Because I don’t really have many friends who are entrepreneurs, I try to meet monthly with my girl Monica to flesh out ideas, discuss business strategy, brainstorm, and duhhh.. COMPLAIN. The thing about both of us is that we’re artists and business women, meaning we monetize our creative skills while managing numbers and implementing strategy. Yeah, yeah, yeah… sounds boring, but it’s actually invigorating (when you feel like the juice is worth the squeeze).
I dated this guy once, who in casual conversation referred to me as a “starving artist”. I was completely offended, like “wtf did you just say to me?”. While some people lean into that term or accept it as a part of their identity, baby, I REFUSE. Maybe it’s my ego, but I will never identify as a struggling/starving artist or thirsty for unpaid opportunities (I’ll drink up the paid ones, though... slurp-slurp).
At the end of last month I decided that I have to be selfish with my time and talent because at the end of the day, this is my livelihood and I’m not doing this shit fOr FuNziEs. My decisions have to reflect the direction that I’m moving in with some type of reciprocity. So if you are an artist/creative who is consistently approached with unpaid and/or collaborative requests propositioned as opportunities, here are some questions to ask yourself before saying yes.
Do I have the time to commit to this project?
Look at your own “to do” list and the things you want to accomplish - is this reasonable and realistic? Are you willing to put your dreams on the backburner and does it make sense at this time? Sometimes it does.
In what ways will this add to me?
We’re talking portfolio, contacts, and future paid opportunities. Don’t be afraid to respond with a counter offer or energy exchange to ensure that you walk away with something.
What is the scope of work?
Get really detailed and down to the nitty gritty on this one, because people will play you and waste your time if you allow them to. Ask the “dumb” and “almost obvious” questions, you’d be surprised at the mess under a lot of rugs.
How do I feel?
Intuition is huge, tap in with yourself and reflect. Trust your gut. Do you feel valued and respected? Does the communication style work for you? Are you excited or do you feel bogged down?
Notes:
At the end of the day, most people don’t know what they want.
If you don’t know what you want, you must choose from what’s given to you.
The opportunities that are given to you are not synonymous with the opportunities that exist.
Make time to get clear about what you want and know that these things can evolve, shrink, or totally shift with time and knowledge.
Decide what you want, then make smart choices.
Disclaimer: I am a commercial artist.
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