The Business of Creativity

Lisa just commented on one of my posts and I just had to comment on it.

I don't have a business for my art.
I give it all away to family/friends/anyone who'll take it. My other artist friends give their creations away as well.
Just never thought anyone would give a "plug nickle" for anything I paint or sketch.

This is so common and the very root of why there is a term "starving artist" out there. Society often doesn't value our work but we don't either. Every time you give away your work you are actually de-valuing it.

You have to be paid.

No, this is not selling out. It is reality. The reality is that your talents and the years and effort you have taken to hone them are worth something but, no one else will believe that until you do.

Start thinking of yourself as a true professional. You have spent as much, if not more, time honing your skills as a doctor or lawyer or architect has spent. You would never assume they would give their services away. So, why should you give yours away?