AboutShasta McLaughlin Expertise I can answer many questions about the art and craft show industry. I can help with booth setup, advertising and marketing, increasing sales at shows, where to find shows, how to promote an art or craft show, and much more.
Experience I have always been an artist/craft person since I was a child selling crafts at shows with my mom. I have also promoted several craft shows, and publish a newsletter for artists and crafters.
Publications EzineArticles.com
Education/Credentials Salutatorian of my graduating class. Associates degree of Graphic Design.
Question Dear Shasta,
I am quite young and inexperienced when it comes to selling artwork (it is actually my first time). I was wondering how you would act/what would you say when someone purchases you're artwork and is meeting up with you to collect the drawing. Someone has offered to buy my artwork and I have accepted. She also commissioned me to draw a portrait of her daughter. How will I act/talk to her? How do I bring up the issue of the artwork prices? I have discussed our meeting arrangements (at my house, since I cannot drive) over the phone and it was quite awkward due to my nervousness. I would like to avoid that again when we meet up. I will humbly wait for your reply! Thank you!
Emma
Answer Emma,
Prices of artwork are usually arranged up front, with the buyer knowing the costs before hand. This avoids the problem of the buyer changing their mind later on because of price.
In some cases an artist is commissioned and arrangements are made for 30% when the first meeting takes place, 30% paid for a rough draft of the artwork and the remaining 40% due upon receipt of the art work. In this case a contract needs to be signed that shows that this is the agreement that has been made.
She has already shown interest in the piece so don't be too quick to take a no on the purchase of that piece. Think of all the reasons she would want to buy the piece and all the reasons she wouldn't want it. Be prepared to overcome the reasons she wouldn't buy it with a reason why she would buy it, just in case it is necessary.
I would have a casual conversation about what ever for a few minutes and then mention the piece that she has agreed to purchase. I would ask her if she has any questions about the piece. This gives you the opportunity to answer any questions she has and overcome any objections she might have to buying the piece including price. Then when she seems like her questions are answered ask her for the sale by offering to wrap up the piece for her, or some other similar offer.
After (and the after is important) she is sold on buying that piece then continue with the portrait of the daughter as the up-sell.
Talk to her about the price of the portrait and the payment arrangements. Fill out an invoice for the first piece of work if she is still buying it and add to it the amount agreed upon for the portrait (if you are taking partial payments then write down that the first payment amount).
You should have a contract that states what part of the work will be done for which portion of the payment and when each part of the contract will be fulfilled if you accept partial payments.
For instance a simple contract might state that:
(Artist Name) will be paid 30% of total cost of art work ($_______) upon being commissioned (date)__________. (Artist Name)will receive another 30% of total cost of art work ($________) upon completion and acceptance of rough draft due on (date)__________. (Artist Name) will receive the remaining 40% of total cost of art work ($_________) upon completion and acceptance of final art work due on (date) ______.
Artist commissioned 30% of total cost due = $__________ today's date
Rough draft 30% of total cost due = $________ due date
Final draft 40% of total cost due = $________ due date
Artist signature__________________ Date________________
Buyers signature__________________ Date________________
NOTE: I am not a lawyer. This is not a legal document and you should consult an attorney for all legal advice.
Be aware that if you finish your rough draft to high enough standards that some clients will take the rough draft and try not to pay you the final installment so that is something to be aware of and include in your contract that if they decide to buy the rough draft they still owe the price of the finished work of art.
I hope that this helps and that all will go well for you. If you have any questions on legal and binding contracts in your state it is best to consult an attorney.
