Hi Everyone,

Listening to podcasts has been a big part of my daily routine for the last 5 years. While I’m creating art, cooking or commuting you can bet that I’ve got a podcast going that is making me laughing or teaching me something new. For those of you who don’t know what podcasts are, they are audio programmes akin to talk radio. Unlike the radio however, a particular podcast can be accessed anytime on your phone or computer and are usually not live broadcasts. As things start getting back to normal around Waterloo Region, I thought I’d share some podcast recommendations that will hopefully inspire you in the studio and in your everyday life.

Here is a list of 15 arts and culture pods that have taught me a lot about the business of art, being an artist, art history and the creative process:

Last month I shared some tips about safe oil painting practices from Hamilton based artist, Judy Major Girardin. Judy has been kind enough to also share her “checklist for evaluating material choices with respect to environmental responsibility and safety”. Feel free to copy+paste this checklist to keep in your home studio! It could help keep you healthy but also it might just be interesting to look at your materials in a new light.

The price of an artwork should reflect the value of the materials and labour it took to make. While the material costs are straightforward, the cost of your own labour can be difficult to determine.

Expenses incurred creating the work, such as materials, equipment, studio rent, artist fees, professional education, development and membership, installation, insurance, travel and transportation costs should be reflected in the price.

In general, the work of professional, experienced arts practitioners will cost more than that of a developing arts practitioner. Many artists compare their prices with those of other artists at a similar point in their career who are working in similar mediums. You want to find the sweet spot between pricing yourself out of the market and undervaluing your own work. Some artists use a formula to calculate the cost per square inch of their work.

The number of editions or copies available may also affect the price of the work. For example, an edition of photographs or prints may be priced lower than an original painting of a similar size.

If the work is sold framed or outfitted with another hanging mechanism, the cost of preparing the work to be displayed should be reflected in the price.

Gallery prices include any commission in the posted price, but not the HST.

If you are looking to buy art, it would be disrespectful to negotiate the given price, however most artists would agree to working out a payment plan with you so that you can pay in instalments.

Never assume that an artist is willing or able to work for free. Working for exposure (Myths & Best Practices) doesn't pay the bills or make for a healthy, sustainable and vibrant visual arts sector.