Picture Perfect

How to Price Your Services: A Guide for Creatives – Understanding Market Rates & Setting Profitable Prices

Hello creatives! In this thread we are going to talk money! Pricing your services can feel intimidating, scary and like a wild guessing game, but it doesn't really have to be. If you've ever felt like you're either undercharging and burning out or pricing too high and scaring off clients, this post is for you. Let's break it down in a way that the pricing will actually make sense. This thread will be very long but it is because we wanted it to be as helpful and educational as possible.

First things first - stop basing your prices on what you think people will pay and instead focus on:

• Your skill level and experience. Have you been in the industry for years, or are you just starting? Your expertise, certifications, and training all add value to what you bring to the table.
• The industry standard for your niche. Different industries have different pricing expectations. A wedding photographer will charge differently than a corporate headshot photographer, for example. Know what the market looks like for your specialty.
• The value you provide to your clients. Think beyond just deliverables. Are you offering an elevated client experience? Do you make their life easier, provide fast turnaround times, or deliver high-quality results that help their business grow? These factors justify premium pricing.
• Your business expenses (we'll get more into this in a sec). Running a business isn't just about pocketing money from each project. You have costs to cover, from software subscriptions to marketing and even taxes.

If you're brand new, you might start on the lower end of the market range, but don't sell yourself short. And if you're experienced, charge accordingly! Your time and talent are worth it, don't sell yourself short!


A quick way to figure out your pricing ballpark is to research what others in your industry are charging. Here's how:

• Look at competitor pricing (websites, social media, forums)
• Join industry groups and ask what others charge
• Consider regional differences—big city rates ≠ small town rates
• Ask yourself: Am I positioning myself as budget-friendly, mid-range, or luxury?

Remember, pricing isn't about copying someone else's rates—it's about finding where you fit in the market.

Pricing isn't just about what sounds fair—it's about making sure you're actually profitable. Here's what to factor in:

• Time spent on the project (don't forget admin work, revisions, client meetings!)
• Materials, tools, and software costs
• Travel expenses (if applicable)
• Taxes (because the government always wants their cut)
• Business overhead (website, marketing, insurance, etc.)

Once you total all that up, make sure you're adding enough profit on top so you're actually making a livable income!

Different pricing models work for different creatives. Consider:

• Hourly Rate – Good for services with variable time commitments, but can cap your income.
• Flat Rate/Project Pricing – Best when you know how long a project typically takes. Clients love knowing the cost upfront.
• Package Pricing – Ideal for bundling services and increasing your overall earnings per client.
• Retainers – Great for ongoing clients who need regular work (hello, predictable income!).

Pick the one that aligns best with your workflow and goals.

One of the biggest reasons creatives struggle with pricing is confidence. If you don't believe in your worth, clients won't either. When quoting your prices:

• Be clear and direct—no waffling or apologizing
• Focus on the value you provide (not just the deliverables)
• Have a pricing sheet ready so you're not making it up on the spot
• If someone says, "That's too expensive," don't immediately lower your rates. Instead, explain what they're getting for their money!

Your pricing isn't set in stone. As you gain experience, improve your skills, and refine your process, your rates should reflect that growth. A good rule of thumb? Reevaluate your pricing every 6-12 months.

A lot of new creatives fall for this trap, they want to promote their business and work with everyone so they can build their portfolio but this can be a huge mistake. Not every client is your client. If someone isn't willing to pay your rates, that's okay! There will always be people who value what you bring to the table. Trust that.


Pricing is part strategy, part mindset. The key is to balance fair market rates with what makes sense for you as a business owner. Remember—you're not just charging for your time. You're charging for your expertise, creativity, and the value you bring to your clients.

Got questions? Drop them below, and let's talk pricing!

I sell products and services. When pricing my services, I will consider a couple of things such as time taken to provide the service, effort required to deliver the service, toughness of the work required to complete the service. I also lower my service charges fore repeat client, I also provide discounted price for bulk work.