Ever see the movies: The Craft, The Entity, The Serpent and the Rainbow, Witches of Eastwick, Practical Magic, The Exorcist, or The Shining? I will be watching these back to back later this weekend in a marathon binge. In the hopes to pump up my inspiration for an upcoming commission.

I sometimes do this when I am given an incredibly vague direction during a client conference call. They are willing to pay the first 3/4 (up front) commission and give next to no information on what exactly they want. In an hour of talking they meander about the subject matter as if they aren’t really sure what they actually want. And when they believe things are wrapping up, all I get that is concrete is, that they want to look like they are casting a wicked spell, and that it has to look like “one of those old queen paintings in Europe.” (long sigh)… oh boy.

Look, I get it. I can do it. It’s just that I would like a little more direction so I don’t have to spend even more time and possibly charge more money because you might not like the direction I am going.

Being a commission artist is not that much different than being a graphic designer (when dealing with clients). You have clients that are amazing. Those select few that tell you exactly what they want and give you the OK to go hog-wild on everything else. Then you have clients like this. They are cool people and actually want something. But have little to no clue what exactly they want.  Which at times can get drawn out to mind numbing stress. Thankfully it doesn’t happen a lot. This isn’t by far the worst mind you.  There are always the clients from hell that cross your path. They are the hyper critical ones. Obsessive about every detail and every step. Tell you exactly what they want, yes. Then change their mind unexpectedly. Sometimes asking for something completely different after the project is already underway. When things get changed and the project starts again. Usually around halfway through, they want to add even more content. Not to mention changing their mind, yet again. If the whole deal isn’t scrapped by this point, it mostly ends up where they are wanting far more than what they are willing to pay for. Not realizing they have wasted valuable time and money already.

This, is one of many reasons why contracts exist. A legal agreement that protects you from those dreaded few that believe they are entitled to the whole, ‘better-faster-bigger-cheaper’ product. That is like death to and artist. The kind of mentality that drives me absolutely banana pants.

It can make one want to give up the whole process. I had learned this heart-wrenching lesson first hand. Not something I would ever wish on anyone that pours their heart into their work and loves what they create. So, through trial and error, for me, I found that having a go-between (an agent/manager/or Mediary), keeps these kinds of people from trying to take advantage of the service I can provide. Basically keeping the money side of things very black and white.

So, if you are any kind of creative independent that offers a service to the public. Or a select few in the public. Make sure you know how contracts work and protect yourself. Have it legally signed and notarized before you begin devoting your time and passion to the project. If you think it is too much of a hassle. I wish you the best of luck. Because, if you haven’t met the worst of the worst. You most likely will in the future.

That being said, it is quite a huge weight lifted off your shoulders when you don’t really have to worry about the boring crap and just get to dive into the fun stuff every time.

The bonus to all of this, which happens more than I realized when I started. Is that you can create a network of contacts that can grow towards some pretty remarkable places. You might even get to meet people you never thought you would be able to meet.