pricing book for artists tells me how much I should be charging

[@sawyercloud4429]

Thank you for this video Fran. I can totally relate to that sensation of feeling rich with so small because I'm from a poor country. I live in Madagascar where people are basically making about 300 USD per month, so when I got my first full-time position online with 850 USD per month I thought I was rich. Until the day I started to realize that some people are taking advantage on me because of my geographical position and that if I want to grow as an artist and being able to invest, I need to get a decent money for my services. I still live in Madagascar today but I'm able to negotiate budget between 2500 to 4000 on myself now for editorial projects. It's a long journey, but it's all a matter of taking the right decisions for yourself and to love yourself enough so that you're able to defend your rights as a creative and as a human being. I love you, Sawyer Cloud

[@asiram16]

I just checked out your work! You're so talented, I subscribed to your channel :)

[@sawyercloud4429]

@@asiram16 Omg this comment made my day !! It means so much to me, thank you Marisa 💛 I love Frannerd and I have a huge respect for her. I hope one day she will see my works 😊💛

[@thabfu]

I subscribed too haha

[@wonderwonder30]

Good for you in knowing your worth! It’s hard to ask for something when you think it’s too much as an artist, but you are worth it. Drawing and planning the next illustration is hard work and I am thankful for KZbin for showing this side of coin. Talking about money shouldn’t be taboo or something we keep to ourselves that’s how companies keep the prices just out of range to actually make a living. Your art is just as important/inspiring as the next and whatever art you chose you should be able to make a wage where you can have the able to make more art! Thank you for putting yourself out there, that takes courage and your art is amazing!

[@sawyercloud4429]

@@wonderwonder30 Yes It's very important to keep reminding your worth. It's not easy to talk about money as an artist, that's why I thank Frannerd because it takes a lot. But once you've reached that level, where you believe enough in you that you just don't mind telling numbers to people, clients would follow you. I was shocked but it actually works ! I thought people would run away because "I'm expensive" , but they actually stay if they really love your style. If they don't stay, it's still fine because it simply means you escaped from a very annoying collaboration with the wrong client.

[@lc360]

I recently increased my rates for my illustration work and a regular client got pretty angry (my increased rate was barely minimum wage) so this video came at the perfect time for me. I deserve better!!!!!

[@gracenmg]

They got angry??? That makes me angry! Keep charging what you need to charge. You are worth it!

[@bethsnider5796]

Whoa... angry? That’s kind of unprofessional! I can imagine that made you feel awful! But don’t... you are worth every penny!

[@beechi833]

Sorry to hear that, I hope your client didn't make you feel too bad. We don't owe anyone an undercharged rate.

[@artofgould1945]

I completely feel for you, it’s horrible to have to justify charging probably less then half of what you should

[@PixelPlasm]

My spouse regularly commissioned an artist, and when they raised the prices, my spouse didn't mind because they tended to tip anyways so their new prices meant they were starting to value themselves more.💕

[@YVZSTUDIOS]

Here's a *BIG TIP* for finding your hourly rates: - Don't use hourly rates if possible Why? Because rates actually penalty experienced artists. Making better art in less time with hourly billing = less money!! That's why you have to adapt your rates according to your skill level and how much it takes you to make smth. If you can make good art fast your rate should me *A LOT HIGHER!*

[@imjustdandy9799]

I actually came to the comments to say this so thanks!

[@YVZSTUDIOS]

@@imjustdandy9799 Yeah! 😁 there are other ways to determine your prices. A very good one is called *Value-based pricing* I was looking for videos who talk about that and I found a really good one!! kzbin.info/www/bejne/mWW1pnyYat2tgqs It's perfect for everyone who have never even have heard of other ways to price your work 💡✨ btw, the person I've got this from is Chris Do from the channel *The Futur*. I've been watching A LOT of their videos and they helped me so much with building up my confidence and just learning about the business side of art. Even tho it focuses on Visual Design, the stuff they teach can be applied to almost ANY creative job IMO!

[@deoko1]

@@YVZSTUDIOS I had no idea. I have a regular job but sometimes I manage to get a freelance job to make extra money and well the pricing by hour always seemed a bit unfair but since many where using that type of pricing I thought "I guess they are right?" its confusing really

[@YVZSTUDIOS]

​@@deoko1 well, I had no idea about all of this, about 1 or 2 months ago either 😅 I've learned all of this basically by watching a lot of videos from the yt channel *The Futur*. It's literally this short clip here that showed me the flaw of hourly based pricing: kzbin.info/www/bejne/oHaYZIJnhd-ghLc Here's what value based pricing is: kzbin.info/www/bejne/m6LLhKFpfa6ag8U&t=2687 But theare are of course cases where hourly rates, day rates and a price for a whole project makes sense. Each pricing method has it's place! More about that here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/mJTVgGNqn9VsnM0

[@deoko1]

@@YVZSTUDIOS thank you so much ❤

[@silvipeppers]

Fran, I am furious. It's okay that you undercharged, most of us do that and it's normal, but holy crap the industry is like, *DESIGNED* to take advantage of us creative workers. "No, we don't have more money" and "You have to do it really quick" are the staples of these damned bastards. I'm sorry, i'm just so so mad about the injustice of it all… i was really close to undertaking a huge project with the most miserable pay ever and i justified it to myself as "it's exposure" and "the guys at the publishers' are very nice". I'm actually glad it flopped in the end. Thank you a ton for making this video and for being so honest about your past experiences regardless of not having worked in the industry for a while. You're a huge inspiration.

[@lucys1584]

"It's okay that you undercharged, most of us do that and it's normal" - I would say, it's actually not ok. And it shouldn't be normal! I'm mean, that's why it's so important to talk about money and underpayment. So we all hopefully get better in valuate our work and claim the right payment and become more professional! Hope i don't sound to aggressiv or something^^ But I mean it in a positiv, self-determined way. It's OUR responsibility to require enough money and to say "no" to cheap offers. And to talk to other artists, designers, illustrators ... so they get the knowledge about pricing, too. We are also responsible for this situation but - to end this positiv :D - we are able to change that! :) We have to allow use some self-confidence about our work, i think! And we have to think as a team. We have to charge good prices, so everyone else of our colleagues can, too. (For example in germany we have our network, so we can learn from eachother. otherwise I would have no idea about money or the bussines-part)

[@silvipeppers]

@@lucys1584 No, i definitely agree! I worded it weird and i'm sorry for that. It's still great that we're recognizing it now and sharing the knowledge around.

[@lucys1584]

@@silvipeppers Oh, it's alright! You know, for me it sounded like acceptance .. or even resignation. So I had the need to say something :D But I'm glade, I just misunderstood you. :) Having the right mindeset and thinking confident about the own work (hardest thing for me, but i force myself to^^) are the first important steps in the right direction. And how you said, sharing knowledge and talk about this stuff.

[@startpage717]

@@lucys1584 Agree. It is OUR responsibility. Fran you are what is keeping our wages being salary suck-age. And you didn't LucyS word it weird. No need to tiptoe this is the real world and real talk is always needed for artist.

[@ArborParva]

Fran casually taking her t-shirt off and burping is the whole mood 😊

[@stressfreepaperchase3215]

Not weird at all. Its what we live for ( its called Humanity) we all are human.

[@FranMeneses]

hahahaha : )

[@HelloKittyGal16]

Fran being real.

[@abyfuller]

We feel you! Crack on babes 💪🏻

[@Andyapolis]

Man, I'm realizing how low our minimum wage is. It's only 300$/month. So when someone from overseas contacted me to make a book illustration at 300$ for a maximum of two day's work, I WAS COMPLETELY STUNNED! The timing of this video is perfect. I was thinking about a career change from architect to illustrator because I love illustrating more (even in our architecture community, there's a lot of underpricing) When this opportunity came along, I was even more encouraged to transition to being an illustrator and make prints and stickers instead. Thank you for sharing this Fran! You're the best!

[@forindet]

Client: We have this amazing project and we love your work, let's work together, it's gonna be great! Me: Sounds exciting, what's your budget Client: Uhm... yeah... we haven't got one. It's not really that complicated of a project, also we'll give you % of the sales.... Me: I see. What about a deadline? Client: It's very urgent, should have been finished yesterday. 🙄

[@TheArtOfMetalsmithing]

ah, yes. The project for yesterday, paid by exposure. Love it!

[@nematarot7728]

With some its like the less money they have, the more excited they are to work with you 😓

[@thisricardopalma]

Everyone watch this video, you are charging the wrong way: kzbin.info/www/bejne/n6eun51vm8uWo6c

[@edzejandehaan9265]

Laugh loud & walk away!

[@lucys1584]

Btw. for getting % of the sales, the project has to release one day^^ So if it doesn't, you'll see 0$ ... So, get sure, you get paid right after the work is done. And let them pay somthing of the payment (is it called "advance" or "down payment" ?!?) before you start working.

[@capobvious]

The point about pricing yourself fairly, not only for yourself but also for the whole industry, is so important! I feel like the tendency of creatives to undercharge ourselves is, among other things, rooted in the fear that if I’m too expensive they’ll just find someone cheeper to do it! And so all of us unconsciously contribute to making it easier for companies to pay us less and less (cause of course they’ll find someone more insecure who takes less). If we however demand a fair price for ourselves (considering location, wages, experience and expanses of course) then we help out other creatives to not be fucked over by unfair prices. Thank you so much, Fran for making this video and sharing this book with us! I would’ve never known about it otherwise!

[@NagoreRem]

In my experience, those guidelines work for big cities such as NY or London but they are not really in line with smaller cities. Also, clients outside those cities don’t know how much illustration actually costs and tend to have minuscule budget and hunt innocent graduates who will grossly undercharge for the commission. I think we are still a long way of from getting fair prices across the board. And then there is the issue of getting paid on time...

[@SarahKadrnka]

Even in London there are a lot of small businesses and clients who do not always have the budget (or say they don't have the budget) 😞

[@bethsnider5796]

I live in a small town in Kansas and I charge those suggested prices to my clients and get paid those prices on a regular basis - regardless of where my clients is located. You just need to hold your head high and be confident of the quality of work you provide! I don’t bat an eye when I reveal my pricing with an explanation of the service I provide. I make my proposals look amazing, even include some spec work for their project... that helps me get the job almost every time! I actually detail my illustration pricing here, if you want to watch/listen: kzbin.info/www/bejne/j3rUlGOlfsipiMk

[@SarahKadrnka]

@@bethsnider5796 Thank you Beth!

[@talexander000]

I appreciate that the book tries to normalize higher fees in hopes of increasing the rates for the whole industry, but I've lost so many potential jobs by using those price guidelines (even using the minimums listed). There's unfortunately still such a huge discrepancy between what most clients are expecting illustration to cost vs what illustrators are actually worth.

[@ShantellBancroft]

Fran, that line you read really really hit me "do doctors lawyers, accountants, plumbers, do they charge less during a recession... no" TRUE DAT!✊🏿 I think that if we ' creatives' preceived emotionally what we do, as a necessary service for society, in the same way as doctors and lawyers do, we would stop undervaluing our skills and start pricing our time to suit our specific skills.

[@studioneetje]

Our dentists here are actually charging more now

[@asiram16]

me, who is not a freelancer or illustrator wathcing this whole video: *O-O*

[@WhaleTank]

SAME!

[@laucharles6776]

i am a freelance artist and I thank you so much for watching haha!! we need more informed people out there!

[@heddaaaaaa1804]

Marisa Lally 👁👄👁

[@isabelleb.3653]

Same haha I thought about jumping into the world of illustration but I’m not sure I would be ok with such instability and job insecurity.

[@KoromiASMR]

that's what we need, that our future posible clients know how much our work values :) Thanks for watching! and get interested!!

[@NatashaNewtonArt]

This is such an important topic and I'm so glad you're talking about it, Fran. Without naming names or going into details, I was offered a deal that was "royalty only" the other week, and it would have entailed a LOT of work upfront from me (plus materials costs) with no payment until the product started selling. Then I would have had to trust that the company were being honest with me about the number of sales and giving me the payment due for each item sold. I turned down this deal, but told them that I would be interested in working with them if they paid me upfront rather than through royalties. I was basically told, "This is how we work and everyone else is happy with that". Therefore, making me feel that by valuing myself/my work and trying to negotiate a fair deal for myself, I was being awkward and the "odd one out". It made me realise just how many artists there must be out there who are accepting such offers. It's worrying.

[@PHcute]

Sounds like modern day slavery to me. The NERVE! 🤯

[@stephanie.kilgast]

I think under charging applies to a lot of different creative sectors. I have a background in architecture, and even though I've never worked myself as one, I have a lot of architect friends, and let me tell you, they often charge and earn less than the suggestions of this book ^^' It's a hot topic and I'm not going to delve on it, but one thing you haven't touched is the issue of being the only one trying to charge decent amounts of money. Sometimes the whole industry under-charges and so even though you know it's wrong, it's a lot harder to change it by yourself. If that makes sense? Of course, the more people are aware of what they should charge, the better the chances of everything changing, so of course, please charge your value!

[@lesliesmith7312]

And I think businesses and clients are unaware as well, they go into it thinking a budget of a couple hundred bucks is enough to illustrate a whole book or draw up a set of blueprints for a building, and they get sticker shock when a professional gives them a price. But in the creative world, the professional isn't totally confident they know what they're worth, so I feel like we end up throwing prices at each other instead of having a firm set of costs listed for people to look up.

[@deepak69644]

I too have a background in architecture and not working as one. Right now I work as a graphic designer and I do feel I am being underpaid by a huge amount considering the knowledge and skill sets I have.

[@_chetom]

Thank you for making this and sharing it with everyone Fran!! Pricing and price transparency is something that makes me very angry and confused. Where i live minimum wage is very low, too low to compare it with dollars (minimum wage is around 120 us dollars for an entire month of work, working 40 to 50 hours a week...) So I highly encourage artists from countries with a very weak currency to keep these prices and values in mind but to not get discouraged by them. If anything, keep two pricing values for work within your country and work abroad that you might be able to charge a fair price for). There is still a lot of uncertainty and a rough path to tread regarding fair pricing for art. A lot of clients (art industry and non - art industry) tend to negotiate your prices and try to lower them far lower than what is fair. Personally I dislike price negotiation as it is a practice that I hardly ever see in other industries (ex: I don't negotiate the price of coffee or bread or cake at a bakery, nor do people negotiate the price of clothes or electronics in stores , at least that I know of.) So as long as these things still happen, work will always be undervalued and seena s something that people can lower the price of and hence undervalue. Sorry for the rant, I'm looking for other people's perspectives on this at it makes me quite pissed off, but I would like to know your thoughts on it) Thank you Fran once again for making this!! Hopefully we can get on a road to fair pricing and price transparency so both artists and clients are well informed about it!

[@ninaalfarorojas9289]

recien llevo 15 minutos pero necesito comentarlo ahora yA, esto va para todos y me incluyo yo xd (cuando aprenderé 🥺): tu no estas en el mercado laboral de tu país/ciudad/continente, estas en el mercado laboral INTERNACIONAL! si tienes pc donde ver esto y señal de internet es suficiente. frase robada de Chris Do de The Futur. que sea un mantra y tatuenselo si es necesario, porque yo estoy que lo hago xd

[@margaritaparlante6157]

a que te refieres? no entendi!

[@ninaalfarorojas9289]

@@margaritaparlante6157 busqué el video ya que el lo explica mejor que yo pero no lo encontré :c es tener que regirse por un sueldo mínimo "internacional", no el que está predeterminado donde vives. por ejemplo, yo ahora estoy buscando práctica ya que estoy en mi último año de diseño gráfico. desgraciadamente no suelen ser pagadas en casi ningún lugar del mundo, que hice? pensar en poco y buscar por el sueldo mínimo. sueldo mínimo en Chile (de donde soy)? no, sueldo mínimo de otro lugar. un lugar de ejemplo puede ser Inglaterra, el sueldo mínimo es (creo) 6 veces más alto que en Chile. Estoy segura de que debe ser más F xd no te conforme con lo que el mercado laboral en tu país puede ofrecer, siempre piensa en más grande. como dicen, soñar es gratis ✨ y mandando correos, dm's o preguntar en general, no pierdes nada :D y esa fue mi ted talk xddd espero haberlo explicado bien uwu

[@andiwh0]

Alice DB I was gonna say the same, it would be be great if there was a place on internet that tells you a bit about how much to charge in different countries.

[@melissavilchis1107]

@@ailiz7 Well the situation is that not only the economy of the country "decide" the price but also the statement that the society have about the work, sadly in some countries like in Latin America artistic and creative work is seen as an "easy" and "not worthy" job, so for the people is ilogical to spend money on in it, It seems that the only one that can charge bigger prices is the well known artist and big firms. To change this the artists have stand up and say "no, my work cost more than that" and then giving more value of what the other think they have because other wise the creative market is just gonna remain as undervalue as it is. Besides just like Fran says in all the video the artist have the right to charge in way that works for themselves.

[@artofgould1945]

I know you felt awkward talking about this topic but wanted to say that it needed to be put out into the world and artists everywhere appreciate it! Artists are in a constant fight to prove their worth under normal circumstances, but with covid 19 we have been completely pushed aside as a luxury, when I believe that the beauty and healing powers found in art (of various forms) has never been more important. I always struggle with pricing art, so thank you very much for this advice ❤️

[@funnytime1111]

Thanks for talking about this Fran! So many people in the industry talk about how we can’t be undercharging and practically giving our art away for free. But it’s hard to know how much you should be charging, not only when you’re new but even when you have been in the industry for a while. And your commentary about how much you undercharged are the start just because you didn’t know what was standard is a perfect example. This is great information beginning freelancers

[@ArtleyDraws]

I’m nervous about graduating Illustration in 2021 but videos like this help me feel if not less nervous, more informed :) thank you for sharing Fran and i appreciate your awareness at this time for others ❤️

[@lucinaortiz6937]

You're hilarious! So relatable 😓It's so hard to charge a lot when people literally give away their work for free. If everyone started pricing their work right, it would elevate the whole industry. So thank you for the education! 😊

[@mariaiqbalart]

unfortunately other artists undercut if you raise your price .

[@lucinaortiz6937]

Maria Iqbal yeah, it’s never going to be perfect. Experience is valuable, but I feel like some artists including myself, don’t know how to price our work. Confidence is not always there so we end up underpricing our work 😣

[@DoriMuranyiArt]

This is just what I need right now, perfect timing...throwing everything away and listening to you, Fran :D

[@breathingtokyo]

Este video fue super util, gracias por la transparencia! Me encanta que cada vez se hable mas de este tema sin tapujos, al final los artistas salimos ganando porque ahora sabremos cuando no nos pagan suficiente (antes solo podiamos "adivinar")

[@spacepug4465]

Wow, seeing this i realized that people in my country really underpay artists. I'm graduating in graphic design next year and am currently taking an internship. They pay me $5 with almost 3-5 projects per day. Which makes it $100 per month. Some of my friends aren't even paid 😔 i know it's an internship, but kind of sad that even though we work hard we're being underpaid by a lot. For context i live in indonesia and the capital city's minimum wage is $304 per month.

[@arilobos9974]

I honestly think all internships should be paid, at least minimum wage because your still providing valuable services that will benefit the company/brand your working for in some way. Being paid in experience in return is not enough in my opinion, especially if your working there for a small period of time.

[@me12x]

Try to get hired online and get paid in dollars

[@IsJustSmilemiles]

Same in my country 😔

[@MrKongatthegates]

This is why theres barely any artists in north america. We need 20 yimes as much money to pay bills

[@paulinalobato6084]

I used to get paid $3 per hour while I lived in Cambodia, and I only worked part-time because I was a stay-at-home mom. After I moved to America, I charged more (now $20/hr) because it is impossible to live on $3 an hour with how expensive everything is in America! I don't know if I would have raised my prices to $20/hr if I still lived in Cambodia, but it is definitely important to make sure you are making enough for yourself depending on where you live, who you're supporting, and how good your work is...

[@curiousorigins]

16:23 When the book asks if these professionals started charging less. Something clicked in my head. NO ONE's hourly pay goes down usually in a bad economy. Unless they've lost their job. Usually hours are cut, rather than becoming worth less. And on top of it, usually in bad economy the cost of living goes up. Like if you go out to eat, the food will cost more than it did a few months ago because they have to cover all the ways that their costs are increasing. Logically, even if you're treating yourself like a service industry worker, your hourly rate wouldn't go down. And indeed, if you're treating your work as if you're selling a product, like a fast food company.... the price of your burger goes up because the price of food goes up. So literally, we should probably be charging more for our work, anytime Adobe costs more, anytime our traditional art tools increase in price and anytime paper increases. When our online store fees go up and when shipping supplies and shipping costs more. I do not understand why I've never thought about it in these terms before. I live in the U.S. and in the last 2 years I've sold full-color commissioned watercolor originals for $20. It takes me around 2-3 hours to complete these. (Of course this is at a con, and is a personal commission since I'm not granting them any use fees of course it was a bit less.) Going by this, they should be at least $50 for Fran price and $76 for book price. I just barely raised the price to $30 and I thought I was doing so good. This video also made me really think about doing more than trying survive with my art. I shouldn't be looking at how little I can afford to live on, but rather what the life I want to live is and how much am I going to need for that? It's dumb because I've been thinking about that for the standard 9 to 5 but not for my art career. I now have some new goals to try to reach for, and a more realistic view of what I'm going to need. Thanks for sharing. -Mel Curious Origins.

[@Thumin]

This video is so important for all illustrators!! Thank you for sharing all this Fran!!💕

[@robynloveschocolate]

This is such a good video! Thank you so much for making it! I am a floral designer, but also do some illustrations on the side occasionally, and the same thing happens in the flower shop. People dont understand the time that goes into planning, ordering, cleaning, and designing arrangements...they just see the flowers and think we are doing a "fun easy job" and that they dont need to pay for our time. It's hard sticking to your prices when people push you for cheaper ones, but I think it's important to respect your own worth and stand up for yourself. I wish people would be taught to respect artists and creators and pay them respectively

[@micaherrera6110]

Hola Fran! Ame este tipo de vídeos porque realmente lo necesitaba. A pesar de eso, vivo en Argentina y realmente acá tanto a ilustradores como artistas y diseñadores no nos respetan como una profesión "seria". Tuve que bajar todos los precios de mis trabajos debido a la crisis y ni aun así la gente accede. Luego aparecen personas que hicieron pequeños cursos de photoshop y cobran 2 dolares por un diseño, que obviamente no sirve. Me encantaría que pudieras hacer un vídeo explicando como conseguir cliente o como es que las grandes marcas te contactaron o te encontraron. Muchas gracias te adorooo

[@morganpantoja5583]

As a new freelance illustrator I am SO GRATEFUL for this conversation. I’ve never worked in the industry so I have NO IDEA what to charge and this is such a relief to hear people acknowledge this

[@macaronmako]

I'm not a full time illustrator, but I have done some illustrations in my life and I have charged so low. Also I'm a fashion designer and the amount I'm charging for each peace of cloth (handmade, designed by me, custom for each client with special measures) is lower that the prices listated here. I feel both ashamed and sad. (BTW thank you so much for this video, I think it is so important that we all know how much our work is worth)

[@ebbflowconsulting]

I am SO grateful you are speaking up about this! Money worthiness has been the most challenging part of starting my business as a coach + creative. Womxn need to advocate for fair + equitable pricing for each other!

[@Metacious]

8 years here. I feel you. I am a "yes" person, so I learned to say "yes, this is my price, yes, this is how much I need for the project, yes, this is what the work is worth, yes, we can arrange my invoice, yes, let's keep it ultra clear what our responsibilities are, because at the end, you want to work with me, I want to be valuable to you, so let's make it work with our numbers" Just a tip, there are people who earn $1000 a minute, if your art is worth that and they agree, go for it :) ALSO: Just because you do it faster doesn't mean is cheaper. On the contrary, getting that result is MORE valuable, so that requires a deeper analysis

[@katjones9161]

I have been undercharging my whole life too. I spend most of my time doing commission work, not my own work. Business owners where I'm from think of my profession as a fun hobby. That no matter what they say or ask of me, I'll say "yes" because they believe I'm just having fun. It's nuts. I've been asked for free work so many times, including while standing on a ladder, in the middle of painting a mural at a 5-star hotel! Covid lockdown has helped me to value myself more and charge accordingly. One of the best things I read concerning what to charge is: "How much does it take for you to give a ****?". I start there.

[@louhortonsculpture]

Ha. Yes. I have a commission I want to charge $600 for and.... I haven’t started it. How much money will make me want to actually do the thing??? Lol!

[@haitchbee3320]

Thankyou for making this. I hope that it helps people not make the same mistakes a lot of us artists made when we started out thinking charging low rates will get our names out there and generate more work. I became a freelance artist right out of University in 2007ish. I worked for EXPOSURE for a long time before thinking...wow these people are just taking advantage. I took on a year long project (on and off over 14ish months) and was paid £450 in total for that years work (around 25-30 full page illustrations for a book) and thought that was good! Because of that I now feel that £40 is far too much to me to ask for a full body, full colour digital commission...which also includes a print. All I can say is thank heck for my partners job because without it...we'd be screwed! Its still my dream to make a living from my art, you are an inspiration and I love watching your videos to boost my motivation. Keep on being awesome Fran. *heart icon*

[@carleycrossman09]

This came at such a perfect time for me!! 🙌 I literally just finished 4 small paintings (40 hours of work) as a commission for my sister in-law as a wedding gift to her fiance. I'm always sooooo bad with undercharging, especially when it comes to family/friends. This helped me solidify my worth as an artist!!!! Thank you Fran 💖💖

[@mariaiqbalart]

U r lucky. My friends n family expect it for free...

[@carleycrossman09]

@@mariaiqbalart I try and only do that for gifts, like Christmas and birthdays or something 😅 but it's hard to ask for compensation sometimes!

[@mariaiqbalart]

@@carleycrossman09 So I made a rule: no art for family since I have such a huge family!!! My excuse: If I make for you, I have to make for everyone.

[@wolfhound665]

This strikes such a chord with me. I just got my first art show and when I was prepping the price sheets my wife as like "You're charging how much? I guess I'm a print girl at heart." and I'm not asking top prices as I'm unknown but you have to earn a living not just survive. When your own support networks devalue your work it's hard to realize it's true worth.

[@ghostroseart]

I'm trying to get serious about selling my art but I've been terrified about pricing. I had a fundraiser for BLM last month selling my paintings and I was scared to give prices for that, too...Even though it was for different charities and people were willing to donate!!!!!! I also didn't charge for shipping which was a mistake. Such a huge out of pocket expense for me. Anyway...Thank you so much for sharing! I need to remember that what I'm doing is something not everyone can do. I have been busting my ass for years trying to get here and my prices should reflect those years of study/materials/research/practice. Thanks again for this video

[@melinaillulina4286]

Thank you so much for talking about this Fran. It's such a shame young artist aren't taught and don't really have the opportunity to learn about ethical pricing. This lack of education is the root cause of illustration and its pricing going downhill (for most of us). It's tough, especially if you're desperately trying to make art as a job work. I myself often struggle between wanting to fill my fridge and pay the bills and trying to not damage my fellow illustrators and our craft. Talking openly about it doesn't only educate artists but possible clients as well. Seeing this issue being discussed more and more makes me so happy and hopeful!

[@starremix]

To this day I still use those line stickers 💖 This video has given me so much insight into pricing. I actually was struggling for days for to figure out how to charge for commissions I don't normally do. I am actually going to look into getting the book now. Thank you Fran

[@GemmaThePen]

Thank you for making this video - it is so good to hear someone talking openly about charging. I always struggle to know how much to charge - I always feel guilty and don’t want to be unfair...but then end up selling myself short. Most people I know don’t like to talk about money, so it’s very hard to gauge where I fit and what value my work has. Again, Thankyou - it is so helpful to get this conversation going and build supportive communities x

[@FutileGrief]

Wonderful video Fran. I also have like 7 years of experience in the industry and I wish people were more forthcoming about their prices. It's a mistake to charge just what you need, instead of what it's actually worth. We are the industry and we have to pull from the self worth we don't seem to always have and move each other forward so we can live calmly doing this amazing job.

[@escorpioenmarte]

Thank you for this... As you said, I just got unemployed and I'm relying on my art, but even my REAAAALLY CHEAP prices are "expensive" for my audience in here Mexico (and I charge like 25-50usd per commission 🙄) I can't imagine if I charged more than that, I'd get even less commissions than I usually do (which is usually none). Thank you for sharing this info 💖✨ love you.

[@jo-sarah4287]

Fran, thank you so much for this!! It's been eye opening. I'm 18 in my first year of university, and I'm trying to start making a living out of my illustrations, but I'm always so insecure... Impostor syndrome really is something :/ But now, knowing how much I should actually charge, I have a much better base.

[@Aaztha]

Thank you for talking about this!!! As a new illustrator, its especially hard to know how much to charge when your peers also have no idea what to do! Also you look sooo pretty in this video fran your hair is gorgeous 😍

[@ClarissaMartin2806]

Im a graphic design apprentice and hopefully finished beginning 2021. I want to be a part time illustrator until I can support myself full time. This has really educated me on pricing and took my fear of actually charging what I’m worth. Thank you Fran

[@JMinMin1]

I’m glad you brought up this topic of pricing and money with your consumers in mind. So many KZbinrs are releasing things at such high prices it almost feels like they forgot that millions of people are currently unemployed and have to manage money for necessities over luxuries.

[@nullaars]

This was soooooo helpful! Thank you Fran 🧡🙌🏾 it’s been really mind boggling for me realising that hardly anyone ever speaks clearly about what to charge. However I can sense a slow shift, and with companies as well, a lot more people are realising that illustration IS VALUABLE! I know it’s really tough asking for more money (especially if you’re starting out or really need the money) for the fear of turning the commissioner away. But if they are asking for a ridiculously low amount that is not someone who’s valuing your work and it’s not a client you want (truuust) and I think that’s the rule with perhaps a tiiiiny amount of exceptions. From experience I can say that I’ve asked for more before and tried to explain / teach the client on what industry standards are and so far 99% were very happy to listen and apologetic for coming in too low. Anywho, I hope that more people take your lead gal and start sharing their knowledge on pricing! 💕✨

[@irynagarkusha6650]

I'm not an illustrator - I am a potter, however I already know I'm undercharging so much. I see how much people are charging in the US and Europe and I'm like damn, I am not worse than that but I live in a country where people don't have as much money and also I don't have that many clients / online followers etc yet so I feel like I can't charge as much as I would like to just because no one will buy anything. So I can charge $10 for a handmade cup for example. That's ridiculous, but damn. I imagine what a book for people working in ceramics would say regarding charging - it would say- charge waaaay more lol. Big thanks for this video

[@ClayDisarray]

Thank you for such an honest video, Fran - I know it can't have been easy to film. I suspect almost all artists have drastically undercharged for work but I think the real problem is a lack of access to this kind of information. It's a real shame that the AOI no longer provide pricing advice for illustrators as it's such a tricky thing to get right.

[@_bess]

This is such a great resource Fran, thank you so much for making it. I'm not even a visual artist (I sometimes sell my writing) but it's always a good reminder to young people entering the workforce not to undervalue their time, skill and effort and let themselves be exploited. It's great to see you finally getting some of what you deserve for your work through Patreon and your shop and is encouraging and inspiring!

[@stephaniehassein3148]

Such a great video! Thank you for sharing all this information. I'm not a graphic designer, I'm an abstract painter, so while the pricing part doesn't apply to my work, there are so many great points brought up in here that can made me think and can be applied to what I do! I think any artist of any kind should watch this video. Thank you for making it and being so real!

[@devancarpenter9706]

This was so good! Thank you, Fran... I'm a painter who creates one-of-a-kind pieces and I've struggled so much with pricing their worth. Very hard to objectively put a price on your passion. I'm always grateful to more successful artists who generously share their tips! So, thank you again! 💛💛

[@BeckyCas]

Fran, thank you so much for making this video, I am glad I haven't been undercharging so much (still under the average tho), I am around the right pricing, so I am very thankful you made this video, is definitely an eye-opener. I've been trying to encourage my Illustrator friends to NOT undercharge and this information is super useful to reinforce that

[@beckyybob95]

AGHH thank you so much for this Fran; as a relatively new freelancer I have been struggling so much feeling guilty about worrying if I’m overcharging, which then results in me severely undercharging. It’s extremely validating to see these figures, and thank you for sharing, it helps a lot ❤️

[@ellieng277]

Thank you for posting this, Fran! It's a tough topic but a lot of us need to know our worth. I've been undercharging for years and I have been lucky enough to have clients that tell me exactly that, allowing me to boost up my rates and get a fair amount per job. But I still struggle with my worth, and barely earning enough for the workload. Hearing all this pushes me to re-evaluate my rates and charge accordingly!

[@luisaproencadecarvalho135]

It’s so incredibly generous of you to share all this fran. As an illustration student doing into the last year of my degree, I thank you. I’m sure I’ll come back to this video very often in the upcoming years. Lots of love to you xx

[@sunniesoph]

Thanks for sharing your experiences fran! Trying to price your art is one of the most awkward parts of being freelance, I’m just stepping into the world of freelance and bought this book myself and it was definitely an eye opener, would recommend to all artists!

[@Pianomagicdude]

As a freelance musician, sound engineer, and too many other things - thank you so much for this video, Fran. Your links in the video description alone are helpful - and your transparency is comforting. This is exactly what so many people needed.

[@annecanright4890]

I've just re-watched this and I am just so happy to see you charged up and then you tear your shirt off!!! absolute poetry!

[@noovernightguests]

This was amazing Fran! I could tell all the work and research you did to not only share this with us but to acknowledge baby Fran's hard work as well. Baby Fran did her best. And grown lady Fran reaps the benefit of baby Fran's experiences. Thank you.

[@birdietam]

Wow I just found your channel and just love how genuine you are! Thank you for talking about this extremely important subject!!

[@Crin120693]

So I watched this a second time and screencaptured all those price references lol. I’ve been illustrating for a few years now and I still had NO idea how much to charge. It’s literlly the first time I hear someone speak about this subject so clearly. I love you Fran ♥️

[@anna-saidakoskiluoma7141]

Can't thank you enough for making this the way you did, Fran. Thanks for being really open and clear about it. This is the real intervention video to watch when we feel like avoiding the hard facts about pricing. If this video doesn't wake us up I really don't know what will. Thank you again.

[@miriamgillham6701]

Thank you for your honesty. It takes a lot to share a journey like this. I am much older than yourself and am a seamstress, textile artist and occasional illustrator and have never seen a guide to help with pricing. I have underpriced myself without realising in the past and

[@photogeek05]

Fran, I cannot thank you enough for making this video. I’ve been a full time artist for 4 years , and I’m often told that I undercharge for my work. Your video has shown me that THEY ARE ABSOLUTELY CORRECT. This has made me realize that I undervalue my time and effort! Thank you for putting a spotlight on this taboo subject ❤️

[@holasoyyuyu]

Creo que cobrar es de esas cosas que por alguna razón a todos nos incomoda, el pensar que te pueden decir que no y perder esa venta y decir “¿debí cobrar menos?” y no, es que a veces la gente espera que todo sea lo mas barato posible y no es así, nuestro trabajo como creativos es tan importante como cualquier otro 🥺 muchas gracias Fran por el video y tu sinceridad 💖! Me recordaste de leer el libro de cobrar para el diseño que lo tengo en stand by desde hace 2 años! Un abrazooo grande

[@ShaeIllustrates]

Thank you for openly sharing this with us Fran! Really appreciate the hard work you put into this 💕 I definitely struggle with pricing and imposter syndrome - this was super helpful

[@chelseascreatures]

I

[@corinne4954]

This was the first video of yours that I've ever seen, and it was so good! Thank you for all of that advice. Transparency is the only way that freelancers or workers in general are ever going to know if they are being compensated fairly. Thanks again!

[@Haru_Light]

Thank you for making this video! Pricing is one of the things artists struggle with the most! I actually recently got the same book and was blown away! Companies tend to take advantage of inexperienced artists and the stigma against wage transparency needs to stop. The more artists share what they're making the more we can gauge how much we should be charging and helping each other. The one thing that stuck with me from what you said is how other people don't see art as an important thing that should be paid well. Somehow we're supposed to pay our bills with exposure and low pay... Also, I recommend litebox.info they're trying to promote wage transparency and have a directory of projects including client names and what they were paid. You can also submit a rate to their rate finder!

[@christine1623]

Fraaan! Me inpiras demasiado, gracias a ti me di cuenta de que quería ilustrar toda la vida y la siguiente semana comienzo mi primer trabajo formal como ilustradora

[@melbazuniga6917]

Fraaaan, me encantan tus videos largos :3 te admiro mucho mucho y es super reconfortante escucharte, y que siempre seas tan sincera y transparente en todos los aspectos que un artista puede ser. Saludos, te amo

[@cuauhtlizihuatl8335]

Usually i don't view a long videos, but I loved your style and way to talk and the quote that you read to the book it's so real for any profession or talent that we have, the rates for services never are lower, always higher including in worst economy. We need more people talking about tabu themes, thanks to that the change are making.

[@TheCreativeStudio1]

This is a great conversation to have. The reality is that transparency is important and when there’s no transparency that is what allows so many major companies to get away with underpaying. This is a hard topic because it also revolves around valuing not just our work but ourselves as artists! The Graphic Artist Guild Handbook is a great starting point and then you can evolve pricing based on experience and turn around etc. I have had this book since 2007 when I started freelancing and it’s also something I share with my students at university. I also think there is this inherent trauma too associated with our role of money and being artists. We almost demonize money when in reality we should be paid our value and that can be hard to come to terms with, especially if you come from a mindset of lack (as someone who grew up in poverty in the inner city of Chicago and as a Latina putting value in myself is part of healing that inherent trauma that I Carry as a woman, Latinx and someone who came from poverty). It’s a long road but I’m glad larger creators like you shared this Fran! I did a video a couple of months ago where I highlight how to use the book as a way to also help create contracts. Would love your take on contracts in a future video ❤️🙌🏽✨ keep being wonderfully amazing! Muchos abrazos!!! -Jen

[@BlindStefi]

So far, this is one of my favorite videos of your channel. I'm working freelance since April because I'm a teacher in Chile, and I don't have links for working within the system, and even I devalued my hours, I don't have more students since I did that. So I started to increase periodically my hour fee, and they think it's ok because of my professional formation so yeah, I love this video💟

[@CrystalClearMalo]

Thank you so much for this Fran! I’ve been putting off opening my online store because I didn’t know to price my work, how and where to start and your videos have been god send! I’m sending you all my love! Cheers!

[@rachelwinkle9393]

Muchas gracias por la valiosa información Fran!! 💖 Era muy necesario que se hablase sobre esto y haya un poco de consenso para ayudar al gremio a cobrar justamente. La verdad, se habla muy poco del tema y me alegra que se empiece a hacer más transparente cada día 💛 Un abrazo!

[@hollyhodgson7253]

I'm only 3 min 20 secs in and already so many truths! So refreshing to hear you confront these issues Fran, brava! 🙌

[@katelinj7393]

Oh my god I needed this video so badly. I've worked as an illustrator for a company since I was 17 (I'm 20 now) with the same pay, $17.50 (AUD) an hour. I got the job from a longtime friend so discussing my pay just feels more awkward than it already is as a young, clueless person just starting their career and now with the pandemic. I'm also incredibly bad at maths so finances stress me out for so many reasons. Thank you so much for this video!

[@ok2draw5123]

I think it's important to understand that these are GUIDELINES (as she mentions) and every experience is different (geography, individual situations, etc). I appreciate that she took the time to look back on her past decisions and accepted that under her circumstances that she was in she had to do what she had to do. She could've have talked to them about a higher pay - but when you're in need you'll take anything. Who knows, this video may not have existed if she didn't have those experiences.

[@hannahnott-concepttoart7141]

I'm glad you tackled this topic whole heartedly. Alot of newer and upcoming creatives are clueless and trap themselves into a devaluing spiral.

[@barbaral9573]

I laughed so much with that small intervention video explaining why you took your shirt off 😂 you’re the best Fran, such a genuine and lovely person spreading good vibes on the internet. Love your videos 🌞💚

[@nataliamejia524]

Buenísimo Fran!!!! excelente vídeo, ojalá todos que trabajan en este medio lo usaran como una biblia el "Pricing and Ethical Guidelines Handbook" para que todos pudiéramos estar bien, cobrando lo que se debe y no se convirtiera en una forma tan paupérrima de vivir, como bien lo describías al principio del vídeo. Muchas gracias Fran!

[@nontirakigle4823]

Dear Fran, thanks for this video! I'm a freelanced designer & illustrator since 2010 and I DID also a lot of money mistakes. After 11 years I still have to fight for my money, but I have a much higher fee now and I stay calm at negotiations! I have different kind of calculations, it depends on the work, sometimes hourly = 100 € (graphics) and sometimes per illustrations = 150 - 400 € (books). And OMG book illustration can be a pain in the ash - I feel you so much!

[@RedCardinalCrafts]

Bless you Fran for doing this!!!! So many of us needed this honest chat! Figuring out prices is the worst! I own that same book but have always looked at it and said to myself, that can’t be what I should actually charge is it?!? I had someone ask recently if I could design a logo for them and told them my price which i said was starting at $250 and I never heard from them again. I have many years of experience and education. Anyway, thank you so much!!! I am heading into my art studio with so much more confidence!

[@sammieclarkart]

This was SO eye opening. I am working on a graphic novel and I was going to self-publish, but after watching this, I think I better further pursue working with a publisher haha. Thank you for sharing this! We really do work so hard and sometimes for very low fees.

[@sueburgess105]

No don’t feel bad. I bet there isn’t one person here who doesn’t charge enough. Valuing ourselves is soooo difficult for many reasons. This is a great vlog. Incredibly valuable for all artists. Big hugs xxx

[@KarinaLlanos]

I think is awesome that we can be transparent about money in any field, that's what is helps people to make good decisions, either switching careers or starting a new business, or just a give it a try option, and also to know who's maybe taking advantage of you or not, or understanding why some are making more than you, and how can you improve, I think it's awesome! Thanks for sharing! 😊

[@RobynLouDawn]

Thank you so much for sharing Fran. As an illustration student, I don't even know where to begin with pricing! I wish they'd offer classes all about finances and freelancing. Please do more videos like this when you can!

[@TheTrueTreeHugger]

I'm just now getting into some real contract and freelance work, this was an absolute lifesaver. Thank you so much Fran!!

[@heatherc407]

Thank you for this! I’m trying to set up a store and work out how much to charge and it’s so confusing! Also in Australia we regularly get 40 degree days, so taking your shirt off is perfectly understandable and relatable.

[@elianasharp8598]

You are such a beacon of light in the art community! Love hearing your words of wisdom and supporting a fellow 🇨🇱 This is perfect timing and just what I needed to hear today.

[@josefienw]

It’s really important to not undercharge, because it sets a bad, unlivable standard for others. So glad that you’re addressing this Fran. All my love to you

[@Sina-aka-potatosupreme]

I think art and artists are not appreciated enough in the broad public and many people have no idea how much work and skill is needed to make art.

[@heatherinasuitcase]

Thank you for making this! ive struggled so much with prices and its so nice to hear another illustrator talk about it!

[@paulinalobato6084]

I'm glad you put this out there. A lot for me to think about! I'm a SAHM of three kids, I homeschool them, and I'm a part-time graphic designer. My husband brings home the bulk of the money but I try to help where I can. I don't have a lot of free time, and this makes me think about how I need MAXIMIZE my free time, if anything, for the sake of my family.

[@OneCheapEric]

I was making Chilean minimum wage doing web design in Iquique. After a month I quit and got a data entry job for US company online making $10/hr instead.

[@valentinapastore]

Me podrías contar más por favor?

[@ladamita_exe]

Iquique no tan glorioso

[@anniedeinna]

Fran, no es más que puro amor lo que me hace sentir recibir notificación de video nuevo tuyo. Sólo me resta decirte que te admiro como artista y como persona. Mi hermanito (que ya no lo es tanto) está a punto de comenzar su propia carrera como artista, nos preocupa a todos en la familia su supervivencia, no te mentiré, pero gracias a ti he conocido por años y con mucha transparencia vivencias reales que me han servido para tener un mejor entendimiento sobre el tema poder brindar a mi baby bro un hombro en que apoyarse. Cobra dignamente, Fran 💖 porque tu trabajo lo es. ✨

[@tiffanydeg4262]

I actually saw you 1st through Estee Lalonde back when she used to be known as essiebutton. You made the illustrations on her website. I fell in love with your work, later you were in her vlogs I thought you were cool and interesting. I barely found your channel two years ago and I'm so happy I did. ❤️❤️

[@gemhad]

Tiffany Deg same 🙂

[@stephanieroosify]

Thank you soooooo much for doing this video! I’m so so happy Illustrators and other creatives finally have the courage to stand up for themselves and ask a decent salary. Do lawyers, CEO’s, engineers lie awake cause of the Mercedes’s on the driveway? No! Good visuals are more important then ever these days and there is a lot more science to it then ‘just making something look pretty’. The visuals are a language that is essential in conveying the message to audience. I had to give up my freelance carrier cause I couldn’t keep afloat. The reason being that the client didn’t want to pay the minimum salary. After 6 years and this awesome movement is giving me confidence to start a freelance carrier again. So once again thank you 💕

[@isabeaudeguersac1084]

I haven't finished watching the video at all, but I can already say that : I think you didn't have to justify yourself about taking off your t-shirt 😛 In fact I found so cool that you just didn't care about it on the moment!

[@Kuhoochandra]

Looking at the book, their entire book was based around the aesthetic appeal of it with the medium of your illustrations which makes the fact real that you really really undercharged. Im glad ur sharing this process with me, i wouldnt have seen it this way.