You need money for art supplies, building your website, your marketing efforts, and, well, just to live! One challenge is figuring out where to look for the money you need. But a second challenge is equally pressing: being able to ask for what you need and want. Here are three tips for doing just that!
It isn’t begging, it’s advocating
If you are doing work that you believe in, then it is on your shoulders to advocate for that work. Doesn’t the work you’re attempting need a friend, an advocate, and a spokesperson? To begin with, you must be that person! And what if you don’t quite believe in your own work? Then either believe in it better, do better work, or both! And then advocate for it!
Money is a necessity and not an embarrassment
Just as we may feel shy or embarrassed to give a little speech or ask someone out on a date, we may feel shy or embarrassed about asking for money. Try to get your head around the fact that there is nothing embarrassing about asking for money, that money is a necessity and not some luxury, life incidental, or indulgence!
Asking needn’t make you feel one-down
Just because you are asking for money, you needn’t feel like an orphan asking for more gruel. Work on feeling the equal of the person you are asking for money, because you are! If you feel one-down it is your work to change that feeling and remind yourself that wanting and needing money doesn’t make you weak, obligated, or second-rate!
Hi Eric,
I finally figured out to search for “money” on your site and found your article that I was trying to get from Fine Art America newsletter. So, that’s funny now that I’m typing, search for money… ha! That is what we are also doing… we must first identify the Source, then ask.
I really appreciate what you are saying here about realizing the worth of our work and having the courage to ask for compensation in like worth. If we believe strong enough in what we are doing, as you are saying, it makes courage easier to muster up.
I hope this makes sense. Thank you for giving me something to think about in terms of asking for money. I think I will reread it and soak in the message for me. Have a lovely day.
Mary
The other interesting part of the artist asking for money is that most people believe that art is a luxury… what we are asking for in return, money, is a necessity. So, I see my challenge as an artist is to find the people who believe that art is necessary. Then, it will feel more like an equal exchange. It also will make asking for money from them easier, less guilt on my part. So, here is something I need to go to work on, eliminating guilt.
I also see that what you said about feeling like an orphan asking for more gruel is truly on target for me. Well, your article gives me lots to work on in my interior landscape!