November 10th, 2014

The Pancakes and Booze show was this past saturday, which I had 3 pieces up. I was quite surprised at how many people and artists were there. A lot of really great pieces and everyone was super nice. While I met awesome people and might get a few projects/shows out of it, it was a bit unfortunate that it cost $15 per piece. So it cost me $45 to be in it, got a beer $5. Yipes! $50 for one night. I don't regret it by any means, but the cost of showing art is common and something I'd like to talk about.

Most juried shows have a fee to submit your work to simply be considered. I've only done this once and they cashed the check later than anticipated, landing me a joyous overdraft fee. To make it better, my pieces weren't chosen. Thus, it cost me over $75 to not be in anything. Woo! Fun times! But starting out you have to do this to an extent. 

Many start ups want local artists for their projects, another awesome way to be involved and get more exposure. Again because you're essentially unkown you're expected to do it for free. Which is understandable from their perspective. I was very excited to be apart of this small puzzle company, they wanted my art for a puzzle series they were going to do. Awesome! I wouldn't get any money for my designs, I would get a puzzle. Ok, bummer, but understandable and still awesome. After numerous phone conversations and emails, all my stuff was in order and they were to send me the prototype. 

Over a month went by, I finally get a call one morning the guy decided to scrap the whole series because too many artists wanted money. He could use stock photos for free and not have to deal with anybody, cut out the middle man, as he said. Evidently only me and one other person were cool just giving away our designs. I was really looking forward to the project, so pretty bummed out, but more that we were considered middle men. I wanted to launch into a rant about capitalism. How he's perpetuating the disassociation of companies in communities versus contributing to strengthening a community. Local bussiness using local artists. 

The point? More to share my experiences on this. Wish I had some enlightening point to make, but I don't. I'm sure 10 years down the line and thousands of dollars pissed away I'll have more of a point. 

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But here's this new piece I'm working. OMG! BLUE FLOERZ!!