Let's Talk About Money: How Honest Communication Can Reduce Stress for Artists
I can say, with confidence, that as an entrepreneur one of the biggest stressors or causes of anxiety, aside from finding customers and clients on a consistent basis, is chasing them down for the money owed to me for completed work. And because of this, I am always the first to shut down the assumption or conversation that working from home or working for myself is easy. Being my own boss is one of the most difficult (yet incredibly satisfying) ways to earn a living, and I find myself in conversations explaining to folks “what it is I do,” and why it’s not for everyone. Stress and anxiety are a part of everyone’s lives, but the more I can control, the better this pans out for my mental health and creative process.
It’s intrinsic for me to be honest about the work of the self-starter being tough and not being for all types of people. Just like not all of us can become all-star football players, or brain surgeons, not all people have the boundary-setting, cut-throat attitude, willpower, and focus to work one hundred percent for themselves, and that’s ok. But the more we talk about what the challenges are, the more we can come together and build resources and solutions through transparency and open communication.
Time management is the key to working for myself. There is no supervisor reminding me to take a break! It’s important for me that I come to the table incredibly organized and stick to my routine. Planning for which projects to take on and which to say no to is an in-depth process and I need to know the ins and outs of the project (timeline and money included) so that I can schedule it amongst other projects. Part of this organizing also includes me planning which projects I have to turn down because I am only one person, I cannot do it all. When folks don’t pay me when I had initially expected to be paid, then this seriously affects things. Planning income is a part of working for myself because there is no guaranteed payday every two weeks.
A few years ago I was offered a really great project with an organization that I admired greatly. When they explained the opportunity to me, I happily and eagerly agreed. The payment process was outlined right along with the project details. I had everything I needed, not only to accept the gig, but I had all the necessary information to plan my future projects. The rate of pay was substantial and so I was able to decline three other smaller projects. When the project deadline rolled around I was feeling incredible about what I had put together. When this organization didn’t pay me when expected, I felt it. When I had to email to “check in” I felt like I was less than. I no longer felt like I had contributed positively to an amazing project. I felt like a broke, undervalued artist.
A lot has changed since that experience. Most people would say all of this could be alleviated by simply asking to be paid upfront, but this isn’t always a possibility when it comes to writing projects. And although this practice is in place for my business services, it’s not always possible as an individual freelance writer. I have also learned that more often than not, all of this just comes down to communication. But what does good communication look like? I always appreciate it when an organization communicates what the exact process is for the project deliverables and this includes the payment process. Does the organization have an accounting department where invoices have to pass through multiple hands for months before a cheque can be cut? Let the writer know. Is the organization a sole proprietorship where e-transfers can easily be sent? Let the writer know. Whatever the process, when it’s communicated, everyone wins.
What causes the stress for artists?
The biggest source of stress (for me anyway) comes from having to repeatedly ask about payment. It can start to feel degrading, especially when you have to check in more than once. I love it when the organization checks in with ME and updates me when payment is delayed. I feel good, important, I feel respected and valued.
How does this affect our creative practice?
It’s really quite difficult to continue to work on other projects I have on the go when I am in constant fear of not being paid for work done. I personally time and plan which projects I take on and base the projects I say no to on the expected pay date of other projects. It sounds complicated, but if I say yes to a job that pays $5000 and the deadline for completion is May 1st, and payment is expected within that month, I know that I can easily say no to other work because that 5k will be enough. Now, if that organization doesn’t pay or communicate with me and I have said no to other projects … stress levels rise and I can’t create.
I strongly believe in calling in vs calling out. So I would never shame an organization for not being good communicators, but I would definitely give them feedback and let them know that I was impacted and how I was impacted. Then the ball is in their court for improvements. I also track my experience working for certain organizations and I am open and honest about sharing this information with other writers and entrepreneurs.
Communication is the glue for so many things. Writing, freelancing, running your own business … all difficult and challenging feats. But when the valve for communication opens, we can all breathe a bit easier. I am all about mindfulness and taking care of myself. Sharing information like this is a big part of that.
Two ways to work with Breathing Space Creative: