The Framers Forum

Hi all,

So a local artist has approached me about making a custom-sized blank canvas, approx. 125cm x 75cm. I can do it (I've used the Larson-Juhl 'Arrowhead' system before for stretching awkward-sized canvases), and have charged £50-ish for this before actual framing costs on top. What might be fair to charge for this particular request tho is a bit of a mystery.

I have been establishing my business & reputation over the last year, so likely not operating on the high end of the price scale as it stands. This is also a young artist who is also establishing their rep, and not someone who'll be rolling in dough. As more of a trade customer I would rather potentially sell them fifty custom canvases over the next twenty years than take their eye-teeth out for one; but also wouldn't want to set an expectation of being a perennial bargain basement either. Any thoughts please on what might be fair to charge for this?

They also would want me to provide the canvas; there are places online (Jackson's Art being one) that sell canvas by the metre, but any suggestions on sources for that would be much appreciated too.

Thanks in advance; hope everyone's workspace is cool and airy, & no-one is currently melting behind tall South-facing windows

Hi

Firstly the arrowhead system is pretty rubbish. I've never managed to get a decent stretch using it and have given up. To be able to achieve a decent price you need to be confident what you are supplying is fit for purpose and professional stretcher bars with keys are your best bet. Lion do a very extensive range of standard size bars (and brace bars) - mostly to imperial measurements however. You said the sizes were approx so if you can persuade your client to adjust their target size slightly you should find something reasonably close. At that size I'd probably avoid the 'Standard' range and opt for the 'Premium' - heftier profile and available in less sizes however you'd get close with 48" (122cm) x 30" (76.2cm). These sizes come with compatible brace bars available (and recommended) in both directions.

As far as pricing goes it will depend entirely on the quality of canvas you will be using. These come in various grades and weaves, primed/unprimed etc. 100% cotton is going to be more expensive than poly, or those specifically for oils or acrylic, for example so how you position your price will depend on canvas used and a few other factors, for example hourly rate or mark ups used. We do this type of work for a couple of artist customers and have asked them to supply their preferred canvas material rather than keeping a stock as it seems most prefer a particular type. This enables you to keep your price keener. For a regular artist/trade customer we'd charge £130 including VAT to stretch their artists own canvas material on premium bars at this size. If we were also supplying the canvas I'd add this at cost x2.5.

For buying canvas by the roll Jackson's hold a good range. Bird & Davis also sell canvas by the roll and are a good firm to know if you do a lot of canvas stretching.

Hey thanks Frutini, that's very helpful advice all round. I'll speak to the artist tomorrow and see if there is any leeway in the sizes. Cheers!