How to Charge What You’re Worth as an Artist

Let’s be real: undercharging for your art is basically volunteering—but with way more caffeine and existential dread. Pricing your work can feel like pulling numbers out of a hat, but if your rates don’t let you buy more than a single carton of eggs an hour, we need to talk.

This guide will help you confidently price your services and products, giving you tools to look professional and attract the right clients. Because being confident in your pricing has everything to do with your process—not just your artistic skill.

Why Most Artists Undercharge

Many of us start pricing like we’re scared someone will say no. I’ve even had clients turn me down because my prices were too low—imagine that. Charging pennies can make you look like you don’t believe in yourself.

Here’s the truth: charging more isn’t just about making ends meet—it’s about attracting clients who value what you do. The ones who don’t ask for endless “tweaks” at 2 a.m. You deserve those clients, and this guide will help you find them.

Pricing Your Services

If you offer commissions or freelance work, a polished process is key to confidence—and higher rates.

Start with a landing page.

Think of your landing page as your digital handshake. It should be clean, clear, and professional, showing what you offer, who it’s for, and why you’re worth it. Include:

• A bold headline and short bio about your experience.

• A preview of your best work and testimonials.

• Your process, starting rates, and availability (e.g., “2 spots left this month!”).

• Clear calls-to-action, like “Start Your Project” or “Book Now”.

• A link to your questionnaire.

Learn more about landing pages here.

Use a questionnaire.

Stop the endless email back-and-forth. A questionnaire gathers everything you need to start the project smoothly, including:

• Project details: What are they looking for, and why?

• Budget and timeline: How much can they spend, and when do they need it?

• Style preferences: Do they have inspiration or specific requests?

• Revisions: How involved do they want to be, and how many rounds are expected?

• Final deliverables: What formats and uses will the work have?

Here’s a list of key questions to include.

Always send a contract.

This isn’t just a fancy PDF; it’s your safety net. I personally love using Fivver Workspace for this. A contract outlines expectations, protects your time, and ensures everyone is on the same page. Include:

• Project scope and deliverables: What’s included and when it’s due.

• Payment terms: 50% upfront, late payment fees, and final payment before file delivery.

• Revisions and extras: How many edits are included and the cost for additional concepts.

• Cancellations: Refund policies and fees if the project is canceled.

• Usage rights: Who owns the final piece, how it can be used, and any restrictions.

Grab a sample contract here.

My Personal Onboarding Process

Here’s how I work to ensure a seamless experience:

1. Questionnaire: I start by gathering all the details to avoid endless emails.

2. Pricing Options: I offer three pricing tiers, each with varying scope and add-ons, so clients can choose what works for them.

3. Proposal and Deposit: Once they pick an option, I send a detailed proposal for signature and collect a 50% deposit. Rush fees apply for tight deadlines.

4. Production: I provide high-fidelity sketches with 1–2 rounds of revisions. Additional concepts are extra. After sketch approval, I complete the final design with limited color revisions.

5. Deliverables:

   • Higher-paying clients get a case study blog post showcasing the project (password-protected).

   • Lower-paying clients receive mock-ups and explanations via email.

6. Final Files: Final files are delivered only after the remaining balance is paid in full.

Pricing Your Products

For prints, T-shirts, or stickers, here’s how to price effectively:

• Charge at least a 50% profit margin. If a T-shirt costs $12 to produce, sell it for at least $24.

• Buy in bulk when possible. It lowers costs, and you can clear stock with sales at the end of the year.

• Use print-on-demand services. If you’re just starting, platforms like Printful let you avoid upfront costs. They handle production and shipping, so you can focus on marketing.

Here’s more about pricing products.

Why Pricing Reflects Value

When you charge more, you look like you’re worth more. Higher prices communicate quality, professionalism, and confidence. Clients who value those things will happily pay.

Book Coaching Here

Pricing is intimidating, but so is staying broke. Audit your current rates: are you making at least $20/hour? If not, it’s time to raise your prices and trust your work’s worth.

Need help? Let’s work together. Book a coaching call, and I’ll help you refine your pricing strategy, processes, and marketing approach so you can land high-value clients.