How to Charge the Pablo Picaso and Hokusai Way

27 August 2006 | Category: Life Log
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Legend has it that Pablo Picasso was sketching in the park when a bold woman approached him.

So Picasso agreed to sketch her. After studying her for a moment, he used a single pencil stroke to create her portrait. He handed the women his work of art.

“It’s perfect!” she gushed. “You managed to capture my essence with one stroke, in one moment. Thank you! How much do I owe you?”

“Five thousand dollars,” the artist replied.

“B-b-but, what?” the woman sputtered. “How could you want so much money for this picture? It only took you a second to draw it!”

To which Picasso responded, “Madame, it took me my entire life.”

This reminds me of the Mad Poet, Hokusai (1760-1849) the great Japanese artist once said that – “At a hundred and ten years old, everything I do – be it but a line or a dot – will be alive.”

What are you worth? How much do you charge for the wonderful work that you do? How do you communicate your value to your clients?