As an artist, its important to grow something of a thick skin; not everyone is going to love your art, and you can't let that slow you down. Ultimately, you need to create your art for you, and not for anyone else. However, it's also important to distinguish between criticisms of your art, and criticisms of you, as a person.
I love creating art for clients. Almost always, it's a really positive experience: I have a unique opportunity to help peoples' visions become reality. Unfortunately, not all clients are easy to work with, and some seem completely unaware that I'm a real person, with real needs, wants, and feelings.
Some recent experiences inspired this list of pointers, of how to treat other people:
It might seem obvious, but don't swear, or use racial epithets, or derogatory terms. Not only is it offensive, but also it assumes some silly things. The fact that I, personally, do not have an intellectual disability does not mean I'm OK with using the word "retarded." In my classes, I tell my students that that word is off limits. Some people tell me I'm "oversensitive" or want to know what my "problem" is. My "problem" is that my cousin has Downs Syndrome. How we honor our families reflects some profoundly personal choices; please, let's not judge each other.
Don't belittle other people. Recently, I taught a workshop on how to make a banquet table. During the class, two of the students decided that the class was "too slow," and they wanted to make another piece of furniture at the same time. They grabbed a couple of sideboard kits out of our inventory and, without asking, instructed me to help them make sideboards as well. Throughout the class, they joked with each other about how I probably thought they should pay me twice! When the owner of the store, which hosted the workshop, charged them for two classes, they were very angry. Please, appreciate that no one has an obligation to serve you; whether someone is teaching a class, or cleaning your home, they're doing so of their own free will, and we should respect their choice by paying them fairly for their work.
If you place a custom order, but subsequently experience "buyer's remorse", then please let me know.
If you don't like one of my designs, then vote with your wallet by not purchasing it. There's no need to call, or email, me to tell me how horrible it is, or how much all of your friends hate it. Please, realize that I--and all artists--have feelings, too.
When you find out what I do, don't apologize, speculate on how poor I must be, or ask me how I can possibly afford to pay my bills. I'm a big fan of the golden rule; ask yourself, how would I feel if I were on the receiving end? I chose to become an artist not only because I felt so passionate about it, but also because I wanted more freedom to focus my energy on my family and home. If you want to know more about my choices, values, and beliefs, then please feel free to ask me!
Labels: business ethics, editorial note
