When I got the call for this one, to draw 20 people for a retirement gift, my schedule was already loaded. Then once I heard the sad sad story...we don't have much of a budget...I tag teamed my good friend Jerry Bowyer... knowing that he 1) would probably ask too little and underestimate his time, 2) agree to an unreasonable deadline and 3) the client would not know how to count and would unexpectedly throw in more bodies...and that despite all that he would 5) do a fantastic job, preserving both our reputations, his because he always delivers what he promises and mine because I recommended him. For this disservice in ducking the pie, which hit him squarely in his cheeky grin, I humbly beg his pardon, and can only point out that he did not ask me for my opinion on pricing this, and that it was a most excellent learning experience along with getting a great portfolio piece.
Whether unfortunately or divinely directed - what comes around goes around, I accepted a job the next day of 9 graduation caricatures. (Also a most excellent idea) After a half dozen revisions, an all nighter and a desperate dash to Fed Ex begging them to unlock the door Jerry and I were even...probably both earning .25 cents/hour for our labor, and having the shipping expense more than what we quoted for the product. But hey, I've got some great portfolio pieces, maybe a new client, who may be surprised at my next quote. I will learn, I will learn, I will learn...
Being a card carrying member of AARP, I'm told it's about time I started to save for retirement...but do artists EVER retire -and if they do, do they kick the bucket a la al Hirschfeld and Charles Schultz (retired dec 14, 1999, died Feb 12, 2000) My own little personal observation...a very sobering thought indeed, and something to ponder upon - soooo my philosophy is to be grateful for anything I get, and whatever it takes (or gives) just keep drawing...
No comments:
Post a Comment