Being a professional artist
I was just reading a post over on Sparky Fire Pants blog entitled “Are you a flaky French pastry? Or are you black coffee?”. He gives some good thoughts on being a professional in the art business and while I was adding my thoughts to his comments list, I decided it would make a good post. I won’t reiterate his points already made (go check them out), but will share my comments to his post….
Ah, yes, the “art is my passion, my baby and nobody can tell me how to create my art” thing…. definitely leads to starving.
Personally, I like to eat. I’ve been a professional artist (of one sort or another) most of my adult life. A working professional artist ~ why? Because I am black coffee (dare I say, at the risk of sounding full of myself ~ maybe even Starbucks? :-)). I smiled when I read Sparky’s post because years ago when I started cold-calling for freelance clients I would tell them “I’m not a flaky artist ~ I’m a professional. Really!”
I’ll offer a few more thoughts…
Meet your deadlines. Always. Period. No excuses.
Be flexible and easy-going. If a client tells you they want the flower pink instead of yellow, don’t give them a 10 minute dissertation on why you made it yellow and why you insist that it stay yellow. Just. Make. It. Pink. With a smile. An old adage of mine is: “You like it? I love it.”
If you don’t understand a direction (and there are so many clients out there who cannot properly communicate) ask for clarification ~ don’t wing it. There are no stupid questions. Questions save time, money and aggravation on everybody’s part.
In the initial stages (sketches & roughs), give more than asked for ~ but not too much. Too much overwhelms clients, but they like choices. Give them a winner and one or two to trash and you’ll move along to the final stages faster.
Be positive ~ leave your personal drama in the wings. Clients don’t want to hear it if you’re having a bad day, week, month, life. Keep it light.
Send a thank you note for the business the first time you complete a project with a new client. No email – handwritten.
So there are my thoughts ~ those and 2¢ will get you a cup of coffee…err..that and $2…..
March 4th, 2009 at 3:33 pm
Hi BJ!!!
what a wonderful post….I will head over to check out his site after my comment….I love all your points too…I agree with them all…When art is your life and work you have to make it like a business and plan and run things as you would your own business…..and I so agree with special things like the thank you and having it hand written….
Wonderful ….thanks for sharing all these great tips…
Hugs
Diana
March 4th, 2009 at 7:22 pm
I liked this post and thanks for the link to Sparky Fire Pants…it is so true and you and I know how some artists are, unfortunately, it is almost like they play the game of dumb blond and buy into that “well, I am just an artist so that is why I act so dumb” routine. Like it is how they are suppose to act!
Come on, that is so out dated and over with… get on the band wagon and strut your stuff! Artists have college undergraduate and graduate degrees, there is no need now for simpy, wimpy, dumb artist’s acts anymore.
I am afraid that is why so many artists have trouble supporting themselves. They do not act professional so they are not treated in a professional manner by the companies…
so, here’s to the black coffees of the world….perhaps with a tiny bit of sugar now and then for sweetness. good to chat with you today…sorry I broke your phone…again!
best,
carol
March 4th, 2009 at 8:01 pm
Here, here. I’ve always prided myself on my professionalism. It is extremely important to me. I expect it wherever I go, even McDonald’s. I think it makes the world go round more smoothly. Now I have to work on that frightening little “cold call” thing. Not there, yet. Working on it. Breathe.
March 4th, 2009 at 9:33 pm
My My Sweet Pea,
Stirred the pot have we not. Got the laptop aboard tonight. (-:
Me
March 5th, 2009 at 2:08 pm
Bravo!!! Such a wonderful post. I will go check out this other site you mentioned, but wanted to say I like seeing checklists like this…especially when I can check them off. My world is changing from Interior Designer to manufacturer of my own designs to now designing for others. Even though it’s different, it’s really the same. Professionalism. Thanks for the boost.
March 5th, 2009 at 3:49 pm
Hi BJ….you have to pop by to see Cole’s latest painting!!!
Hugs
Diana
March 8th, 2009 at 4:20 pm
BJ, thanks so much for linking back to my post and keeping the conversation going. You rock!
You added yet another item to the list which I forgot: the thank you note.
It’s so easy nowadays to just stick a hasty “Thank you for your business” in the invoice or send a quick e-mail. Taking it a step further is building a relationship. As artists, we have unique opportunity to include some original art in the thank you, even just a fun pencil sketch. People love getting those.
March 21st, 2009 at 6:15 pm
Thanks BJ for the link and reminding us these really great points. What we do IS so much more than simply “being creative on schedule” and many think that’s as hard or involved as it gets…
April 3rd, 2009 at 6:11 am
Does anybody know that this year i Vilnius will be the first International Baltic art fair. The name of fair is ArtVilnius. Where will be about 100 galerists.
May 4th, 2009 at 9:57 pm
This is brilliant !! I have not had a chance to read the Sparky Firepants post . I agree and I learned something new today .
A thank you note for a new client . That is a wonderful touch!!
I love your art with this also. Going back to Surtex crunchville.