Today, my topic concerns pricing in the creative industry—a subject that remains one of the biggest challenges for artists, designers, writers, and creators. Despite the immense value they bring to the world, huge inequalities still exist in how creative work is compensated. Many struggle with the same question: How do you price your work when you’re in a creative business?

One of the leading experts on this topic is Blair Enns, author of The Win Without Pitching Manifesto. While his focus is primarily on designers, his insights are highly relevant to anyone in the creative field. One of his key principles?

Focus on your specialisation. Also a French start up “Copryce” has huge potential in the field.

To illustrate this, I’d like to share an old but timeless story—one that perfectly captures the true value of creative work and why pricing it fairly is so important.

Client: “How much will it cost to do this job?”

Artisan: “$1,500.”

Client: “Why is it so expensive?”

Artisan: “And how much will it cost you if you do the job yourself?”

Client: “Well, a maximum of $800. It’s pretty easy work, right?”

Artisan: “For $800, I offer you the chance to do it yourself.”

Client: “Well… I can’t.”

Artisan: “For $800, I’ll teach you how to do the job. Then you’ll have the knowledge for next time”.

Client: “What an interesting offer! I agree!”

Artisan: “Then you’ll need to have with you: a welder, an electric saw, an airbrush, a compressor, a drill, gloves, paint, brushes…”

Client: “Stop! I don’t have that equipment, and I can’t buy it all for one job!”

Artisan: “In that case, to do the job, I can rent it all to you for $300. ”

Client: “Okay.”

Artisan: “Deal! I’ll be waiting for you on Tuesday to do the work.”

Client: “I can’t on Tuesday.”

Artisan: “I’m sorry, but I’m only free on Tuesday. All my other days are booked with other clients.”

Client: “Well… I’ll have to sacrifice my plans…”

Artisan: “I’ll gather all the necessary materials, but we’ll need to load the truck on Tuesday at 6 AM. So don’t be late.”

Client: “6 AM?! No! I don’t get up that early… Hmm… I thought about it, and I think I’d rather pay you the $1,500. I still won’t be able to do the job well, and it’ll end up costing me a lot more!”

When you pay for someone’s work, you’re not just paying for the materials. You’re also paying for knowledge, experience, training, quality, tools, transportation, time, punctuality, professionalism, precision, safety, guarantees, taxes, rent, electricity, and more. This applies to any profession—even those unfairly dismissed as “not serious.” Hire creatives and pay fairly.