In working both as an independent contractor and as an artist, figuring out prices has long been a difficult point for me. When I started freelancing and sourcing my own clients, I never knew what to charge. For one, there’s no standard range. Freelancing is its own beast. In any given niche, you’ll find quotes ranging from under $100 all the way up to four figures.
People say to value your skills and your time. Don’t undercharge, because recognizing the worth of your labor is important. But no one ever says what to do when you can’t find any buyers at the rates you charge.
People also say to price your creations according to the value of the labor your put into making them, because that worth is important. But they don’t teach you how to move an audience from “Wow, that’s beautiful” only to move on without buying, to “Wow, I’d love to have that” and close the sale.
Paying what you’re worth is important. Unfortunately, making a living sometimes isn’t about worth. Bills still need paid even when the living isn’t fair. It’s hard to keep a roof over your head on principle alone.
The perception society has of certain jobs doesn’t help. Artists get asked to work “for exposure.” Moms especially who work from home have their jobs treated as a hobby that can be set aside for any random thing. Working from home does often have flexibility, which helps for things like keeping up with my kiddo’s many doctor appointments, but it’s still a job, and tasks still need done in a timely manner.
The answers to any of these problems are not easy ones. After over a decade of working, I’ve finally found a balance that works for me. The only problem is, what works for me won’t always work for you. There is no one-size-fits-all solution. Looking for those kinds of answers closes off creativity. Sometimes, answers are found in the most surprising of places. This isn’t written to provide answers – but to acknowledge a real struggle that many face.
So if you’re one of those struggling with this today, this post is here to say – I see you.
Nat Writes the World 