Inexpensive framing. It is possible…
Confession #1: making money from something you created is a rush.
Confession #2: I don’t like wasting money.
Confession #3: Selling something gives a sensation of value for the time it took to create whatever you just sold.
So, how do we get all these guilty pleasures to work for us? Start with the idea that most people like seeing things in a frame. Even if you don’t want to put something in a gallery and would prefer getting things on a wall in a coffee shop or your favorite restaurant, eventually someone will want it in a frame. Don’t panic. Confession #4, I have panicked with the idea of getting a painting in a frame and still have enough price margin for the art value without complete and paralizing sticker shock.
Intervention #1: paint on standard sized board canvas or wooden framed canvas. Stay in the smallish range, like 5×7 to 8×10.
Intervention #2: If your are painting in acrylic, invest in the final stage of prep by applying a coat of satin varnish. This prevents UV fading and adds a slight polished look to the image. Take digital images of the piece before applying the varnish. Do not apply the glossy product as it creates a huge amount of glare bounce for the image.
Intervention#3: Wander to the framing counter of your favorite hobby store and ask about converting a standard photo frame by having the backing removed, a wire applied, and paper on the back. One place did this for $1. Yes, that is not a typo. Sometimes the photo frames are half off already. You can realistically frame an 8×10 board canvas for $12. True story.
Intervention#4: Stay optimistic, or fake it. Price the art to sell, but don’t put it “on sale.” Remember the psychology of people and how they spend money. Basically they want to feel it is an investment for a “want” and not a “need.” There is no magic recipe to making people open their wallets.