Perhaps this is the most difficult question artists have to face. An idea for a new project starts in our head, we think about colours, shapes, how to put it all together. We want it to be unique, something that carries our sign.
We buy the materials, paciently carry out our ideas, sometimes one piece even takes several days or weeks.
Nowadays, it seems very hard to ask for the right price, many people are not in a situation to buy a piece of what they consider jewelry, and other people art, for over 100 €.
However does that mean that we have to adapt our price, or look for other type of customers?
The fact that you like what you do gives some people the idea that you should be ashamed to even ask money! However does a singer not like what he does? Or an athlete? A cook in 5 star restaurant?
Obviously, people are oblivious to the fact that years of practice and studying is needed to get to the point where people even start noticing your art.
What if your boss would say "hey, how about working 4 or five hours for € 30?" you would probably lough in his face!
However I find that even on the most simple pieces, a minimum of 2 or 3 hours is easily dedicated. (Not counting the moments of inspiration you needed to make such a piece)
Sometimes, when people ask me for a price, when I tell the price (and I can tell you I don´t ask much) their eyes grow big and they are shocked!
At times I can bring up the effort to explain how much time and money it cost make such an item, to try and make them understand. One of reasons I stopped painting was exactly that, even at one point it took me about 1 month to paint a very detailed painting and I finally, painstakingly sold it for € 150. Now I have reached a point where it think "take it or leave it".
Art material is expensive, and electricity too, if you add that up to your time AND the fact that it will be a One Of A Kind item, you get to prices that not everybody can or will afford. I have come to the conclusion that not only artist are special people but also those who buy from them!
Many of those who do have a budget to buy these items are to influenced by brands and feel they need to wear Chanel or Tous or all the other expensive brands to be "in". I have always felt that different is good, you have to dare to stand out of the crowd, and buying one of a kind items will give you a very special feeling.
I think persistance in putting a reasonable price for our work is very important, some people will ask way to little, which damages the whole "market", not only do they descredit their own work this way but also other peoples work.
When I have to put a price on one on my items, I will look on for example Etsy for similar made items and ajust my price to this, besides taking in consideration the hours I worked on it and the materials bought.
I would love to have your ideas on this!
We buy the materials, paciently carry out our ideas, sometimes one piece even takes several days or weeks.
Nowadays, it seems very hard to ask for the right price, many people are not in a situation to buy a piece of what they consider jewelry, and other people art, for over 100 €.
However does that mean that we have to adapt our price, or look for other type of customers?
The fact that you like what you do gives some people the idea that you should be ashamed to even ask money! However does a singer not like what he does? Or an athlete? A cook in 5 star restaurant?
Obviously, people are oblivious to the fact that years of practice and studying is needed to get to the point where people even start noticing your art.
What if your boss would say "hey, how about working 4 or five hours for € 30?" you would probably lough in his face!
However I find that even on the most simple pieces, a minimum of 2 or 3 hours is easily dedicated. (Not counting the moments of inspiration you needed to make such a piece)
Sometimes, when people ask me for a price, when I tell the price (and I can tell you I don´t ask much) their eyes grow big and they are shocked!
At times I can bring up the effort to explain how much time and money it cost make such an item, to try and make them understand. One of reasons I stopped painting was exactly that, even at one point it took me about 1 month to paint a very detailed painting and I finally, painstakingly sold it for € 150. Now I have reached a point where it think "take it or leave it".
Art material is expensive, and electricity too, if you add that up to your time AND the fact that it will be a One Of A Kind item, you get to prices that not everybody can or will afford. I have come to the conclusion that not only artist are special people but also those who buy from them!
Many of those who do have a budget to buy these items are to influenced by brands and feel they need to wear Chanel or Tous or all the other expensive brands to be "in". I have always felt that different is good, you have to dare to stand out of the crowd, and buying one of a kind items will give you a very special feeling.
I think persistance in putting a reasonable price for our work is very important, some people will ask way to little, which damages the whole "market", not only do they descredit their own work this way but also other peoples work.
When I have to put a price on one on my items, I will look on for example Etsy for similar made items and ajust my price to this, besides taking in consideration the hours I worked on it and the materials bought.
I would love to have your ideas on this!