Llewellyn Kouba on tue 18 dec 01
The hardest thing I find in studio work is pricing. I have made several
large footed bowls and have another possible commissioned piece. The last
time I did a 20-24 inch bowl which was combination coil build and wheel
thrown / relief carved etc. I charged in the neighborhood of $315.00 I
really think they are worth much more when I compare the few small pieces
it would take to equall that and with a lot less labor and minus an
oversized shelf. Would $800 to $1,000 be more like it or am I
overboard? I have a couple of these large works on my webpage (not sure if
I have the dimensions down) and am starting to pay more attention to
records and details of what has gone before. When a client orders a 20 -24
inch bowl those are really large when you work considering you lose 2
inches in the drying and firng process. My max kiln width is 27 so I
couldn't go beyond that dimension anyway. Anyone helps with someone who is
working in a comparable size (restrictions) I would love hearing from
you. I feel much more comfortable with the big ones now and the last 24
inch tall vase had very nice form and the nicest thus far. It takes
practice, practice, and experience which I would like to gain in pricing too.
Llewellyn
Abbey Pottery
Jeremy McLeod on tue 18 dec 01
Llewellyn Kouba wrote:
> The hardest thing I find in studio work is pricing. I have made several
> large footed bowls and have another possible commissioned piece. The last
> time I did a 20-24 inch bowl which was combination coil build and wheel
> thrown / relief carved etc.
Sounds like a lot of work has gone into this project. How many hours
in each of the bowls? What is your time worth?
Materials/etc. are important to account for as well.
Hours + Materials + Resources (cost of fireing/etc.) = breakeven?
When you are selling your own work directly, this amounts to the
"wholesale price" of the item in question.
Then the matter turns to what kind of profit margin do you feel you want?
If you were a fairly standard retailer, (at least on you'd mark up an item 100%
above the
wholesale price ("keystone" pricing, doubling the retail cost). I also
consider the customer. If I'm doing a eucharistic set for a struggling
inner-city church I probably will charge differently than if I'm working
on something for a large, well-heeled congregation dripping in the
trappings of wealth. Call me Robin of Lochsley if you wish? :-)
For me, as one grounded in historic sacramental traditions, another
factor enters the equation. Does your work reflect an appreciation of
the sacramental function of the bowl? or are you more attuned simply
to making a big bowl? I'm not suggesting that religious kitch should
increase the price. I am suggesting that a bowl (and ewer and...) that
clearly embodies its intended use as part of the sacrament that welcomes
a person (child or adult) into the family of God would move me to pay
more than one that is simply big and nicely made.
Jeremy McLeod
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