Let's clear up a few details so there is no confusion: I have a job.
More specifically I have a business. Technically, I've had a business for nearly a decade. Of course, because my business involves creating art people assume it is simply a hobby.
- Watch me
Which brings me here.
I'm angry about being judged and am tired of defending my life to well-meaning loving people, well-meaning ignorant people and a few not so well-meaning haters.
In talking to people about this I've discovered something interesting - people have no idea what I - or most successful artists - actually do. So in as few words as possible, let me tell you about my business.
I am an award-winning, fine artist creating original oil paintings, custom murals, private commissions and fine art prints with Americana and vintage themes. I travel across the country profitably selling my art at juried art shows where it has been recognized and rewarded by knowledgable experts.
I hang my artwork at well established professional galleries. I teach painting classes, art camps and mentor other painters.
I have an audience that will buy my art because it is original, authentic and well-done. I am talented.
And for the first time in my life I am fully committed to my Vision.
I've decided to write about this because my partner, friend and lover pointed out that I sound like I'm apologizing when I talk about my business. That when confronted with the "When are you going to get a job?" comment there is a hint of embarrassment and shame in my response.
And he is right. I've been trained.
In talking to other friends that have a business that revolves around creating something called "art" and reading blogs and essays I've discovered I'm not alone.
Here is the irony.
If I spend my day selling cars at a dealership most people would say, "Chrissy? She has a job selling cars." If I spend my day cleaning houses they might say, "She is a housecleaner." If I left my studio, drove to a customer's house and painted the siding I would have a job as a housepainter. If I spent my day at home coding medical records people would consider that a job.
Apparently, if I was employed at Menard's making minimum wage that is a job too.
But because I work fifty to sixty hours per week on my business creating something at home called "art" it isn't considered a job.
The truth is there is an established, recognized market for my paintings. It is simply a question of finding the right mix and taking the actions to support my business. I manage my accounting, pay taxes, market and promote my artwork, network with other art professionals, enter into juried art shows, enter into competitions, work with professional well established art galleries and give art lessons.
- 2012 Stevens Point Festival of Arts where I was given an "Award of Excellence" for my body of work.
I find the double standard confusing at times.
How this plays out for people is different for different people.
Let me give you a couple examples of how this actually plays out in my life.
Among other failings, my ex-dear husband is a failure as a business owner. For nearly, three years he has forced me and my children into difficult financial situations, ran up my credit cards, ruined my excellent credit rating and avoided any real work.
Oh, and he is also a painter except his "canvas" is the inside and outside of houses. He is a housepainter.
Last week, during court, the judge suggested I get a "real job." Apparently, the judge did not consider being a mother and raising our children a real job. I painted when time allowed, ran art camps and traveled 8 to 9 weekends per year for my business.
However, the judge never confronted my ex about his unwillingness and inability to support his family with his job. He never suggested, "Sir, perhaps you need to get a real job because it is obvious what you are doing is not working." The judge never called him out even though as the family's breadwinner he wasn't winning or bringing home the bread.
My ex's lawyer mocked my profession.
As I sat in the witness stand she said, "being an artist was nothing but a pipe dream," and that I "would never be successful". She then compared what I do to selling "pink fuzzy bunnies".
Of course, it was pointed out to me by my partner that there are some incredibly successful companies that made a business out of selling fuzzy animals including Amazon, Webkinz and Vermont Bear Company.
- I have nearly 320 hours in this painting and worked on it over a year.
However, more to the point, this isn't the first slap in the face I received as business owner and painter.
Really the insults began while my boys were just starting school. I can't count how many times I have been asked to come and volunteer my time or my donate my art to a fundraiser.
Just because I work from home in my studio. Would they ask another parent to come in as often if they worked under someone else's roof? Would they ask a dealership to simply donate a car?
My business is no different than pedaling cars, insurance, bicycles or dish washers. The only real difference is that I am making it myself instead of in some plant in China or bank on Wall St.
Some people collect cars, tools, electronics, music, stuffed pink bunnies or Star Wars action figures.
Other people collect art.
What I've discovered is that people want and do collect my art.
To all the well-meaning people that love me, if you really want to be helpful, think about how you can make my business more successful through referrals to art collectors, interior decorators and gallery owners. When a friend is talking about painting a room, doing a mural or having a portrait completed give them my name and email me an introduction.
For the well-meaning but ignorant people stop by my studio or visit me at an art show and learn more about what I do. I love talking about my business and my Vision.
For the haters? Well, haters are gonna hate. I'll ignore them and just focus on living well.
Comments
I loved your post! This past weekend I met with a group of artist friends for our monthly meeting. One of our routines is to share something that we have worked on since the group last met. The group members are very supportive and encouraging and genuinely interested in each others work ( one of the reasons I travel to be with them:) ) Anyway, as I sat there,it was very apparent that each person began their presentation with some sort of self deprecating comment..."This isn't much, but...", or "I didn't know what else to bring...do you really like it?"... So I shared with the group how it took me years to answer the question, "What do you do?" with "I am an artist." -- sometimes I will even say, "I am an artist, who teaches part time",,,but still we need to shout it out "I am an ARTIST!" - even to ourselves:) --- Thank goodness for our great supporters and advocates, like your partner and my husband. they see us for who we are and embrace that:)
Your welcome, Christine...good luck to you!
Thank you Jan! Love your comments!
"knowing that when I die I will look back on my life and can say that I took a chance to do what my soul was calling out for for 20 years"
Thank you!
I see what you are saying when you just want people to understand how much work that goes into doing art as a living and how we are professionals and "I wish they would just get it". Coming from a background of working as a support help in a major auto company for 20 years and doing art fairs on weekends, I had the experience of actually feeling like I was treated as more of a professional in my art fairs. The monotonous drudgery of inputting requisitions and doing whatever the "higher ups" felt they needed while working inside a grey cubicle would make any creative person "go nuts". One day I just said "goodbye" without an early retirement and having only 4 small art fairs in that year to live on that year. So my experience in art fairs is wonderful. From the people asking "do you make all of this" is a compliment to me, to counting my many times thousands of dollars after a show, to laughing with the rain coming down on my niece and me while we tried to hold up a booth made of PVC pipe (my first booth) and knowing that when I die I will look back on my life and can say that I took a chance to do what my soul was calling out for for 20 years. I am following my path, and if someone says to me that this isn't really a job, who cares? I am happy and smile to myself when I know I can make a living and live in a nice house in Royal Oak, MI, get up at 10 am and travel 10 feet to my nice studio in my garage. I love my life, and you can just smile to yourself when you know that you are living your dream, and that is the best there is.
Nicely said. The actual worst part of this business is the amount of time stolen from the creation of the art. But, we all know that.
Thanks everyone for the thoughtful comments!
Well, several years ago when I opened my studio/gallery I named it "working"gallery/studio...for most of the reasons you mention, Christine. 7 Other artists rented space from me and we did shows in our old store front windows. The building was sold 2 years ago and that all ended but I still use "working" as my DBA. Unfortunately, due to my husband's business not doing well these last few years I also work 2 other part time jobs....but I know that I will never stop working, creating, exhibiting and growing as an artist...it is who I am.
And ain't that the truth. Re the volunteer work, I've gotten three requests in one day, including requests from out of state! The issue of charity requests and how to respond to them is a perennial topic among my peers, and a current hot topic on LinkedIn among event planners, producers and associated venders. I thought I had it bad until a heard from a caterer! A dear friend of mine is an award wining clown, (multiple awards, US and Canada) and among her peers is extremely respected, among the general public, she gets about the same response as you did. Over the years, it has gotten harder and much more complicated to run a small business, and the general public simply doesn't experience the trials and responsibilities associated with running a small business, and certainly not a business related to the creative arts. I wish you well. Cheers!
OMG do you know how timely this is considering I just came from my dentist and his assistant was remarking about "how much fun" it must be to pull up and play all weekend during a show. I said, really???? 4-6 hours set-up, get into booth asap in the morning because as soon as doors are open customers are going to be there shopping regardless, hit the pavement running, show supposedly shuts down at night, wait until the building is truly secured, go back to motorhome, paperwork, prep more product if needed, crash and burn and start all over again...it was all I could do to not start scream laughing hysterically except I had a mouthful of the dentist's hands...
Yes, Thank you Connie! Well said.
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