Why I’m Adjusting My Prices for American Clients

As an independent artist based in Canada, my work has always been grounded in transparency and respect for the people who collect and support it. So, I want to explain clearly why, beginning this season, I’m applying a 35% price increase for my American clients.

This isn’t an arbitrary decision, nor is it about exclusivity. It’s about sustainability — both artistic and practical — in a dramatically shifting economic and trade landscape.

Materials and Inflation Have Transformed Costs

Over the last few years, the cost of art materials — from fabric and thread to dyes, shipping, and packaging — has risen sharply due to global inflation. Every element that goes into creating my textile work, including specialty supplies often sourced from the United States or Europe, now costs significantly more.

As an artist who insists on professional-grade materials and ethical production, I refuse to compromise on quality. The price adjustment helps ensure that I can maintain that standard while covering increased material and living expenses that are markedly higher than they were even a year ago.

Cross-Border Realities: Tariffs and Exchange Rates

Because I sell to collectors across borders, the reality is that Canadian creators incur additional costs in exporting art to the U.S. — including new tariffs, brokerage fees, and exchange rate disparities under current trade conditions.

For years, I absorbed these costs because I wanted to keep my pricing accessible. But the current situation makes that unsustainable. The 35% adjustment aligns prices with the actual expenses associated with exporting handmade work into the American market.

Reflecting True Value — Not Just Cost

Raising prices isn’t only about reacting to economic changes; it’s also about valuing creative labour appropriately. Many artists struggle with underpricing and burnout because their rates don’t reflect the months of research, material preparation, stitching, and finishing that go into their pieces.

By adjusting prices, I’m ensuring that the value placed on my work matches the dedication, skill, and professionalism that define it.

Collectors who have supported my practice over the years are also reassured that pieces already in their collections are increasing in value — a natural part of a healthy, professional art market.

A Relationship Built on Integrity

The 35% adjustment allows me to:
- Sustain fair compensation for my time and materials.  
- Continue offering limited, museum-quality pieces.  
- Navigate new trade costs without compromising integrity or craftsmanship.  

My Canadian pricing remains unchanged. For my American collectors, this modest increase respects the realities of the current market while preserving the lasting value of each work that leaves my studio.

This evolution strengthens rather than separates us: by recognizing the real costs of artistry and creation, it ensures that independent makers can continue thriving — and that collectors can feel confident in investing in genuine, lasting art.

 

Yours, 
Brandon Wulff