INTERVIEW ON THE PRICE OF BUSINESS SHOW, MEDIA PARTNER OF THIS SITE.
Recently Kevin Price, Host of the nationally syndicated Price of Business Show, welcomed Benjamin “BENCASSO” Barnes to provide another commentary in a series.
The Benjamin “BENCASSO” Barnes Commentaries
“Artistpreneur’s First Commandment: Thou Shalt Charge What Thou Art Worth” argues that artists must stop undervaluing their labor, creativity, and time. Pricing isn’t just a number — it’s a declaration of self-respect, professionalism, and brand identity. When artists discount themselves, they teach the world to do the same. When they price boldly, they attract serious clients, create sustainability, and open the door to true creative freedom. Charging what you’re worth isn’t ego; it’s strategy. 🔥 Article
Tonight I want to talk about the Artistpreneur’s First Commandment: Thou Shalt Charge What Thou Art Worth.
Look, fam — somewhere along the way, creatives got bamboozled into believing that starving is noble and struggle is sacred. Like pain is the price of admission to call yourself an artist. Nah. That’s a myth older than my first busted violin case.
Your art is work. Sacred work, sure. But still work. And work deserves value.
Let me say it straight: Pricing is not just math. Pricing is identity.
When you put a number on your craft, you are saying, “This is how seriously I take what I do.” And the world? It listens. Loudly.
Here’s the cosmic joke — every time you undercharge, you’re not giving someone a deal. You’re giving them permission to forget your worth. You’re teaching them that the years you spent practicing, the hours you poured into perfecting your sound, the sweat, the soul, the heartbreak, the reinvention… all of that can be bargained down like a knockoff purse at a flea market.
And you’re better than that.
Your work is better than that.
Artists tell me all the time, “But if I charge more, people won’t hire me.”
Bro… sis… beloved…
If someone won’t hire you unless you’re cheap, they were never your audience. They were tourists in your world, not residents. Let them wander. You’re building a kingdom, not a souvenir stand.
Here’s the truth that slaps:
People respect what they invest in.
Price impacts perception.
Perception impacts trust.
And trust impacts opportunity.
When you raise your price — thoughtfully, strategically — you level up your clientele. You attract partners, not parasites. You create sustainability, not scarcity. You build a career, not a hobby with receipts.
Charging what you’re worth isn’t arrogance. It’s stewardship. It’s saying, “I intend to keep doing this long enough to matter.”
So how do you set your price? Start here:
- Know the market.
Not to copy it — to outperform it.
- Know your value.
Your uniqueness is the product.
- Know your boundaries.
Your time is not an all-you-can-eat buffet.
- State your price without apology.
Say it like you say your name — confident, practiced, and not up for debate.
And when someone says, “That’s too expensive”? Smile. Because that’s proof you’re finally charging like a pro. My friends, this commandment isn’t about money — it’s about momentum.
It’s about stepping into the version of yourself that isn’t afraid to take up space.
It’s about building a life where your creativity feeds you instead of draining you.You deserve that life. Now go charge for it. 🔥 Intro Bio
Benjamin Barnes — known as Bencasso™ — is a violinist, author, creator, and artistpreneur who blends classical training, street-performer hustle, and hard-earned wisdom into powerful guidance for creatives. A former rock star turned educator and founder, he champions mental health, cultural arts, and sustainable careers for artists. His mission: help creators thrive without starving.
Artwork: https://bencasso.org/featured/cover-art-brahms-bencasso-b.html Brahms Cover Art for Rilke Quartet Brahms Piano Quartet in C minor opus 60 (2004)
Music: Piano Quartet no.3 in in C minor opus 60 Andante Johannes Brahms
Spotify https://open.spotify.com/track/0uQzuqafaDST07G6X1lJYD?si=6dbbcbcaa68d4bc5
Amazon: https://music.amazon.com/albums/B09QNNLMSD?
trackAsin=B09QMVMCLC&ref=dm_sh_a891-c6e8-e0ed-0806-d6722
Benjamin Barnes, aka Bencasso, is a genre-hopping artistpreneur, blending music, painting, and education. A classically trained violinist and rock band veteran, he’s survived mental illness and poverty, transforming into a respected author, teacher, and nonprofit leader. Founder of Bencasso LLC and Culture Scholar Corporation, Benjamin produces over 1,200 music releases, runs multiple YouTube channels, and hosts the Coaches Corner on the nationally syndicated Price of Business radio show. His work empowers artists to turn passion into sustainable livelihoods.
Social Media
- Instagram: https://instagram.com/benjamindavidbarnes
- Facebook: https:// facebook.com/benjamindavidbarnes
- Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/benjamindbarnes
For more great business content, see here.
Explore more insights at https://dailytelegraphusa.com/.
