Writer, Performer & Arts Advocate

"When meeting people they ask what is it I do, so they can decide if I hold any value..." -from the song "Economics", Teisha Marie

In today’s economy, being a creative who is sustained financially can seem more challenging than ever before. In 2008, I started a discussion on LiberatedMuse.com--How Much Should You Charge for a Performance Gig. I started the discussion because it was clear to me that many artists had no idea where to even begin when it came to charging a fee for their work. What I also have come to realize is that many artists don’t understand the nature of bartering either. I always stress that today it is essential that artists who plan to live off of their art become savvy in the business of their art. As I complete the book Manifesting Your Life as a Creative due out at the end of this year, I’ve been able to interview literary, performing and visual artists who attest to the fact that nothing is more helpful to them economically then becoming familiar with how you define your value. There really isn’t any way around it. If you don’t know your worth, or at least establish your your worth is, how do you expect others to do so?

Here are some tips to consider as you expand your ability to monetize your art and begin defining your value:

1.) Assess What You’re Putting In to Determine What You Should Get Out

When you are approached to perform for pay, do you accept the first amount of money pitched to you or do you know up front what the base pay should be? Base pay should include the minimum expense it…