I am rather frustrated and upset at the moment. As well as it happening a LOT to me recently, I am hearing of many other artists failing to be paid by clients on the day they have agreed to pay, often weeks or even months late, after many promises they will pay on the next day, and the day after that, etc etc. We all try to be patient, and understanding, but it is simply not fair. All artists suffering from this, myself included, offer a deposit system. The client pays a deposit before the start of the portrait (security for the artist) and the rest is paid once the client has seen the portrait and has approved it (not having to pay in full before the client has seen any work means there is security for the client too). Many artists actually do require payment in full before even lifting a pastel, pencil or paintbrush. I choose not to do this, but it is becoming tempting. I personally dont understand why this happens, because if an item is purchased, or ordered, you would expect the buyer to have the funds ready for the item, and set aside. Not everyone can afford luxury items like artwork without having to save up, but then if you intend to go ahead and order some artwork, then you must go ahead and save up for it first. Life is difficult and money is a worry for most people, however, that includes us artists!! What I dont think many people realise, is that this is our job. We draw/paint for money, and that money pays for our food, our bills, our rent, all the necessities. If we dont get paid when we are told we will be paid, we then may not be able to pay for important things. We may not be able to eat next week. A client may say they didnt pay on the day agreed, because they had an unexpected bill and would like to wait a month. In fact, a lot of the time its because theyve paid for another luxury item. I understand thats stressful, as I get unexpected bills too! But what if I said I needed to be paid DOUBLE the amount, because my car broke down and I needed to pay for repairs? That would be ridiculous! What do I do if that happens? I take on more work. I work through the night (I work through a few nights a week already). I work 7 days a week. I earn the money to pay for it. I do not ask for a compromise with my client because it is nothing to do with them. More often than not, though, the client simply does not pay, and afterwards the artist will ask about it, and the client says I forgot. What would happen if you forgot to pay for your food at the supermarket? For a pair of jeans? A car? Your rent?
Posted on: Sun, 16 Nov 2014 16:52:18 +0000
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