The $11,000 Wake-Up Call

Yesterday, I got a message from my student John that made my day:

"Just sold a piece for $11,000."

And honestly? I’m stoked—but not surprised.

Because here’s the thing:

Most artists think, "If I lower my prices, I’ll sell more."

But the truth?

That mindset is killing your sales.

John used to struggle just like you might be. Then we flipped the script—and now he’s selling 3,000−3,000−10,000 pieces without sounding desperate.

How?

We added one critical layer to his strategy:

→ Confidence.

Not hype. Not gimmicks. Just strategic pricing that positions his art as valuable—because it is.

And the result?

Serious collectors now seek him out.
10-20% of buyers come back for more.
He recently hosted his own show with 68 collectors in attendance—and sold 13 pieces.
He’s on track for a six-figure year.

This isn’t luck. It’s pricing like a professional.

And you can do it too.

The Discount Trap (And Why It Doesn’t Work)

Let’s be real:

If you’re constantly dropping prices to "make sales," you’re training buyers to wait for a deal.

You’re also telling them:

"My art isn’t worth the original price."
"I don’t believe in my own value."
"I’m not a professional—I’m just hoping someone buys."

And guess what? Buyers pick up on that energy.

Cheap prices attract cheap buyers.

Cheap buyers:

Haggle endlessly.
Don’t become repeat collectors.
Don’t refer their serious art-loving friends.

Meanwhile, artists like John are selling high-ticket pieces to buyers who appreciate the value—because they present that value correctly.

**Climb Your Mountain**

Learn how to price your work with confidence

Learn the art pricing blueprint

How to Price Your Art Like a Pro

Here’s the shift that changed everything for John (and can for you, too):

1. The Art Pricing Blueprint

We didn’t just slap a random number on his work. We built a pricing structure based on:

Size & Medium (obviously).
Time Invested (not just labor—concept, revisions, drying time).
Demand (if you have a waitlist, your prices should reflect that).
Story & Experience (one of my highest-selling pieces came from a 4 AM mountain hike—and I made sure buyers felt that journey).

2. Positioning for Serious Collectors

When you price strategically, you attract the right buyers.

John’s collectors don’t ask for discounts—because they see his work as an investment, not a bargain hunt.

And because they value it?

They tell their friends.
They come back for more.
They pay upfront without hesitation.

3. Confidence in Communication

This is where most artists freeze up.

You don’t have to be a "salesy" pushy marketer—you just need to stand by your worth.

Instead of:

"Uh, it’s 2,000…butIcando2,000…butIcando1,500 if that’s too much?"

Try:

"This piece is $11,000—and let me tell you why it’s worth every penny."

Then share:

The story behind the work.
The technique & time invested.
The collectors who already love your art.

When you believe in your pricing, buyers will too.

The Choice Every Artist Has to Make

You can:

❌ Keep dropping prices, hoping volume makes up for it (spoiler: it rarely does).

OR

✅ Price like a professional, attract serious collectors, and build a sustainable art business.

John chose the second path—and it changed his career.

If you’re ready to do the same, I break down exactly how to price your art (without guesswork) in my Art Pricing Blueprint.

Because here’s the truth:

Your art is worth it.

You just have to start treating it that way.

Creating What Matters,

Jason "Price It Right" Matias

P.S. Remember: One of my best-selling pieces came from that 4 AM mountain hike. If you’re not sharing the story behind your work, you’re leaving money on the table. Learn how to communicate your value here.

FAQs About Art Pricing

Q: "But what if no one buys at higher prices?"
A: Then you’re not reaching the right buyers. We’ll cover how to find them in the Blueprint.

Q: "How do I justify a price increase?"
A: Track your demand, improve your skills, and own your growth. Buyers respect artists who respect themselves.

Q: "Should I offer payment plans?"
A: Yes—but structure them so you’re not waiting forever for full payment.