The value of time.

[MetalRenard]

Hello my friends, the metal fox here. Since I do not possess a blog I would like to use this thread to express my ideas and of course begin a discussion with you all on the value of time. Not a philosophical one, a real financial understanding of how much time is worth. To begin with I want to point out a few things rather than just give my opinion.

Therefore, before continuing, you may be interested in reading these other interesting blog posts:
http://www.deaneogden.com/2012/02/23/the...e-of-free/
http://www.filmandgamecomposers.com/guid...pose-music

Now let's take a step back. As creative people, you know how long it takes to master the techniques (but also the creative inspiration within yourself) which enable you to create art. I don't just mean music, I mean graphic design, animation, writing, and directing (film or game) among so many others.
On top of this, I wonder how much you have invested in your art - how much is your equipment worth that you would be unable to work without (your PC/Mac included)? This is your initial investment in your art and it is an ongoing maintenance cost to keep up to date with current technology (my PC is so bad -_-), and the need to expand your horizons by upgrading.

Right now minimum wage in the USA is $7.25, in the UK (where I live) it is £6.19. So how much is your time worth? Considering that your work is a specialised one - it's not something you can just come off the street and do - and that the person using your work will be making a profit from what you do. What would you charge for an hour of your time?

[millarso]

I cannot comment as much in an equipment sense, but on the training (whether self-trained or professional) and the learning that needs to be done. I plan to do a healthy amount of composition when i get a little older (especially when I'm real old cuz what else am I going to do) but higher education in music costs money. A lot for me.

I'm an engineer too, and I would expect similar payment for a professional music job as I would for an engineering contract (maybe a little extreme based off of how grueling engineering was for me).