Is working for “good exposure” really worth it?

On one hand, you want your art business to grow and your name to be recognized. But on the other hand, you shrink at the thought of being taken advantage of. People in other professions get paid for their time and work, right?

In the end, it really boils down to what you can make of the situation and what you are really gaining from it. Here are a few things to keep in mind when taking on “good exposure” gigs for your art.

 

Think About the Hidden Perks

Before you turn your back on the opportunity, brainstorm a bit about what benefits you might be able to get out of the situation other than money, suggests The Working Artist Crista Cloutier.

Think of if this opportunity does one or all of the following:

 

Elevates your networking game 

Accepting unpaid work could indeed give you the opportunity to rub elbows with industry influencers. And, yes, exposure CAN open doors to future paid gigs and connect you with collaborators. But, be sure to think about the event or project's relevance to your artistic journey. Are the attendees or organizers individuals you admire or see as key players? Will the event attract an audience likely to appreciate and support your work?

Make the most of these opportunities by preparing in advance. Have a clear and concise way to describe your work and your artistic goals. Bring business cards or promotional materials that direct people to your online portfolio. If the situation allows, showcasing a piece of your work can serve as a conversation starter and a memorable way to introduce your art.

 

Supports a Cause You Believe In

Maybe you're taking on an unpaid job because it truly aligns with your personal interests or artistic vision. You might not be worried about compensation because the work itself is deeply fulfilling. his deep connection to your work can result in more powerful, authentic pieces that capture your unique voice and philosophy.

For example, maybe you’re a photographer who volunteers to take charming, personality-filled photos of animals at a local humane society so they have a better chance of getting adopted. Or perhaps you’re an artist who donates a painting to a well-known charity like the American Red Cross for a silent auction. These contributions enhance your portfolio with meaningful work and demonstrate your dedication to causes that matter to you.

 

Enriches your portfolio 

What if you have always wanted to experiment with a different medium, and someone offers you an opportunity to do so?

If you're a skilled oil painter looking to explore different avenues of painting, and you get the chance to work on a small-scale mural, the experience of working in a public or larger format can be incredibly valuable. Even if the gig doesn’t offer financial compensation, it could provide you with hands-on experience in a new medium and expose your work to new audiences and potential clients who are interested in this type of art. 

This work can then be added to your portfolio. Including diverse works in your portfolio also showcases your adaptability and eagerness to learn—traits highly valued by galleries, curators, and clients. If chosen well, accepting the right unpaid projects can lead to meaningful professional development.

 

When added to the equation, perks like these make the possibility of “good exposure” a bit more enticing. Think about the current goals of your art business and if these benefits will help you meet them.

Then, think about some of the drawbacks 

It's equally important to weigh the potential downsides of working for free. While the prospect of exposure and networking promises growth and opportunities, you also must remain cognizant of the drawbacks. Navigating the fine line between leveraging unpaid work for future gains and recognizing its limitations is key to making an informed decision. 

 

Being Undervalued as an Artist 

Regularly accepting unpaid work risks setting a precedent that your time and skills aren't worth compensating. This can affect not just your own career but potentially instill a norm that impacts all artists. It's hard enough to be an artist as it is, but when the value of your work is diminished through a culture of unpaid labor, it becomes even more challenging to sustain a fulfilling and viable art career—not to mention it further perpetuates the "starving artist" stereotype. 

 

Lack of Financial Sustainability 

While passion fuels your art, financial sustainability propels your career. Saying "yes" to every unpaid opportunity can jeopardize your ability to support yourself. Each project you undertake consumes resources—time, materials, and sometimes even your own money. When these investments aren't balanced with getting paid for your work, you might find yourself struggling to afford the essentials that enable you to keep creating.

 

The Risk of Exploitation

 Oftentimes, artists are lured with the promise of exposure or connections that, more often than not, fail to materialize in any meaningful way. 

The promise of exposure can sometimes be a red flag for exploitation—this is why it’s important to do your due diligence (more on that later). Remember, a promise may not be the same thing as a guarantee. The promise that you'll be showcased to a large audience or connected with an influential gallerist, without any concrete assurance or documented agreement, leaves a lot to chance.

To help yourself feel protected even when you’re undertaking unpaid gigs, create a contract. It’s a good business practice to make sure everyone knows what they are accountable for and to protect themselves in case of trouble. If a potential venue refuses to sign or answer your questions or you’re still left with an uneasy feeling in your gut, it’s probably time to pull a U-turn.

 

Navigating Offers to Work for Free

Now that you know the risks, you can be more prepared to make a good decision. Just remember, as a working artist, your art is not just your passion—it’s your livelihood.

 

Set Boundaries

Deciding when, if ever, to work for free is about setting and respecting your boundaries. Clearly define what you're willing to accept and under what conditions. Start by asking yourself what you aim to achieve with your art and career. Are you looking to build your portfolio, or are you at a stage where portfolio-building is less critical than financial gain? Think about factors like the visibility of the project, the reputation of the organization, and the potential for future paid work. Communicate your boundaries confidently and clearly to potential collaborators. Remember, it's okay to have deal-breakers.

 

Know When to Say Yes

Not all unpaid opportunities are created equal. Some can open doors, introduce you to key contacts, or align so closely with your values that they're worth the investment of your time and talent. If you think an unpaid opportunity aligns perfectly with your goals, do a bit of due diligence before jumping in. And, don’t be afraid to ask questions! Here are a few that could be worth asking: 

• Are you allowed to have prints available for sale nearby?

• Can the organization promote or link to you on their website or social media channels?

• Can you set up a guestbook to collect contact information of potential buyers?

• Can you host any showings or events in the space?

• Is the venue willing to do a trade instead of payment — your art on display in exchange for a few of their goods or services?

It’s okay to get a little more information before signing on. Just because you aren’t getting paid, doesn’t mean this isn’t a business proposition. Clients and galleries who mean well will understand and be happy to answer your questions. And, if you’re worried about coming off as pushy, don’t be. As long as you are polite and professional, it’s just good business to make sure your interests are taken care of, too.

 

Say No with Grace

Turning down unpaid work doesn’t have to mean burning bridges. Learning to decline offers is a vital skill for any professional, including artists.

When an opportunity doesn't align with your goals or meet your needs, responding with a polite but firm "no" is a sign of professionalism, not a personal rejection. Express gratitude for the offer and, if possible, provide a brief explanation that reinforces your professional boundaries ("I'm currently focusing on opportunities that can support my career financially").

If you can, offer an alternative way to engage that aligns with your needs or offer to keep communication with them open. It might keep the door open for future opportunities that could be a better fit. It also helps maintain a positive network within the art community. Remember, saying no to something that isn't right for you means saying yes to your priorities and values.

 

What do you think?

We get it. The words “good exposure” floating around a group of artists might be enough to start a riot. It’s not a cut-and-dry win for your art career, but it also doesn’t have to be a loss. With some extra effort and investigative skills, there’s a chance it could really benefit your art business if you snag the right opportunity.

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