What it is

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This isn’t theory from a boardroom or generic advice from someone who’s never had to cost a single order.

 

It’s a framework built from the realities of running a hands‑on creative business — the messy bits, the hidden costs, the unexpected decisions, and the lessons learned the hard way.

It gives you a clear, simple way to think about your pricing so you can make decisions that actually support you and make your business sustainable.

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Who it's for

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This guide is for makers, bakers, artists, teachers, designers, and anyone running a small creative business who wants clarity without the jargon.

If you’ve ever felt unsure what to charge, struggled with one‑off requests, or wondered why your “simple” jobs never seem to pay, this guide will feel like someone finally switched the light on.

It’s written by someone who’s been exactly where you are — juggling costs, clients, confidence, and creative energy — not by a strategist who’s never touched the work.

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What's inside?

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A clear, structured framework you can return to every season:

• Profit — understanding the margin that makes the work worthwhile

• Resources — the infrastructure and overheads that keep you operational

• Ingredients — the materials or components you use

• Consumables — the small, easily forgotten items that quietly eat into your margin

• Effort — the time, energy, and skill you bring to the table

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Plus a brand‑new 2026 bonus section:

"Victoria Sponge Theory" — a real‑world example that shows why “just one” is never as cheap as it seems, and how setup costs can quietly drain your profit if you’re not paying attention.

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Everything is presented in a clean, editorial layout designed to help you think clearly and price intentionally.

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Why it matters

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Most creatives undercharge — not because they lack talent, but because they underestimate the true cost of their work.

This guide helps you see the full picture so you can stop absorbing hidden costs, stop saying yes to unprofitable jobs, and start pricing in a way that protects your time, energy, and income.

It’s a tool you’ll return to again and again as your business grows, your offers evolve, and your confidence strengthens