Two Pennies Left

in_need_of_direction

Your work is worth so much more than minimum wage. I know it's a friend but that tends to mean that you take extra care. Put your rates up to at least £10 per hour and then discount if you must. If you don't value your time, no one else will.

Fortune_Smiles

in_need_of_direction wrote: »

Your work is worth so much more than minimum wage. I know it's a friend but that tends to mean that you take extra care. Put your rates up to at least £10 per hour and then discount if you must. If you don't value your time, no one else will.

That's really kind of you Inod and it's what my friends have been telling me too. I did some research yesterday and pet portraits can range from £30 to £450. I felt £150 was about right for the size and type of painting I do. This one took me longer to do as it was the first time I'd attempted that subject. Next time I think I'll be on about £10 an hour at that price.


I do have an on-going battle with myself about pricing. I think £150 is a lot of money for most people and, once you add on framing, it takes things to £200. I don't want to price myself out of the reach of my customers and I want to earn a reasonable amount for what I do too. It's a dilemma but I'm happy with £120 this time - originally I'd thought £80 but Mr F said I was being silly


Thank you for the advice - I really appreciate it and it's so useful to get other perspectives. £10 per hour it is.


Fortune x

Karmacat

Well, £150 is a sort of lot of money ... but for anyone who can contemplate having a portrait of their pet done, it *isn't* a lot of money ... thats not someone who's watching the pennies, is it? And the money isn't pure profit ... you've been on courses, you've probably got books as well, publicity materials, publicity time, admin time, research time, easels, canvas or whatever you paint on, the paints themselves, consultations with the client ... there's a lot to it! I'm not surprised there are people doing it at £450, I think its where you should aim.

I'm certainly glad MrF talked you out of charging £80 :eek:

Mint1955

Fortune always start high you can always reduce within reason. Your time and expertise is what counts and Iif they really want something done especially something so personal then they wil pay it. But I love the ethical slant that you are trying to be fair just remember it needs to be fair for you too xxx

Fortune_Smiles

I've been very disciplined these last couple of weeks:

• gym classes 3 times a week
• scheduled painting sessions
• a little housework each day
• a little paperwork each day
• meals cooked from scratch (even when Mr F was away)
• baking for the freezer

With the regular gym visits, my gym clothes finally gave out so I've had to invest in new trainers and sports tops/bottoms. I shopped in the sales and used vouchers when I could though.


The cat painting is at the framers now and I'll be starting a new car today. I'm continuing to move from 'hobby' to 'business' putting formal processes in place. I've had a request for a Gift Certificate this week :T


I hope all is well with you guys.


Fortune x

Tilly_MFW_in_6_YRS

Morning Fortune, great news that you are moving to a formal business with your skills.

Fab news for a Saturday mor ibg, when it's blowing a gale.

Tilly xx

Karmacat

I like the sound of that, Fortune! Well done, indeed - I hope my writing progresses along the same lines as your art

xxx

Goldiegirl

Hear, hear ! It must be wonderful to earn from something you love doing

Fortune_Smiles

I have been to the gym 3 times a week for the last 2 weeks :Aand I definitely have more energy and motivation as a result. Determined to keep it up.

The next car commission has been started. I should be able to get the preliminary sketch off to the customer today. I've been doing a couple of hours 'work' each day.

Lots of social stuff going on but all low cost so we aren't blowing the entertainment budget.

Meal planning continues around the veg box. I tried celeriac this week and found I quite like it. I've not tried it before because it smells like celery which I can't stand. Tried a couple of new recipes this week:

• Sweet Potato, Broccoli & Feta Frittata Very tasty and would provide 6 portions if served with some green salad. Good hot or cold too.
• Winter Vegetable Crumble A versatile dish. I made it with turnip and celeriac as I didn't have any carrots or parsnips. Made one large dish rather than six small ones. We enjoyed this but I'd add seasoning next time - the recipe didn't include it.

Lots of housework and paperwork still to do but I'm trying to fit in a little each day.


:A Ooh - there it is again, my shining halo.


Hope you're all having a good week so far.


Fortune x

Karmacat

Loving the halo :dance: and I rather like the sound of those recipes - good idea to have a savoury crumble, though I think I'd be rubbish at cooking a frittata, my sense of timing is rubbish for things like that. Interesting that it describes using a grill though - I've discovered my little spaceship, aka my halogen oven, can also act as a grill :j