If being an egomaniac means I believe in what I do and in my art or music, then in that respect you can call me that… I believe in what I do, and I’ll say it.
John Lennon
If we lose love and self respect for each other, this is how we finally die.
Maya Angelou
All religions, arts and sciences are branches of the same tree.
Albert Einstein
So, I mouthed off yesterday about something rather subversive: I’d like to get paid for my craft, my art. I don’t want to get nickle and dimed, and I would like to be paid in a very timely manner, as in once I finish my performance. Not waiting up to six weeks, not two: paid after I get the job done.
Some of you on biweekly or monthly salaries will now chime in about suck it up, etc etc etc. Well, no, I won’t, and we should not have to. Here’s the thing: our work is a product, when presented, no matter how abstract our base might be. When you order something online, you must pay for that item before they will deign to ship it to you. Until you have that object in hand, it is an abstract idea of that product. When you enter a store, you must pay for it to be able to leave the store. If you hire someone to do cleaning for you, or construction, or whatever, you most likely will have to pay something, if not all, upfront.
So, why do Artists (see yesterday) have to be put on hold, or bickered/bartered/haggled down? As a performing artist, I will give you what you asked: entertainment for your audience. You’re not paying me if they show up or not, if they like the performance or not: the pay is to do the act itself. The rest will weigh in if you’d ever hire me again, or not. Or blackball me among your cronies. These things do happen. I’m using ME here, but it’s more universal among artists.
Virginia of Kiss Chronicles wrote in my comments yesterday:
The term “starving artist” doesn’t have to be literal! Perhaps you could also put together a list of tips for artists about how to avoid such problems cropping up? Just a thought I had
So, yes Virginia, I could put together such a list (and I hope others add in on things I might miss/skip over/never thought of). Not sure if there really is a Santa Claus, but here’s MY list, and I will check it twice before hitting the publish button:
- BE PROFESSIONAL IN ALL THINGS YOU DO! (yeah, shouting here).
- Create a contract that YOU send out; don’t always just sign the one from the location hiring you. You must state your “must haves” up front, and it’s a document YOU format. They need to know that you have principles and standards.
- HAVE PRINCIPLES AND STANDARDS! (yeah, shouting again).
- Do not just be on time, be early. Very early. Come in calm, cool and collected. Remain that way.
- Say “Please” and “Thank You”.
- Dress in a professional, clean manner. Save the torn and fou fou arty clothing for elsewhere. Costumes are one thing.
- Leave the Diva and overblown EGO at home, if not exorcise that out of you 100%.
- Follow up on all emails/phone calls.
- Send Thank You notes. Hand written, not emails. Definitely NOT texts.
- Be open to dialogue and conversations. Suggestions are just that. Demands are another thing.
- If you had a bad encounter at a location, remember it and SHUT UP about it. It WILL bite you in the ass, along the way.
- If you have equipment/things to bring to a show, create a checklist and use it. Don’t “forget” something. (go back to #1)
- When creating a hand out/biz card: spend some money and make it look professional.
- Do your research on the location/exhibit/whatever. Knowing some of the background DOES help.
- If you are working with arts standards: KNOW THEM!! (yeah..I know…shouting).
- Cold Calls: do them, but do your homework first: find out who does the hiring, what their title is, and how to pronounce their name and how to spell it properly. Cold call for the info first; call back another time. Make it personal.
As To The Aspect of Working For Respect…
I had THE best experience today visiting a location I’ll be performing at on October 22nd: the Bard Graduate Center at 18 West 86th Street (South Side, closer to Central Park West). The Family Day is entitled “Hold Onto Your Hats!” and is about, yes, Hats. I’ll be performing two sets: 1:30-2:00, and then again at 2:30-3:00.The full family day starts at Noon and goes to 4pm.
What made it the best experience: Tracy Grosner, the Gallery Outreach Educator, and other members of the staff there made me feel not only welcome but SO very welcome. This was a true professional experience in the way they offered of themselves, and I really felt there was a true collaborative creative process in my preparing for my performances. I did not have to ask for anything: they were generous in material, in answering questions, offering beverages, in supporting ideas. Not only did they give me a copy of the $50 book that supports the exhibit, not only did I get another book that I MIGHT perform (still have to read it)…they offered to pay my parking garage fee. Two hours of giving of themselves. Informative and all encompassing.
That is generous and really above the “call of duty.” So…I have already written them (the dreaded email, but I wanted something immediate in this case: after the performance is time for the hand written note) and this is my “love letter” to them, from an artist, who was treated with the utmost respect:
Thank You, Tracy and all at Bard Graduate Center. I so am looking forward to working with you.
Oct 05, 2011 @ 21:18:01
All good points but also want to add, (maybe #17?), that when you show up for a gig, remember that a smile goes a long, long way.
Hope all your gigs are happy!
Oct 05, 2011 @ 21:26:13
You just added to the list. Thank you.
Oct 05, 2011 @ 22:45:32
A friend and I had this conversation just the other day. I was raised in a culture where bartering was not only expected, it was almost an insult if you paid the ticketed price. It was quite a culture shock for me to have to change my expectations.
I would like to respectfully submit to you, that you’ve limited yourself. While your list is targeted toward artists, I think that all independent business owners would do well to take your words into account. I am looking over your list and I’m doing all of this (and a few others) and I run a fitness business.
I still barter, I still offer services in trade (I just got a gorgeous sundress and a cellphone/credit card wallet from a seamstress client in trade for a months worth of personal training
) and I hope that I’m always able to offer this service, but it has to be something that works for both skilled tradesmen.
May success find you in all you do!
Oct 05, 2011 @ 23:29:39
Tanja: if you wouldn’t mind, add to my list. I had to stop at some place. It’s up to others to continue it, and make it it’s own manifesto.
Would you like a few stories for some personal training?
And…all success to you as well. Thank you for the wish.
Oct 05, 2011 @ 22:59:53
Stuart….
You can’t see me, but I am genuflecting at the honesty and gravity of your words.
This is absolutely stunning.
Oct 05, 2011 @ 23:31:34
wow..genuflection. I’m honored Roy. thanks.
Oct 05, 2011 @ 23:21:11
Thanks for this post, too, as balanced and honest as yesterday’s — in my humble opinion.
I love the working for respect part. While I’m not a performance artist, I still do so much writing for my sites and it can all be read for free, of course. That feels to me like working for respect. Respect can’t take care of the bills, but it does nourish the soul.
Oct 05, 2011 @ 23:32:59
You are welcome. Respect and appreciation is not often given, or if done so, in small bits. We really do need to earn it, but when it is given..yeah, today was a good day.
Oct 06, 2011 @ 01:42:18
I appreciate your frustration and anger, and I applaud your list! I often think people feel it’s easier to mess with the independent artist or small business owner, and you have demonstrated that people should watch out!
Oct 06, 2011 @ 07:42:10
Hi Rebecca, what stirred me on this was a request to give a “What to do” list: I find that when Teaching & Performing Artists (TA & PA) ignore certain things, or just don’t know, they set a bad template in the head of the clients for the future in dealing with others. I’ve heard that often, coming in and wondering what was up, then finding out they had a less than professional experience with other TAs or PAs. It bleeds onto all of us, even though we are NOT united.
I would like to work on us being united in the arts.
Oct 06, 2011 @ 08:35:49
Hi Rebecca: I just re-read my post, as I was wondering about the anger and frustration: those are things I’ve learned over the years (did a lot of them and banged my own head in the learning).
So, not angry in the least. Frustrated on the top section, more likely, as I still wish TAs got treated as professionals. I felt treated like a professional yesterday…that’s where this really was coming from.
Oct 06, 2011 @ 04:34:14
Loved the passion.
Oct 06, 2011 @ 08:17:08
Thank you Brenda.
Oct 06, 2011 @ 08:58:29
Unfortunately, I get paid once a month by my clients and even then, I don’t always get paid on time. It is very frustrating. I believe it all comes down to respect and the value they place on your service. Once I put my foot down and was clear in my expectations, I no longer had problems. Some ex-clients still have outstanding balances with me, but at least I am no longer doing their work for free
Oct 06, 2011 @ 14:11:11
Mary, I used to pay my theater company once a month except for the really busy summer months, then I would up it to every other week (we did SO many summer gigs that it became more of a hassle trying to pay only once a month).
Yes, we have to put our feet down, not even just one foot. We work for a living in our way…pay us promptly, it’s not a game. Thanks.
Oct 06, 2011 @ 19:03:07
Great list of goals to live by. Thank you from fellow UBC bloggers.
Oct 06, 2011 @ 19:07:54
Thanks Carolina
Oct 06, 2011 @ 19:59:53
Mutual respect is very important and regardless, I take 50% fees upfront!
Oct 06, 2011 @ 21:19:44
Beth..that’s one thing I do forget to do. Thanks for adding it to the list
Oct 07, 2011 @ 17:26:06
Excellent advice. I agree that it’s a good idea to show appreciation and professionalism. Too few people realize that the rewards for doing this can be huge. People remember you more, especially if they receive a handwritten thank you. That will do it every time. Just wish my handwriting was as good as it used to be.
Late payment happens to everyone, and not just artists. I work freelance writing research reports and after presenting my invoice, I have to wait a month to be paid. Company policy. Today, I asked if I could invoice 50% at the start of my current project and I was told OK, but not to invoice the other 50% until I finish it at the end of the month, which means I won’t be paid until end November. Is this fair? No, but I need the work so I have to take it.
Oct 07, 2011 @ 17:46:08
Penelope, what you just said is what I posted the other day: Will Work For Money. It’s ludicrous that we can’t get paid in a timely fashion. If we did that to them, they would cry bloody murder.