Weddings!

[ysobelle]

So I've started on not one, but two wedding gown commissions this week. To say I'm excited is an understatement. They are both going to be gorgeous, lavish, elegant silk gowns, and I can't wait to start on them. I was down on Fabric Row yesterday with one bride, and I go back tomorrow with another.

I find it interesting-- and somewhat perplexing-- to find that I still have problems realisticly and fairly pricing my work. I make firm decisions in so many other areas, but when it comes to money, I turn into a total girl: oh, golly, how can I ask for money for this? I'm not, like, a professional or anything, this is just for fun; everyone's having money problems, I can't ask that much.... and so on and so on. Which is all absolutely, patently false and ridiculous. One gown is on a limited budget, the other seems quite liberal, and I'm so excited that I might finally get to just go nuts on a design and go wherever the fancy takes us. But still, I can't get over the stereotypical problems some women seem to have with money. And I despise that about myself.

I saw a Caroline Herrera gown this morning described as "reasonable" at $2,200.00. And that was neither custom-made nor one-of-a-kind. So I know I'm not out of line. But why can't I get my head 'round that? This is my job, and I'm already struggling to pay my bills. I do high-end, beautiful, custom work to live. Where the hell is this strange disconnect coming from?

Comments

[ibukij.livejournal.com]

I totally feel that way about my work too.
I hate charging people for things.
I prince my boyfriends photography
and he's decided to price my work so
neither of us gets that feeling of oh i
can't charge that!

I can't wait to see what you make them.

[freyas-fire.livejournal.com]

We all suffer this as crafters and artisans at some point. It doesn't help that your mother insists on calling it a "hobby" any chance she gets. You deserve to be compensated fairly for your work - it's gorgeous.

[wednesday42.livejournal.com]

I would say a good percentage of it is coming from the same cultural attitude that excludes the Arts in general from "legitimate" careers. Another chunk comes from the historic dogma that says if one enjoys one's job then one is not really "working".

Try keeping a (diligent!) log of the hours you spend on any one project. I'm willing to bet you'll never have a problem pricing your work again.

[grinning-fox.livejournal.com]

Likewise! I keep asking other people, "Am I being absurd?" and I'm REALLY looking forward to seeing what you do! I adore your work so much ^__^

[ysobelle.livejournal.com]

That's a very good point. Ironically, she used to own a business designing and making soft sculpture and toys. You'd think she'd know better.

[ysobelle.livejournal.com]

Every once in a while, I look back on the hours I keep, and cringe. I mean, I waste an inordinate amount of time, yeah, but there are also the days I work thirteen, fourteen, fifteen hours straight without a break.

Artists deserve better. Especially from artists.

[ysobelle.livejournal.com]

That's incredibly smart. Thank G-d I have minions in my shop who kick my ass when I'm waffly on prices.

[ysobelle.livejournal.com]

Mine or Ibuki's? Cos in case y'all haven't met-- though you're local, yes?-- she rocks!

[freyas-fire.livejournal.com]

BTW, my Wenches Guild pin and license arrived today - woohoo! Just in time for Pirates weekend. :)

[ysobelle.livejournal.com]

WOOTY WOOOOOOOOOOT!!! I'm so psyched for you! Remind me to actually introduce you around this time, okay?

[freyas-fire.livejournal.com]

Yep! Are we meeting at 3 on Saturday or Sunday?

[ysobelle.livejournal.com]

Both, by heaven. I swear.

[freyas-fire.livejournal.com]

Well, if we meet down by O'Malley's Pour House at three on either day, we could properly wench the Coyote Run boys (and bring some rogues along for Cat, as well)..... ;)
Brand new and already thinkin' like a (im)proper wench!!

[freyas-fire.livejournal.com]

Or I could somehow lure them up to the Wenches Garden at some point during the day.... ;)

[morriganswitch.livejournal.com]

Here I am, having the same problem. I've just spent DAYS drying herbs, bottling jars of tea, making Herbal salves, and jaring those, and labeling until my neck kills, just to go all wishy washy over the price.

UGH.