What is a good price to charge an artist for help in Marketing?

[Fiona Henzie]

Without getting into too much discussion on this one I would like to ask emerging professional and famous artists "How much is a good price to charge and what is the best way to charge it?' (and anyone else who may like to comment)

As an artist myself, I know the answer is 'as little as possible!!' :0) but as a person who also helps artists market their work it will be helpful to get your ideas of what will work/works for you - wherever you are in the world.

Since I have a business to run I have to charge and I understand that the value will lie in what you receive back therefore I'm asking this in an almost lighthearted way! I'll be pleased to hear from you if you have any ideas on this when you have the time! cheers, Fiona

[Tony Ndubueze]

You know what dear Mona, if I were to be the President of World Artists Guild (if there's anything like that), I would approve your suggestion of 20%, signed and sealed. And I totally agree with you on the other issues you talked about.

Hazel also said something that "marketing is part of your business as an artist". I believe she also agrees with you. The artist is the sole stakeholder. You are the producer of your work and you know your price tag. Any external marketer should be willing to part with 20%.

Once again, I quite in consonance with you.

Regards,

Tony

[Mona Youssef]

You know what Tony, I would love to see the "President of World Artists Guild". I believe that you make a good and successful one. Your logic, understanding and the order of your thought are very unique and outstanding.

I wonder if there is such position in the world! If not, can You / we steer this issue up and make it happen!?.

I would feel more comfortable with the 20% and find it very reasonable. For the fact that artist can be working, all day, one on painting that needs many months still to finish plus the cost of the art supplies, while an art dealer can be contacting many clients in a day, for many artists. So many artists a day x 20%= $$$$$$$$. Art dealer will end up making much more than the artist, the producer, the creator and the owner.

Art Market should be distinguished from Flee Market.

Thank you Tony for taking the time to comment, much appreciated.

Mona

[Tony Ndubueze]

Thank you Mona for your sincere compliments. I am interested and would be very glad to witness the emergence of "World Artists Guild" or "Association of World Artists" or "International Associaton of Artists"; whichever sounds better.

The idea is to form and maintain policies/guidelines to guide and protect artists worldwide. In that case, there would be a formidable Union dedicated to serving and strengthening artists in the areas of artists' rights and organizational stability. But like you asked, how do we "steer this issue up and make it happen?" I believe it will also harmonize the relationship between artists and art dealers/clients.

In addition to policy formation, it will involve registraton, floating a website, sensitization, and a whole lot of activities. It's open to suggestions and contributions.

Best regards.

Tony

[Hazel J Hill]

marketing is part of your business as a artist, you produce the product add on the over heads such as marketing, and you get a price, or it can be a percentage rating.

[Fiona Henzie]

I was thinking of a small membership per annum of say £50per annum and a small % of say 10 or 20% - does this sound feasible or reasonable to some of you? (Membership gives access to gallery space and website though subject to jury process) to keep the quality aspect all in perspective.

[Tony Ndubueze]

Hi Fiona, while waiting for more comments, I think your suggestion is in line with what we are saying.

[Hazel J Hill]

Is there not such a thing at present a world guild? Has anyone done research on this, to find out? if there is not then it is a great idea.

[Tony Ndubueze]

I know of American artists guild and other smaller groups like that but there is no worldwide/all-encompassing association.

[Mona Youssef]

Thank you all Fiona, Hazel and Tony for sharing your suggestions. Yes, there are some organizations such as CARFAC http://www.carfac.ca in which I used to be a member. They provide many information for artists worldwide and try t protect their rights. They also select only professional artists as members. Of course, there is annual membership fee and extra cost for books and publications etc. But the organization is not growing as fast as it should be for many reasons, although it has been there for long enough. I will leave you to discover them.

Artists need organization that will work for them and not for their pockets. International art Organization that should be funded buy worldwide funds contributed by all participated countries/sponsors to encourage art and artists as important part of any advanced country presenting their history, art, cultures and civilizations.

Artists are fed up from paying fees here and there with no results. While they are struggling to make living, someone else comes in to make the money on their back such as big art fairs and Beinnales etc. Although, those organization provide great exposures to artists yet, the fees are too high that many artists can't participate. We are interested in organization that all professional artists can participate and have equal rights. Organization that would organize and set reasonable rules for fees, percentage charged, provide draft of decent contrast suits different cases etc.

I would stop here to hear your further comments.

Mona