Ep. 006 - The Real Cost of Undervaluing Yourself

Why is pricing your creative work so damn hard?In this episode, Brad and Dustin get real about one of the messiest parts of being a creative: putting a price on your talent. Dustin shares the view from the other side of the table. What it’s like hiring artists who lowball themselves before he even asks. Meanwhile, Brad opens up about the internal tug-of-war between self-worth and market rates, and the uncomfortable truth that pricing isn’t just about numbers, it’s about identity.They dive into:Why asking, “What’s your budget?” still feels awkwardHow undercharging can damage trust (not just your wallet)The emotional weight behind every pricing decisionNavigating the tension between doing it for love and making a livingWhether you're freelancing, licensing, or negotiating your next client project, this episode will help you rethink how you value your work (and yourself).Join the Creative Slash Newsletter and Get the 5-Part “Off the Record” email series FREEClick here to get the five-part “Off the Record” email seriesNote: If you're looking for hard-earned advice, resources from top creatives, and the products they can't live without, you're going to love this.Brad WoodardBrad is an illustrator and designer behind Brave the Woods, a full-service studio working with clients like PBS Kids, Ford, Target, and USPS. His bold, playful style and heart-led storytelling shine through everything from brand campaigns to children’s books.View Brave the WoodsDustin LeeDustin is the founder of RetroSupply, a shop for retro-inspired brushes, textures, and digital tools used by tens of thousands of creatives from indie artists to major studios. He shares what it’s really like to run a creative business while keeping it small, weird, and intentional.View RetroSupplyCreditsAudio/video editing: Clara Wright Cover art: Brad WoodardIntro animation: Seth AustinIntro music: “Snakes and Fire” (Instrumental) by Pär Hagström