A Creative Business Blog
Written by Dionne White
Let’s be honest here... We creatives can be our own worst critics. Usually that is a bad thing, being too hard on ourselves. But today I challenge you to look at it from a different perspective. When we are honored to create for another person they are putting their trust in us to deliver what they want and also to get what they pay for. It is said that we artists can be temperamental, emotional and our own worst critic. But I believe that there is one case where this can be a good thing. Let’s put ourselves in our clients shoes. You find an artist who can execute skillfully the work you want done, you also like their style. When you meet them and they catch your vision, a connection is made and you are willing to pay the price for it. We will pay for connection. It’s true...when another has something to offer that you need and want you are willing to pay for them and their service. After you come to an agreement on design and price you expect nothing less than honesty and excellence for the work. In the Kingdom we call that integrity. Now you as the artist have the opportunity to create and complete a work with excellence and integrity. From the beginning of the contract, through the co-creation process, to the very end of the business deal of delivery and payment. THIS IS OUR RESPONSIBILITY AS THE ARTIST. If they want to be deceived, shortcutted or taken advantage of they can get that in the world. But as Kingdom Creatives this should never be a part of our practice. The art you produce when you are contracted is the essence of who you are and the kingdom you are carrying within you. It will be a creation of their vision and emotion that you have the honor to co-create with Holy Spirit on to execute. They are trusting you with this as well as getting what they pay for. So how do we go about making sure we are holding up Kingdom Standards in our work and business relationships? It’s easy...I keep myself in check all throughout the co-creation process and when I am finished I ask myself one question. Would I be satisfied with the work I produced if I was the one buying it? The way you answer this will of course depend upon your standards and values. If I say “YES, I LOVE IT and I WOULDN’T CHANGE A THING!” (Without being critical of my current skill level) But being honest with what we agreed upon. Did I complete the artwork according to our agreement? Size, subject, feeling, vision? Is it neat and clean without any possible unintended blemishes? Am I giving them what they paid for? Would I pay for my work, seriously? If I can answer all these questions with a ‘yes’ then I call it done! If I cannot answer all of these questions then I will make it excellent or make it over. I will make it with integrity and kingdom character in mind. Not just money in mind or another sale but character and integrity. We must treat our work and clients how we want to be treated and deliver what we would expect to get, down to the delivery service and a follow up thank you note. I would rather do one commission with excellence and integrity in a month than do five at one time to turn over sales. I will not miss the experience of the process when co-creating with Holy Spirit. This is so precious to me. I want to deliver excellent work and will continue to cultivate business relationships with integrity. IF there is any question about what I produce and how I present it, I will not proceed without fixing my attitude or my work. So you see being self examining or critical of ourselves and our work can be positive when it comes to being a Kingdom Artist. Check your standards and maybe have a “mental Kingdom check list” when going through this process from beginning of the agreement, through creating, to the end of delivery and payment. Would you pay for what you deliver and how you deliver it? Choose to only deliver excellence.