There was an insightful comment posted on the Artist Who THRIVE Facebook page about my last post, “Should I Discount my Fine Art?”
“If a painting is not selling and is collecting dust, it is probably not the same quality as your work that IS selling. Putting out work that is lower quality than your standard and marking it at a lower price is like taking steps backwards- you lower the value of your work and it affects how collectors see you…
If you see a painting that “wows” you…and its priced 1500.00, then you see another painting by the same artist that is not very good, and its priced 500.00 (presuming they are the same medium and size) does it not effect your view of the artist in terms of value and quality?
It would confuse me- as a collector- because it makes the artist seem unreliable and desperate.
Man this marketing stuff is tricky!”
My opinion, “this marketing stuff” is really NOT that “tricky!”
As yourself this. Should an artist really maintain a “bargain bin?” I think not!
All artists produce work in a range of quality. Your job as the artist is to edit. When I have work of lower quality, and it’s not moving, it’s a sign to heed.
Take work of lower quality out of your sale inventory and maintain your standards. Launch your lame work and make more excellent work.
The editing process is part of the creative process. It will feel good and you will have more confidence in your work. And then, it’s easier to sell.
Don’t’ confuse your collectors. As it is, they have a hard enough time understanding the prices of fine art.
Keep it simple and pursue excellence.
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This is a great motto to live by: “Launch your lame work and make more excellent work”…I will post it on my wall to look at! Thank you