I do feel sorry for those i high places though. They were born free and have been suckered into their position as well; they've just got the blinders on.

These sites generally underpay and create a system where the one who obeys the most (and in a lot of cases, is willing to do work for no pay in a contest-style arena) creates a bottom rung where people can easily make a few bucks, but also serves the purpose of making it clear exactly where that rung is.

Because of this, anyone who does something on another level has a much better chance of being recognized for it. When 99.99% of what's out there is shit, the gold looks even shinier. The comparisons become that much easier to make.

This is not to say that I don't still have a difficult time explaining to people why I charge a whole lot more than other designers they've worked with. Usually I just tell them 'You know, I can recommend someone else who can do this for you at the price you are looking for, and you'll get something very serviceable.' Being willing to turn away clients who don't fit my ideal client standards has helped me immensely by freeing up time and freeing my mind from the really tedious projects.

I could go on for ages about this, but you've more or less said most of what I believe on the subject. Really insightful stuff, as always.

Obviously you're mad at the affairs of things and it shows. Self expression is good, and as artists and artisans, we are good at expressing ourselves.

I freelance my art, though fundamentally different from yours, art nonetheless. I twist long skinny balloons into shapes and figures for the entertainment of children of all ages, from 2 to 92 (my oldest customer is actually 94). I do this for profits and fun.

When I first started this almost two years ago, I was started it for profits alone. I was looking for a way to make enough to pay the bills so I can focus on pursuing what I love, which at that time I thought was being a motivational speaker and seminar organizer. I soon found out, by accident, that if I was having fun while doing what I did, I make more money. When I am working to make money, I make less.

As I said earlier, I do this for profits and fun. Profits is the first focus of my operation, and I found out that if I was focused on having fun while doing what I needed to do, I made more profits.

When your focus is making a difference, then focus on it, and soon you'll find out that the world will gladly pay you ample wages for you to continue making a difference.

I totally agree with you that designers should not follow the instructions of a client blindly. I myself am not very good at design, and when I want something designed, I prefer to just say "be creative and come up with something cool".

Designers get paid to do exactly that. Design. Clients should give rough guidelines if they want something specific, but it is up to the artist to create the art

Cheers!