The Rejected Ones

Artists are often asked to make real the vision of another; and for their efforts in this task, the artist should be compensated. Sometimes however, the client/group/organization requests that the artist first create and present a "sketch" or mini-version of the finished product. This is in an effort to determine whether or not to go forward with the design. Herein lies a gray area where many artists are not paid for their services.

In the last few years, I have been recruited by three separate organizations to manifest a logo, brand, or a 'pictorial history' at my own expense. Each time, I learned something valuable that I carried with me into the next opportunity. Eventually, I came to the conclusion that I will no longer provide free renderings.

Artists are routinely asked to offer up "sketches" as though they are free estimates. Architects and graphic designers on the other hand would never be approached by the same client with the expectation of a free idea. Payment shall be received for services rendered.

It's hard to be an artist, and it can be tempting to put in a long night of creative labor when there's a potentially paying job on the line. Maybe you will be awarded the commission, and your free hours will have been worth it. Hopefully then, with your next big break, you will insist that you be compensated for all of the work.

Image 1: Painted in October 2019 for the annual Boo Ball hosted by Leadership Cheyenne Class of 2020. They said no and opted instead for a surfing skeleton.

Image 2: Historic Cheyenne Incorporated requested an image of the Pump House to be used for a public awareness campaign in an effort to aid the ailing structure. HCI instead paid for a graphics design team to create a logo.

Image 3: There are many large painted boots around Cheyenne representing various organizations, and First United Methodist Church put out a call to artists for their own boot. I threw my hat in the ring for consideration and offered a rendering of my interpretation based on the requests from the committee. My work was not chosen. Oh well. Lesson learned!