I do love marketing, Michele...I often wonder if I missed my calling by not going into it as a career in and of itself.
I do not understand why artists are uncomfortable placing a suitable price on their hardwon talent. It seems easy enough to do the math when looking at a client's lifestyle and material wealth, the car(s) they drive, the watches they wear and so on. In the matter of official portraits, there is typically a budget in place. In my experience those budgets are more generous than one might guess.
My marketing approach now is to stress my accomplishments, dependability and successful track record. My contract is completely in my favor, I make all aesthetic decisions and I will not make changes.
That level of confidence is contagious to one's clients especially if one has the skill to back it up, don't you think?
Joy Thomas
www.portraitartist.com/thomas