The Real Cost of Creativity: What You’re Really Buying
Recently, I had a heartfelt exchange with a customer about the cost of a custom wallpaper and print project. Their inquiry prompted me to share a bit more about what goes into the pricing of custom creative work and I thought others might benefit from this transparency, too.
Here’s a breakdown of a real project I worked on, where the client paid $545:
$200 went directly to printing and materials.
Additional shipping to my studio to avoid tariffs.
$75 to cover the shipping to the client’s country.
$45 in payment processing fees.
That left about $220 to cover six hours of graphic design work, which typically ranges from $100–$200 per hour, especially for custom branding color ways and layout work.
Now subtract self-employment taxes, business overhead (software, equipment, admin time), and the invisible cost of mental/emotional labor — and suddenly, there’s little to not much profit.
Why This Matters
When you commission an artist for a custom product — especially one you plan to resell — you’re not just paying for the physical product. You’re supporting:
Years of skill development and creative expertise.
Conceptual and emotional labor you don’t see.
Business costs artists absorb to keep their practice alive.
The value of art that’s unique, intentional, and tailored to you.
What We Can Learn
Artists love creating — that’s why we do what we do. But sustainability is real. When our time and talent are undervalued, it’s not just unfair — it’s unsustainable. And that hurts everyone, including the customers who love meaningful, custom work.
If you’re working with an artist, especially for resale or public-facing projects, ask yourself:
Would I expect a designer, consultant, or tradesperson to work for free or below minimum wage?
Am I valuing the full scope of the work — not just the deliverable?
Can I budget realistically or openly ask what’s possible within my budget range?
I share this not to call anyone out, but to invite people into a better understanding of what it takes to keep art and artists thriving.
Let’s keep the conversation open, honest, and rooted in mutual respect.
Thank you!