Artists or Artisans: How to calculate the fair price of your works in Quebec?

Équipe Le socle
Jan 26
3 min read

Setting a price for a heartfelt creation is one of the most difficult tasks for an artist or craftsperson. If the price is too low, you won't cover your costs and you'll burn out. If it's too high without justification, sales will stagnate.

At Socle, we too often see talented creators who "fudge" their prices by vaguely comparing themselves to others on Instagram.

However, to make a living from your art in Quebec, you need to transition from the status of a passionate creator to that of an artistic entrepreneur. Here's a practical method for calculating the fair price of your artwork, guilt-free.

1. The basic formula: Stepping outside of emotion

Price is not a measure of your talent, it's an economic measure. To be profitable, your price must cover three essential elements.

Here is the classic formula to adapt:

(Working time x Hourly rate) + Cost of materials + Fixed costs = Cost price

Once you have obtained the cost price, you must add your profit margin (to reinvest in your business, pay for your website, etc.).

The "Hourly Rate" Error

Many artists pay themselves last. That's a mistake.

Set a realistic hourly rate (e.g., $25 or $30/hour to start).

Don't just count the time spent creating (the brush on the canvas), but also the time spent researching, sketching, and finishing.

2. The Quebec Market Trap: Gallery vs. Direct Sales

This is where many artists stumble. You need to have a Single Public Price.

If you sell a piece of art for $500 in your studio in Saint-Jean-Port-Joli, but for $1000 in a Montreal gallery (because the gallery takes a 50% commission), you create a conflict of interest. The collector will always buy it for less from you, and you will lose the trust of your gallery owner.

The golden rule: Your studio price must be the same as your gallery price.

This means that you should always include a margin (approximately 40% to 50%) in your calculation, even if you are selling directly.

If you sell through a gallery: The margin goes to the gallery.

If you sell directly: The margin stays in your pocket (and is used to pay for your marketing, travel, etc.).

3. Don't forget the taxes (GST and QST)

In Quebec, as soon as your gross revenue (total sales) exceeds $30,000 for four consecutive quarters, you are required to register for GST and QST.

Even if your revenue is less than $30,000, it can be advantageous to register voluntarily to reclaim the taxes on your purchases of materials (canvases, clay, tools).

Tip: Always display your prices "plus tax" or clearly indicate "tax included" to avoid unpleasant surprises at the time of the transaction.

4. Perceived value: The importance of "Storytelling"

Once the mathematical calculation is done, there remains the intangible element: the artist's market value.

Why might one painting be worth $500 and another similar one $5,000? It's the perceived value.

To justify your prices, your artist portfolio must be impeccable.

A clear artistic approach.

An up-to-date artistic CV (exhibitions, awards, recognition).

The quality of materials (do you use inexpensive pigments or archival quality?).

This is where mentoring becomes truly meaningful. Knowing how to talk about your art is just as important as knowing how to create it.

Conclusion: Your art has value, own it

Pricing your work is an act of respect. It's the first step in transitioning from "the artist hoping to sell" to "the entrepreneur managing their career."

Don't lower your prices because you're afraid "it's too expensive." If the product is good and the marketing is targeted, it will find a buyer.