Greetings,
As I sit down to contemplate the journey of building websites and offering my services, the phrase "time is money" resounds in my mind with newfound depth and meaning. Allow me to take you on a journey through my experiences and insights, where I have discovered the profound worth of creative skills and the essence of charging accordingly.
Many years ago, I started on my path of website building for myself because I couldn't afford to pay anyone to do it for me. I started with WordPress - a platform that posed both challenges and flexibility. Hours turned into days as I delved into every aspect of this intricate system. It was a time of patient learning, persistent exploration, and unyielding dedication. But with time came mastery, and I emerged with a plethora of technical knowledge and the ability to craft exceptional websites. As the technology evolved, I seamlessly adapted to new platforms like Squarespace and Wix. These didn't exist when I first started on my journey and website builders were limited. My creative skills combined harmoniously with my technical expertise, allowing me to create personalized websites with finesse. But to start, it took me three months to do what I can now do in less than a week. And it took me over 10 years of constant learning to get to the same place and develop the skills that allow me to do this. With each switch between different website-building platforms, I immersed myself in the intricacies of each system, mastering the tools with relentless persistence.
Recently, I had the immense privilege of creating a website as a heartfelt gift for someone incredibly special to me. The process was nothing short of a labor of love, as I poured my heart and soul into this project, infusing it with passion, creativity, and unwavering dedication. Each step of the way, I aimed to design an online space that would not only captivate her visitors but also resonate deeply with their souls and needs. The journey began with a humble start, with little initial information regarding the content of the website. I only knew what she wanted to do and offer people. So I created it from scratch with nothing more than a bio and her resume. I meticulously curated a myriad of captivating photos, ensuring they would perfectly complement the essence of the digital masterpiece I was envisioning, and the others I found if I didn't take them myself.
With each passing day, I dove deeper into this endeavor, striving to craft compelling blogs that would engage and inspire her readers, a services page that offered her skills and services to people, a job page for those who wanted to work with her, a gallery with images of her food that I took, a page for journalists and media to collab or write with her, and more. Every page became a canvas for my creativity, meticulously designed and infused with engaging content, lovingly crafted to evoke a sense of connection and resonance. This is my artistic expression. Countless hours were invested (36 hours in three days), often blending days into nights. In the end, I delivered nothing short of excellence.
The price I ask for my services encompasses not just the hours spent on the project, but rather a culmination of years of relentless pursuit of creative mastery. Each pixel, every line of detail, and every spark of creativity that adorns the website bears the mark of my dedication and expertise. Throughout this journey, I found joy in understanding the vision and aspirations of the recipients I choose to work with. In this case, a cherished chef whose dreams I was honored to support and encourage. The project became a conduit for inspiration, a symbol of empowerment urging her to fearlessly pursue her passions. Now she has somewhere to send people who are interested and it pushes her to move differently.
Though mentally taxing, it was a labor of love, driven by the sheer satisfaction of bringing someone's dreams to life. Now she see's what I see when I look at her and what she does for a living. In those 36 hours of almost nonstop work, I channeled my creative and artistic vision, breathing life into a website that would deeply connect with its audience. My words, carefully curated content, and marketing expertise harmoniously to deliver a digital mood board that will have a huge impact.
As I reflect on this remarkable journey, I am humbled and proud of the dedication and talent that went into creating this cherished gift. It reminds me that time is indeed money - not merely in monetary terms, but in the invaluable commitment and passion poured into every endeavor. Each moment spent crafting these websites is a testament to the power of MY creativity and the profound impact it can have on connecting souls and those on the receiving end of them. It is a reminder that artistry, skill, and dedication are indeed invaluable and deserve recognition. I understand the hesitation that often arises when stating my price. The creative journey is riddled with moments of self-doubt and the questioning of our worth. Yet, I push fellow creatives to recognize the true value of their expertise. The ability to deliver in a shorter timeframe is not a result of cutting corners, but a reflection of refined skills honed over years of dedication and practice. Just because you can do it faster now, doesn't mean you should charge less. Time is money, and you could be doing something else.
Beyond the technical aspects, the price reflects the essence of creativity - the skillset you own and the magic that breathes life into your creations. It's the ability to understand a client's vision, translate it into a visually captivating and user-friendly interface or anything else, and create an online presence that leaves a lasting impact. We, as creatives, must stand tall and embrace the worth of our expertise. Charging a fair price is not an act of selfishness, but rather an acknowledgment of the value we bring to each project. When clients invest in our services, they are not merely paying for time; they are investing in the promise of a masterpiece that will elevate their brand and captivate their audience. I was reminded of this truth when I offered to do a free website and spent two days on it for someone I believe in, who insisted on paying me what I would charge someone else to make the same website. I pushed back, and ultimately caved in.
So, let us discard the notion that creative skills can be quantified solely by the hours on a clock. Our value goes far beyond that - it stems from passion, perseverance, and a relentless pursuit of excellence on my part. It is the culmination of our dedication and the transformative power we have through our art.
As I continue on this journey, I pledge to stand firm in my worth, just as I encourage my fellow creatives to do the same. I aim to honor the true essence of time being money in the realm of creative expertise.
Be Well
P.S. If you want to see the website that I built, you can see it here.