I realize that I undervalue my own talent. I've been using photoshop since I was 14, been drawing since I was 8; I was giving out things for free. I taught classes on how to use photoshop and illustrator when I was 16 (mind you, this was an actual classroom setting. Not online). I even went and posted tutorials and shít for free because, hell, I thought it was a hobby. "Why would anyone pay for something thats a hobby?" is what went through my mind. Now, I work as a graphic designer for my University, I get paid $11/hour while working at home. Doesn't seem too bad, right?

Now here's where the undervaluing comes in: I get contacted by a company asking me what my rate was. I've been contacted by another company prior, but I never replied because they too asked for my rate. I never replied because I DIDN'T KNOW What my rate was. Should I say $11/hr? I mean thats what I get at my current job. But then that's a school job, something different. They're a professional private company and I don't know what my value of my talent is because I'm so used to giving things for free. I had to reply, so I said $15-20/hr and I thought that was decent. Hell, I thought it was a nice rate, but if it was too high, I'd go for $13. My friends, brother, and professor, however, all tell me that I should've said $20-30 because thats the rate that most beginning graphics designers go for. I realize then that I undervalue my talent just because I'm stuck with this idea of seeing it as a hobby that I gave out for free. Same goes with my fan-arts/original art work - I sell those things in exchange for food when others sell it for $ 

I don't know what to feel, honestly. I suppose this shows my self-esteem when it comes to my work, but I love doing what I do and I couldn't really put a price on it. When you love doing something, it doesn't feel like a job that you have to get paid for because you're more than willing to work for free. I need to learn to put more value at what I do tbh.