How do I ask an artist how much they would charge for their art?

June 27, 2018 9:09 AM

I have an artist, who works in mixed media including acrylics. I consider them a friend, if a someone distant one (that is, we live in different cities now), and I'd really like to own one of their pieces. I'm shy, though, about how to ask whether a particular piece is for sale, and for how much. They're a serious artist, with works collected in various serious places. Thoughts?
posted by willF to Media & Arts (15 answers total)

I usually just ask if they ever sell their pieces and say that their work would be a great addition to my collection. If they respond to say they do sell their work, I then let them know that I would be interested in a specific piece "or ones like it" in case that piece is not for sale.

I personally think that saying something about "my collection" makes it clear that I am a serious buyer who understands that art is not inexpensive, and I'm not going to waste their time.
posted by sockermom at 9:15 AM on June 27, 2018 [2 favorites]

You: Hey Max, I'd really like to buy one of your pieces. Particularly A, B, or X. Would that be possible?
posted by It's Never Lurgi at 9:16 AM on June 27, 2018 [2 favorites]

Might be worth having a google to see if you can find any of the pieces for sale in galleries and the like. Would give you an idea of cost.

I like sockermom's approach. Maybe try an email so its not so anxiety inducing for you.
posted by Ftsqg at 9:18 AM on June 27, 2018 [2 favorites]

Would give you an idea of cost.

I wonder if the key is not to have any kind of idea in mind as to what the art in question is worth, certainly not in any way that's going to put you off if the stated price feels way high. I once had someone inquire about one of my pieces, which I didn't really want to sell because it was the result of a huge amount of work (not so much of it obvious). So I effectively priced it as reflective of a year's salary, which I was transparent about. Let's just say the rest of the negotiation didn't go well. He didn't buy it and, I eventually discovered, talked about it behind my back, accused me of having no head for business yadda-yadda-yadda.
posted by philip-random at 9:27 AM on June 27, 2018 [1 favorite]

Best answer: Hey [ArtistFriend], I really like your pieces, especially Z. Is it available for sale?" If they respond with a price point that's too rich for your blood, just be polite "Ah that's beyond my budget, thank you for taking the time to respond though. Also congratulations on X gallery opening. Hope to see you next time I'm in your area/talk about Y common interest." Probably a good idea to see if they are at all in your budget in advance based on other sales though.
posted by edbles at 9:49 AM on June 27, 2018 [27 favorites]

You can also google or ask what gallery represents their work, and then have that conversation with the gallery rather than directly with the artist. Having it be a business transaction rather than a friendly exchange might make it easier.
posted by jacquilynne at 9:55 AM on June 27, 2018 [6 favorites]

Yep, totally ask. One of my besties is a serious artist, with works collected in serious places, repped by a gallery, etc. She has a particular set of projects that she's happy to sell directly to friends/family. In her case, it's smaller works. I love it, because it means I can afford to purchase one.
posted by BlahLaLa at 10:01 AM on June 27, 2018 [2 favorites]

I like edbles' advice, and keep that script in mind if it is indeed too expensive for you. I once asked an acquaintance about a print and she quoted a very high price and I'm sure my eyes popped out of my head. I could have used that line as an out back then.
posted by jennypower at 10:02 AM on June 27, 2018

I'm only a freelance graphic artist but think I'd be put off by someone using soccermom's line. It's fine to show interested and ask for a general range of pricing. If you were asking about work for hire and wanting them to put together estimates and delivery schedules, then it would be a problem.
posted by bonobothegreat at 10:16 AM on June 27, 2018

I think it's totally fine to own up to the awkwardness and shyness, especially if you are not already a collector. The approach varies a bit, though based on what you mean by "one of their pieces" - a specific piece, or just one in general.

"Hi, Artist. I was just looking at Piece, and it is absolutely one of my favorite things you've ever done. I was wondering if it might be for sale, and if so, what the price range might be? I don't usually buy such amazing pieces of art, though, so I'm feeling a bit awkward about asking. Please forgive me if I've committed a faux pas or anything like that."

or

"Hi Artist! I saw a thing about your recent Show, and it reminded me how much I admire and appreciate your work. Do you have pieces for sale, and if so, what is the general price range for your work? I don't usually buy fine art, though, so I'm feeling a bit awkward about asking. Please forgive me if I've committed a faux pas or anything like that."
posted by Rock Steady at 10:29 AM on June 27, 2018 [3 favorites]

Most artists know what it's like to be broke, few will be offended if you ask straight out. Some even do payments plans or work trades, esp for a trustworthy friend? Just be polite if you can't afford it, they get it. Ask about smaller pieces or prints.
posted by fritillary at 2:02 PM on June 27, 2018 [2 favorites]

"[pointing] Hey I was wondering, is this for sale? How much?" You already know they're a professional artist.
posted by rhizome at 2:16 PM on June 27, 2018

Response by poster: Thank you all. This is what I wrote, more or less:

Hello, Artist. I'm so taken with Piece, as I am with so many of your works. I'm wondering if it will be available for sale after the exhibition.

We'll see.
posted by willF at 3:13 PM on June 27, 2018 [2 favorites]

You may already know this, but at many shows there will be a price list, from stapled to the wall (coffee shop, wine bar, cannabis dispensary) to a binder near the admission area (gallery et al). If it's the kind of art that goes for over like $1000 it's probably the binder. That's what many non-museum shows are for: selling!
posted by rhizome at 3:27 PM on June 27, 2018 [2 favorites]

Response by poster: I got a nice, straightforward note from the artist. Thanks, again.
posted by willF at 9:23 PM on June 27, 2018 [3 favorites]