I am in a quandry.
I am a photographer and have been showing my work for 3 years. I print on canvas, acrylic and luster paper my pieces sell $30 - $700. Some of my luster prints I frame but most I mat and celaphane sleeve for quick sales. The price range is $30 - $60 depending on size. Should I print on fine art paper, mat and celaphane sleeve for $75 to up my brand? This is something I struggle with and wonder if anyone has insights, thoughts or advice!
Thanks
Anne
Replies
Lower cost papers for unsigned or open edition to keep price point low. Then your best work signed, limited edition in nice frames ( not off the shelf) at higher price point on art papers.
Thank You Rob that makes perfect sense!!!!
Anne
Just to give you a pricing reference, here is my matted print price list. I print on Inkpress heavy weight glossy for the visual punch. I used matte surface for years but public preference moved away from that, so It's all been high sheen glossy for about the last 5-6 years. My mattes are standard white witha vee groove added for a decorative touch. The groove costs more, about 30% extra if I recall correctly, but the "look" makes it worth it.
The odd sizes on prints are to keep proper cropping when an image is from a 3x4 aspect camera, but the main camera is the usual 2x3 aspect.
5x7.5/5.625x7.5 in 8.5x11 matte; $20
8x12/9x12 in 12x16 matte; $35
12x18/12x16 in 18x24 matte; $70
16x24 in 24x30 matte; $95
I'm considering adding 24x36 prints in flush mount on foamcor this year, thinking that $140 seems about right or 30x40 matted for $170. I carry 24x36 accrylic prints and they're a time consuming thing to hang and especially pack up in their individual cardboard boxes. Those are the largest sizes I carry, and I've found that few of those sell but they drive good sales from the flip bins.
I raised prices on all but the smallest size last year. That one has enough margin that I could absorb the higher material costs. I might mention that the smallest size tends to sell multiples for groupings, so 3 or 4 at a pop is not unusual.
I also do prints on Lustre paper, with mat, backing and sleeve. Similar price points. Unless someone orders an image on fine art paper, I do not get images printed on it. To be honest, most people are not going to see or understand the difference. They will see that it is more expensive. I offer the options on my web site, and I also have a list of options for custom orders that I hang up in my booth when doing art shows.
I just checked your website. Beautiful work!!! Do you drop ship on Etsy? My work is different then yours so I don't think I am taking from your store/business.
Thank you! I do drop ship for Etsy orders. I actually sell far more from there than my web site. But I still need my web site for other things that are not part of Etsy.
Thank you Kimara!!!
Thank you for this and I agree! I'll take a look at your website
Anne
I also love luster paper for photographs. It looks good and doesn't show fingerprints. I've tried high quality fine art paper and I've found that it really brings it up notch. A lot depends on your subject matter. Buy a box and try a few prints. I suspect that you will be pleasantly surprised and that it might give you another price point. I've had excellent results with Aurora Art White 250 & 300 from Red River Paper. Good luck.
I will give this a try!
Thank You I am always researching and exploring.
Anne