I recently had a rant on twitter. It was directed at creatives, reminding them that a creative life is their choice. (*NB I will use Artists/creatives interchangeably throughout this post to refer to all creative practitioners) Honestly I can't remember what exactly triggered it specifically, but I just recalled so many tweets from creatives I follow, visual artists, photographers, musicians, performing artists and the like, just bemoaning, how hard it is being an artist, and how they don't get the respect they deserve and how important they are. Before I continue- Artists don't get the respect that they deserve Being an artist IS hard Artists and the work they provide is important Now that those facts are out of the way, I must say that nobody cares. it's harsh but it's the truth. Nobody cares. Artists we need to stop feeling entitled to the attention and respect of others. We are amongst many other working parts in society that help to keep the world moving. Everyone has a role to play and we can't spend so much time on 'not feeling special'. If you have a passion for something in the creative arts, and felt that you were good enough or you liked it enough to pursue a career, you must be aware that- that is completely your decision. A decision that doesn't come with any perks or empathy. Choosing to be an artist isn't some altruistic decision that deserves any praise especially if you are doing it to make a living (like everyone one else in life). You make your art/product/service and hope that you can find someone or a group of someone's that love your product enough to pay for it. You are now in the business of sales, whether you have realised it or not. Not because you make beautiful paintings from the bottom of your heart, or you struggle every day to record music, means anyone should feel sorry for you and buy your product. Please my artists get this idea out of your head. It sounds harsh, but if you are a painter, you don't buy a brush because someone made it from the bottom of their heart, you bought it because it's a good product that works. If you are a dancer you don't wear shoes because someone struggled to make them- etcetera etcetera. Everyone makes decisions with their money to get them the best value for their money, and the same will apply for your art. NEVER make it a point for people to buy your product because they are sorry for you, or think you need it. ALWAYS try to make people buy your product because it is good, also because you know how to make people aware that they WANT and/or NEED it. The unfortunate truth is that some things in life take a more immediate priority over others, if someone didn't tell you that when you chose your career, I'm telling you now. Art is often viewed as a luxury- and as an artist myself, logically I would have to agree. If people are sick they NEED a doctor If a house is burning down they NEED a fireman People have to do taxes they NEED an accountant. Often times, a painting can wait, or a ticket to a play can wait. A logo can wait, an album will be on sale forever, it can wait. This is a reality, and us as artists need to learn to not take this personally, this isn't saying art is not important, this is just people using strategy to survive. It will always be an aspect of our industry, we are luxuries that can wait. This as a reality can hurt, but it doesn't have to. Part of being an artist is solving problems, artists connect with others in ways of expressions that may be out of the norm. Part of this expression is to figure out how do I incorporate whatever I provide or make into people's lives that can feel more necessary than a luxury? We can't expect to have a one way street of making whatever we want for ourselves and expect others to sponsor our own artistic pursuits. If that's what you want to do, my best advice is to find another avenue that can provide for you so you don't have to bring business to your art, but if you don't have that option compromise is necessary. Compromise is understanding the people you make art for, their challenges and what they go through, to communicate and compell them to your art in a way they can't resist. In ways that they have to spend to get it. This comes from also self respect artists.. as I said earlier, never beg for your support or respect. Work for it, earn it, and own it. If you spend time learning to sing, if someone asks you to sing at their wedding, be confident in telling them this service comes at a charge! Don't agree to it and wish and hope that you'll be paid, that's a lack of self respect. And you've also given the client the impression that your product is for free. Each time you allow yourself to robbed of respect you cheapen your craft, not just for yourself but everyone else who practices. Not everyone will respond to your boldness "my services cost x amount." Be open for compromise, but don't be a subordinate. If you deserve respect then act like it. If you aren't sure you deserve respect or to be paid, it will show and others will take advantage of it, if it means they can buy a little more food the next day. Artists I believe in you, you also need to believe in yourselves. Acting sheepish and entitled won't change anything. Being aware, understanding your environment and being confident will. You are also business people and need to act like it. Make your product irresistible and once you've done that, make sure you earn for all that time you spent with your craft. Contracts- learn how to write them. They hold a lot of power especially in revealing the true characters in others. A lot of people who shy away from contracts are clients who usually are afraid of commitment or serious dealings. These are generally clients you'll want to avoid or grow out of. A contract seeks to ensure both parties are clear entering a business dealing, anyone who denies you that is someone to be cautious of. Clarity is of great importance especially if you deliver something unregulated and intangible. Deposits - on the note of intangibility, some of us artists don't have a "bread" on a shelf that a client sees, knows the price and just pays for. Some of our products are made just for clients and don't exist prior to business dealings, some of our products come directly from our bodies. You don't go to a supermarket and take up a loaf of bread, leave and tell the supermarket you'll be back to pay. No. Don't allow someone to walk out with your art without an understanding. My belief is that a deposit is necessary, it shows that the client is serious about you and your product as well as it protects you from potentially giving a client your entire product without anything. This is also not a hard rule, if you have built a great relationship with a client and you know their payment schedule is something you can believe in, they should be afforded some leeway. But I believe most if not all new clients should provide you with a deposit. Never leave yourself to the mercy of a client, because once they have your product it is totally up to them when they pay you and this can make you a subordinate to them because you 'need' them to pay you and you have to follow up with them all the time. End this.
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