{"id":458,"date":"2014-11-05T13:36:38","date_gmt":"2014-11-05T21:36:38","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.scot.fun\/damentals\/?p=458"},"modified":"2020-09-21T07:37:01","modified_gmt":"2020-09-21T14:37:01","slug":"6-steps-for-hiring-a-creative-artist","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.scot.fun\/damentals\/6-steps-for-hiring-a-creative-artist\/","title":{"rendered":"6 Steps For Hiring A Creative Artist"},"content":{"rendered":"

\"Screen<\/p>\n

Creative work is very rewarding, and working with creatives is very confusing. At least, it can be: I’ve been hired as a graphic designer and performer and I’ve hired illustrators, songwriters, directors and a whole range of specialized others, and I’ve messed up. But as I’ve kept doing it, I’ve messed up less and less, or messed up in ways that aren’t really mess-ups, but really good learning experiences. This guide comes from these experiences and is helpful both for people that have perhaps struggled to work with an artist or for people who are way smarter than me.<\/p>\n

Hiring an artist can be difficult, but of course, it\u2019s worth it. I\u2019ve found it easier to navigate the process by remaining objective and being generous and empathetic.\u00a0 It doesn’t have to be tricky territory — it can actually be fun.<\/p>\n

But Scot, I\u2019ve never hired an artist before. I\u2019m scared.<\/strong><\/p>\n

First, it helps to acknowledge this fear. As with any transaction, there\u2019s risk involved \u2013 especially when hiring an artist, because there are no guarantees. That\u2019s OK. When preparing to spend on creative endeavors, keep this in mind:<\/p>\n

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\"mediocre-art-chart\"<\/div>\n
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Risk management makes mediocre art.<\/h3>\n

Typically with money planning, we\u2019re taught to control our purchasing risks. Good art can be an escape from what I call \u201cfuture-proofing:\u201d spending our money to avoid any potential for a poor outcome (like what we do when we buy insurance). Art embraces the excitement of now; it\u2019s about effect. And boring art is worse than hated art. So let it go.<\/p>\n

To get a sense of how much people want mediocre art, refer to the chart on the left.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

Use money you can afford to lose.<\/strong><\/p>\n

Hopefully you’ve arrived at the place where you know this a gamble, but you understand that you can help your odds for getting something good. You still don\u2019t want an artist\u2019s fee to make or break you.\u00a0Before talking to prospective hires, look over your budget and preset your ultimate spending limit.\u00a0It helps to ask colleagues what they\u2019ve spent when hiring artists for similar jobs.<\/p>\n

Remember that many working artists will want a guarantee of payment, perhaps a 50% deposit up front and 50% upon completion. They may also suggest a pay schedule for longer projects. Have this ready to go before you begin any conversations.<\/p>\n

Now that we\u2019ve faced our knee-jerk fear of hiring an artist, let\u2019s go step-by-step through the hiring and working process.<\/p>\n

STEP 1. TRUST<\/h2>\n

Get comfy with your artist<\/em>.<\/p>\n

\"scot-nery-upside-down\"
\nWithout trust, this is a headache. <\/em><\/p>\n

When hiring an artist, trust is your top priority. You\u2019ll begin building this the minute you start appraising their work. Don\u2019t just look at the quality and how much you like it: imagine or research how much the client for a specific piece was satisfied. Compare their past work to the project you have in mind. Ask others who have hired your artist their opinions of the past work.\u00a0 You must truly believe that your hire can do the job well.<\/p>\n

“Art embraces the excitement of now; it\u2019s about effect. And boring art is worse than hated art. So let it go.”<\/strong><\/em><\/p><\/blockquote>\n

Remember, everyone has weaknesses. Try to identify the weaknesses and figure out if you\u2019ll be able to work through or deal with them. Say you’re hiring a professional performer known for doing great work on cruise ships, but less experienced on a corporate party stage. If you’re entertaining an important group of business people at a convention, this artist may not be ideal for stirring your party out of endless-meeting doldrums.<\/p>\n

Trust also goes both ways, and your artist should also be comfy with you. Little gestures can be very meaningful in building your working relationship. Here are some good ideas:<\/p>\n

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These aren’t meant as incentives for a job well done, but showing signs of real, unconditional love. Regardless of the work outcome, these gestures will go far to make all your future interactions run smoothly, and your artists will collaborate with you better in an environment where they know they’re safe.<\/p>\n

Above all else, do NOT hire an artist you don’t trust to do the job! I don\u2019t care how low his price or how married to your daughter he is.<\/p>\n

STEP 2. COMMUNICATE<\/h2>\n

Form a project plan.<\/em><\/p>\n

Most people have more goals for a project than they initially think. Get them all out in the open before you even start and then prioritize. You can communicate your goals clearly without inciting any tempers.<\/p>\n

Form a contract with a list of clear objectives, and offer constructive constraints. Be sure to cover:<\/p>\n