{"version":1,"type":"rich","provider_name":"Libsyn","provider_url":"https:\/\/www.libsyn.com","height":90,"width":600,"title":"The Hard Truth About Pricing Your Work","description":"In this episode, hosts Matthew and Casey sit down with Codie Aljets, owner and artist behind Sage Country Customs, to talk about the realities of building a business around custom metal art. Codie shares how he turned his passion for high-detail metal artwork into a full-time career, the lessons he\u2019s learned about pricing creative work, and why relationships, storytelling, and value matter just as much as the craftsmanship itself. From navigating the business side of being an artist to building meaningful pieces that clients will treasure for generations, this conversation dives deep into what it really takes to succeed in the metal art world. In this episode, you\u2019ll learn: The hard truth about pricing your work and valuing your time Why many artists and fabricators undervalue what they create How personal relationships drive high-end custom work The role of storytelling and meaning in custom metal art Why word-of-mouth and real-world events often outperform social media How philanthropy and community involvement can grow your brand Why the metal art community is one of the most supportive in the industry Timestamps: 00:01:05 \u2013 Introduction to Codie Aljets and Sage Country Customs 00:02:02 \u2013 Building a business around high-detail custom metal art 00:05:23 \u2013 Why Codie focuses only on art instead of general fabrication 00:08:03 \u2013 The business side of being a welding artist 00:09:55 \u2013 Building relationships with clients through in-person events 00:12:57 \u2013 Using art and philanthropy to give back to the community 00:16:04 \u2013 The hard truth about valuing your work and pricing your art 00:20:03 \u2013 Creating custom pieces that tell a client\u2019s story 00:24:59 \u2013 Turning the delivery of art into a full experience for clients 00:31:46 \u2013 The supportive community among metal artists and creators 00:38:31 \u2013 Advice for artists building a career in custom metalwork Resources: Sage Country Customs (Codie Aljets): https:\/\/www.sagecountrycustoms.com\/ Follow Codie Aljets on Instagram: https:\/\/www.instagram.com\/sagecountrycustoms\/ Lights Out Podcast by Making Chips: https:\/\/makingchips.com\/show\/lights-out\/ Buy the Numbers Podcast by Making Chips: https:\/\/makingchips.com\/show\/buy-the-numbers\/ If you\u2019re a fabricator, artist, or shop owner trying to build something meaningful with your work, this episode will challenge how you think about value, pricing, and the business behind creativity. Let\u2019s keep making sparks. \ud83d\udd25 ","author_name":"Making Sparks Podcast for Fabrication Leaders","author_url":"https:\/\/sites.libsyn.com\/540547","html":"