A friend of mine shared a link the other day to a page called UPG Artists. They were giving this shirt away for Free +S&H to show appreciation for the arts. And I kind of like it.
Every Photographer, Makeup Artist, Artist, Hairstylist etc has had to go through at least one awkward conversation where someone has requested something for nothing, and it's even worse when it's a friend.
I must say, for the most part, I have been one of the lucky ones - at least these days. When I was first starting out all of my friends would request that I do their hair and makeup to go out - which meant I often ended up running out the door with my hair in a pony tail, and just a quick coat of eye liner and mascara, since I spent most of the "getting ready" time on my friends. And I didn't mind so much then, I do love what I do - it was just a little frustrating when I never had time for myself. But these days, it's not like that anymore.
Maybe it's the fact that it's not just me being good at makeup any more - but that I'm a certified makeup artist, have a business licence, a registered trade name, a business account, and company bank cards, the requests for free makeup have have stopped for the most part. Now and then there is a favour asked - which is totally fine, I've asked favours too, but for the most part, my friends all respect that what I do is a learned skill, it's taken schooling, and practice, and a multitude of products to get me where I am now, and my friends respect that I'm a pro - and pro's charge. And my friends pay if they want to hire me.
Ashton is probably the best example of this. Ashton is one of my best friends, and in the Spring of 2013 I will be standing beside her at her wedding, but even though we are so close, Ashton has never asked for me to work for free - and I really appreciate that. Over the years I have done her hair and makeup for weddings, Christmas parties, Halloween costumes, and just going out to look a little extra special, and she pays me every time, unless I ask her if I can do it. I do do that now and then - I love doing makeup, and sometimes I just feel like playing a little bit, trying out a new color, - and Ashton is always more than willing to let me use her as my canvas. She even payed me for makeup lessons so she could absorb some of my skill and learn a few tricks.
I really appreciate that Ashton respects that what I do is a profession, and one that requires professional skill, and that she would never undervalue my talent by asking me to do it for free. And it's not just Ashton, I have had several friends ask me how much I charge for makeup lessons - rather than just asking if I would show them a technique, and I'm so thankful that I have friends that respect my work like that.
Last year I placed an add on Kijiji just to try to get a little more exposure from other sources - which is when I discovered the "Kijiji Brides". I received lots of inquires, and then once I told them my prices, I got questioning, haggling, and arguing. I'm not denying that weddings are expensive - I've been through one, I know, but if you want professional services, you have to pay professional prices. Nothing is more insulting than a Kijiji Bride telling you that you are too expensive, and having them ask you to lower your price.
You inquired with me because you want a professional, you looked at my work, and you liked it - you want professional service, professional products, and a professional job for your big day - but you don't want to pay me what a professional is worth? No thank you, you can have your sister do your makeup instead.
Have you ever tried to haggle the price at a restaurant? Ever argued with a sales clerk about a retail price on a dress? Asked for a discount on groceries? Probably not. Everyday consumers are faced with price tags, and the decision typically comes down to "can I afford it or not?". If you don't have the budget for it, you move on - but when it comes to the art, or service world, people suddenly think there is wiggle room in the price.
I am running a business like any other - I have bills to pay too. Just going through the registration fees, and business licence fees cost me $500+, and that doesn't include my accounting software, my website domain fees, my marketing, the furniture for my studio and all of my products and supplies - it adds up. There is a reason I charge for my services - I am a professional, and this is a business.
No comments:
Post a Comment