This fortnight we bring you a powerful topic - How to VALUE yourself as an artist. This topic links into a previous episode on - Why is it so hard to call yourself an artist which was episode 17. Link Below. So for this episode, we are assuming that listeners are at the point of using the “artist” label, and are now wanting to work on their value. 

Laura mentions that when she made the “decision” to run her own art business – that allowed herself to give permission to buying art supplies, carving out time for art and all the lifestyle elements that come with being an artist – catching up with creative friends – is considered networking. Laura proposes that the feelings of “guilt” might surface when creatives and makers are at the hobby level and are not yet at the business level.

Ros talks mentions that if you are having fun or enjoying your work it might not be “seen” as valuable. Which she says is BS by the way!! She states that the key part of valuing yourself as an artist is having a community and connections with other artists and peers. 

Laura brings up how artists can sometimes feel like they are being taken advantage of when they are asked to work for free for exposure. Because the arts in general are undervalued because of societal norms. Laura mentions that mindset work can help in valuing yourself and valuing your time when undertaking creative projects and it is possible to get paid really well for something that you enjoy.Ros talks about the recent project that she is working on with her local council where she has been asked to paint a piano. The contact person is amazing because from the outset they proposed that they will pay her as an artist ethically. She pointed Ros in the direction to NAVA, a Professional membership and advocacy agency for Artists in Australia.

Ros reiterates the value of Art buddies or friends in small business to run things by in terms of being paid well. Laura mentions that if you undertake a project and you are not being paid well you will end up resentful of the project, and if you are not being valued by the customer or the organisation that has asked you to undertake the project then it is not worth doing.

Laura suggests a quick exercise to figure out your base hourly rate and feeling into what feels good to you. Ros talks about how she prices her work and she said she looks inward to see what “feels good” and is a fair price for everybody. Laura talks about what you sign up for when you step into professional practice as an artist – inconsistent income, gig-based economy, you are also signing up for people wanting you to work for free, and on the opposite side people that really value what you do as well. Ros mentions that you are signing up for those emotions on the rollercoaster ride of being an artist.

Ros was so excited to be approached for the opportunity from her local council to paint the piano because she loves music as well. Ros talks about all of the emotions that surfaced in undertaking this process but she was aware that it all comes as a part of the journey and once it was complete she was really happy with the outcome. She mentions that if you accept that the rollercoaster of emotions is a part of the process it will see you in good stead. 

Ros talks about how it takes persistence to be an artist and mentions the saying that “Art is a career for stubborn people”  and going from a different career to full time art you come up against people that don’t value the arts or don’t value small business. There will be people who consider your career choice as a “risk”. Ros talks about when she moved away from primary teaching her Mum not wanting her to give up that position “just in case” because it was “safe” career.  

Ros asks Laura if she had anyone in her life who had those beliefs and Laura shared about how her family has always wanted her to have a “sensible and stable job”. Ros says her strategy is to ignore the nay-sayers.

Laura shares about how she had inner conflict with herself going through art school and then feeling like she never fit into the regular 9-5 workplace but since she has found out more about herself and how she operates and works best in the world the clear it has become that being an artists suits her because she can set her own schedule, she can say yes and no to different projects and she can manage her energy levels better. It doesn't matter what other people say – if this is the right path for you -  just dedicate yourself to it.

Ros talks about forging a career in the arts is a big personal journey. When Ros started to take her art seriously, she mentions it was like a “coming home” - which is a really beautiful way of seeing her practice.  

We had a lovely Podcast review from Sarah McKenzie @sarah.mckenzie.art on Instagram. 

“Thanks again for a great Podcast, can relate to much of what you are saying. Look forward to being more intentional with goals and direction which is easy to go off on whims and tangents, which can be fine but not always aligned with your bigger picture” - Thank you for the kind words Sarah! 

We hope that you enjoy the show! 

Please send us a DM on Instagram to tell us how you found this episode and let us know if you have any ideas for future topics for the show. 

This episode is sponsored by: Laura’s Creative Kick-Start Coaching Sessions. For aspiring artists who are seeking clarity and direction in their Art Biz - To find out more go to: https://laurajaneday.com/creative-coaching 

EPISODE LINKS: 

Episode 17 - Why is it so hard to call yourself an artist: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cLo3bbJo1-4&t=22s

Episode 18 - on Goal Setting - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3JazyaJiLhg&t=2s

NAVA: https://visualarts.net.au/

Sarah McKenzie - https://www.instagram.com/sarah.mckenzie.art/

FIND US AND FOLLOW US ONLINE!

Follow Laura on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/laurajaneday/ 

Follow Ros on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ros.gervay.creative/

And to book a creative kick-start coaching session with Laura or to find out more about her Soul Medicine Painting workshops please visit: https://laurajaneday.com/

For more information about Ros’ membership Art For The Heart as well as in-person painting workshops and other offerings please visit https://www.permissiontopaint.co or to see Ros’ paintings please visit http://www.rosgervaycreative.com

Click here for previous episodes along with links, downloads and other Permission To Paint content

With love & gratitude, 

Ros

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