The unique thing about being an artist is that you are your own billboard. People think that it’s not work, but it really and truly is. The profession of being an artist takes parts of salesmanship and an educator in addition to many other skills necessary to make a decent living as an artist. There are some things that many of us don’t question whether they have value such as health services, mechanic repairs, and things that we see tangibly. Unfortunately, art is one of the things that you have to make others see the value in.
In society art is essential but many don’t see it as such. They see it rather as a luxury. I can see why. When as an artist gives a potential client a price quote and they flinch, it upsets you. If you charge a modest amount and people still say that it’s too much, do your best not to get mad at them. Instead use this as an opportunity to educate and possibly secure business from them in the future. When it comes to design and things that can be done rather quickly in the field of art, it’s hard to justify the price sometimes. If someone commissions you to design their business cards and you knock it out in an hour and they love it, it’s when you give them that price where it becomes a problem. That’s when you have to explain that they are paying for your degree or years of experience that gave you the ability to knock out the task in just a few minutes or hours. A common misconception when it comes to charging for your art, is that people think they are paying you for your talent but they really aren’t. What they are really paying for is your time, and it’s your duty as an artist to help your client see that.
As an artist you have to get used to the idea of repeating yourself, which may be frustrating. I believe that being an artist and having an ego sometimes go hand in hand. There is some intrinsic nature within us that makes us feel that not only should people know who we are, but also how much we are worth. But in reality, the artists has to know and be convinced of their own worth and then convince the customer to see the artist as the artist sees themselves. This may mean breaking down your numbers or stats, as if you were an athlete. You can explain to them things like stages you’ve been on, the amount of years you’ve been performing, your social media numbers, and a degree in that field (if that applies). I would suggest you have some sort of presentation or spiel ready because you will have to this often. Why? Because every new client has to learn who you are and why they should value you. If there’s one thing that you should have a deep knowledge and be able to teach others: it should be about you and your craft. Think of anything new that have come out in the last decade that now people can’t live without. Now think about how that item or service was first received and you’ll discover a deep truth. People don’t value new things at first, they have to be taught, shown, and convinced of its intrinsic value. You have a gift, now go out and teach everyone why it matters.
