THE BUSINESS OF CREATIVITY

I’m very grateful for those who still have confidence in what I do, whether it’s music, speaking, teaching, or art. It’s nice when your name comes up in reference to a project or event, and the consensus is that you’ll be a good fit. References are a good thing. However, anyone boasting that I work exclusively for them, that they know what I will or won’t do, with whom I will or won’t work, where I will or won’t go, or that you have to go through them to get to me is... well... let’s just say their pants are on fire. (What gives people the right or authority to speak for others?) 

Years of serving off and on as a caregiver punctuated my work life, and frankly, for the past year or so, I’ve felt as if I’m starting over. Last year was fun and encouraging as it relates to my visual art. I am, however, not under contract to anyone. I’ve been represented quite well from time to time, but I don’t have a manager, or an agent to handle anything I do. It’s quite simple, actually. The phone rings periodically. I’m asked, “Vanessa, can you...?” If I can (and want to), I do. If I can’t, I don’t. What tickles me is hearing, “I would have contacted you but So-and-so said you weren’t available” or “So-and-so said you wouldn’t be interested”, or “So-and-so said you work for them.” 
Huh? 😳
See? That’s why I appreciate people who think for themselves, are candid, truthful, and understand the importance of going directly to the source if you want accurate information.

If I can’t accept an offer, I’ll recommend someone else if asked. A recommendation, by the way, puts two reputations in the line. A recommendation doesn’t, however, mean a guarantee of the cheap/friend deal. Be prepared to do business. Don’t cultivate a reputation of always looking for a hookup. Don’t be mad or bewildered about a person’s integrity when it comes to handling their business. Do you know how you want YOUR employer to treat YOU? Creatives are no different. 

(It’s funny how people are so quick to say, “He/she/it ain’t all that!” when they can’t get something for nothing, or their poor business practices are rejected.)

Maybe my business representation status will change one day, but for now, there are no “people” or channels. I’m not “on lockdown”. There is one person, my daughter, and one organization, RSV, that I’ve declared priorities, and factor into my availability. 

When it comes to my friends who DO have representation (which ensures, among other things, that they’ll be paid fairly, properly, regularly, in full, and on time) I greatly respect them, and fiercely defend the mechanism(s) they have in place to mitigate their business. I will never be the gullible go-between looking for, or facilitating situations that leave working people cheated or shortchanged.

For your consideration:
1. Don’t try to test the strength of the friendships of others by asking what they can get THEIR friends to do for YOU— particularly for little or nothing. 

2. Don’t promise the professional services of your friends to anyone. You don’t have that right. If you’re blessed with a bargain or gift, that’s great, but don’t ever expect your friends to cheapen the value of what they do. 

3. Want to keep your friends? Don’t minimize their work. Respect their livelihoods, time and effort. 

4. Check your entitlement, nerve, and arrogance. Your friend’s profession is neither your plaything, bargaining chip, reputation builder, nor hobby. 
5. Associations are tricky. When the person who invited you to the table is gone, never assume that those who remain will treat you fairly, respectfully, kindly, or graciously. They may be okay with keeping the dish you brought, but have no use for you. They may not care if, or how you’re being served, either. Perhaps it would be prudent if they did (based on what you bring to the table) but they are under no obligation to like, trust, appreciate, or accommodate you. It may be best and wise to excuse yourself—or get busy building your own table.
6. At the first sign of impropriety, speak up. Don’t be complicit in untenable activity. Never hesitate getting to the bottom of anything concerning you, your livelihood, or reputation. Be wary of those who care more about saving face and maintaining or hiding dysfunction, than rectifying pressing concerns and problems.
7. Being nice or respectful is not predicated on knowing who someone is.
8. In the minds of many, the face of your organization IS your organization. Be mindful to whom you delegate authority. Whatever they do will reflect either favorably or poorly on you.
9. Know whether people or organizations want you or your contact list.
10. If you’re working, no matter what your profession, document, document, document. Cover yourself. Receipts can prove to be good friends.