(Name + Quality + Visual Appeal) x Quantity = Value

I have been thinking about my value equation.  I am pretty positive that the quantity part of the equation needs a re-thought.  There is a lot of value in something being the only one as opposed to being one of many, although the phrase, “you’re one of a kind”, can be used in a derogatory way.  I cannot count the number of times the word ‘unique’ has been used in reference to my art, actions, fashion sense, views, and approaches.  I know in many cases it wasn’t meant as a compliment.  I will admit ‘unique’ and ‘one of a kind’ are much better responses than “what were/are you thinking?” and “what the hell is that?”, because the intent of the word/phrase is more ambiguous.   Those thoughts aside, there is a certain amount of pride in having the “only one” of something.  So, does the value equation become divisible by quantity?  This is a conundrum.

There is quantity of image, but there is also quantity of art created by a singular artist.  Someone could make an image and have multiple copies made (art prints).  An artist could be very prolific, and have a huge body of work, but each piece is singular.  Is quantity a divider in both cases?  Maybe this is when Quality comes into play.   If that artist, with their large body of work, used poor quality supplies or was more interested in getting their ideas out than the caliber of their creations, then quantity would be a divider.  If the artist was a printmaker or sculptor and was making an limited edition of their etching, lithograph, relief print, or sculpture the number of the edition would be reflected in the price.  One of five would cost more than one of a hundred, I would expect.   I am sure there is a mathematical term that represents an occasional fluctuating variable, and I probably knew it once upon a time.

Maybe my value equation isn’t as straight forward as I originally thought.