Setting prices for digital art prints requires careful consideration of factors such as the complexity of your work, time investment, and market demand. The ratings can vary from hourly rate to per project with different price ranges according to the quality of your work.

In this article, we will walk you through different pricing models like hourly rates, flat rates, and per-project pricing. You’ll also learn how to calculate costs, research competitors, and adjust prices based on feedback to ensure your digital art prints are priced fairly and competitively.

Let’s get into the details.

Different Pricing Models For Selling Digital Arts

Let’s start our discussion with the common pricing models that can work for your digital art business.

Hourly Rate

An hourly rate model charges based on the amount of time you spend working on a specific piece of digital art. I always prefer this method as it ensures you're paid for every hour of your effort.

Through this rating method, you get the flexibility to charge according to the actual time invested in a project. However, the final cost can be hard to predict for both you and your client. And you’ll need to track your hours carefully to bill accurately.

Average Price Ranges:

• Beginner artists: $20-$30/hour.
• Intermediate artists: $30-$70/hour.
• Experienced or professional artists: $75-$150+/hour.

Flat Rate

A flat rate means you charge one set price for the whole project, no matter how long it takes. For example, you might charge $300 for a character design. You decide on a fixed price for the whole job, so your client knows exactly what they’re paying upfront.

It works best when the project details are clear and agreed upon from the start. However, flat rates may not cover your time if the project takes longer than you thought

The good news is that the flat rate has been increasing throughout the years. In 2019, the highest flat fee was $80, the lowest was $15, and the average was $32. By 2024, these numbers increased, with the highest reaching $97 and the average rising to $38.

Digital Art Pricing Rates: Evolution Over 5 Years (frankgogol.com)

Per Project

For larger and more detailed projects, it's best to use per-project pricing. This method considers the entire scope of the work, including time, resources, and effort. It allows you to set a price based on the specific needs of each project, with factors like time, customization, and quality affecting the price.

If you choose this method, ensure thorough communication so both parties agree on the project's scope, deadlines, and deliverables.

Average Price Ranges:

• Small projects (like a logo or single illustration): $300–$1,000.
• Large projects (like concept art): $1,000–$5,000.

How to Set Prices For Your Digital Arts- 3 Fruitful Steps!

Here are three simple yet effective steps to help you establish prices that reflect your work's value.

Step 1. Calculate your costs

Here you need to consider your material and equipment costs, labor costs, and overhead costs.

Material and Equipment Costs

Consider the price of the materials and tools needed for your projects. This includes things like

• Digital software subscriptions
• Graphic tablets
• Or any other resources specific to your creative process.

Labor Costs

Your time is one of the most valuable aspects of your art. Figure out how long each project will take and set an hourly rate based on your skill and experience.

Overhead Costs

These are the ongoing costs required to keep your business running smoothly. Overhead can include your studio rent, internet bills, software subscriptions, or other operational expenses.

Adding Profit and Selling Costs

After covering your basic costs, add a profit to your prices. If you're selling through retailers or platforms, they might take a cut, so include that in your price, too. Also, add costs for marketing, promotions, or proposals, even for commissions.

A Formula to Calculate The Price

Here’s a formula you can use to calculate a fair price for your art:

(Hourly Rate × Hours Worked) + Overhead Costs + Desired Profit

It will help you ensure that you cover all your costs while also getting paid fairly for your skills and expertise.

Step 2. Competitor Research

Do competitor research for similar digital pieces and think about what works best for you. As a beginner, you should not overprice your work by comparing yourself to more established artists. Instead, start with a fair price and adjust as you gain more experience and recognition.

Step 3. Experiment and Refine Your Prices

Feel free to experiment with different price points and adjust as needed based on client feedback. Start with a price that feels right, and don’t be afraid to make changes. If a client questions your rate, be confident and explain your reasoning.

Factors Affecting The Pricing Of Digital Art Prints

Pricing digital art prints can be tricky, as several factors influence how much you should charge. Let’s get into the main factors that impact pricing.

Complexity of the Work

The more intricate and detailed the art, the higher the price. A simple portrait usually costs less than a detailed, full-color design. Always consider the time, effort, and complexity of each piece when you set the price.

Client Type

Not all clients have the same budget. Larger businesses usually have bigger budgets, so you can charge more for commercial work. If your artwork is going to be widely used in advertisements or promotions, this is a good reason to increase your price.

Size of the Artwork

Bigger pieces usually cost more than smaller ones. Some artists price their work based on size, like charging per square inch. This keeps the price fair for the size and quality.

For example, if you charge $2 per square inch and your artwork is 12 inches by 18 inches, the price would be calculated as:

12 inches x 18 inches = 216 square inches

216 square inches x $2 = $432

Time Investment

Creating digital art generally takes considerable time, including brainstorming, drawing, digital rendering, and final touches. The more time you put into a piece, the higher the price should be to reflect that effort.

How To Tell If Your Art Is Good Enough For Sell?

It’s always better to test how your artwork is received before you produce a large amount of artwork or launch your store. What one person finds valuable, another might not.

To assess the quality and potential market for your artwork, gather feedback through various methods as follows:

Social Media

You can create a social media account dedicated to your artwork. Using social media platforms like Instagram or Facebook for direct marketing is a smart move because it helps you skip the middleman. 

It also saves you time and energy by showing you what people like (or don’t like) before you invest heavily in selling.

Your social media pages will give you valuable, unbiased feedback from both followers and strangers. The likes, shares, comments, and engagement can help you understand whether your artwork has the potential to earn money.

We have prepared a detailed guideline for you to sell art on Facebook; don’t forget to check it out!

Word of Mouth

Another great way to test the waters is by sharing your artwork with friends, family, and coworkers. They might even help spread the word about your art.

People outside your close circle will reach out for commissions. Once you start getting requests, it’s a clear sign that you’re ready to open an online shop. The key is to collect as much feedback as possible.

Where To Sell Your Digital Arts Online?

If you're looking to sell your digital art online, there are numerous platforms that can help you reach a wide audience. Here's a look at the best places to showcase and sell your digital creations.

Marketplaces

There are many marketplaces that give you the opportunity to sell your passion without complex steps. Here’s a short list:

• Etsy
• Crowdfundly
• Saatchi Art
• ArtPal
• Artnet
• Adobe Stock
• Freepik
• YouWorkForThem
• Redbubble
• Amazon Art

And so on…

Crowdfundly is a subscription-based platform that offers more than just traditional crowdfunding. With the shop feature of Crowdfundly, you can sell your digital artwork directly to your fans and also give them the chance to back your creative projects.

You can build your digital art portfolio, set your own prices, offer exclusive deals to supporters, and even package your artwork with other rewards to attract more backers.

Your Own Website

If online marketplaces aren’t for you, try selling digital art on your own website. It might feel tricky at first, but having your own site gives you more control. You can connect directly with your audience, show your work better, and manage the entire shopping process.

If you start from scratch, knowing about the best ways to sell art online will help you.

FAQs

How Can You Protect Your Digital Art Online?

Protect your digital art by registering its copyright to prove you own it. Adding a copyright symbol to your artwork shows it’s protected, which can help prevent theft. This step makes it easier to take legal action if someone uses your art without permission.

Is It Possible To Build A Career In Digital Art?

Yes, Digital Art and Design graduates do well in creative, fast-moving jobs. The skills you learn in the program can be used in many areas, such as entertainment, advertising, retail, and education.

When Should You Consider Increasing Your Rates?

If you’re consistently busy or have developed your skills over time, it’s likely the right time to raise your prices. A higher demand shows clients appreciate your work, and you should adjust the pricing accordingly.

Last Thoughts

We’re at the end of our discussion regarding how to price digital art prints.

Pricing digital art prints involves balancing your time, skill, and market factors. Consider the costs of materials, time investment, and market demand when setting prices. Make sure you regularly reassess your pricing strategy to stay competitive and ensure your art reflects both its value and quality.