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February 16, 2017 By James Alley

The amateur and the professional

I recently sent this to a friend inviting me to participate in an “art contest” in which there was no financial incentive but the end result would give an established business a new logo.

I always try to encourage artists to get some sort of pay or reward for their craft when  business is involved. Amateur means “unpaid”. I highly respect the amateur, when it comes to art, I am an amateur. I do the work for the love, if someone buys it it is a bonus but rare. When it comes to commercial art, I’m a professional.

The amateur works for the love of craft, a professional works for money. When an enterprise is receiving craft to decorate a product without handing over pay, I feel this is capitalism exploiting the craftsman. I sound like a commie-pinko-lefty!

I’m believe the arts need to be supported more, especially in Queensland. I’m passionate about this!

Substitute the idea of artists providing free work for a client with a plumber, doctor, psychologist or any other discipline and it become obvious that artists the situation is unusual.

My friend bought up the idea of contests.

Yes, artists pay to exhibit in a contest however for their money they usually receive:

  • promotion of their name within the industry gallery
  • the opportunity to network with industry peers and gatekeepers
  • the possibility of a three tiered financial reward
  • provide an opportunity for sales and exposure to an established sales list

I’m not a huge fan of contests, but feel that they do somewhat empower artists.

And that’s what it comes down to. Empowering or disempowering.

Good to give artists opportunities / better to give them paid opportunities.

Filed Under: Art, Articles, Branding, Community, creativity

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