[Ged]

After reading the Artists In Recession thread (urbanartassociation.com/index.cgi?board=general&action=display&thread=35105) and some of the very interesting points made by the likes of heavyconsumer etc in regards to artists and the amount they charge for work before having established themselves, it got me thinking.

As an artist, setting a price for a piece of work is very tricky. I work by the principle of the cost of materials and time spent on the piece but it's not always that black and white. Even if you worked by the minimum wage of £5.72 (or whatever it is), some pieces can take many many hours to complete and use up a lot of materials and so rocketing your price above your targeted market. As a result, I believe, many artists drop their price to make it more saleable/affordable. I think it's a fine line between making your work affordable while not underselling yourself.

So on this occasion I've decided to test the market/my potential market and rather than me set the price, I'll let those interested in my work pay what they believe it to be worth.

Now, I know this may well come back and bite me on the arse but I'm going to take the chance. I'm also expecting either a barrage of disparagement or not a single reply/PM but hey it's an experiment at the end of the day and it comes with the territory I suppose.

So here are the details:

If you are interested in buying one of the following canvases then drop me a PM stating the number of the piece you want and how much you'd be willing to pay. The first person to PM regarding a particular number will pay the amount they offer plus P&P.

Details:

The Curse Of Man
Spray paint, acrylic and charcoal on canvas
42cm x 59cm
Each piece is unique

UK P&P - £10.99

P&P costs to outside of the UK seem to range between £15 and £40 depending on where you live so if you're an International buyer please bear this in mind.

Piece 1 SOLD



Piece 2



Piece 3



Piece 4 - SOLD PENDING PAYMENT



Piece 5



Piece 6 - SOLD



Piece 7



Piece 8



Piece 9



Ged

[leighdrive]

Lovely idea. Now we're all gonna feel bad for making low offers. Wasn't there a restaurant in London that did this? Pay whatever you think the meal was worth?

[m@san]

Or dare I say it ... you could stick them on E-Bay and let the market decide that way !

[Ged]

I suppose I could but I was also hoping it would stimulate some kind of discussion. Oh and I'd also have the small issue of ebay and paypal charges to contend with.

[Heavyconsumer]

So this is my legacy!! I hope nothing I wrote offended you personally Ged, that was not my intention at all - FWIW a couple of forum artists PMd me to say they had agreed, which was very comforting/reassuring. I like these pieces mate, nice work - the image looks vaguely familiar though, reminds me of an old horror movie front cover or something.


Masan: A la Angel 41, PeteStreet or DOC you mean. I suspect that it must be quite gruelling and humbling, but I have a lot of respect for artists that do this. Must be very tough though and I'd hope they do some kind of online legwork equivalent to promote their sales.


leighdrive: There used to be a place in/around Childs Hill, called "Just Around The Corner." Not sure if it's still there as I live abroad now. It was certainly there for years though, so the food must have been alright!

[Ged]

Apr 26, 2009 20:02:02 GMT 1 Heavyconsumer said:

So this is my legacy!! I hope nothing I wrote offended you personally Ged, that was not my intention at all - FWIW a couple of forum artists PMd me to say they had agreed, which was very comforting/reassuring. I like these pieces mate, nice work - the image looks vaguely familiar though, reminds me of an old horror movie front cover or something.

No offence taken mate, I completely agree with your post in the other thread. I just thought it would be a bit of fun/experiment to see what kind of reaction, thoughts, offers I'd get. I've been painting on and off for many years but only recently (say, 2005) started to take it on a bit more (family and work tends to get in the way a bit ;D) and try and push my work. It's a constant battle trying to get the pricing just right so thought I'd take the plunge and let the buyer decide.

I'm glad it reminds you of an old horror film poster because that was the idea with the title playing on the thought that we will ultimately be responsible for the our own demise. Therefore we are producing our own horror.

[pointblank]

Nice idea. I tested selling canvas work on the street, leaving something in a place & a note on the back saying leave whatever you think its worth, left it friday returned today to find a shiny 20p on the bridge & on closer inspection the canvas floating in the canal, cheeky f**kers. ;D

[weeble]

Surely this is just bad business?! I own a design company, and I'm not testing anything. I know what what we're worth in expertise, service, size etc, and charge accordingly. If I left it to our clients to tell us what they wanted to pay well I think it would just end in tears!! lol. I say don't sell yourself short. Regardless of the market. Stick to what you feel, and do it for the right reasons. Never try and make a quick buck - never works. You need passion, hard graft, and tons of self belief. And that goes for running a design business, creating spray can art, or dancing like a mad chimp at 50 in front of an audience on that Britain's Got Talent nonsense.

Like the work though mate!

[Ged]

Don't get me wrong mate, it's not something I'm intending to do for every release of work, just thought it would be interesting to see what offers are put on the table and peoples thoughts. Completely agree that in business it's not a good idea but.......

I haven't done it to make a quick buck, and in fact it could turn out to be a quick loss ;D but like I say, I'm not doing it to see how much I can make it's more of an exercise.

In regards to self belief - couldn't agree more. You have to do it for your self and not to try and please others which is what I'm doing. My work can be quite dark and moody but I love it and by having quite a diverse style it keeps it exciting and fresh for me although it may leave people questioning if I've found a consistent approach to my work.

BTW, glad you like

[Ged]

No. 7 Sold - Pending Payment

[junkieart]

Weeble, I also run a design agency and agree with what you said, I also agree with Ho comments, it all very well sticking to your principals and charging work at happy day prices!, It started out there for my business anyhow, if you need the work its natural to panic and go short! However we've never had it better just won a blue chip account in the city, so happy days! Out of interest pm your details as would like to have a chat.

[T*3]

are these the same as these?
www.vivalavandal.com/art/ged1.php
bit of a difference in price

[chief]

you sound like you're not too confident in your work by doing this. stand firm and people will respond. But if I had to price them I'd say $100usd

[Ged]

Apr 26, 2009 23:59:32 GMT 1 T*3 said:

are these the same as these?
www.vivalavandal.com/art/ged1.php
bit of a difference in price

They are mate, yes. Gave them a bit of a make over. They've been on there since October/November time but I believe Alex, who runs Viva, is taking a different direction in his life and so the gallery is no longer his priority which is a shame.

And what makes you think there's a difference in price?

[nah]

Bout tree fiddy

[manchestermike]

Apr 27, 2009 18:18:45 GMT 1 nah said:

Bout tree fiddy

I ain't giving you no tree fiddy you goddamn Loch Ness monster!

--------

Has VLV closed?

[Ged]

Apr 27, 2009 18:45:05 GMT 1 manchestermike said:

Has VLV closed?

I believe so. Contacted Alex about a week ago but not heard back and judging by his posts a little while back on here, he seems to have more pressing issues and avenues he's wanting to venture up. Shame really!