Understanding Ones Value & Worth as an Artist: in Corporate Terms.

Recently I updated my resume. I hadn’t done this since 2003 or so. Even with a few contract side jobs I have had no reason to do so, especially as a self-employed artist. During this resume update project, I began to realize that I have so much more to offer as a potential employee, let alone as a professional woman. And, yeah, I’d like to call myself, now, a “grown-ass-woman” one who is actually fierce, independent, intelligent, knowledgeable and continually broadening my skill set.

Maybe it’s the years of being self-employed or simply maturity, but I know that for myself and many artists articulating their “skill sets” into professional verbiage is intimidating and often unthinkable. We have no True job titles or descriptions other than “artist,” “owner,” “designer,” etc. Our lives as creative thinkers and maker-of-things does not easily translate to the corporate world. Yet, we design and execute a piece of art or product, market it, promote it, and sell it: all by ourselves. We have become managers… of Ourselves, our time, and our businesses. We are our own branding and social media departments; wholesale and retail experts, and customer service rockstars. Accounts payable and receivable? That is us as well: solo chiefs in areas not taught in art school. So, what is our true “title?”

I sucked in math or anything related in school, even college, yet now I thrive on crunching numbers, creating databases, and developing year-term business plans. Records are my best friend: what sold last year at what show, etc….and all this while trying to create new designs that feed me and excite my clients. And, this is just me. So many local artists and craft product producers who have far larger businesses than I do face the same tasks, but on a much greater scale: And, they do it mostly Themselves.

So, how to we quantify and line item what we do? One thing that was helpful for me was to list everything that encompasses my jewelry business including creating and up-keeping this blog. Additionally, find someone who is a friend or peer who is outside of the art/craft product world who can help you articulate your skills in a way that is professionally forthcoming and relatable in “corporate terms.” I wince at even stating this, as I’ve shrank away from such terms/definitions, but have recently grasped: it is necessary. If you’re not the best at writing or with computer skills: seek out someone who is and who is willing to help. Writing, formatting, and all that good stuff will only put you in a better place to sell, move forward, and further promote You and your work.

In Understanding and owning all of the facets, descriptions, and corporate titles that encompass an “owner,” “designer,” or “artist” we can blossom into who we truly are: not just makers-of-things, but True professionals – who can Do anything we set our minds to do- and do it incredibly well.

Chief Photographer: Me