Selling your art can be both exciting and overwhelming—especially when it comes to pricing it right. Whether you're a DIY enthusiast trying to monetise your creativity, a young professional redecorating your space with original pieces, or a designer sourcing artwork for clients, the way artwork is priced and sold can influence appeal, conversions, and your bottom line.

In this article, we're diving into 10 key tips to pricing and selling your art—evaluating both the pros and cons—so you can make informed, strategic decisions and reach your perfect buyers in the UK art and interiors market.

1. Know Your Audience

Pro: Understanding your target market (e.g., young professionals in London, or cottagecore-loving DIYers in the Midlands) helps you price in a way that's relatable and attractive to them. Tailoring your pricing strategy means you’ll be more successful in engaging the right buyers who are willing to pay your price.

Con: If you don’t take the time to understand your audience’s spending habits and preferences, you risk pricing too high or too low—either driving people away or undervaluing your work.

It’s important to research competitors in your niche. Look into what artwork similar in type, size, and complexity is selling for within the UK market.

Join Facebook groups, browse online platforms like Etsy, Not On The High Street, and Artfinder, and even attend local art fairs to gain direct insights.

2. Factor in Time and Materials

Pro: Pricing based on time and resources gives your work integrity. Buyers appreciate knowing how much dedication and skill has gone into a piece.

Con: On the flip side, what might feel fair to you might result in a high retail price that’s tough to justify for newer or lesser-known artists when competing with prints or mass-produced decor items.

A good starting formula is:


(Materials Cost + (Hours Spent × Hourly Rate)) + Mark-up for Profit = Price

For example, if you spent £25 on paints and canvas, 10 hours of work at £15/hr (£150), and want a 20% profit margin, the price becomes: (£25 + £150) × 1.2 = £210.

3. Size Does Matter—But Not Always

Pro: Larger pieces naturally consume more time and materials, which can justify higher pricing and cater to clients looking for statement pieces for interiors.

Con: However, bigger isn't always better. Some audiences might prefer smaller pieces that fit in flats, small living rooms, or office nooks—very relevant in UK's urban settings.

Instead of simply scaling by size, consider how effort and artistic detail align with dimensions. Hand-painted intricate miniatures might hold more value than a large-scale abstract that took less time and thought.

4. Offer Multiple Price Points

Pro: By offering different product options—originals, prints, and digital downloads—you’re opening the door to more buyers with varying budgets. DIY decorators might opt for affordable prints, while designers or art collectors may seek out the original.

Con: Splitting your focus across too many variations can dilute the uniqueness of your work or make your brand feel inconsistent.

Offer a limited but curated selection. For instance:

Original artwork: £200–£900
Limited edition print runs: £50–£150
Open edition prints (smaller sizes): £20–£40

This tiered approach allows different demographics to connect with your artwork at a price that suits them.

5. Tell the Story Behind Your Art

Pro: Artistic storytelling adds value. Explaining the inspiration, technique, or your journey as an artist helps create an emotional connection.

Con: If done poorly or without sincerity, storytelling can come off as forced or pretentious, especially in the UK market where subtlety and authenticity are prized.

Spend time crafting copy descriptions. Use social media to share behind-the-scenes videos, and always include a narrative in your shop listings or product labels.

This is especially useful for interior designers and architects sourcing pieces with character and story for their clients.

6. Sell Locally First

Pro: Selling to your local UK community—whether online or through pop-ups, galleries, or art markets—helps you build reputation and brand trust.

Con: Scaling beyond your postcode can be difficult without a strong online strategy. Relying solely on local foot traffic may limit your growth.

Start with local houseware shops, co-working spaces, or exhibitions. Use these as testing grounds for your pricing and presentation before going national via platforms like Folksy, Instagram, or your own e-commerce store.

7. Use Psychological Pricing

Pro: Rounded pricing like £45 or charm pricing like £44.99 plays a role in how affordable something feels. It’s a widely used retail method that can help push undecided buyers to purchase.

Con: Overusing psychological tricks might appear disingenuous, particularly with art, which is often seen as an emotive and authentic purchase.

Use it subtly—perhaps apply charm pricing to prints but use strong round figures for originals to maintain prestige and clarity.

8. Watch the Shipping—It's One of the UK’s Top Pain Points

Pro: Offering free or low-cost UK shipping at checkout can increase conversions, especially when selling online to end-users including young professionals and DIYers on a budget.

Con: If shipping costs are too high or complicated, customers may abandon their cart. Equally, ‘free shipping’ costs need to be factored into your sale price.

Consider working with local UK framing and logistics partners, or partnering with couriers offering art-specific services like DPD Local or ParcelForce ArtPack.

Also, clearly state expected delivery times, especially for made-to-order pieces or commissions.

9. Avoid Undervaluing—Confidence Builds Trust

Pro: Confidence in your price gives a perception of professional quality. Professionals like interior architects and tradesmen are more likely to trust your expertise if your prices reflect value and professionalism.

Con: Starting too cheap can be difficult to recover from. Low-ball pricing to win buyers may attract the wrong clientele or limit your ability to scale.

Start on the higher side and offer periodic promotions or bundles (e.g., buy two prints, save 10%) rather than slashing prices.

10. Ask for Feedback & Adapt

Pro: Listening closely to client feedback—both buyers and non-buyers—can help you fine-tune pricing, packaging, or even the art itself.

Con: Too much feedback can be confusing. Think of it as your compass, not your GPS. At the end of the day, it’s your creative business and vision that leads the way.

Set up online forms, post Instagram stories asking for pricing feedback, or simply chat with customers at UK craft fairs or exhibitions. Consider what stops someone from buying—and what keeps them coming back.

Final Thoughts

Pricing and selling your art in the UK marketplace is a blend of artistic heart and business brain. It’s about more than numbers; it’s about knowing who you’re speaking to, valuing your time, and creating connections through your work.

Use these tips as a foundation, always refine as you grow, and remember: your art has value. All it takes is the right buyer, the right story, and the right price.

Whether you're selling handmade wall art for a DIY home renovation or fine art pieces destined for luxury interiors—price it with purpose, sell it with pride, and let your creativity shine.

Pro vs Con: 10 Tips to Pricing and Selling Your Art