the artist's dilemma

Hi everyone! It's been too long since I've written in this blog--my apologies! I've been SUPER BUSY getting my book ready for publication. I am having much fun, no complaints here.

I wanted to share with you a dilemma that artists still have to deal with everyday. It's the belief that creative professionals have this hobby they love to share with the world, gratis--or maybe, in exchange for "exposure" or a "credit line" or a link to our websites.

"You enjoy drawing/writing/photographing/playing music so you don't need money for it, right?"

The mortgage doesn't get paid in 'exposure.' I can't buy food with a link to my website. I can't heat my house with a credit line.

What made me think about all of this?

I was recently sent a link to a new equestrian magazine that is in the process of starting up. I won't name names, but, they are asking for "professionals to contribute to the magazine" and there is no mention of payment for said professional services, only exposure and a website link.

I asked them if they were planning on compensating the professionals who work for their magazine, as of yet, no answer.

I hope they reconsider their stance on taking work from artists and writers in order to sell their magazine. And, I hope I am wrong and I missed something. The magazine looks like it could be pretty great.

Unfortunately, this scenario is far too prevalent. Instead of paying artists and other creative pros, they tempt us with the ever elusive "exposure." We'll get "credit" next to our work in a published magazine--AND a link!

Sometimes, there are "contests" instead of hiring artists outright. The contest winner may just get their painting on the cover, no money at all. (In the music world, this may be called an "open mic.")

Of course, some contests are legit and fun--and I am not against contests, at all. It's those contests that call for very specific guidelines, call for submissions, get a bunch of free work from pros to review, pick one, and pay the contest winner nothing but a one-time 'exposure' or give them a little bit of 'prize money.' I don't doubt that some intentions are good, just looking for some fun and healthy competition--but let's think about this for a moment. These artists are not 'going to bid, ' presenting a proposal or even just supplying an outline or rough draft. They are submitting a finished product--they used their precious time and supplies to present a complete work. It cost the artist money. And, after the money is spent, they may not 'win.' And, they may be stuck with artwork that is specific to an event or publication--it may not sell.

And, if they DO win the contest, the "exposure" could be one-time and fleeting, and in the world of marketing--this is not very effective at all.

Do you think I could go grocery shopping, go up to the cashier and proclaim:

"I won't pay for my groceries, BUT, I will tell everyone what a great store you have. What a fantastic opportunity for some exposure!"

See what I mean?

If you are an artist, you deserve to get compensated for your work. End of story. Creative pros work hard at what they do--so why shouldn't they get paid?

I know of many professionals (not hobbyists) who battle this everyday. Professionals who studied their craft for decades, got the degree by working three jobs and going to night school---and still need to beg to get paid for their work. They are getting a wee bit tired of it.

How do we change this mindset?

The change starts with the creative professionals and the wonderful people who support us and our work. Be open to conversation, be steadfast---communicate and educate. We can change this whole notion that artists, photographers, musicians, actors, etc don't need or want to be paid for their work. Above all, smile. Art can open doors to understanding and friendship. I've seen it happen time and time again. Powerful stuff!

Imagine a world without art--without music, without great architecture, without films, without jewelry, without breathtaking sculptures, without plays in the park, without gorgeous, sumptuous paintings, without photographs that perfectly capture moments in our precious history, without fashion, without that quirky kitty-cat shower curtain that makes you smile, without that beautiful rug with the incredible design that garners compliments from everyone who enters your home---the list goes on and on and on. Art really is EVERYWHERE.

Notice I didn't mention street performances, kazoos or mime..... I KID! A little humor, there. 

To  those who promote us, support us and believe in us:

THANK YOU SO MUCH! 

We love what we do, and we love that you do, too.

Hope you are all having a wonderful summer,

Artfully yours,

~Helen