The conversation about working for pay rather than for “publicity” is everywhere. I suggest that you read this post at DIY Doyenne and ponder:
This is the kind of thing that happens to creatives regularly. There is a perception that if you make a living from your creative talents, you are doing it for fun, you know, you’re not really serious. There is a shocking lack of value placed on creativity. The sad truth is, there is an endless parade of creative people who ARE willing to jump through hoops for magic beans. They will argue endlessly that they have to start somewhere and it isn’t their full time job and they’re doing it for fun and blah, blah blah. Yes, we all have to start somewhere, how about we start by getting paid? If you aren’t good enough to warrant a pay check, you aren’t ready to start a career as a creative. But the thing is, if you aren’t good enough to warrant a pay check, why are these big companies asking to work with you? Chew on that for a moment and see how it tastes. It’s time we all stopped undervaluing our work because until we do, the manufacturers, publishers, retailers, TV production companies and magazines are going to keep expecting people to work for publicity or glitter.
Spark a conversation!