As an artist, is it difficult to get people to take your skill seriously or get paid?

Question

I have noticed recently that some of my clients are developing this idea that my work is "just for fun"...

They seem to think that they could do what I do for free...
But I've seen the results of this before and their talents and experience simply do not compare - sad little first attempts at graphic design are obvious signs of a cheapskate business.

Perhaps I am being egotistical but I think the owners of companies owe alot more to their advertisers and creative people than what they are giving.

How can I make my position more valid in their minds?

ok - kittyrogers - how can you say that companies owe their advertisers nothing?
care to rephrase that?
or can you just not be bothered with my atrocious grammar?

Answer 1

hmmm... you are reminding me why I quit graphic design, just as soon as the computer became the tool of choice (yes, back when the dinosaurs roamed the planet). Suddenly, anyone who could type was a designer - and the pay went down the toilet overnight. After that, it seemed only Art Directors made any money.

The woods up here are filled with burnt-out designers who are still escaping the city with literally their last thread of sanity intact. (Even that is being kind...)

I personally blame computer tools for a large part of the ignorance among the general public, and the rest is due to poor education. Designers do need to educate their clients on the benefits of using a professional, but dammit there are so many fly-by-night "designers" they give those with real credentials a bad rep.

I'm not a big fan of regulations, but this form of commerce really should be regulated. In Canada we have the Soceiety of Graphic Designers of Canada. There are no rules saying one must choose to hire a member of GDC, but at least it's a fellowship that promotes high standards and strict ethics.

"The Society has been an advocate, voice and resource for Canada's graphic design profession since 1956. The GDC maintains a national certified body of graphic designers and promotes high standards of graphic design and ethical business practices, for the benefit of Canadian industry, commerce, public service and education."

Answer 2

I know this is a little odd but professional computer guys get this too. Many times I've been invited over for dinner only to be shown a broken computer when I show up. While admirable that people understand that I'm an IT guy, spaghetti and a beer really doesn't translate into two hours work. It's more like $10 and a friend chattering over your shoulder while you are trying to accomplish something.

So I developed this arguement for people that I know.

"If I built decks or kitchen cabinets for a living, would you expect me to come over for dinner and build your kitchen cabinets or deck?"

After that, 14 years ago, I ended up with people understanding that I GET PAID to do my job. If they want me over for dinner, I'll bring my company and a bottle of wine nothing more. If they need their computer fixed I can give them a break price wise, but virtually free is out of the question.

If it makes you feel any better, I do buy a lot of art work from street artists. Water colours and Building sketches are my favorite if they are done well (subjective right!?) and I'm usually willing to pay $50 - $150 for a picture. A couple of times I've had to pass though because the artist wasn't near a bank machine.

Going back to those artists I've bought stuff from and talked to are graphic artists as well and I've asked them to get logos and letterhead for the business. I think the last time I paid $500. Additionally I ask the artist to get me the logo on to t-shirts, jackets and hats and pay the artist for the product with their logo on it. My business is fixing computers and paying an artist to put an image together for my small company and crew, it's not a big deal at all. It becomes a business expense as "uniforms" rather than marketing, and the uniforms seem to "wear out" really fast so I call the guy once every six months so get them in sizes ranging from baby size to XXL. ;)

Oh well, good luck with getting people to start to pay you. I hope that they take your skill seriously.

Answer 3

Sheer ignorance. They don't see the value of a cohesive image, they just think sticking a logo on letterhead will do the job. They don't know about designing a logo that looks good at various sizes, for instance. What looks good on the side of a truck might reduce down to a fuzzy mess on stationary.

I have an art degree (painting) and people see that on my resume and think I can do anything from designing their logo to re-arranging their ugly lobby furniture in a more pleasing arrangement. I tell them that those are all separate talents that people study singularly and not all art majors are the same.

My all time least favorite cheapo thing is when a company has a "design contest" for art students to do their logo. They get a lot of submissions and free ideas and act like the fact they might use it should be enough glory for that student, "it's exposure" "good in your portfolio" .

Answer 4

The people that think your job is easy and just for fun are morons. I think your job might be fun for you yes but I know it's not easy. It takes a lot of hard work and a lot of people dont have a steady enough had to try and do that. If they think they can do what you do for free let them go out and buy all the stuff and try doing a tattoo they will then see how hard your job really is.

Answer 5

Point out their mistakes and constructively criticize their work. Give references to marketing tactics in the design and present a professional auora. Tell them about what is universally aesthetic based on popular consensus. Do it confidently, but nicely and they'll come around to the fact that althought it looks easy like ballet, actually doing it takes much experience.

Answer 6

i could in no way submit, I advise get a broadcast e book wothout being paid because meaning in the journey that your e book makes it huge time, then you truthfully received't get any money and the writer receives all of it. Ask for seventy 5% or more effective to commence off with then in the journey that they say no, keep on asking and asking and asking. Afetr a lengthy time period of this, steadily flow down yet ascertain you'll stick along with your first grant now drastic adjustments. If it in ordinary words sounds like the e book, i imagine your contained in the golf eco-friendly or flow ranges. Ask with the writer. Many authors, and that i advise plenty, take aspects of different books and adeapt them into their own. yet, purely to substantiate examine it along with your writer

Answer 7

First, "a" and "lot" are two words. Secondly, graphic artists have historically have made low money. Companies owe YOU nor their advertisers anything. Accept that the path you have chosen may be a low paying one and that sometimes you have to do your craft for the pure enjoyment and not much monetary gain. You may want ot change paths, or retrain in your field.