The first step to improvement is understanding and accepting the current situation, including how much of it you can control. It’s not easy, but you can overcome the insecurities or whatever is dampening your self-esteem and start to stand up for yourself and believe in the value of your art.

Learn to turn the dynamic around by focusing on the best outcome instead of the worst. You already have experience and have lived through the worst, now is the time to hold your head high, be rightfully proud without arrogance, and project a winning conclusion in your head. Body and spoken language send strong signals that others receive. It’s your job to send a confident signal that your art has value and the price is fair.

If the buyer wants to negotiate, give them 10% off as an appreciation for first-time buyers. If a relative expects a free painting, offer to barter with them instead. What service do they have of value to give you in exchange? A few days at the cabin. Lawn mowing by the kid, snow shoveling, or something else in their area of expertise and control.

I appreciate you like the piece enough to want to own it, but I’m in the business of art and earning an income. So I’m sure you can appreciate that I can’t give my work product away and stay in business. How about I give you the family discount of 20%? Or, what do you have to barter with?

Essentially, you are in complete control but only when you realize it. The worst is no sale, so what because it happens all the time. The best is a new happy customer. You choose your desired outcome and stick to your guns. It takes courage to change our behavior, but when the pain becomes enough, or we’ve had enough, we remove the hesitation and replace it with resolve. You can do this. Getting help is advisable if you feel it will help you get there quicker. All the best!