Why artists have "real jobs"
/Yes, real jobs. If you are an artist, you have been asked variations on the theme:
- What is your real job?
- Why don't you get a real job?
- If you had a real job, you would have benefits and a secure income.
While some or all of these may be true, depending upon the time and circumstance, many of us have a real job. It is art, and it is full time. No, most of us don't make a lot of money and we continually walk the tight rope. Things that others take for granted (those elusive benefits, which are getting harder to come by for everyone) are often such a remote idea that they are the last of considerations. If you are an artist, you are because you can't help it and because, frankly, you love creating.
So... that brings us to the following, and it is a point well taken. While some still consider art a hobby with little or no value, it is a very real occupation. It pays the bills, just as any other job does. We are often asked, as artists, to provide our work at no charge. While it would be wonderful to be in the position to be able to freely donate services, there are those pesky bills to pay. For all creative types, the following is a humorous but very true example of a "real job" and the rights and responsibilities that accompany it.
Architects don't give away their blueprints. Diners don't fork out free meals. Personal Trainers don't sign over their intellectual property on spec. This video pokes fun at the speculative creative bidding process in new business pitches. We believe there's a better way for agencies and clients to find the perfect match.
