Pricing your artwork can feel daunting, it’s about striking the right balance between valuing your creative labour and meeting the realities of the market. Many emerging artists either undervalue their work because of uncertainty or overvalue it before building a strong profile. Both can make it harder to grow your career sustainably.

At Aboriginal Art Co, we believe artists should be fairly paid while keeping art accessible to the community. Here’s how to find that balance and how to build the value of your practice over time.

Finding the Right Price for Your Artwork

1. Artist Profile and Market Demand
Your experience, exhibitions, and awards all influence perceived value. If you’ve shown in group exhibitions, been selected for prizes, or completed a residency, these achievements strengthen your professional profile and justify higher pricing.

2. Comparative Pricing
Research what other artists at a similar stage are charging for comparable works (in size, medium, and style). This ensures your pricing aligns with the market and helps potential buyers understand your value.

3. Production and Framing Costs
Include materials, framing, freight, and your time in your pricing structure. These are real business costs, and your price should cover them while still remaining realistic for your target audience.

4. Audience and Venue

Your artwork should be showcased in places that reflect your position and where you are in your arts career. 

At Aboriginal Art Co, we often showcase emerging First Nations artists who we believe have great careers ahead of them, offering their work at an accessible price point to help build long-term audiences and opportunities.

We don’t represent artists in the traditional commercial gallery sense. Instead, we sell artworks by First Nations artists from across the country, including both independent artists and art centres. Our aim is to create pathways for artists who are dedicated to becoming professionals - those who maintain an active online presence, a strong portfolio, and a developing artist CV.

Commercial galleries, on the other hand, provide personalised support and actively push for new opportunities to raise the profile of artists and the value of their work. They often cater to established collectors and can support higher price points because they have the audience for it. 

Aboriginal Art Co's target audience is made up of art lovers and future collectors - often people purchasing their first piece of Aboriginal art. We’re passionate about creating positive first experiences that spark connection and pride, with the hope that this first artwork will lead to a lifelong appreciation of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander art. 

How to Increase the Value of Your Artwork

1. Build and Maintain a Strong Online Presence
Your website and social media are your digital portfolio. Keep them updated with clear, professional photos, artwork details, and your artist statement. Share process photos, stories behind the work, and studio updates to help audiences connect with you.

2. Show Your Work Regularly
Participate in group exhibitions, art fairs, and local showcases. Showing your work in different spaces helps you reach new audiences and build confidence in pricing and presentation.

3. Be Active in the Arts Community
Attend exhibition openings, talks, and art events. Supporting other artists and being seen in the community helps you build networks that can lead to future collaborations, invitations, and opportunities.

4. Enter Art Prizes and Awards
Art prizes not only provide recognition, they also build your CV and increase your credibility with collectors and galleries. Some key prizes for emerging and First Nations artists include, but not limited to:

• Queensland Regional Art Awards (QRAA) – Run by Flying Arts Alliance, celebrating artists from regional and remote Queensland.
• The Churchie Emerging Art Prize – A leading national prize based in Brisbane celebrating emerging contemporary artists.
• National Emerging Art Prize – Showcases and supports early-career artists across Australia, including a category for First Nations artists.
• Brisbane Portrait Prize – Highlights artists with a connection to Brisbane through portraits that capture local people and stories.
• First Nations Arts & Culture Awards – Presented by Creative Australia, recognising excellence and leadership among First Nations artists across artforms.

5. As Your Career Progresses – Major Established Prizes
Once you’ve developed your body of work and professional experience, you might consider entering major national awards such as:

• Telstra National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Art Awards (NATSIAA) – The most prestigious national award for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander artists, with an Emerging Artist category.
• Ramsay Art Prize – A prestigious contemporary art prize supporting artists under 40.
• Wynne Prize – Recognising the best Australian landscape painting or figurative sculpture (Art Gallery of New South Wales).
• Archibald Prize (portraiture) – Australia’s most famous portrait prize.

6. Apply for Grants and Collaborate
Beyond prizes, seek grants and partnerships that allow you to expand your practice. Collaborate with other artists, organisations, or community groups to develop new projects, exhibitions, or public artworks. Partnering with government bodies or private companies can open doors to funding, exposure, and large-scale opportunities.

7. Seek Professional Development Opportunities
Apply for residencies and fellowships that give you time, space, and mentorship to grow. These experiences not only refine your practice but also enhance your professional standing.

8. Document Your Work Professionally
Keep detailed records of your artworks — titles, materials, dimensions, exhibitions, and buyers. Good documentation builds provenance and supports long-term value.

9. Build Your Artist CV and Reputation

A strong artist CV is one of the most important tools for building your reputation and demonstrating professionalism. It shows your progression, experience, and commitment to your practice. As you develop your career, aim to build these key components.

• Education and Training – Include formal qualifications, short courses, mentorships, and residencies.
• Exhibitions – List solo and group shows chronologically, highlighting curatorial themes and venues.
• Awards and Prizes – Include both shortlisted and winning entries; they show credibility and recognition.
• Collections and Commissions – Note any works held in public, corporate, or private collections, and commissioned projects.
• Residencies and Fellowships – Demonstrate professional growth, research, and exploration.
• Publications and Media – Include exhibition catalogues, reviews, or articles that feature your work. Professional Associations and Representation – Mention any gallery representation, memberships, or collaborations with art organisations.

A clear, well-organised CV helps curators, galleries, and funding assessors understand your trajectory and potential. Keep it up to date and include it on your website or in your artist portfolio.

In Summary

Your art has value; not only in materials and time but in culture, story, and skill.

Pricing it fairly honours your work and helps audiences engage meaningfully with it. As you grow your practice through exhibitions, community engagement, and professional opportunities, your market value will naturally increase! Don't rush it!

Stay curious, keep learning, and surround yourself with people who support your growth from fellow artists to curators, mentors, and organisations that believe in your vision.