The Cost of Craft

I figured there’s probably nobody reading this that wouldn’t want to yell out, “Exactly!” at this sentiment. Being a plastic, polymer gets this attitude more than our comparable crafts such as metal work and ceramics. But the cost isn’t just the materials. It’s also the time it takes to make – the hours and years of learning and perfecting what we do, and the proverbial blood, sweat and tears we sacrifice as we build our name and business.

Here is one of my favorite stories about an artist truly valuing himself:  I was at a Science Fiction show a half dozen years ago, and a well-known comic artist was asked by a fan to draw a picture. He proceeded to create what the fan requested in beautiful detail. When he was done, the artist showed the very excited fan the piece and asked for $300. The fan sputtered and said, “But that only took you thirty minutes to do!” The artist calmly responded, “No, it took me thirty years.”

Don’t you love that?!

We have a great article in the present issue about pricing your work, in helping you determine the true value of what you do. Get your copy on the website at www.thepolymerarts.com