I get this question a lot. Surprisingly more often than an artist should get this question. So after receiving a text message from a good friend and nearly choking to death from laughing hysterically at his message and his realization that what I do may actually be a little harder than realized I decided that maybe I need to offer some education to people that don't understand what goes into making art and creating a price for that art.

I definitely want to thank my friend for allowing me to use his message and photo to share with the world, Thank you Michael.

I am certain this is going to ruffle a few feathers but it needs to be said.

1. Artists are not major chains that can reproduce on a large scale.

• For the most part, you are getting a very unique piece of art making your piece of artwork more valuable than one that can be bought in a store.
• Most artists sell their artwork at festivals or galleries they have to pay to participate in.

2. Included in our pricing is our time, creativity, cost of materials, printing costs, shipping costs.

• These things are things that local artists can't absorb. We are all looking to make a living and the amount of money the artist actually get from the sale of a piece of artwork is surprisingly minimal. The cost of inflation has hit all of us. 
• It takes time to create a masterpiece ensuring quality is absolute.
• All the professional photographers that I know don't use cheap materials or companies that sacrifice quality for price. I know I need a printing company that will ensure they are delivering the quality that I expect my clients to receive.

3. You are paying for the skill and quality that comes with a trained, practiced artist.

• Everyone can take a photo or paint, draw a picture but not everyone can master the blending of colors, composition, and quality that makes art look amazing on your walls or as a piece in your collection.
• Photography is not just pushing a button. Regardless of how great cameras are these days its no different than a hammer to a carpenter. If you hit too hard you can ruin what you are working on. If you don't know what type of nails to use for your project you compromise the quality of your end results.

4. Artist add value and uniqueness to your city.

• How an artist adds value shouldn't surprise anyone. All the beautiful one of a kind murals that you see all over your city.
• All of the artists that are playing at your local bars and restaurants add a new and special flavor

Of course these are only a few reasons how our pricing may seem more than you feel that it should be b/c we aren't "famous". And yes there are artist out there that are lowering their pricing to make ends meet and get more customers. With anything else in life there is a price point for every market.

Artist should value their time and abilities realizing that they offer a unique perspective on life.

My suggestion to customers looking to purchase art or hire and artist, you need to look at their style and see if it lines up with what you want. You should consider what they are offering you in their price. Ask questions about where they print their work and research the company they use.  Instead of asking why they are so expensive, you should consider why they are so cheap!

All in all keep supporting artist of all kinds! I am surrounded by a bunch of great artists in Dallas and the inspiration I get from them is amazing!