It's a touchy subject, but one I think is really important and one we should discuss: devaluing our work and our time. I just had a real life experience to hit the point home.
My husband got me a special order. It's for a custom, 12x16 sign that will be given as a gift. She needs it quick. She went to Etsy and found the sign for $20, but it wouldn't have been a quick turn around. I nearly lost the sale because my price was $40, plus a 10% military discount. Luckily I was able to show the quality of my work from my FB page, portfolio, and the quality of the materials I use. I also guarantee my work.
Please, when pricing your work, please consider the following:
1. You are setting up a very uncomfortable situation when you devalue your work. Without meaning to, you are undercutting fellow artists and making it look as though they are gouging people.
2. When you do not value your time and talent, you are giving away your valuable time and materials. Remember, if you spend $5 on materials and then only double that to figure your price, you aren't making anything because you forgot to factor in your hourly wage. Would you allow a business to treat you that way if you were their employee? (not typed or asked in a snotty voice, LOL. Asked honestly.) If someone doesn't value your time, you need to be willing to let the sale walk away because they don't value YOU.
3. We are not here to be in competition with each other. Don't let the lure of $$$ make you compromise your value and integrity. We should be building each other up, not tearing each other down. Don't be *that* artist. If we don't value ourselves, no one will.
I hope this challenges each of you and gives you some great food for thought!
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