It’s one of the best moments an artist can experience—someone sees your work, lights up, and says, “I’d love to have that in my space.”
Cue the mental scramble. Should I offer to loan it? Maybe lease it? Should I mention a payment plan? What if I suggest they just borrow it and see how it feels in the space? We start imagining all the reasons they might say no and try to preempt every one of them.
But in most cases, the best thing to do is… stop. Take a breath. And keep it simple.
Don’t Complicate the Sale
When someone expresses interest in your work, your first move should be straightforward: offer it for sale.
“I’d love for you to have it. The price is $1,200.”
No long explanations. No apologetic tone. No laundry list of alternative arrangements. Just a clear, confident offer.
It’s easy to let our own insecurities creep into the conversation—especially if we start assuming the other person is looking for a discount or hesitant about the price. But more often than not, the person expressing interest is already sold on the work. They just need you to make the next step easy.
Avoid Option Overload
Artists are often generous problem-solvers. That can backfire when we flood potential buyers with too many choices. If you say,
“Well, I could loan it to you for a few months… or lease it… or maybe you just want to take it home and see if it works…”
you risk talking the buyer out of the purchase altogether.
Too many options create friction. Instead, start with the direct sale. Only offer alternatives if there’s a clear reason to do so—and if the buyer asks.
Keep the Focus on Value
Whether the piece is $250 or $2,500, don’t reduce it to just paper, canvas, or aluminum. The value lies in the emotion it evokes, the thought that went into creating it, the skill you’ve built over years of work.
When you respond to interest, it’s okay to share a sentence or two about what the piece means to you—or what others have said about it. This helps reinforce the uniqueness of the work and justifies its price in a natural way.
“That piece has drawn a lot of attention—you’re not the first to feel something strong when you see it.”
That kind of comment can help a prospective buyer feel affirmed in their reaction and more confident moving toward a purchase.
Let Interest Lead to Connection
Not every inquiry turns into a sale—and that’s okay. When someone expresses interest, it’s also a chance to invite further engagement.
“I’d be happy to show you some other pieces in the series, if you’re curious.”
“If you’d like, I can send you a few additional works that pair nicely with this one.”
Even if the person doesn’t buy today, a gracious and simple exchange can turn them into a collector down the road.
The Bottom Line
When someone shows interest in your art, don’t overcomplicate it. Offer the work with confidence, keep your message clear, and let your professionalism and enthusiasm shine. Every interaction is a chance to build trust—and trust is what turns interest into ownership.
Have you ever overcomplicated an art sale—or saved one by keeping it simple? I’d love to hear your experience.