The Apex of Artistic Engagement: Why Time is the True Currency of Value
- Nov 13
- 4 min read
Updated: Nov 18
Art is often measured by its final form: the colors on a canvas, the shape of a sculpture, or the impact of an installation. Yet, the true value lies not in the object itself but in the time and dedication poured into its creation. This is the principle behind the coins, a unique system designed to honor the most precious resource in art: focused, uninterrupted time with a master artist.
The Lions Den Loyalty coins are more than a token; they are a promise of commitment, a physical symbol of the hours a Lion’s Den Master Artist dedicates to their craft. This blog explores why time, not money, should be the currency of artistic value and how the coin system protects and celebrates this truth.
Why Time Matters More Than Money in Artistic Creation
Money is a fluctuating measure. Its value changes with markets, economies, and trends. Artistic time, however, remains constant. One hour of a master artist’s focused attention is always one hour—unchanging and invaluable.
Artists, especially those working on monumental pieces or custom altarpieces, require deep concentration and dedication. Interruptions or rushed sessions diminish the quality and depth of the work. The Loyalty system ensures that every session is respected as a sacred block of time, free from distractions and external pressures.
This approach shifts the focus from transactional exchanges to meaningful engagements. Patrons receive not just a service but a shared experience of creation, where time is honored as the true currency.
The Coin System Explained
The tattoo time comes in four distinct coins, each representing a specific amount of dedicated time with a master artist. These coins serve as fixed-service vouchers, redeemable only within the private setting of The Lion’s Den Atelier.
| Copper - Cub coin | 1/30 of a Silver coin | Fractional exchange, minor purchases |
| Silver - Hunter coin | 1 Hour of Tattoo Time | Standard booking, session commitment |
| Gold - Alpha coin | 3 Hours of Tattoo Time | half sessions on monumental works |
| Platinum - Apex coin | 6 Hours of Tattoo Time | Full Sessions on monumental works
Each coin guarantees a specific quantity of artistic engagement, protecting the value of the artist’s time from market fluctuations. This system creates a circular trust between the patron, artist, and atelier, ensuring clarity and respect for the creative process.
The Platinum Apex coin symbolizes six hours of dedicated master artist time, a tangible promise of focused creative engagement.
How the Coin Benefits Patrons and Artists
For patrons, the coin offers a clear and secure way to invest in wearable art. Instead of negotiating prices or worrying about hourly rates, they hold a physical token representing guaranteed time with a master artist. This system is especially useful during large-scale art retreats, where patrons can redeem coins for sessions without hassle.
Artists benefit by protecting their time from undervaluation. The coins ensure that their hours are respected and compensated fairly, allowing them to focus fully on their craft without distractions or financial uncertainty.
This mutual respect fosters a deeper connection between artist and patron, creating a shared vision and trust that enhances the creative process.
Examples of Artistic Engagement Using the loyalty system
Copper Cub: A patron uses this coin for merch, tips or minor touch-up sessions. This fractional exchange allows for small projects or initial discussions without committing to a full session.
Silver Hunter: This coin covers a 1-hour session, ideal for standard bookings such as medium-sized pieces or detailed work requiring more time.
Gold Alpha: This coin guarantees three hours of uninterrupted master artist time. It suits monumental back pieces, custom altarpiece installations, or immersive retreats where deep focus is essential.
Platinum Apex: Reserved for the most significant projects, this coin is worth 6 hours of tattoo time. Great for cold storage, bartering and full sessions.
Each coin’s value is tied to the time it represents, not to changing market prices, ensuring fairness and clarity.
Building Trust Through a Circular System
The Coins create a circle of trust among all parties involved:
Patrons receive a tangible credit that secures artistic time.
Artists gain assurance that their time is valued and protected.
The Atelier maintains the integrity of the creative environment by managing this exchange.
This system encourages long-term relationships and repeat engagements, as patrons understand the true value of the artist’s time and skill.
Why a Physical Coin Matters
In an age dominated by digital transactions and fluctuating currencies, the coins stand out as a physical reminder of commitment. The coin’s material—copper, silver, or gold reflects the level of engagement and respect for the artist’s time.
Holding a coin connects patrons to the atelier’s tradition and the artist’s dedication. It transforms the abstract concept of time into something tangible and respected.
Final Thoughts on Time as the True Currency
The loyalty system challenges conventional ideas about value in art. It reminds us that the most precious resource is not money but the experienced, focused, uninterrupted time. By honoring this time with a physical token, The Lion’s Den Atelier creates a new standard for artistic engagement.
For patrons seeking meaningful art experiences and artists committed to their craft, the coins offer a clear, respectful, and trustworthy way to exchange value.
Consider how you value your own time and the time of others. In art, as in life, time is the currency that shapes true worth.
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