Nobody Ever Said It Would Be Easy.
As I’m writing this, I had just completed drafting and sent my first ever Service Agreement Contract. While I was writing out the terms, it really had me thinking about how much I really am not a big fan of monetizing and capitalizing on my hobbies and passions. I’ve said it numerous times that I do what I do for the sole purpose of the art and the fun, and its just an extra cherry on top if I can make a few bucks doing it.
But, at this point after opening my website and showcasing my portfolio, more people have been contacting me regarding shooting photos for their events or booking photoshoots with me. I’ve recently been able to gain some traction where I could start making some money from these hired gigs, but I have been respectfully denying them because I still lack the confidence in my work to feel comfortable to start selling my services. So, I am really stuck in the crossroads where I want to stay true to my artistry or start selling my services for money. For the majority of you that read this, you probably would say that the obvious answer is to take the money. I, on the other hand, am very hesitant about doing that.
“Keep In Mind That I Am An Artist And I’m Sensitive About My Shit.”
To quote the infamous Erykah Badu, “Keep in mind that I am an artist and I’m sensitive about my shit”. This is the epitome of the dilemma I am constantly facing. As much as I can say I don’t care about what people think about my art, deep down inside, I really do care. What I mean by this is that I don’t care what people think of my art that I create for ME and share it, but I DO care so much about any art that anyone commissions me to do. So much so that I get so much into my head that I have such a strong intrusive thought that whatever work I make for a client will NEVER be what they want in the end. This is what stops me from moving on to the next step of trying to further myself in this photography business. I never really believe anyone when they say they enjoy my work because I don’t know if they are just saying that just to be nice or if they are being genuine. I don’t mean to be rude or unappreciative of any compliments that anyone has given me, I am just really stuck in my mental.
After writing this service agreement, I am now more willing to take on paid hired gigs. But, another factor of being hesitant; other than my own self doubt, is how I do not know how I should competitively price my services. I am afraid of overcharging a client for some work where they may not be satisfied with at the end, also I don’t want to undersell myself; which is 90% of the time. These are the challenges that I believe a beginner artist faces. Nobody ever said it would be easy. If it was, everybody would be their own business owner. Until I learn the perfect balance and grow some balls to feel confident in my work and accept that clients choose me to commission work for them, I am just another statistic of being a broke artist.
I want to apologize to any readers that my blog content hasn’t been the best and most creative lately. This creative slump has been a lot longer than I was hoping it to be. I have nobody to blame for that, but myself, because I have just simply been lazy and unmotivated to shoot. After saying all that, I am going to use this blog to hold myself accountable and want to proudly announce that I will be opening up my scheduling book to take on paid gigs. I am currently finalizing my service agreements and will be working on pricing VERY SOON.
I’ll leave you all with a photo that I shot that I feel that is really on brand with today’s post. Until the next one, enjoy.
Oakland, CA. Shot with XT-30II, TTartisan 25mm F/2.