By Drew Harris

If there is one piece of advice I can offer, is to remove the word “should” from our  vocabulary as artists, particularly when it comes to valuating our work, past, present and future.

The Challenge of Finding the Right Balance

Far too often, I hear artists lamenting on the fact their work is under-valuated, or in some cases, over-valuated and not selling. Finding a perfect balance is never easy as it is often dependent on market indicators such as regional, national or international economics, and often, dare I suggest, it’s based on trends in the market, so if you are not trending, it doesn’t mean you “should or shouldn’t” charge more or less, but remain consistent as trends tend to be cyclical and less stable. Your pricing however, must remain stable, growing as you grow as an artist.

Maintaining Stability in a Fluctuating Market

As the art buying market fluctuates, our work, even when correctly valuated may seem as...

By Sergio Gomez

Listen to Sergio in the Podcast

Read Sergio's Blog Post

Today we're diving deep into the psychological challenges we face when pricing our art. I can tell you, from my own experience, that pricing artwork can be a challenging and often uncomfortable task for many artists.

Emotional Attachment to Our Work

First and foremost, it's essential to understand that our artworks are not just products; they're deeply personal expressions of ourselves. Each piece is a part of us, infused with our ideas, emotions, and hours of hard work. This emotional connection makes it challenging to assign a monetary value to our creations.
Take one of my abstract figurative paintings, for instance. It's not just paint on canvas to me. It's an exploration of life cycles and personal experiences. How do you put a price on something so intimate? This is a struggle many artists face.

Fear of Rejection or Devaluation

Another factor at play is our fear of rejection or devaluation. We fear...

By Sergio Gomez

As artists, we all know the struggle of putting a price tag on our creations. It's one of the most challenging aspects of our journey. How do we determine the value of the art we've poured our heart and soul into? At first glance, the idea seems ridiculous. But let me assure you, my fellow artists, we've all experienced this dilemma at the start of our art careers.

The Constant Questions

As we grow and mature in our artistic endeavors, the same questions continue to haunt us. When should we raise our prices? How should we charge now compared to a year or two ago? These questions are valid, and they reflect our desire to navigate the art market with confidence and fairness.

Starting with Self-Worth

Today, I want to discuss a vital starting point in this pricing conundrum: self-worth. Step one is to believe wholeheartedly that what we offer as artists holds tremendous value. It's time to silence those nagging voices of doubt and truly embrace the fact that our...

In this captivating episode of "The Artist Next Level Podcast," host Sergio Gomez sits down with acclaimed hyperrealist artist Nadine Robbins to delve into the mesmerizing world of hyperrealistic portraiture. Prepare to be awestruck as Nadine shares the secrets behind her four-hour video session, where she meticulously captures the essence of a human eye in her breathtaking portraits.

Join Sergio and Nadine as they embark on a fascinating exploration of the creative process, revealing the intricate steps involved in achieving hyperrealism. Discover the story behind Nadine's remarkable video class, designed to guide aspiring artists through the intricate journey of painting a hyperrealistic eye. Uncover the thought process that led her to choose the specific model for this masterpiece and gain insights into her decision to offer this transformative experience as an online class.

In this inspiring conversation, Nadine opens up about the challenges and joys of hyperrealism, sharing...

By Sergio Gomez

Embracing the Beauty of Collaboration

Creating art is often seen as a solitary pursuit, with artists immersing themselves in the solitude of their studios, seeking inspiration from within. However, there is a vibrant and transformative dimension of the artistic journey that lies beyond the studio walls—a realm where connections with fellow artists and art enthusiasts can ignite a spark of collaborative creativity. Today, we delve into the art of connection and explore how embracing collaboration can elevate your artistic endeavors to new heights.

The Wisdom of Ruth: "It's All About People"

Imagine this: a wise friend and seasoned art connoisseur named Ruth once told me this piece of advice that resonated deeply with me. Ruth, having traversed the art world as a museum director and consultant, once said, "Hey Sergio, it's all about people. Learn to work with them, and success will find you." Her words, seemingly simple, carry profound meaning. They remind...

Defying the Illusion of Judgment

Does the art world intimidate you? You're not alone. It's easy to imagine a panel of people scrutinizing our every move, casting judgment on our artistic journey. But here's the truth: the art world is far from being a distant and unapproachable establishment. In reality, the art world comprises each and every individual involved in the art field, from the museum receptionist to the local curator and the international art fair director. Let's not forget the artists themselves, bravely entering the market, showcasing their work, and selling their art. Collectively, we are the art world, and it's time to shift our perspective.

Crafting Your Own Art World

Rather than constantly striving to "get in" the art world, let's ask ourselves a different question: How do we make our own art world? By carefully selecting and surrounding ourselves with the people who inspire and support us, we can create a community that becomes our art world. Our art world...

By Sergio Gomez, MFA

Embracing the Art of Resting: Work Hard, Rest Harder

Introduction: Hey there, fellow artists! We all know the irresistible pull of immersing ourselves in our art and careers. The passion and drive to create can consume us, making it easy to forget the importance of rest. I'll be the first to admit that acknowledging the need for rest in my daily routine has been a real struggle. But let me tell you, it's a lesson worth learning. In this blog post, we'll explore how embracing the art of resting can unlock your full creative potential and prevent burnout. Plus, I'll share a personal story involving my wonderful reminder, Dr. Yanina.

The Forgotten Art of Rest

As artists, we pour our hearts and souls into our work. We become so absorbed in the creative process that resting often gets pushed to the side. Our to-do lists are filled with art projects, exhibitions, client deadlines—you name it. The idea of taking a break seems counterproductive or even...