless of the cost. It is what it is. And I am not lowering my prices!
Sharon, as a fellow artist all I can say is “THANK YOU”
And as you know this isnt a complete list…Someone had to say it! You are welcome. 🙂
Reblogged this on Joseph Paulino's writings and commented:
I totally agree with this fellow artist on this!!!
Just respond by saying… With respect Mam…would you ask Bono for a discount?
Lol….It is funny that people will as artists for a discount but not their cosmetic surgeon…both optional.
A rant this is not! A reality: yes indeed!
Indeed!
Reblogged this on The Lightbulb Lab and commented:
I’ve been following this artist’s blog for while, and wow – she nailed this on the head! Thanks, Sharon, for telling it like it is!
My pleasure!
Love this Sharon! Add buying and running a kiln to the list for those of us in glass or ceramics! Also, shipping work to shows outside of your area, and photographing the work to answer calls. $$$
IT’s definitely not an exhaustive list! That is the fact!
Couldn’t agree with you more, what a cogent post!!
I always wonder if the person asking would dream of asking for a discount on say fuel, or electricity, or would they give away their own labour if asked… Fundamentally, nothing in life is free, even sunshine and the air that we breathe are part of a system where we all have a role, pay a price, and reap the reward or whirlwind, depending on our behaviour… my opinion anyway, for what’s it’s worth 😉
Thanks for stopping by! People would never pull into the gas station and go inside and say, “Before I pump my gas, can I get it for 30% less?” or call the electric company and say, “I’d like 50% off of my bill next month.” Nope. And most people would quit their jobs if their boss walked in and said, “The company will only be paying you half your wages for the next three days.” And then there are those that just STEAL art without giving it any thought. They would never visit a neighbor and just lift a painting off their wall and take it home, but they feel perfectly justified in taking my art and putting it on their computer, phone, blog, website, etc. It’s illegal to do so! Artists have always been seen as second class citizens and I along with others are trying to change that. Every time I see a victory for a creative where his/her copyrights have been stolen…I rejoice! Awareness is key!