As
you guys know, I've been teaching at the Pennsylvania College of Art and Design. I love it there, and will be returning in the Fall. I have
had some great students, dedicated artists who are ready to learn. As
you can imagine they're eager to get working, which some time makes them
ripe for people trying to take advantage of them. Recently one of my
students asked my advice about a company asking for free illustrations
for a "non-profit" project. I wish I could say this kind of request was
uncommon, but I've heard versions of it time and time again. I'm going
to post my response to this artist here because I think it may be
helpful to anyone trying to make a career illustration:
***
Dear XXXXX
I think you already know my answer. IF they WERE looking to hire illustrators then they would HIRE them, not ask for freebies
.
Please bear in mind that a non-profit does NOT mean no one is making
money. When people write up business plans for an actual non-profit
company they include plans for people's salaries, costs of services,
etc. No one would fund a non-profit that did not plan for paying
salaries to people working at the company. So people running a
non-profit get paid. IF they want to hire an illustrator, they should
pay him/her too. Maybe not top rates, but they should offer something
other than dreams of potential future gigs.
Let me ask you
something. Let's say one of this company's toilets clogged and they were
thinking of "hiring" a plumber. Let's say they called a plumber and
asked him or her to fix this toilet for free then if the plumber did a
good job he or she could fix their pipes in the future should the
need arise. How many plumbers do you think would be taking that job?
By working for free you're saying your time is worthless. Is your time
worthless? Aren't you investing a tremendous amount of time and money in
seeking an education in art? I get paid to teach you because you're
paying into the college, right? How long do you think I'd stay at the
school if they said "Hey, teach this class for free and if we like how
it goes we'll maybe pay you for the next one."?
Try this. Go to
a pizza place and tell them you want to try out a whole pizza and if
you like it you'll start buying pizzas from them in the future. See what
they say.
You're a talented, dedicated artist. But every time
you give it away you not only short change yourself, but you short
change every artist that comes after you. Simple as that.
Do what you're comfortable with, but please value your time and abilities. Don't give it away.
Best
,
Mike
***
I'm not sharing this to embarrass anyone, nor do I intend to come off preachy. I'm hoping to do one thing; show fellow artist they are valuable.
Please, don't forget that.
Good luck.
You're frien,
Mike
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