Getting a fair price for your art promotes sustainability.

Posted by: inkyspider on Feb 24, 2010  

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inkyspider

I have always been concerned with environmental issues and how they are impacted by economics. This is a piece which I wrote for my blog 'What does the Golden Mean? ' in 2008 and I thought that some of you might enjoy reading it. Pricing art and crafts has always been a bit of a conundrum for the artist/ craftsperson and this is how I see it relating to the bigger picture of our shared environment.

I have been involved in the grassroots arts and crafts community for almost 20 years. I am an artisan, making and selling my wares as well as an organizer of our local village market, gallery shows and craft fairs. I have noticed that those artisans who value their work by asking a decent and fair price have a better chance of staying in the business.
I believe that getting a fair wage for your art or craft promotes sustainability and a healthy grassroots economy within communities.

This is why:

 o Artisans who get a fair price for their work are less likely to get discouraged and quit.

o Artisans who stick to their art/craft continue to learn and develop new skills thus enriching the arts community.

o Artisans working in traditional crafts can continue the lineage of these valuable skills and add new innovative techniques for the future, including more eco-conscious processes and materials.

o Traditional skills tend to use more natural materials and keeping these skills alive gives buyers more sustainable and eco-conscious choices.

o If artisans are doing well in their craft they will most likely be able to afford better quality materials which add to the longevity and health of the product. For example: organic fabric is healthier for the environment but may be more costly.

o Artisans who under value their work may not be able to afford better quality and more eco-conscious materials and tools. (It is better to sell quality items that will last than quantity)

It is my hope that the arts and environmental communities can be a powerful combined force of activism in our struggle to keep our planet healthy. So next time you are engaged in the ‘price struggle” consider whether this would be a sustainable income for you over time – be fair to yourself and your buyers.

'Africa Tales' - linen/cotton blend - bound resist and dyed
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lindaisrael
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written by lindaisrael, June 01, 2010
I like what you posted here in your blog, regarding quality verses quantity. I went to a local art fair over the weekend and walked around taking a look at what was out there.. I saw where people were stopping and looking and where people were walking by the booth altogether. There the work was quality people were shopping where the work was all about quantity people were walking by the booth...

Thanks for sharing your thoughts.
Linda
inkyspider
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written by inkyspider, June 03, 2010
Hi Linda
Thanks for stopping by.
Yes, I am convinced that there is an appreciation for quality out there. I think people are getting tired of cheap stuff that does'nt last. I do a lot of markets and fairs and I even run one here where I live and have observed exactly what you are talking about.smilies/smiley.gif
KathysArt
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written by KathysArt, April 13, 2011
It has always been a problem, artist's charging too little for their work.. it makes me so mad! I met a gal once who was actually "losing $$", but she never figured it out to see that. Whacky. It hurts us ALL so you guys who don't value your work? Stop it.
mooaany
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written by mooaany, April 14, 2011
Very good information, these things should be remembered by artisans. The largest wall I have encountered in selling my wares has been the customer who wants a real deal. I have noticed that when a buyer buys, he buys what he is drawn to from our artisan offerings. Does make for less sales, but I for one appreciate payment for a job well done, plus the cost of materials of course!
librantyger
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written by librantyger, April 23, 2011
I absolutely agree, artisans should not under value there creations as they put so much time, effort, heart and soul into their work. I think they just need to find a balance.

Great post, thanks for sharing smilies/smiley.gif

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