by Matthea
Status: 03.23.2026
Understanding art prizes – the ‘artist factor’ explained
Key points at a glance
- The Artist Factor explains how art prices are determined: The size of a work is multiplied by an individual factor that reflects the artist’s experience, visibility and demand. Start by comparing works in terms of size and the artist factor and look out for trends, exhibitions and the market presence of the artists as key price indicators.
- This article will help you make better sense of art prices, understand the differences between works of similar size and gain greater confidence when buying or selling art.
- It is particularly relevant for those new to buying art, collectors and artists who wish to develop a transparent and consistent pricing strategy.
- The examples and tips provide practical insights into how prices evolve as visibility increases and how a clear, long-term pricing strategy builds trust in the art market.
If you’ve ever stood in front of a work of art and asked yourself, ‘How is the price of art determined?’, you’re not alone. For buyers in particular, pricing often seems hard to grasp. Unlike with property, for example, or in many other sectors, there is no ‘art price index’. Instead, there is another concept that provides greater clarity: the artist factor.
The artist factor provides a comprehensible basis that offers transparency to buyers whilst also giving artists a clear framework for their pricing development. It shows how the price of a work of art can be calculated, whilst also highlighting the role played by the artist’s experience, visibility and development.
The artist factor as the basis for price calculation
The artist factor is based on a simple idea: The size of a work is multiplied by an individual factor. This results in a transparent formula that can be used to calculate the price of the artwork. In practice, this means that the height and width of a work of art are added together and then multiplied by the artist factor. This produces a selling price that is based not only on the physical dimensions but also on the artistic development of the person behind the work.
The question ‘How is the price of art determined?’ can rarely be answered using a single criterion. This is precisely why the artist factor is so helpful. It combines objective aspects, such as the size of a work, with subjective factors, such as artistic reputation and market response. This makes it easier for buyers to understand why two works of similar size might cost different amounts. For artists, in turn, this method offers a reliable guide for setting their own selling prices consistently.
The result is a pricing structure that remains consistent within a cycle of works whilst leaving room for development. For buyers, this fosters trust and comparability. For artists, this establishes a clear framework that makes it easier to plan and adjust prices in the long term.
What factors determine the ‘artist factor’
The ‘artist factor’ itself is not a fixed value, but evolves over the course of an artist’s career. It reflects an artist’s standing in the art market. Key influencing factors include training, exhibitions, representation in collections, awards and a consistent track record of sales. As experience grows, visibility increases and demand rises, the factor generally increases as well. For buyers, this means that the price of a work of art is always an expression of the artist’s development and the recognition their work has received to date. For artists, this offers an important perspective, as their market value is not static but can be actively developed.
Doubling
the artist factor – an SKM artist on the road to success
Kaan Ege Önal has been active on the Student Art Market for a long time and has, over the years, significantly increased his artist factor and, consequently, the value of his art. In 2022, Önal’s artworks, measuring 130x120cm, cost €2,500. This means his artist factor was 10. Since then, he has exhibited his work at art fairs, in the German Bundestag and at the Pinakothek der Moderne, whilst continuing to develop his distinctive style. As a result, his art is now worth considerably more: in 2026, a work by Önal with the same dimensions costs €5,000, meaning his artist factor stands at 20. This development also clearly demonstrates just how lucrative it can be to invest in young artists. You can find more tips on investing in art here.
The development of Kaan Ege Önal’s artistic style
Practical tips for successfully selling art
- Clear price trends: Art prices should ideally only rise, not fall, in order to build trust and stability in the market.
- Consistent pricing: Comparable works should be priced similarly; deviations can be justified by special techniques or materials.
- Long-term strategy: Prices should not be adjusted to short-term demand, but should be based on a well-considered, stable calculation, e.g. using the artist factor.
- No discounts: Sales or special offers are uncommon and can undermine perceived value.
- Striking a balance: Artists should weigh up lower prices with higher sales volumes against higher prices with more selective sales, and ensure that price changes are justifiable, e.g. through increased visibility or exhibitions.
Frequently Asked Questions
Studierenden Kunstmarkt ist die führende Plattform im deutschsprachigen Raum für studentische Kunst. Sie ermöglicht Kunstinteressierten und KunstliebhaberInnen Kunstwerke direkt von Kunststudierenden zu kaufen und sie somit während des Studiums finanziell zu unterstützen.
Studierenden Kunstmarkt wurde 2020 von Erich Reich und seinem Bruder gegründet. Erich ist noch immer Geschäftsführer von Studierenden Kunstmarkt und hat es gemeinsam mit seinem Team geschafft, eine Plattform zu kreieren, die Kunstliebhaber, Kunstinteressierte und Kunststudierende zusammenzubringen. Bis heute ist Studierenden Kunstmarkt komplett selbst finanziert und hat keine externen Gelder von Investoren aufgenommen.
Zu jedem Zeitpunkt gibt es mehrere hundert Kunststudierende und mehrere tausend Kunstwerke auf Studierenden Kunstmarkt. Ein guter Einstieg, um einen ersten Überblick über die KünstlerInnen zu erhalten, ist die Kategorie KünstlerInnen des Monats.
Genau so wie normale Galerien, erhält Studierenden Kunstmarkt eine Provision pro verkauftem Bild. Damit wird der Betrieb der Plattform, die Instandhaltung, sowie die Angestellten von Studierenden Kunstmarkt finanziert. Zusätzlich unterstützen wir die Studierenden, stehen beratend bei allen Fragen zur Verfügung und schalten kostenlos Werbung für die Studierenden auf Instagram, Facebook, Google und unserem E-Mail Newsletter mit mehreren tausend KunstliebhaberInnen als Abonnenten.
Es gibt viele Möglichkeiten, wie du beginnen kannst, in junge Künstler:innen auf Studierenden Kunstmarkt zu investieren. Eine Möglichkeit ist es, dass du dich zu unserem kostenlosen E-Mail Kurs “In 7 Tagen zum Kunst Profi” anmeldest. Dort teilen wir ein paar basics mit dir und auch einige unserer Geheimtipps, welche Künstler:innen besonders viel Potential haben. Mehr erfahren
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