Regarding design pricing. I think many designers miss the most important thing about business. Being a better designer doesn't mean he will get better income. Don't mix up design quality and income. Have a closer look at the market supply and demand.

There isn't much client that emphasize on idea & design. The demand for quality design is low. The culture doesn't demand graphic designer whose main value is in the idea and design part.

Most client just want something fancy and catchy. They prefer immediate effect and cost very cheap, so all the money go into their pocket instead of yours. They don't give a shit about design, you copy from whoever, can help them sell their thing or whatsoever. They have a design in their mind, designer is nothing but someone that help them click the computer, just like a typist but for graphic, a.k.a. Pixel Pusher.

From online, client can get bunch of cheap low quality designer and pay like 50 to settle their projects. Web template and free CMS, premium themes where people can just pay USD50 and get things done, with 1 year support. Normal average client won't want to pay good price for design, even u r the best of the world, they simply don't feel like paying for such service.

Design talent is over supply in this country, the demand just couldn't catch up as fast. What can a passionate designer do in this low demand market?
1. Build better skill and fight your way to grab some big clients.
2. The business model of design company itself need to evolve.

That's why u heard from many seniors, "if you want to make money, quit design or start your own design company". It is very tough, u might end up drawing and designing a lot but not getting a cent, if u know some marketing strategy that will speed up a lot. Spend more time research and check out the latest demand and see how can your skill fit into the trend.

Before you rely on luck, at least u need some strategy to ensure u stand better chance in winning.

From the example you give, that's what I mean by No.2, change the business model. Both of them become famous because they know how to promote themselves (submit artwork to publisher, magazine editor, run a blog) and make themselves well known. If they only remain working for small client like usual designer, I doubt they will be as famous.

It is about building your own brand. There are more than enough books / articles talking about how to build your personal brand on the internet, try to grab one from bookstores. Explore alternative income sources other than just being a pixel pusher for small client.