Pay Creative People Their Worth

Hello,

So, I saw something on social media that made my blood boil. It was a post that was shared on Reddit between a tattoo artist (who goes by the name of u/rockpaperpowerfist) and a potential client. This was based in the UK. The potential client sent the tattoo artist a message asking if they were “really” a tattoo artist, and the tattoo artist told the person to check out his FB page. Well, this potential client not only said they were lazy, but also wanted the tattoo artist to “give” them a tattoo. When the tattoo artist said something about cost, the potential client had the TEMERITY to say “you lost me at money!” Not only that, the person said they looked at tattooing as a hobby! (If you want to read the whole exchange, here is the link https://www.boredpanda.com/tattoo-artist-rejects-customer-free-hobby/?utm_source=google&utm_medium=organic&utm_campaign=organic)

First, I read this whole article like

Second, I commend the tattoo artist for entertaining this ridiculous person for this long. If it was me, I would've responded with “K” and they would’ve been blocked, especially after they said, “you lost me at money!”

Third, when I discuss how people play with creatives’ time, THIS IS WHAT I’M TALKING ABOUT!!!!! How dare you inbox someone asking for them to tattoo you for free, and then insult them by saying their career choice is a hobby!!

Sadly, these things happen to creatives all the time! Anyone with a creative background probably has countless stories about people either wanting something for free or pretending like they are going to order something when they want to waste time. Here are a few of the stories:

• A person contacted a patternmaker for a custom garment. After telling everything they wanted on this garment, the patternmaker asked the person what was in their budget, and telling her what she was asking for was going to be expensive, the person said, “why are you asking about money when you are doing this for free?” When the patternmaker said they don’t work for free, the person then said, “Yes you do! You’re a freelancer, which means you do everything for free!”

• A person contacted a pastry chef for a cake for her birthday. Gave the pastry chef a detailed list of everything she wanted on the cake. When the cake was done and the pastry chef contacted her, she wouldn’t answer the phone. The person’s boyfriend told the pastry chef to bring the cake. When the pastry chef brought the cake, the person only had $5 and asked the pastry chef to leave the cake with her, and she would pay her the next day. When the pastry chef told her that was unacceptable, the person had the pastry chef take her to the store to see if any money was on her “Walmart card.” Said Walmart card was a gift card that had no money on it.

• There was a post on FB from a professional hairstylist. A client contacted her because she was in a financial bind. She had $100, but she still had a balance and needed her hair done. She suggested having sex with the hairstylist to pay for the balance, and the hairstylist to not tell the husband about it.

• A person contacted a fashion designer/fashion illustrator for an illustration of her silhouette. She wanted to have it put on a t-shirt. She first contacted the fashion designer/fashion illustrator in 2018 for two sketches at first, but never signed the contract or paid the invoice. The fashion designer/fashion illustrator canceled the invoice. The person called her back explaining her situation. Fashion designer/fashion illustrator tried to work with her. Gave specific dates for the drawing + created another invoice for her to pay (that was in 2019). Years had passed, and after cleaning apps, the fashion illustrator realized the person never paid, so the invoice was canceled again. The person called the fashion designer/fashion illustrator again to explain her situation. This time, the fashion designer/fashion illustrator didn’t even bother to create anything because she knows the person only wants to waste her time.

• A person contacted a fashion designer/fashion illustrator to create a book cover for her. The person gave details of the sketch she wanted for the book cover. Fashion Designer/Fashion Illustrator gave the person a contract and an invoice to pay. The person dared to tell the fashion designer/fashion illustrator that the contract would not be signed and the invoice would not be paid until she sees the work first. Fashion designer/fashion illustrator explained that she doesn’t work like that. After talking to other entrepreneurs, the fashion designer/illustrator decided to take a picture of sketch with a signature all over it. The person loved it at first, but then tried to negotiate the contract and invoice by saying she wanted more renditions. After not signing the contract and not paying the invoice, the fashion designer/fashion illustrator voided everything. The person had the nerve to have an attitude about it.

These are just a few stories of what creatives go through with people. We love what we do, but at the same time, we do not work for free. It is an insult to tell creatives to do the following:

• Give you something for free

• Give you a discount

• Tell us to lower our prices because you can’t afford it

• Play with our time by contacting us for a project, only for you to become ghost when it’s time to pay

For the last time, PAY CREATIVES THEIR WORTH, AND STOP WASTING CREATIVES’ TIME!!!!!!!!

Until Next Time!

Black Art and Black Artists

Hello Everyone,

I watch black documentaries all the time, and because it’s Black History Month, a lot of black movies and documentaries are being shown. Two nights ago, I was watching “Black Art: In the Absence of Light” on HBO Max, and it discussed how there were so many black artists who had not gotten recognition for their work.

https://www.kanopy.com/product/black-art-absence-light

Many artists had not only reflected on their works, but also reflect how some of their works are still unknown. One artist, Faith Ringgold (who I had the pleasure of talking to while in graduate school) discussed her boldness with her artwork, and how she became more of a feminist because of the discrimination she faced from the American public and other well-known black artists. One thing that was said at the beginning of the documentary that is still true to this day is that Black artists have to prove they are artists AND individuals.

This documentary made me think of my career as an artist and a fashion designer/fashion illustrator, and how the discussion and works of Black artists were almost non-existent. I attended a predominately white university with an excellent art department, and I couldn’t help but notice that besides Jean-Michel Basquiat (who I don’t even consider an influential artist, but for some reason, others do), no other black artists and their works were being discussed during lectures. The only reason Basquiat was even discussed was because he worked with Andy Warhol. Luckily, I grew up reading Ebony and Jet Magazine where several articles were written about black artists and their works, as well as watching “Good Times”, where the artworks from Ernie Barnes were routinely shown. When I would bring up different black artists during lecture discussions, the professors and students would look at me as if I was speaking a foreign language. What ticked me off the most was that a lot of black students didn’t even know about black artists. It was even worse in graduate school. Although everyone knew of Andre Leon Talley, no other black artists or fashion designers were discussed. I remember when Stephen Burrows, a world-renowned fashion designer from the 60s and 70s, came to visit and critique our work, I was the only student who knew about him. When it came to my fashion illustrations, I had to change some of the features of my fashion figures and not make them brown-skinned or dark-skinned, basically “white-washing” my figures (I changed some of the features, but I did not change the skin color). Another thing I noticed was that the Caucasian figures were always on display at the school.

As for the documentary, it is a very great documentary, and it shows the works of several artists from different eras. It delves into the creative and political side of black art and black artists, and how in this present day, black artists are still fighting for recognition. As for my career, I’ve been an artist for over 21 years, a fashion designer/fashion illustrator for over 14 years, and a fashion professor for over seven years. I find myself doing a lot of research on different styles of fashion illustration, and I’ve noticed that Caucasian fashion illustrators’ works are always mainstream, except for minority fashion illustrator, Hayden Williams. I honestly feel the reason my work has not gone mainstream is that I’m quick to create black fashion figures. I’ve always felt that black women are the most beautiful and fashionable people in this world, and we are not celebrated enough. I still create original garments and fashion illustrations, and I will continue to do so. I will also continue to celebrate black women, no matter the creative element.

Until Next Time…

Being Creative and an Introvert

Hello Everyone,

It’s been a while since I’ve spoken to you. So lately, some things have transpired regarding being an introvert, social anxiety, and being an artist. There is a singer named Summer Walker, who has hit the music scene with a new album, as well as a tour. Well, the thing about Summer Walker is that she has social anxiety, and she can feel other people’s energy, and she does not want anyone’s energy passed to her. She was on tour, and she had to do a meet & greet (more than likely, the label made her do the meet & greet). Anyway, a fan was upset because she didn’t hug her, didn’t talk to anyone, etc. After the backlash, Summer responded by saying to the fan that she has to protect her energy, and she also let everyone know that whatever you’re feeling, that energy can transfer to her, and she doesn’t want it to mess with her energy. (https://www.hot97.com/news/hot-97-now/summer-walker-addresses-fan-complained-about-her-meet-greet)

When this was first discussed online, people agreed that Summer was wrong for her actions. People were also on Walker’s side about her anxiety. There were many discussions regarding this topic, and it made me think about myself. If you’ve been on my site, you will see that I’m very creative. What many people don’t know is that I’m an introvert. This is very common with creative people. Some of us are sociable, but trust and believe that we are very eager to get in our space and stay there. I have plenty of friends, and I’m active on social media, but in reality, my apartment is my comfort zone.

I sympathize with Summer because I know what it is like to be creative and not wanting to be around people. I remember having a conversation with an older student. She’s more business-oriented, and loves the hustle part of her job. She shared with me that I need to hustle to get my designs out there so I can be a successful designer. I was with her……until she said hustle. I don’t know if you know this, but a lot of creative people do not like the hustle part of their careers. I shared that with her, and she was shocked. She informed me that she went back to school to learn the creative side so she can really put her fashion hustle to use. Although every creative person is different, we all have the same similarities when it comes to being an introvert. I really don’t like networking much because of how much of an introvert I am.

I’m making more of a presence with my work, but I know I also have to put myself out there more. The last part is hard for me. There is a saying that in order to get out of your comfort zone, you have to get really uncomfortable. In my case, the uncomfortable part is actually “hustling” and conversing with people.

Hopefully, things will be better for year 2020. Happy New Year!

Showing Off My Creativity

Hello Everyone!

Here I am with another post of me showing off my creativity. I now have new 2nd job where I’m styling and redecorating rooms. It’s very fun, and very tedious. I’m really trying to get used to it, and I like it. It’s very different. Anyway, I’m still drawing and being creative as usual. I recently created a portrait for my cousin. This is the final product.

She loved it so much that I’m currently working on a second illustration for her. In addition, I have products on my store on Society 6 (https://society6.com/ashleylove). I’ve had this store for some years now, and I haven’t been promoting it like I should. Honestly, that’s where I lack as a creative person. I don’t promote myself like I should.

Anyway, I just wanted to show you my progress so far. Until I speak to you again.
✌

Happy New (Eve and Day)

Hello Everyone!

Happy New Year in advance.  Each new year, we are always talking about what resolution we're going to do.  Whether we stick to it or not, we are always doing something to change, for better or sometimes worse.  I don't know about anyone else, but lately I have been doing a lot of reflecting, and for the first time ever I see that I have really been focusing on other things besides myself.  I used to have so many dreams for myself, and now I haven't even thought of working on those things again.  Well, things are about to change.

Here is my first collection, which is from 2011

I'm still very proud of this collection.  I worked tirelessly sewing, dying, draping, and creating different textures with fabrics to create this different and unique activewear collection.  Creating this collection was the happiest moment in my life.  I showed this collection when I had my first fashion show in Atlanta, during Fashion Week 2012 in NYC, in various other fashion shows throughout the Southeast, and in fashion shows in Dallas.  This one collection (10 looks to be exact) has taken me to a lot of places.  So, what happened?  Why wasn't I creating more collections?  Why was I solely showing this one collection?  Well, life happened.   Things started happening that was out of my control, and now it seems that I have forgotten about myself and my dreams, and instead started focusing on merely existing.

It's nothing for me to do illustrations like the ones shown.  It is my passion to create fashion illustrations, and fashion collections like what's shown.  I need to get back to this.  During this holiday season, I rarely look at or read about Kwanzaa, but I have been reading about it a lot lately.  It really focuses on creativity and empowerment in oneself and in the community.  This is really speaking to me.

So, what's my "new year resolution?" To get back to the creative person I used to be.  To get back to creating something for myself.  To get back to promoting myself and getting my name out there.  To get back to "finding my niche" in my career.  The things I used to do creatively, I'm getting back to that.  I'm getting back to doing collections, fashion illustrations, gaining clientele, and being the creative me.  I will still continue to talk to you all and show what new things I have done.  I will also continue to promote myself on here.

Stay tuned!

Support Creatives

Hello Everyone.  Lately, something has been on my mind.  I've already shared it on my fashion column, and now I'm going to share it with you.  As you can see from my website, I'm a very creative person, and every creative person knows how hard it is to get your work out there, and to gain clientele.  I have been an independent fashion designer for over nine years, and I'm still struggling to gain clientele.  It can be very frustrating, and it is also frustrating when those "potential clients" try to criticize your work.  No matter what creative genre (fashion, art, music, dance, poetry, etc.), for some reason people feel to tear artists down, and feel like we are not worthy of the price of our talents!

http://thyblackman.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/angryblackwoman1.jpg

So, I have some "suggestions" about supporting creatives, and I hope you will listen:

1. Don't Ask for Something If You Cannot Afford It!
   • I cannot stand when someone asks for my services, only to get upset because my prices do not fit within their budget!  When I first started, people would ask for my services, only to get upset because my prices were "too high!"  The mistake I made was lowering my prices to please these individuals.  It took two other fashion designers to tell me to stop doing this because it was only allowing people to get over on me.  These same two designers also gave me some advice, "if you are lowering your prices for these potential clients, then these are not the clients you want."  Now, when someone complains about my prices and says they will buy a product from a "certain" store, I simply tell them to go to that certain store.
   • I recently made a post on my Facebook page of a drawing I had created.  Everyone had given great compliments on the drawing, but one of my "friends" had posted, "you should design my daughter's sweet 16 dress."  Now, I already know this person works minimum wage (or below), so I already know she can't afford my prices, so I simply responded with "I'm expensive."  Not even a minute later, she responds with, "Oh Lord! Well, I guess we'll try Walmart then. LOL"  I was really mad and hurt about this because:
     • Creating a custom dress is not cheap!
     • The person was demanding for me to make this dress instead of asking.
     • With this person saying she will go to Walmart lets me know she was trying to get the dress for free in the first place!
2. Do Not Complain About My Prices If You Can Afford A Designer Item With No Complaints
   • One thing that really bothers me is when someone complains about someone's prices being high, but then turn around and purchase a designer item because of the name!  The reason I am so bothered by this is because I make the exact same thing as that brand, but because I'm an independent fashion designer, you feel that you are not worthy of paying my prices.  This is also a way of you saying that you will never support me or any other creative person out there!
3. Please Do Not Tell Us What We Should Design Simply Because YOU Like It!
   • There is a reason for me saying this.  Any fashion designer knows that no one creates clothing in every design category.  There are certain things we happen to fall in to.  This is something creative people will notice while in school, but where I'm from, people in my hometown do not understand that, and they feel that because you are a fashion designer that you supposed to CREATE EVERYTHING they see on TV and in stores!  People, it doesn't work like that!

I'm saying all of this to say the following:

1. Please support the creative people around you!
   • We need to know that you are here for us, and when we have your support, we can continue to do great things with our talents!
2. Don't tell us what to create in order to benefit you!
   • Please know that although you want to see us make a certain product that's already out, we have our own products that we want to create and sell!
3. Please stop complaining about our prices!
   • If you do not like our prices, you can shop somewhere else that's in your budget!

Thank you for hearing me out. Until Next Time!!