Entry 002

Entry 002

I often think about the patience I have for myself as a visual artist. I say this in relation to how I value my artwork to my patrons and supporters.

I’ve been doing this for 6 years now and each year I show myself that my artistry should be valued like a stock. And when I think of it that way, I think my supporters and lovers of art should have that same mindset.

Let’s break it down.

I started as an artist in 2016. I knew who I was as a person, my values, work ethic, & craftsmanship. With that being said, my foundation as an artist was solid and had projections to rise as time goes on.

Knowing the foundation I have for myself, I had to now prove that to the world. I always had the ideology to under-price and over-perform when you are offering a new service or product. I use this concept because the goal is to show people why you’re worth investing into. Once you provide an undeniable product or service, it becomes a necessity and people won’t argue if the price increases, because you have shown how much value your product/services provides.

This becomes a repetitive cycle as time goes on. I remember I first started selling my original artwork for under $100 (shouts to the people that invested early). After you make that first sale, the price goes up. And as you grow more and more, the price increases with you! I’m at a point now where I make 4-figure sales on my artwork. Just looking at the growth makes me appreciate the journey, but also allows me to analyze my methodology to how I got to this point.

Stay down ‘til you come up.

That phrase is simple, but has so much meaning behind it. There is artwork I created 5 years ago that I had for sale under $600. That same piece has sold for over $1,200 in 2021. That's a 100%+ increase in value in 5yrs. Sounds like an investment in my book. Nothing changed with the artwork, but PRICE WENT UP.

You may ask, why would the price go up if it’s the same artwork from 5 years ago?

The GENIUS behind the artwork has changed. I’ve accomplished so many things in those 5 years, so the price has to go up. From other work sold, to galleries that I’ve been accepted into; it’s only right that the price increases as my stature as an artist increases.

What did Mitch say in Paid in Full? “I love the game. I love the hustle.”

And that’s really the truth. I always knew what I wanted in being an artist and what I can provide to my audience. It’s me. I’m him! And it’s a beautiful site to see when the plan comes together and the stock just goes up. Ages like fine wine. *Chef’s Kiss*

To more price increases,

JLaw