Artists/creatives: what are some scenarios when working for "exposure" is more valuable than actual pay?
Like most artists, I've been asked to provide full-value work for no pay, but for the promise of priceless exposure. In almost every situation, this is a bad deal for the artist. But I'm sure there are times when the value of getting your name out there is actually worth it. What is your experience?
Answers ( 2 )
As an entertainer you learn quickly that free shows for charity events frequently get you offers for more shows - performed free for another charitable event.
But some cases do actually exist.
In rare circumstances you might be able to get actual exposure - an interview in print or on local television or being prominently featured in advertising for the event. This is something you'll have to negotiate for and get in writing, as the organizers care primarily about bringing attention to their cause and generating funds for it.
For me, it has been free work that I have decided to donate that paid off in various ways, not for people scavenging for handouts.
As a magician, donating a show to your child's Cub Scouts or Girl Scouts event may land you some birthday party shows.
As a visual artist, some juried contests that include your work in art shows have cash prizes and offer the displayed work for sale. These need to have a track record of pieces which have shown there actually having sold in the past, otherwise you're gambling on the whims of judges.
You may be able to find a restaurant that sells the work of local artists which is hanging on their walls. This is a consignment sale with a large share of the price going to you, so you are providing free decor for the opportunity to make a sale.
As a high school art teacher who had recently moved to a new area, I created and donated a rather dramatic chair for a "chair-ity auction" supporting a great cause. My chair sold instantly in the silent auction since someone quickly shelled out the "Buy it now" price. I was able to support the charity for only the cost of materials as well as generating good will for myself and the school within the community. Anything that makes your school/district administrators happy is good for you career-wise.
I also taught several students how to face paint people for a zombie walk that was held as a fundraiser for a local historic theater. I was interviewed on the local TV news and for the newspaper. Our $5 (basic), $10 (advanced) and $15 (3D skin) fees raised $760 for our art club treasury and generated more good will for myself and my school.
I have no personal experience (I'm a physicist, not an artist) but my daughter is a painter and a felter, and she celebrates every time she gets invited to show her stuff in a gallery or (better yet) an art museum for free. In art, your reputation is what sells your work, and "word of mouth" is very hierarchical. First the curators decide your work is worthy to be in a show, then the connoisseurs come & look and offer their opinions, then a gallery "picks you up" and then customers buy your work to take home. The gallery gets half. So if you are a master of art criticism, go buy some prodigy's early work at a sale in the park and then hold onto it until they become famous. Or you could play poker, or the stock market. If you're an artist, just be very, very good.