solorn
I think this problem hasn't yet revealed itself in full.
Sure the most visible change will be rise in prices. But what about other things?
If an artist needs a week to complete commission what he'll do if inflation swallows some of his profits? Auctions are even worse because they take longer. One way out of this situation is that artist take items as payment.
Others may decide is too much of a trouble to draw for gold that is becoming worthless day by day and close their art shops. Maybe only quick ones will stay, like the ones giving sketches and such. I really like this topic's idea!
◕ How fast will the prices rise if inflation continues? - I think it will depend on the artist and how in touch with the market place they are and how demand their art is in. If you have a slower shop, you might be willing to keep your prices a little artificially low in order to encourage more people to consider picking up a piece.
3nodding
◕ Do you think artist will offer art in exchange for items? - I already do. When the last mini-event, the Valefor event happened, I was so sad I couldn't get the scarf, because it was so pretty.
sad So, I went to the marketplace, looked at sellers, and tried to PM one or two to see if any would be interested in exchanging my art for the item. Sure enough, I got lucky and one was willing to! I'm working on her piece right now.
3nodding
◕ Do you think people will be willing to buy art with items? - Sure! I think art for items has been around as long as Gaia has!
◕ Is there another way for artist to bypass this inflation? - Possibly, but I think art for specific items such as X amount of pieces for X item, or only taking on a trade if you know you can complete it within a set time period is possible. The other thing that they can do is hope for tips, but that is far more dependent on the generosity of the person buying the art.
sweatdrop
◕ Do you think art shops will start closing? - Some might. Especially artists who were really on the edge of not wanting to work hard for an item or those who got frustrated with leaps in prices but don't feel comfortable charging more themselves. Or they might shift what their shop normally does. Like switching to a bribe shop or doing auctions only.
◕ Will Art Shop forum survive this economy crisis? I believe it will. Not every artist draws only for gold/items. Some of us draw for fun, to relax, to test and improve our skills, and to make new friends! ^^