Its great exposure… or is it?

A phrase we have all heard time and time again as artists or practitioners.
Working for free in the hopes that one, some day, any day now that the paid work will come along. 

Do not get me wrong, volunteering has been instrumental in my career and something that I could not have done without. I am, where I am now, because of my volunteering.
Luckily enough now I can say, I’ve worked with some of Scotlands leading companies and organisations.
However… I started volunteering at an after school drama class when I was 14 years old alongside the ever brilliant and wonderful Charles Small.  Who’s kindness, creativity and fun was second to none. 

Before I go off on a tangent, which we all know I am guilty for… Getting paid for your work and knowing your worth as an artist is super important especially given the way we are in the industry just now.

This can be a really daunting experience, especially when you are young or emerging or new to the work you are charging for. 
Equity can be a really great thing to join if you can afford the £10 per month, access to rates, what you should be charging for you level of experience etc. 
I found that asking the people who do similar work to you was the best way to go.

 My top tips would be
Tell them your hourly rate from the get go (happy to help you decide what this should be)
Negotiate (day rate/project fee/hourly rate)
Always do your best work and document it

I know, because for years I worked for nothing, or for a coffee and suddenly when I started asking for money - it was an awkward and touchy conversation. If companies are approaching you - that’s amazing and usually a good indicator that they have money or are willing to find it.

My motto now is “If its already on the cv - don’t do it for free”

Money can make us feel all types of ways and I for one have always found it to be a weird conversation, I just want to do work that I am interested in and for communities or people I care about. 
If its a project you really care about or a company you feel will develop your practice then absolutely do it, even for free, for the experience but do not fall into this trap.  Perhaps start a conversation about even covering your expenses, like travel for example.

We cannot barter like we did in the old days - as sad as it is no one wants drama classes in exchange for fixing your car. How I wish this was the case. 
I have a small handful of collaborators or organisations who I now do stuff for - for a coffee or a lunch but equally I am now telling large scale organisations my day rate + travel.

If you are starting out, moving up a level or even just struggling with writing that email - please get in touch and we can do it together. Then we can quickly shut the laptop and make a cup of tea.
It does get easier asking for money, companies need to pay their artists.
You know your worth and you make the work that feels important to make.