My Definition of Value

I have begun looking for freelance fashion design work on Craigslist and some other sites that match up designers with companies offering contract work.  I was prepared to sift through the occasional unreasonable posting seeking a designer to make 20 sample garments in 3 days for free, but I was surprised by the general negative attitude toward the notion that a designer might be primarily interested in a project based upon compensation.  For example here is a posting looking for handbag designers:

"I am looking for designers who are only interested in the job firstly and the money second.  If you're just after cash to make your quote [I think she meant 'quota'] for the week or month, please do not forward me your interest."

Um, yeah that's an actual quote from a website that is specifically designed for connecting freelancers with PAID work.  Where I come from a making a "monthly quota" is defined as "earning a living wage."  This woman owns a boutique and I can only assume she does not just give her merchandise away- so she wants people who solely have an artistic interest in designing bags for her so she can sell them and make a profit for herself? Ridiculous!

This just really got me thinking about how individuals skilled in artistic trades are often looked down upon for wanting paid work.  Just because designing and sewing a garment has been defined as "creative"doesn't mean I'm not making a product that has inherent value, and it especially doesn't mean that my time and hard work have no value either.  My boyfriend is a software engineer- if he were to ever take on side work there is no way in hell anyone would ever expect him to write computer code for his "interest" in it.  There's no reason why creative professionals shouldn't be held to the same standards.

Let me just say that I have full respect for making art for arts sake, but in my opinion that only applies to an individual's personal art.  I sketch, make patterns and work on my own designs for me and obviously I do that work for fun and because I want to.  However, you can't expect people to have the same level of commitment to your project without compensation.  I'm not saying money is everything, but I think when you are skilled in a creative trade, when it's something you worked hard at and paid college tuition for then being compensated indicates that you are being taken seriously as creative professional.  Also, let's face it, positive art vibes are not going to buy baby food or help pay a mortgage- money is a necessity.

I think as artists we need to also do our part.  There are too many creative gigs on Craigslist looking for a photographer "who wants a great learning experience" or a graphic designer "who wants to build their portfolio."  Often these classifieds are from other artists looking for free work from other artists to help with their projects.  If we don't value the work of other creative types, then how can expect other industries to take us seriously? I know you may not have money, so then ask a friend or a family member, or use your skills to barter, but don't expect complete strangers to work for free.  It's time that we too start treating ourselves and our fellow artists more in a more professional manner.  Well at least that's my opinion, if you don't agree I understand, but if you ever help me with my website or model my clothes I will at least insist upon hemming your pants that drag on the floor or altering that blazer of yours with the boxy shoulders...and you'll just have to deal with it.