You likely have art already completed, but is it ready to be put in a venue? Here’s a checklist of things you may need in order to submit your work (and get it showcased!) in a space:
Pricing Your Artwork
There are several ways to price your work. Here are two common methods:
Hourly Rate + Materials
A common method is calculating based on your hourly wage and the cost of Let’s say you want to charge $20 dollars an hour. Estimate the cost of materials and use this formula:
(Hourly Rate × Hours Spent) + Cost of Materials
For example, if a painting takes 6 hours and the materials (canvas and paint) cost $22 ($12 for the canvas and $10 for acrylic paint), the calculation would be:
(20 × 6) + (12 + 10) = 120 + 22 = $142
Price Per Square Inch
Another approach is to set a rate per square inch, which can highlight larger statement For example, if you charge $1.50 per square inch:
An 8” x 8” painting would be: (8 × 8) × $1.50 = $96
An 18” x 24” painting would be: (18 × 24) × $1.50 = $648
Many people prefer rounded numbers, so you might adjust these prices to $145 and $650
Consider Venue Commissions
If the space takes a commission, adjust your price to ensure you receive your desired amount. The formula is: Venue Price = Selling Price ÷ (1 - Commission Rate) For example, if you want to earn $200 from a sale and the venue takes 40%, the venue price would be: $200 ÷ 0.6 = $334. If the piece sells, the venue takes $133.60, leaving you with $200.40.
Tailoring Prices to the Venue
Visit the venue in person and consider the typical price range of artwork sold there. While you shouldn’t undersell yourself, if the venue primarily sells pieces between $100 and $200, you might focus on smaller works, works on paper, or prints to align with their offerings while still being fairly compensated.
Online Portfolio
Having any online presence is powerful for self-promotion! When you submit your art, galleries and businesses appreciate artists who send a link to more work along with the pieces you would like Use free platforms like Instagram to showcase your best pieces or you can use free website templates using platforms like Squarespace or Wix, which offer easy-to-use tools and custom URLs without requiring web design experience.
Photographing Your Work
You don’t need expensive equipment to photograph your artwork - but you do need some great photos of your art! A smartphone works just fine. The best way to photograph 2D art is outside in indirect sunlight, which ensures accurate colors and clear images. Make sure the area is free of shadows. Use your phone’s photo app to crop the images. Do NOT use filters that alter the artwork’s appearance.
Framing Your Work
Artworks on paper should always be framed or mounted. You can find cheap frames online, in thrift stores, and in most stores that carry frames, especially if your art is a standard frame size. You can also get your art custom framed (more $ but better ) Not only does framing your art make it look complete and professional, it protects your art while on display.
Canvases are often hung without
Hanging Hardware
Every piece should include hanging hardware. Professionally framed works typically come with hardware included, but store-bought frames will often have sawtooth (a small, zigzag-shaped bracket attached to the back of a frame or artwork for easy hanging) or similar hangers.
For unframed canvases, install a hanging wire by measuring ¼ to ⅓ down from the top of the canvas, installing screw eyes (a metal fastener with a loop on one end and a threaded shaft for screwing into surfaces) on both sides, and stretching a picture wire between them.
Signage
Check with the venue regarding title cards and signage expectations. They may ask for an artist statement, biography, and contact information on cards too. Some venues can handle printing, but you may need to provide your own signage. For title cards, you can use business card templates, keeping the design clean and simple.
Title cards should include the following:
Title
Size
Medium Used
Price
For group shows, add your name.
Example:
“Untitled” 8” x 8”
Acrylic on canvas 2024
$100
If you don’t have a printer, most copy shops can print on heavy cardstock and have paper trimmers available to cut the cards to size. In a pinch, you can also just print on simple computer paper and cut it out.
