Why are quality artists expensive?

In short, because you are also paying for all of the un-paid hours those artists spent researching, studying, practicing and honing their skills. For your average professional, that's thousands of hours. That's a lot of non-paid preparation time that needs to be made up for. That, and of course freelancers have to compensate for their financial insecurity and lack of employment benefits (think of a pension, sick leave, health insurance and paid holidays). This is, in a nutshell, why professional freelance artists are so expensive.

I'm just clearing this up for those people who ask for "pro-quality art" and are then surprised that they will need more than $20 to afford it.

It is also for those beginning freelancers who undersell themselves dramatically because they feel they should adapt to their clients' unwillingness to pay for their hard work. I know, I'm actually guilty of having done so myself and yes I lost the majority of the clients I had by doubling my prices, but I also gained that same amount (and more) in clients who believed I was finally charging my worth. One of the best decisions I've made in my career so far and I would strongly recommend it to any fellow beginning freelancer; charge what you're worth. Don't be desperate for clients; it's better to sell one quality piece for $100 than twenty half-arsed pieces for $5. Not only will you feel better working on it, you will also be motivated to try harder, leading to better portfolio material which in turn will result in more clients who are willing to pay higher amounts. It's more satisfactory and more rewarding all 'round.

Just wanted to get that off my chest. Also, thank you all very much for the help with that research on my previous journal! It's highly appreciated .