Times are tough. Taking classes is expensive and one of the extras that go first. An interesting discussion has been taking place over on the QuiltArt list about what is involved when it comes to paying teachers their fees.
1-It takes time to develop your skills.
2-It takes me a month of full time work to develop and write an on-line class. A little less to develop a "live" course since I don't have to write out ever word and photograph it.
3-Hand-outs cost ink, paper, time.
4-It takes me most of a day to get supplies in order for my Surface Design classes. I have to order many of them and often replace the tools that students damage.
5- It takes time to work out contracts, travel arrangements, update the website, etc.
6- Perhaps here I should mention marketing costs - brochures, web design, always trying to have a professional presence.
7- It takes another day to pack for a trip. Nothing worse than showing up without a crucial supply. Flying is even worse. Try to pack supplies for 30 students in on 50lb bag. Most of us have to ship our supplies now that airlines limit baggage and charge such large fees for overweight luggage.
7- A day of travel on either side of the teaching gig.
8- I pay for sitters for my toddlers while I'm gone.
8- I set up most classrooms on my own - some classes take up to an hour to set up and and clean up.
9- The BEST part!!! Six hours of wonderful students and playtime. I'd do that part for free.
Unfortunately - you can't pay me enough for all the prep work.
Maybe another time we'll talk about the costs for the organizers of events or the costs of keeping a studio or trying to make a living as an artist.
Next post - you don't need to spend a fortune to become an artist or learn new skills!
4 comments:
GREAT Post! Hope alot of people read this as it tells it all!!!
I will link to this in my post later today....THANKS Lyric!
Thanks for posting this. I am fairly new to teaching but even I have to do all of the things that you speak of. And your knowledge base, all the years of teaching, of gathering information...all of this should factor in to the cost of a workshop.
you said it sister!! thanks!
Informative post. Hope people realize that everything you listed, except the teaching time, is unpaid and part of your costs of doing business (isn't self employment grand).
For traveling teachers a lot of the
class fees go to cover expenses (travel, hotel, etc.) not to the teacher or shop.
Thanks.
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