Artist Know Your Worth

So how's work going?

So a little while back I applied for a teaching position and I passed all of the interviews and tests. I even passed the sales pitch. For the most part I really liked the way that things were going. To be honest this seemed like a really fun job.

Then after all of the interviews and tests I was asked to come in for another in person interview. This time I would be briefed about the companies products and observe live demos.

Everything was looking up. Plus It just so happens they were having a soft opening for their new shop at the same time.

So I went in early on a Saturday and I learned about their company products, and just general services that took place in the shop.

Then the crowds came and that's where I really shined. I taught, I showcased my talent and guided a student with her illustration.

I was praised for my work, told how much they liked me and what I'd done. Then I was asked to give my info and availability and at that point I thought I was set.

I waited and heard back in a day. Over the phone I was told again how much they enjoyed working with me, and that they really liked my artwork, and they how easily I got along with children. It was basically a perfect fit. This excited me so much. Not to mention at the time I was making cinnamon pancakes for my daughter. She was testing and needed all of her strength.

But anyway, the conversation went from great and turned into something else entirely. I was caught off guard when asked what was my asking price. I remembered the ad listing $18 to $20 hourly for teaching art to students. Which isn't bad at all as a part time gig between freelancing projects.

So my response reflected the job ad.

Then things took an even more unexpected turn.

Instead of the normal, awesome that's great, when can you start, based on all of my assessments, I got well this other guy said he could work for 11 bucks.

For $11?

Now I know we as artists have a line we won't cross. But when a listing says one thing, and an employer expects value for pennies, I have a problem with that.

For one, it's retail, co partnered with teaching. You have to market and sale products to families, plus teach a varied amount of children throughout the day. Which can fluctuate given the offset of sale trends on any given day and foot traffic.

Now $11 isn't bad, but artists and other creatives carry a certain amount of weight under their belts as they progress, and I think that it should be expected for that given aspect to be taken into consideration. But more so, if the job listing is beyond the scope of what the employer is expecting to pay a potential employee then I think they should be upfront about it. Not pretend that the job pays something that it doesn't.

When stuff like this happens we as artists need to take a step back and evaluate the significance of this core problem. We need to think about what this employer is asking for us to do? The full scope of the position and honestly ask ourselves are we going to buy into what the employer is selling just for the sake of having a job?

Think about your choices. Don't ever feel like you don't have options as an artist, because you do.

For instance ask these questions:

1.Who decides what we are worth in the market?

2.Who decides our value as artists, creatives or as people in general?

3.What are the red flags? What signs do I need to know in order to not sell myself short?

4.When we give up our power to someone else how can that impact our goals?

5. Do you know yourself good enough that you can elevate your own situation?

In my case, I was job hunting between consulting and art projects. I saw a nice looking opportunity that didn't quite pan out the way I expected, but I didn't let that get me down. The employer said they would contact me back, and about three days later, I was told how wonderful it was to work with me, how talented I am. Then I got a big automated, unfortunately all positions have been filled at this time, we will keep your resume/ application on file.

I've heard this explanation before, being a shoo-in for a job then having it bite me, so I'm use to it. So much so that those types of auto-responders carry no weight for me anymore. I know who I am and what I want to bring to the world and that is what matters most.

I have to say that a few days after that I checked through some job search engines again and I saw the same position pop up. Apparently they are hiring again and this time they say compensation is negotiable.

Thanks for reading!

~Lovietta