Lili Krakowski on mon 31 mar 08
Lewis writes:
"I'm a student in college, and just got my first serious commission work."
When I had my knee replaced (great fun, really) I of course could have gone
to a medical student and said, "Here's a knife, here's my knee---let's do
it!" But I didn't. I went to an orthopedic surgeon, board certified and
all that. I wonder why?
Lewis. You are a STUDENT! The person who ordered a dinner set KNEW you
were a student. S/he knew that you would not charge what a seasoned
professional would. So while all the people who told you what they charge
are wonderful, lovable people, they ALL are established seasoned pros--vide
board certified surgeon above!
Those people probably can throw and trim the whole order plus extras in two
days, stack, unstack, glaze, etc in two more. Four days. It probably will
take you two weeks. But never mind. Your patron knows that.
So. As we did at SAC charge minimum wage. Add to that the cost of your
clay, and glaze materials, plus whatever electricity you will use. Do get
half up front. Certainly cost of materials etc.
As to how much to charge per plate, mug, etc. I just read that life in
Indianapolis is 40% cheaper than in NYC. Or: what well-known pros get in
galleries and to-notch stores, is not what one can and will be able to ask
for in Smalltown USA. Keep that in mind.
I know I am a rotten old monster.
Lili Krakowski
Be of good courage
Mike on tue 1 apr 08
I really have to agree with Lili here. If this is your first big job,
give them a really good deal and consider it practice. This happened to
me a few years back. Big order from someone I knew for wedding gifts to
give out to guests. Basically calculated the costs of all materials, and
added what I thought my labor was worth keeping in mind it was 'big
order crash course' time. Made absolutely sure I wouldn't lose money,
and made enough to buy full bags of materials to replace the partials I
exhausted making the order. It was a great experience and in the end I
was really glad I hadn't charged what my experienced mentor had
recommended.
This is a great opportunity for you because you have a chance to make a
customer for life by giving them a great deal, and they are subsidizing
a very important part of your education.
Later posts mentioned making and extra 30% to 100% of ware to account
for goobers, etc... I strongly recommend the 100%, you never know what's
going to go wrong, and any good extras will make great items to sell or
give away.
Oh! one last thing. When you're done with everything, pick the very best
set for yourself to use in your own exhibition when you have it.
Your new mantra: This will be a really great learning experience.This
will be a really great learning experience.This will be a really great
learning experience.This will be a really great learning experience.This
will be a really great learning experience.This will be a really great
learning experience.This will be a really great learning experience.This
will be a really great learning experience.
Mike
Mike
in Taku, Japan
www.karatsupots.com
karatsupots.etsy.com
karatsupots.blogspot.com
Lili Krakowski ????????:
> Lewis writes:
>
> "I'm a student in college, and just got my first serious commission
> work."
>
> When I had my knee replaced (great fun, really) I of course could have
> gone
> to a medical student and said, "Here's a knife, here's my knee---let's do
> it!" But I didn't. I went to an orthopedic surgeon, board certified and
> all that. I wonder why?
>
> Lewis. You are a STUDENT! The person who ordered a dinner set KNEW you
> were a student. S/he knew that you would not charge what a seasoned
> professional would. So while all the people who told you what they charge
> are wonderful, lovable people, they ALL are established seasoned
> pros--vide
> board certified surgeon above!
>
> Those people probably can throw and trim the whole order plus extras
> in two
> days, stack, unstack, glaze, etc in two more. Four days. It probably will
> take you two weeks. But never mind. Your patron knows that.
>
> So. As we did at SAC charge minimum wage. Add to that the cost of your
> clay, and glaze materials, plus whatever electricity you will use. Do get
> half up front. Certainly cost of materials etc.
>
> As to how much to charge per plate, mug, etc. I just read that life in
> Indianapolis is 40% cheaper than in NYC. Or: what well-known pros get in
> galleries and to-notch stores, is not what one can and will be able to
> ask
> for in Smalltown USA. Keep that in mind.
>
> I know I am a rotten old monster.
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
> Lili Krakowski
>
> Be of good courage
>
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