Thank you! I m begining to work as an independent designer, i have the experience but this is an important part of the work, know how much charge. And you got a point, a welder or designer with artistic skills worth more than a average worker. I hope some day work in a good place, leave my country to some place where my skills were aprreciated!
You are so right.... I learnt many years ago....choose your clients carefully! I would often sus out people and I can usually tell if I want to do their job or not! I back away and tell them I am so busy and pass them on to some other artist. It is not worth the stress or the money to be unhappy while trying to create something of beauty...it won't turn out well. I also have a per meter rate but this can change depending if I really want the job or not. The people who want me to make something for them and are genuine will never be demanding of my time or try and haggle the price. I also like to set my own deadlines and this relieves much of the stress too. Great video and beautiful Camel!! Cheers
Yep, I've known a lot of Richard Head types! Now they just call them Karens. And thanks for your inspiration! I bought my welding machine just to do some light fab work and did a drum set for a Christmas present for a friend, and was encouraged by other friends to move forward on metal art. I've done a few pieces over the years but never thought there was much return on investment, but after watching a few of your videos, I have a renewed interest. Fortunately, I saved all my scrap metal! Thanks again, and I'll stay tuned.
This is one thing I have noticed seems to be lacking in most of these youtube channels I am subscribed to is the business side of what folks do. I appreciate you breaking this down for people. I am not a welder or artist by trade I run my own software consultancy company, and one thing I struggled with initially and through trial and error was to figure out what my rates should be. Again thanks for making a brief video on the business side of your art!
OMG! I really can’t think much of myself lol. I wish I could get half your hourly rate. 😊. I think I need to start selling my pieces elsewhere. Your brilliant Barbie 👍
Awesome! I have always struggled with this. The older I get the less it's worth it to work with difficult people. I totally agree with your assessment. I still end up telling people how much I charged for something and they undoubtedly say I should have charged more. I work a lot with high end landscape clients looking for trellises, screens, sculpture and think I have lost jobs because I didn't ask for enough. :-/ Now I have a designer working with me that knows better how much they want to pay. It's ironic that someone would say no because it's too cheap. Lol. It's all a learning experience. Thanks for all you do. I love being a female welder and supporting others.
That's an incredible amount of money per hour, I'd be feeling so guilty charging that much. We we thought to charge a minimal wage per hour and then multiply that at least six times plus the materials. That's not even half what you get. But I'm so happy for you and your work is very interesting. Couldn't take my eyes of your beautiful hair!!! All the best and thank you so much. 🤗♥️
I’m earning much more than that today. How much does a mechanic charge an hour where you live? Here their rate is $80 a hour. If you don’t value your art who will? 😘
Look at it like this, you have a skill that they’re coming to you for. If they could do it themselves, they would. So you charge that much because a) you have a unique skill that most people don’t have and b) you have to charge people like you want to make money. One quote I heard on a different channel that stuck with me is “if the customer doesn’t question the price, you’re not charging enough”. A lot of times people who want art have disposable income, so they likely can afford whatever price you throw at them.
Most mobile welder/fabricators charge between 125 to ,250 per hour with 3 hour minimum not including a helper or special equipment if they need a lift or crane for the job
Another thing to consider now that you have the tools and skills to weld is that you can take in small repair jobs that professional workshops just don't want or haven't got the time to look at. I work at a private school here in Melbourne, Australia and most of my work is fixing things or modifying things for various departments in the school. Teenage boys are great at mistreating things to the point of destruction and we also had a gardener who was great at smashing things. So the crew I work with have full time jobs just fixing things and keeping things working.
Came here to try and figure out the value on welded wire sculptures my uncle made in the 80's. I have a life size bust of a Medusa sculpture that is stunning and very heavy. It is dated January - July 1984, took him 7 months to sculpt.
Thank you for the figuring, just starting twisted steel up, learning as I go. I ended up with my 1st big project, going to use your formula and see where it takes me.
@@BarbieTheWelder I'm a certified welder been welding for a years stick mig flux and could freshen up on tig the welding industry is pretty stagnant in my area due to that I am out of work I've always been very artistic and creative my wife suggested I just start welding in the garage and start making and selling art I'm a little nervous it's a big risk and a big step do you have any advice to help me get things off the ground I'm not really looking to be rich just make an okay living at this nothing to major i have all the necessary equipment and a place to get metal at an amazing price and have tons of artistic ideas but unfortunately limited knowledge on business and how to keep one afloat
Thank you so much for this video. This is exactly what I wanted to see. I want to make some art with my everlast equipment and have always wondered how I should be pricing things.
there is nothing worse than a customer that does not appriciate your talent,expertise or time ! I've worked much harder for less when I feel I'm appreciated.
Great vid... One should never compromise on what to charge.. Your an artist you work hard and your price reflects that.. There will always be assholes out there bitching about price.. My response to that is you've seen my work if you think you can find better and cheaper then go for it don't bother me will your bullshit...
Hey thank you so much for sharing. I’m currently pricing a commissioned art piece for a corporate lobby, and I’m bewildered on how to figure out the business end. I’m just a coppersmith and I work on roofs and stuff but I do some art on the side and this opportunity just came up.
In addition, often times people do not understand that what you are doing is "your job". That means you have to pay for your health insurance, your retirement, etc. Nice video, often times we are too polite to talk about money...
I bought a Miller MIG welder about a year ago and I just recently took it out of the box haven't really had the time between a regular day job and my sign business but now I'm making the time because I've been wanting to do this for so long gone to a few craft shows and seeing people making stuff I'm like wow I want to do that
Funny thing is I dont care what trade you are in setting prices to things suck. Yes in certain trades there are set prices to guide you, but custom work is different. I have been a Locksmith for thirty years and still sell my self short on custom jobs, such as moving a gun safe, there are so many variables, steps vs no steps, does the flooring need covering, so on and so on. It has been a hard lesson to tell myself, you need to charge a professional rate. I want to thank you for breaking it down, seeing it that way makes me feel less guilty. I am not the cheapest nor am I the most expensive, but I do deliver quality. As with you, your work will speak for itself. You do bring a pleasant twist to the welding world. I love to TIG weld and am looking at getting your horseshoe book, looks like it would be fun.
"Children must be leashed" is a great sign!! This kid kicked me in the shin when his mom was dropping off work. I looked at her and said that would cost an extra $100.00. She just nodded and grabbed the kid.
Barbie, this is great information! I have had some real cheapos complaining to me about my prices. The word of the day is "Ideal Client". Most have no idea that we have to make a living wage. Unfortunately in Vancouver, Canada, it is a major global shipping port for products and mass produced art from overseas, people are swamped with cheap prices and expect everyone to match. Also our dollar value and how many people we have in this country does effect buying power. Thank you for your words.
ok, you said, work faster, building a jig for projects would be a great help, I do jigs when Im wood working the same ( repetitive ) projects. , so all I have to do is lay the material out and fasten it with what ever Im doin. hope this helps.
imaweirddude I'm glad it helped. I struggled with pricing more than anything as a full time artist. Using these parameters I am able to price my art and not discount myself as an artist. You have an unique skill set and mind, you deserve to be compensated. Have patience with yourself and educate yourself on any areas you feel weak in and over time you will grow and thrive as an artist!! I wish you the best!!💙👩🏭
Some very good comments here Barbie. I suspect that your shop rate may not be covering everything. You need to price in how much your shop costs to lease the area as if you were working in a professional rented work space, to heat and to cool, depreciation on tools and equipment, tool and equipment acquisition and in these days of CNC, maintaining current readily available cutting edge equipment, and self improvement courses/trade shows to keep you up with those developments. Cost of materials should always include purchasing some extra material to build up your stock on hand [within reason] to keep you working should you hit a dry patch in work and/or cash flow. You also need to consider your personal overheads like sick leave, holiday pay, sickness and accident insurance, superannuation, long service leave, rainy day funds.
I have a small body shop here south of Minneapolis, yes, I get the difficult customer too, about twice a year. It helps to write everything down , which I'm not always good at, before you start the job, that way, he can't say, you told me 200, I did not, I told you 400
You inspire me to keep following my dream. I recently started welding school and trying to learn as much as possible. question...what do I need to start a basic shop at home. right now I only know stick welding...thanks for your videos.
Enjoyed your comments Barbie. Through my previous line of work (making TV commercials) I know those D-heads you referred too are a pain. Raise the price. If they buy it fine, if they don't, even better.
Still laughing and loving your 'integration' of the 'Dick head Fee"...I have to steal this!!! Love your videos...old and new are awesome...lots to catch up yet!
Decades ago, like 4, remember a guy just had to have it done for next , day, said he pay extra, pick it next AM. So it was done, not picked up that AM, so boss said add 25$ a day for storage, four days later he got it & the bill, oooooo he cried & shouted, take it up with the boss was all he got. In today's money??? back then I got 80$ a week , so compare that to 25$ per day. Great Advice
+MrVailtown good for your boss! Owning a business is not easy and when you have people demand and you bust buns to get it done and they don't respect or appreciate your efforts is harsh.
Hi Barbie, tnx 4 d reply. I am a nearly retired welder, & was thinking of making some artsculptures & bespoke furniture. I think 4 me d hard part would b d selling of said pieces.!? I am from London , but live in Thailand with some stray dogs(lol) Your channel has been an inspiration so tnx 4 that. I think i will have 2 jump in , & c how it pans out.!?🤤😜😊If u need a holiday, i would put u up. Take care& mind your eyes.
How do you handle duplicates? Do you do copies because maybe somebody saw one of your pieces and wanted one exactly like that. Is it still considered art after that? Would one price them the same if one is beginning an art business and priced the first one low just to get a foot in the door?
It's an honor to me if someone copies me, it says they loved what I did so much they want to do it. No one will duplicate what I do. It may get close buy only I can interpret my soul in such a way that it produces these results, give this meaning to this sculpture.
Awesome woman I love your stuff,.. my grandfather was, my dad was a millwright..AND DON'T TAKE THIS THE WRONG WAY PLEASE JUST AS JUST AN OBJECTIVE OBSERVATION,. You want to reduce your costs dramatically.. LEARN HOW TO BRAZE.. OXY-ACETYLENE... LOSE ALL OF THOSE ELECTRIC GRINDERS AND ALL OF THE OVERPRICED WHEELS THAT GO ALONG WITH THEM!! You have talent you don't need all of those fancy gadgets..😘😘
That camel, over in the UK would have some brown varnish splashed over it, look like it was welded in the dark and be sold in a garden centre for about 150 quid. The garden centre would have paid half that and the wholesaler would have paid half again. Someone in Africa is being paid pennies a day to bash these out and ship them in a container. (I know they're made in Africa because the label says so.) Then at the end of season they're discounted. People over here won't pay unless you've a name, there's so much tat for sale. People don't recognise quality and can't see the point of it for the most part. Most of the stuff is held together with spatter or the paint they daub on it, people go mad for it because it's rustic apparently. I used to weld cars for the MOT (annual inspection), a garage would ask 500 and I'd be lucky to get 100 and still have to fight for my money. I see now, the skill and discomfort wasn't what people respected. If only I were an artist, but I can't draw, paint or sculpt, making something functional is easy, making something "organic/art" is the tricky bit for me.
I love this! I'm lovin' your "dickhead rate!" Even then it's sometimes not even worth it. People tell me I don't charge enough, and 2 clients have actually paid me more than I asked for (but I really don't ask for much.) On the next one, I'll apply your formula and see what I come up with. Thanks Barbie!
If people are offering you more money than what you are charging then it’s time to look at how you value your self. The more you value yourself the more you will be willing to charge. My mechanic gets $85 an hour he went to school to learn how to be a mechanic and offers a valuable service. If you were offering a valuable service doesn’t make sense to value yourself more? Aren’t you worth at least what my mechanic is?
Good info...something I'm getting more and more into seeing you and all the welders I follow on Instagram. Any more info you want to share I'll tune in!
Yanks must have to much money 💰 to pay $100 for labour. Not disrespecting your work , well done for getting it. Pipe line welders in the UK don't get the equivalent to $100 an hour.
I've always wanted to ask this question. I would love to make some metal art with my everlast welder but I'm not sure if I could make it a full time gig.
It's difficult but absolutely can be done! If others before you have done it so can you! Have you read the book The Inspiration Blueprint, I wrote it teaching people how to design and create a life they love, this will help you prepare to be a full time artist if that is what would bring you fulfillment, and my newest book, Honor Thy Art honorthyart.com teaches you how to be an extremely successful artist. You've got this!!!
I know this video is a few years old now, but I had a question. I recently started doing scrap metal art on top of building custom 1 off bicycles. I'm question is how do you go about selling the art itself ? Do you have a better local interest or more wide spread interest in it ? I have noticed myself with what I have put on social media that other people are interested or appreciate it more then people local to me.
Traveling to shows every weekend in the beginning and building up my social media to get my art out into the world. I have also had my sculptures featured in several art galleries. It takes a lot of work but it’s massively rewarding!! Happy creating!!
Yeah, lol good luck to me. A lowball estimate of 20 hours for my last piece means that I would have to charge $1000 for my piece without adding any other expenses. I'm perfectly happy to make $10 an hour and actually sell my work.
Interesting concept. This was 7 months ago that you wrote this. do you still feel the same? Today im working on a $450, 000 sculpture and Im charging much more that $100 an hour. Artists before us have done this and if they can so can we. Have you seen my new book Honor Thy Art? Im giving away free copies on my website that will teach you how to be an extremely successful artist, emotionally and financially, honorthyart.com
🤣😉 you’re welcome for that! Thanks so much for the subscribe! If you’re working on making money with your art check out my book, Honor Thy Art on Amazon, i share exactly how to become a deeply successful artist, and the world needs more successful artists!!!
David Norris the thing with artists is, that you may have this commission and then nothing for a couple of weeks, so the money you make has to be average throughout the year. You can use the time without commissions to create artworks for sale through galleries or at markets, but there’s no guarantee they will sell straight away.
BarbieTheWelder I enjoy your videos Barbie. Thanks for getting back to me. The point I was making is that income isn’t weekly like when you work for an employer.
Linda Lees I agree, after I lost my excavating buisness all that was left was my shop full of tools. So I dusted off my old tombstone and built a half dozen or so trailers. I think it took me a year to sell 6 or 7 trailer. I can imagine some unique pieces of art might take quite a while to sell.
Chris Hartwig I can give you my experience with marketing but it's only my experience and what has worked for me might not work for you. I have been using social media to market my art. I share pictures of my creation process, fabrication, and finished sculpture across Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest, Google+, and UA-cam. My business is Visual, meaning I make stuff for people can look at so I feel these have been the best avenues. I sell my art by word of mouth locally and through Etsy. Each of these platforms have tricks that you can use to give you better odds of success. I watched UA-cam videos on how to market on each one and then I started implementing the ideas to see what worked for me. My two best pieces of advice that have brought me the most success is to use all 30 hashtags on Instagram but vary them each time and make sure your hashtags are relevant to what you are posting, go snoop around my Instagram and see what hashtags I use for each picture to get an idea, and link ALL of your social media to where you are selling, that means the your website listed on your Facebook should send people to your online store, etc. Etsy has been a wonderful platform for me to sell my art worldwide. I will make a video for you about how to market your art through the social media channels. I hope this helps!! Thank you so very much for taking the time to watch my videos!💙👩🏭
Buy a welder get some scrap and start!! There are many videos you can watch to get you started but I highly recommend Welding Tips And Tricks with Jody. He is a master!!
Here is some fun with truth mixed in. STUDIO LABOUR RATES $85.00 to $100.00/ hour, 24/7 IF YOU WATCH $120.00/ hour IF YOU OFFER ADVICE $130.00/ hour IF YOU HELP $140.00/ hour IF YOU OR YOUR MATE HAD A GO AT IT FIRST $150.00/ hour IF YOU OR YOUR MATE HAD A GO AT IT FIRST AND DID NOT TELL US $160.00/ hour IF YOU RECKON YOU ARE THE EXPERT, GO AWAY AND DO IT YOURSELF N/C
I reckon fixing "IF YOU OR YOUR MATE HAD A GO AT IT FIRST" should be much higher than $150.00/hour. Most of the time fixing someone else's F@#k Up is much much harder than doing it right the first time, both in time and sweat.
Its a real problem making and designing Sculpture, i have had wonderful clients that i would have given my sculpture for free and others that could not have paid enough. The main issue is both 3rd party involvement IE galleries and then exhibitions. I have noticed you can be just to cheep for some to be interested, then its a balancing act as to quick sale or fast sale.Oh the pain and anguish of Artistic proliferance.
Half of my sculptures are custom orders paid for before I start and half are things I want to make and then sell when they are complete, some sell before they are complete! I sell online through Etsy and have set up for shows and events.
Spot on! Charge'em till ya like-em!!! Best business advise I ever received!!!
😉
Thank you! I m begining to work as an independent designer, i have the experience but this is an important part of the work, know how much charge. And you got a point, a welder or designer with artistic skills worth more than a average worker. I hope some day work in a good place, leave my country to some place where my skills were aprreciated!
I am SO excited to see what you’re going to do! I believe in you!
You are so right.... I learnt many years ago....choose your clients carefully! I would often sus out people and I can usually tell if I want to do their job or not! I back away and tell them I am so busy and pass them on to some other artist. It is not worth the stress or the money to be unhappy while trying to create something of beauty...it won't turn out well. I also have a per meter rate but this can change depending if I really want the job or not. The people who want me to make something for them and are genuine will never be demanding of my time or try and haggle the price. I also like to set my own deadlines and this relieves much of the stress too. Great video and beautiful Camel!! Cheers
+Neena Me great insight! Thank you for taking the time to watch my video! Best wishes!
If they want to haggle for custom creative work then send them elsewhere, they aint worth it.
Thank you for making this video Barbie! We love you over here on big island, you are an inspiration!!!
I am honored. Thank you. ☺️
Omg girl you are hilarious. I love your videos and appreciate your encouragement so much!
Yep, I've known a lot of Richard Head types! Now they just call them Karens. And thanks for your inspiration! I bought my welding machine just to do some light fab work and did a drum set for a Christmas present for a friend, and was encouraged by other friends to move forward on metal art. I've done a few pieces over the years but never thought there was much return on investment, but after watching a few of your videos, I have a renewed interest. Fortunately, I saved all my scrap metal! Thanks again, and I'll stay tuned.
This is one thing I have noticed seems to be lacking in most of these youtube channels I am subscribed to is the business side of what folks do. I appreciate you breaking this down for people. I am not a welder or artist by trade I run my own software consultancy company, and one thing I struggled with initially and through trial and error was to figure out what my rates should be. Again thanks for making a brief video on the business side of your art!
I put up a new business video for you today. Hope it helps!
OMG! I really can’t think much of myself lol. I wish I could get half your hourly rate. 😊. I think I need to start selling my pieces elsewhere. Your brilliant Barbie 👍
You honor me friend!!🥰💙👩🏭
Girl you got balls!! (deep bow), I love it. It's a question that I haven't seen answered honestly.
Well worth watching and learning from your pricing video.
I’m so happy it helped!!!
Awesome! I have always struggled with this. The older I get the less it's worth it to work with difficult people. I totally agree with your assessment. I still end up telling people how much I charged for something and they undoubtedly say I should have charged more. I work a lot with high end landscape clients looking for trellises, screens, sculpture and think I have lost jobs because I didn't ask for enough. :-/ Now I have a designer working with me that knows better how much they want to pay. It's ironic that someone would say no because it's too cheap. Lol. It's all a learning experience. Thanks for all you do. I love being a female welder and supporting others.
That's an incredible amount of money per hour, I'd be feeling so guilty charging that much. We we thought to charge a minimal wage per hour and then multiply that at least six times plus the materials. That's not even half what you get. But I'm so happy for you and your work is very interesting.
Couldn't take my eyes of your beautiful hair!!!
All the best and thank you so much. 🤗♥️
I’m earning much more than that today. How much does a mechanic charge an hour where you live? Here their rate is $80 a hour. If you don’t value your art who will? 😘
Look at it like this, you have a skill that they’re coming to you for. If they could do it themselves, they would. So you charge that much because a) you have a unique skill that most people don’t have and b) you have to charge people like you want to make money. One quote I heard on a different channel that stuck with me is “if the customer doesn’t question the price, you’re not charging enough”. A lot of times people who want art have disposable income, so they likely can afford whatever price you throw at them.
Most mobile welder/fabricators charge between 125 to ,250 per hour with 3 hour minimum not including a helper or special equipment if they need a lift or crane for the job
Golden!
Another thing to consider now that you have the tools and skills to weld is that you can take in small repair jobs that professional workshops just don't want or haven't got the time to look at.
I work at a private school here in Melbourne, Australia and most of my work is fixing things or modifying things for various departments in the school. Teenage boys are great at mistreating things to the point of destruction and we also had a gardener who was great at smashing things. So the crew I work with have full time jobs just fixing things and keeping things working.
Hi Barbie the welder! You are doing so great on UA-cam! I am working on growing my channel. Thanks for the inspiration! Girls Rock!!!
Hi!
Absolutely brilliant! Love it!
Thank you kindly!!!
Came here to try and figure out the value on welded wire sculptures my uncle made in the 80's. I have a life size bust of a Medusa sculpture that is stunning and very heavy. It is dated January - July 1984, took him 7 months to sculpt.
awesome video Barbie...good info
Barbie, I enjoy your channel and ordered your new book. Thanks for doing whatcha do.
Thank you so very much
Thanks for the tips ,I'm a new artist , and have a show coming up and don't have a clue . This really helps , Thanks Barbie !
That was great . . . And honest.
I subscribed today because your dickhead fee made me smile. And because you handled a sensitive topic with such grace. Best wishes.
Thank you for the figuring, just starting twisted steel up, learning as I go. I ended up with my 1st big project, going to use your formula and see where it takes me.
How has it been going Jonathon? It's been a year since you wrote and I would love to see if you have moved forward with that project?
@@BarbieTheWelder I'm a certified welder been welding for a years stick mig flux and could freshen up on tig the welding industry is pretty stagnant in my area due to that I am out of work I've always been very artistic and creative my wife suggested I just start welding in the garage and start making and selling art I'm a little nervous it's a big risk and a big step do you have any advice to help me get things off the ground I'm not really looking to be rich just make an okay living at this nothing to major i have all the necessary equipment and a place to get metal at an amazing price and have tons of artistic ideas but unfortunately limited knowledge on business and how to keep one afloat
dirt track devil Maybe you could try selling your work on etsy for now and go from there?
Thank you so much for this video. This is exactly what I wanted to see. I want to make some art with my everlast equipment and have always wondered how I should be pricing things.
Awesome well said!!!!
Thank you!!!
there is nothing worse than a customer that does not appriciate your talent,expertise or time ! I've worked much harder for less when I feel I'm appreciated.
Your so awesome I’m gonna go for it I followed you your my inspiration I’ve been needing
🥰🥰🥰🥰🥰
Always triple it$. Good stuff Barbie!
😉
Thank you 😊
Great vid... One should never compromise on what to charge.. Your an artist you work hard and your price reflects that.. There will always be assholes out there bitching about price.. My response to that is you've seen my work if you think you can find better and cheaper then go for it don't bother me will your bullshit...
good job
Nice piece
Great advice BTW! I already have my sculpture costs figured out but I like your approach. Rock on girl!
Thank you kindly! Sometimes a piece will be valuable beyond hours. The subject and meaning changes things sometimes.
Hey thank you so much for sharing. I’m currently pricing a commissioned art piece for a corporate lobby, and I’m bewildered on how to figure out the business end. I’m just a coppersmith and I work on roofs and stuff but I do some art on the side and this opportunity just came up.
Thankyou so much for the info 😉👍
In addition, often times people do not understand that what you are doing is "your job". That means you have to pay for your health insurance, your retirement, etc. Nice video, often times we are too polite to talk about money...
+Dan Moreton much appreciated!
This knowledge is very hard to find. Many thanks on the marketing aspects!!!!
Glad it helps!!💙👩🏭
Thanks for your help
🤘🏻🤩⚡️❤️🔥👩🏻🏭
Great advice
Thank you, my friend!
I bought a Miller MIG welder about a year ago and I just recently took it out of the box haven't really had the time between a regular day job and my sign business but now I'm making the time because I've been wanting to do this for so long gone to a few craft shows and seeing people making stuff I'm like wow I want to do that
Funny thing is I dont care what trade you are in setting prices to things suck. Yes in certain trades there are set prices to guide you, but custom work is different. I have been a Locksmith for thirty years and still sell my self short on custom jobs, such as moving a gun safe, there are so many variables, steps vs no steps, does the flooring need covering, so on and so on. It has been a hard lesson to tell myself, you need to charge a professional rate. I want to thank you for breaking it down, seeing it that way makes me feel less guilty. I am not the cheapest nor am I the most expensive, but I do deliver quality. As with you, your work will speak for itself. You do bring a pleasant twist to the welding world. I love to TIG weld and am looking at getting your horseshoe book, looks like it would be fun.
Excellent advice.
Thank you!🤘🏻🤩⚡️❤️🔥👩🏻🏭
Also nice work
"Children must be leashed" is a great sign!! This kid kicked me in the shin when his mom was dropping off work. I looked at her and said that would cost an extra $100.00. She just nodded and grabbed the kid.
+BladeforgerKLX lol!
Barbie, this is great information! I have had some real cheapos complaining to me about my prices.
The word of the day is "Ideal Client". Most have no idea that we have to make a living wage. Unfortunately in Vancouver, Canada, it is a major global shipping port for products and mass produced art from overseas, people are swamped with cheap prices and expect everyone to match. Also our dollar value and how many people we have in this country does effect buying power. Thank you for your words.
Donald Dawson I hope it helps you! Keep on creating beautiful art!
Thanks
Very nice video that can help a lot of people. Best wishes in all of your endeavors.
frigginpos I hope I can help people with this. My greatest struggle as an artist has been pricing my art.
ok, you said, work faster, building a jig for projects would be a great help, I do jigs when Im wood working the same ( repetitive ) projects. , so all I have to do is lay the material out and fasten it with what ever Im doin. hope this helps.
+clark davis definitely another great idea how to work faster!! Thanks!!!
Very good vid! Just starting out welding art and I'm terrible at setting the prices. This cleared things up a lot, thanks! Following as well :)
imaweirddude I'm glad it helped. I struggled with pricing more than anything as a full time artist. Using these parameters I am able to price my art and not discount myself as an artist. You have an unique skill set and mind, you deserve to be compensated. Have patience with yourself and educate yourself on any areas you feel weak in and over time you will grow and thrive as an artist!! I wish you the best!!💙👩🏭
Thank you! :)
Some very good comments here Barbie.
I suspect that your shop rate may not be covering everything. You need to price in how much your shop costs to lease the area as if you were working in a professional rented work space, to heat and to cool, depreciation on tools and equipment, tool and equipment acquisition and in these days of CNC, maintaining current readily available cutting edge equipment, and self improvement courses/trade shows to keep you up with those developments. Cost of materials should always include purchasing some extra material to build up your stock on hand [within reason] to keep you working should you hit a dry patch in work and/or cash flow.
You also need to consider your personal overheads like sick leave, holiday pay, sickness and accident insurance, superannuation, long service leave, rainy day funds.
this was very helpful.
M Morrison I'm glad it helped!💙👩🏭
I have a small body shop here south of Minneapolis, yes, I get the difficult customer too, about twice a year. It helps to write everything down , which I'm not always good at, before you start the job, that way, he can't say, you told me 200, I did not, I told you 400
You inspire me to keep following my dream. I recently started welding school and trying to learn as much as possible. question...what do I need to start a basic shop at home. right now I only know stick welding...thanks for your videos.
Check out Welding Tips and Tricks and Weld dot com [current host] both on You Tube and both very good educational channels.
Enjoyed your comments Barbie. Through my previous line of work (making TV commercials) I know those D-heads you referred too are a pain. Raise the price. If they buy it fine, if they don't, even better.
+Beobout6 Agreed!!
Still laughing and loving your 'integration' of the 'Dick head Fee"...I have to steal this!!! Love your videos...old and new are awesome...lots to catch up yet!
Ha love it! Keep at it!!!
Decades ago, like 4, remember a guy just had to have it done for next , day, said he pay extra, pick it next AM.
So it was done, not picked up that AM, so boss said add 25$ a day for storage, four days later he got it & the bill, oooooo he cried & shouted, take it up with the boss was all he got.
In today's money??? back then I got 80$ a week , so compare that to 25$ per day.
Great Advice
+MrVailtown good for your boss! Owning a business is not easy and when you have people demand and you bust buns to get it done and they don't respect or appreciate your efforts is harsh.
Hi Barbie, tnx 4 d reply. I am a nearly retired welder, & was thinking of making some artsculptures & bespoke furniture. I think 4 me d hard part would b d selling of said pieces.!? I am from London , but live in Thailand with some stray dogs(lol) Your channel has been an inspiration so tnx 4 that. I think i will have 2 jump in , & c how it pans out.!?🤤😜😊If u need a holiday, i would put u up. Take care& mind your eyes.
great video thanks!!!
How do you handle duplicates? Do you do copies because maybe somebody saw one of your pieces and wanted one exactly like that. Is it still considered art after that? Would one price them the same if one is beginning an art business and priced the first one low just to get a foot in the door?
It's an honor to me if someone copies me, it says they loved what I did so much they want to do it. No one will duplicate what I do. It may get close buy only I can interpret my soul in such a way that it produces these results, give this meaning to this sculpture.
In my humble opinion and I love you the best work of art is hanging off the wall to the left... THOSE THREE POINT ANTLERS!!!! Yumi!!😍😍😍
☺️☺️☺️thank you!!
Barbie, I was with you all the way till you said it would only sell for $750. How did you decide that? Absolutely love your videos.
Same way I explain in the video, hourly rate plus materials and shop expense
Love your videos....
+Whiskeybuisness Thank you kindly!
I also want to learn metal art
Very good vid! I like your Videos
😂😂😂 “the dickhead fee”
I love it! I’m gonna start using that with everything I do! Charge them double!🤣
😉🤘🏻
Love that fee, and your laugh.
Awesome woman I love your stuff,.. my grandfather was, my dad was a millwright..AND DON'T TAKE THIS THE WRONG WAY PLEASE JUST AS JUST AN OBJECTIVE OBSERVATION,. You want to reduce your costs dramatically.. LEARN HOW TO BRAZE.. OXY-ACETYLENE... LOSE ALL OF THOSE ELECTRIC GRINDERS AND ALL OF THE OVERPRICED WHEELS THAT GO ALONG WITH THEM!! You have talent you don't need all of those fancy gadgets..😘😘
I need to start charging the dickhead fee for some of my small engine repair jobs I do. Great info thanks
Thank you kindly!!
That camel, over in the UK would have some brown varnish splashed over it, look like it was welded in the dark and be sold in a garden centre for about 150 quid. The garden centre would have paid half that and the wholesaler would have paid half again. Someone in Africa is being paid pennies a day to bash these out and ship them in a container. (I know they're made in Africa because the label says so.) Then at the end of season they're discounted. People over here won't pay unless you've a name, there's so much tat for sale. People don't recognise quality and can't see the point of it for the most part. Most of the stuff is held together with spatter or the paint they daub on it, people go mad for it because it's rustic apparently.
I used to weld cars for the MOT (annual inspection), a garage would ask 500 and I'd be lucky to get 100 and still have to fight for my money. I see now, the skill and discomfort wasn't what people respected. If only I were an artist, but I can't draw, paint or sculpt, making something functional is easy, making something "organic/art" is the tricky bit for me.
sorry, i love you. great work
You’re so sweet! Thank you so very much for the love!🥰
I love this! I'm lovin' your "dickhead rate!" Even then it's sometimes not even worth it. People tell me I don't charge enough, and 2 clients have actually paid me more than I asked for (but I really don't ask for much.) On the next one, I'll apply your formula and see what I come up with. Thanks Barbie!
If people are offering you more money than what you are charging then it’s time to look at how you value your self. The more you value yourself the more you will be willing to charge. My mechanic gets $85 an hour he went to school to learn how to be a mechanic and offers a valuable service. If you were offering a valuable service doesn’t make sense to value yourself more? Aren’t you worth at least what my mechanic is?
Please!! subtitulado en Español!
Thanks, I'm a cheap ass so I never know how to price the stuff I (attempt to) make.
Chaos Garage it has been the most difficult part of my business! Once I figured this out it was a lot easier!
Good info...something I'm getting more and more into seeing you and all the welders I follow on Instagram. Any more info you want to share I'll tune in!
Thank you so very much that means the world to me!
$100/hr is 300. Call it $500 so you have room
To negotiate .
Hello Barbie. I can’t find the time to creat the art I so want to create and I have some great ideas and skills. What do you think about this 😊
If you truly want to create then you will make it happen.
Do you take a percentage like so if they bail your not at total loss
I get 💯 before I start a commission!! I don’t want to chase money and if they’re serious they won’t question it!!😉
Yanks must have to much money 💰 to pay $100 for labour. Not disrespecting your work , well done for getting it. Pipe line welders in the UK don't get the equivalent to $100 an hour.
That was a couple years ago, it’s much more now!😉 Practice and creating things no one else does makes you deeply valuable!!🤘🏻💙👩🏭
The dickhead fee. I like that, I'll have to start using that.
+jimgam730 🤑😜💙👩🏭
What is the best online platform for selling large metal sculptures?
Your own website
I've always wanted to ask this question. I would love to make some metal art with my everlast welder but I'm not sure if I could make it a full time gig.
It's difficult but absolutely can be done! If others before you have done it so can you! Have you read the book The Inspiration Blueprint, I wrote it teaching people how to design and create a life they love, this will help you prepare to be a full time artist if that is what would bring you fulfillment, and my newest book, Honor Thy Art honorthyart.com teaches you how to be an extremely successful artist. You've got this!!!
Great ideas must say dam your cute wish I had cliants like yours tell me how to find them
😉
I know this video is a few years old now, but I had a question. I recently started doing scrap metal art on top of building custom 1 off bicycles. I'm question is how do you go about selling the art itself ? Do you have a better local interest or more wide spread interest in it ? I have noticed myself with what I have put on social media that other people are interested or appreciate it more then people local to me.
Traveling to shows every weekend in the beginning and building up my social media to get my art out into the world. I have also had my sculptures featured in several art galleries. It takes a lot of work but it’s massively rewarding!! Happy creating!!
@@BarbieTheWelder thank you
Yeah, lol good luck to me.
A lowball estimate of 20 hours for my last piece means that I would have to charge $1000 for my piece without adding any other expenses.
I'm perfectly happy to make $10 an hour and actually sell my work.
Interesting concept. This was 7 months ago that you wrote this. do you still feel the same? Today im working on a $450, 000 sculpture and Im charging much more that $100 an hour. Artists before us have done this and if they can so can we. Have you seen my new book Honor Thy Art? Im giving away free copies on my website that will teach you how to be an extremely successful artist, emotionally and financially, honorthyart.com
Great peinciple doubling the price for...who deserve that!! :) because it is not about the money but your happyness and satysfation
Thank you!!!!
You had me at dickhead fee! No but really. Great information! New subscriber here!
🤣😉 you’re welcome for that! Thanks so much for the subscribe! If you’re working on making money with your art check out my book, Honor Thy Art on Amazon, i share exactly how to become a deeply successful artist, and the world needs more successful artists!!!
@@BarbieTheWelder thanks! I'll check it out!
@@BarbieTheWelder Just made the purchase!! 82 pages? I think I can handle that. ;)
$750.00.......still a respectable profit margin, factoring in $20.00 in Materials. However I agree wholeheartedly with everything you say here.
David Norris the thing with artists is, that you may have this commission and then nothing for a couple of weeks, so the money you make has to be average throughout the year. You can use the time without commissions to create artworks for sale through galleries or at markets, but there’s no guarantee they will sell straight away.
+Linda Lees I have a big ol shelf with available art! Definitely no guarantee even when people see it and absolutely love it!
BarbieTheWelder I enjoy your videos Barbie. Thanks for getting back to me. The point I was making is that income isn’t weekly like when you work for an employer.
+Linda Lees I totally agree!
Linda Lees I agree, after I lost my excavating buisness all that was left was my shop full of tools. So I dusted off my old tombstone and built a half dozen or so trailers. I think it took me a year to sell 6 or 7 trailer. I can imagine some unique pieces of art might take quite a while to sell.
What about small sculptures?
The same goes for any size sculpture.
I'd really like to start doing more metal art but I'm not sure how to market it to get buyer or perspective clients. Any thoughts or advice?
Chris Hartwig I can give you my experience with marketing but it's only my experience and what has worked for me might not work for you. I have been using social media to market my art. I share pictures of my creation process, fabrication, and finished sculpture across Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest, Google+, and UA-cam. My business is Visual, meaning I make stuff for people can look at so I feel these have been the best avenues. I sell my art by word of mouth locally and through Etsy. Each of these platforms have tricks that you can use to give you better odds of success. I watched UA-cam videos on how to market on each one and then I started implementing the ideas to see what worked for me. My two best pieces of advice that have brought me the most success is to use all 30 hashtags on Instagram but vary them each time and make sure your hashtags are relevant to what you are posting, go snoop around my Instagram and see what hashtags I use for each picture to get an idea, and link ALL of your social media to where you are selling, that means the your website listed on your Facebook should send people to your online store, etc. Etsy has been a wonderful platform for me to sell my art worldwide. I will make a video for you about how to market your art through the social media channels. I hope this helps!! Thank you so very much for taking the time to watch my videos!💙👩🏭
Thanks a ton for taking the time to get back to me and so quickly. I'm a big fan of your work and look forward to seeing what you make next
Where can one buy your book? Went to tractor supply today but no luck. Thank you in advance.
Hi barbie i am interested in doing some art welding i live in spain but. It blows my mind as to where to start some tips will be helpfull
Buy a welder get some scrap and start!! There are many videos you can watch to get you started but I highly recommend Welding Tips And Tricks with Jody. He is a master!!
What's the name of the book to make scupulture with horses shoes
Horseshoe Crafts More Than 30 Easy Projects You can weld at home
I have what I refer to as a " PITA" fee. Pain in the ass. They are out there!!!! Your work is beautiful!
🤣 yup!!! Thank you!!!
Is the camel riveted ?😮
He is patchwork 18 gauge steel.
Here is some fun with truth mixed in.
STUDIO LABOUR RATES
$85.00 to $100.00/ hour, 24/7
IF YOU WATCH
$120.00/ hour
IF YOU OFFER ADVICE
$130.00/ hour
IF YOU HELP
$140.00/ hour
IF YOU OR YOUR MATE HAD A GO AT IT FIRST
$150.00/ hour
IF YOU OR YOUR MATE HAD A GO AT IT FIRST AND DID NOT TELL US
$160.00/ hour
IF YOU RECKON YOU ARE THE EXPERT, GO AWAY AND DO IT YOURSELF
N/C
Donald Dawson lmao🍻🍀🔥
I reckon fixing "IF YOU OR YOUR MATE HAD A GO AT IT FIRST" should be much higher than $150.00/hour.
Most of the time fixing someone else's F@#k Up is much much harder than doing it right the first time, both in time and sweat.
Donald Dawson 😂😂😂😂
I call mine the Ass Hat Rate...not even sure where I got that. You got a sub from me and I look forward to checking out more videos.
just checked you out barb I like what you say I'm not gone stop checking you out
😉
Its a real problem making and designing Sculpture, i have had wonderful clients that i would have given my sculpture for free and others that could not have paid enough. The main issue is both 3rd party involvement IE galleries and then exhibitions. I have noticed you can be just to cheep for some to be interested, then its a balancing act as to quick sale or fast sale.Oh the pain and anguish of Artistic proliferance.
I wish charged $100 an hour, but I like sculpting metal so it is what it is right?
Wrong you can do both! Build your name as an artist and you can charge whatever the hell you want...it just takes time and patience!!
Hi Barbie, do u make a piece & try 2 sell it.? If so how &where do u find d best places/ mediums 2 sell your art.?? Sean d master welder.😉
Half of my sculptures are custom orders paid for before I start and half are things I want to make and then sell when they are complete, some sell before they are complete! I sell online through Etsy and have set up for shows and events.
Excuse me, I prefer to be addressed as Richard Cranium.
};-)
Lmao!😜
The Richard cranium fee!🤣🤣🤣
nice video
OverdueAtom thank you!!