Culture | November 08, 2007 | 4 comments

Self employed artist = Ba'roke ?!

source: http://myspace.com/for_the_love_of_art

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xghostworldx
Early 20's, a freelance artist, Living in a big city. Sounds like a great life as a young adult. But why on my 23rd birthday did i discover multiple white hairs growing out of my head, and why has my eye been twitching for over two weeks?!

Being a freelance makeup artist has its rewards. I get to meet a lot of interesting people, I get to create, I get to do what I do best. So why is it that at the end of each month I find myself stressing out? I have worked so hard since I was 12, and I just want to know when it will get a little easier. I'm not sure it will! Thats a part of life, and I'm learning how to deal with that realization. I am trying to figure out ways of finding my piece, while not stressing out over the fact that everyone wants a great makeup artist for free.

Why is it so difficult for people to pay for a crucial part of a photograph, or a shoot?! Or for any freelance artist in general. Why is it so difficult to find the jobs that are not only creative, but are held by people who know the value of putting a budget together for the artist?!

So why not just do this on the side, and get a real corporate job, you ask?
This is all I know, being an artist is all I can do and live with.

So this journey is a tough and exciting one. I am still trying to figure out how to not overwhelm myself with the stresses of every day life, and create, and make a living off of it.

Is it possible for me? I'm not sure yet, but I'm giving it a fighting chance


Gloria
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4 comments // Self employed artist = Ba'roke ?!

  • Crank_Design
  • xghostworldx
  • Crank_Design
    • 0
      Crank_Design  

    • I'm a freelancer and have a lot of the same issues...if they aren't going to pay you walk, really. The clients you end up getting define your portfolio. Better clients won't blink an eye at a market rate. And the work is better and more creative.

      AND contracts!!! Get your own contract! I can point you in a few directions if you're interested.

      Basically, you're worth the money. If anyone tries to tell you you're not, just keep walking. If you don't stand up for yourself, no one will (I say this from years of freelance experience). Could you imagine going to the grocery store and demanding free groceries?

    • 4 years ago
  • FryFlux
    • 0
      FryFlux  

    • Many of my friends have switched to a freelance career and I agree it has to be tough. I envy the projects they get to work on, but I also worry about them not having affordable health insurance. This will obviously influence how I vote in 08.

      As for freelancers not getting paid for quality work, it always seems to be a bit of give and take. When I have a full paid shoot I call the people I have worked with before and pay them right. On the other hand when I have a no budget personal project, I come to the same people asking for favors.

      Good luck out there and thanks for living the freelance life the rest of us.

    • 4 years ago
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