for Blogtober Day 9
Here’s a painting I did last year of a cup of hot chocolate. It’s very different to my usual style, but then again, I’m not sure if I have a “usual style”. When I paint the birds, that is for a specific reason (an illustration for identification purposes that fit into a round circle) so I have parameters to work to. When I paint other subjects, I find it more difficult to know where I am going with a painting.
This is from a magazine, and I like how it turned out, but I can’t help wondering what the point of it is. I paint the birds as they have a purpose: they will end up in the birdwatching logbooks, but I’m not interested in making prints as I don’t have a retail market for my artwork, nor do I want the hassle of running a shop.
I’m having this conversation with myself as I’ve been asked to illustrate an information board about a nature reserve, but, apparently there is no money available to pay me. Part of me (99%) is absolutely against the idea as I don’t believe in working for nothing, unless I am working for myself ie building my portfolio. It is a very small project, however, with no budget, so favours are being called in and nobody will be getting any remuneration as I understand it. I do also know the person who’s approached me, and the idea is a very low-key affair which is currently in the very early stages. As it would be my first stand-alone illustration project, and about wildlife – which is obviously in my wheelhouse – I confess I am tempted. It would be completely no pressure and perhaps that would be useful if I want to start getting more illustration work, as the birds are extremely niche. I also feel a sense of FOMO at the thought of someone else getting the opportunity to illustrate this board as I know I can do it.
So, there is a Blogtober dilemma. Maybe I’ll go and have some hot chocolate and think a little more about the idea.
Firstly: yes, I did poke the screen of my phone expecting my finger to plunge into the froth of that hot chocolate. It looks amazing. It’s a dangerous painting because I am sure people will try to lick it if you hang it anywhere.
Secondly: I connected so much with this dilemma. I agree that doing work for nothing is difficult. I usually say no because I do feel that artists should and need to be compensated for their work.
However, I will say yes to free work if:
1. It is for a good cause
2. I have the space/energy/ income to allow me to do it and I won’t burnout (I am terrible at figuring out this one)
3. It will give me something else – for example I will really enjoy it, or it will work a platform for further, paid work (hopefully both of them).
Doesn’t make it any easier to decide though!
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