I've just posted this in response to the debate regarding Ben Calvert's take on pricing creative work and the Created in Birmingham shop:

Pricing any kind of creation is a total minefield. I’ve created some visual bits and bobs which are on sale through the shop and have listened to feedback about pricing, what works and what doesn’t. Some work is selling, some isn’t and it’s the higher priced stuff that isn’t in my experience.

As an artist, you set out with a plan that you’ll recoup your time and material costs, divvy it up and add a profit. As economies of scale goes when selling only a small quantity of work, it doesn’t actually work when you stop and look at the customer base. You are selling to a particular kind of consumer – not to a niche market segment. You inevitably live by that sword or fall upon it if your price doesn’t match customer expectations of what they are willing to pay. The rules, as you set them, go out of the window.

It’s a really fascinating debate and one to which there isn’t a perfect answer. But both the shop and the artist have choice, knowledge and expectations. To be in with any chance of success, I’m learning that listening and trying to find that meeting of minds is of eye-opening significance.

A few bits and pieces to update you about the Created in Birmingham shop....

My A4 Georgie prints all disappeared through the magic of purchase, which tickles me happy, so I've restocked the shop with some more plus hand-finished A4 prints of Coralie, One Fine Day and two of the ten limited edition Sojourns.

The shop's looking for new work, so if you're in Birmingham (or in close proximity) and have work to sell, check out what they're currently looking for here. It's really come on leaps and bounds in such a short space of time. See for yourself!

Created in Birmingam shop walkthrough from Pete Ashton on Vimeo.

The Created in Birmingham shop is a pop-up shop and, as such, may close as early as May 1st. Why not give it a whirl as either an artist or a shopper. It won't be there forever....

The Created in Birmingham shop opened on Thursday evening. I'd dropped my work off at around 11am that morning, greeted by the lovely Ian Ravenscroft, and saw the mammoth task that they had on their hands to get the shop ready for opening. However, they did it - through lots of hard work and people chipping in and helping out!

What struck me when I arrived is that it wasn't all about the usual suspects; curious shoppers ambled in to see what this was all about, too. And busy it was - with sales made on the first night.

Smile have curated part of the wall on the right hand side as you walk in, and I love it. It's typographical loveliness - bold and Brummie. I really liked Joe Rogers' little Colourbox postcard books which were tucked neatly in the prints/mags/books/CD stand and Pete Ashton's framed TTV photos were boldly beautiful. Actually, let's be sensible - there was a rather overwhelming amount of lovely stuff there.

My 'CC' piece was up on the wall. It was quite a surreal but warming moment to see her perched up there, peering out at the shoppers in one of Europe's busiest shopping centres. It reminded me that all the hard work is worth it. I felt excited, lucky and humbled all at the same time. I forgot to thank Chris Unitt for giving me the chance to be part of this, so I'm doing it now :)

From an idea to fruition. Doesn't take endless talk. It takes people. The Created in Birmingham Shop is the epitome of this. So, how was the first night for the people running the joint? I'll let them tell you....

Created in Birmingham shop opening night from Katchooo on Vimeo.