What do you do when you are offered an opportunity for almighty “exposure” of your art?

The short answer.  Find out how real it is. 

The long answer…

This year, I was invited by a Four Seasons property to install my work in their lobby. It sounded great but it became very clear that their large organization has a lot of moving parts with shifting priorities and personnel. 

So I knew that I, not them, would have to put a very clear written agreement in place to protect the “opportunity” and preserve my professional relationships.

When you are offered an opportunity for “exposure” the first questions to ask are:

1. Are these seemingly generous folks really looking for something for nothing?
2. Are they asking you to pay for the privilege of exposure? 
3. Is there some real opportunity for access to your target market that’s not just based on a hope and a prayer?
4. Have they taken an attitude that they are doing you a tremendous favor? Beware.

Businesses pay for access to target markets all of the time in the form of advertising or sponsorships.

So there’s nothing wrong with paying for the price of admission, if you are clear on the actual or potential return on your investment.

But in business, just as in life, if you are going to give something away, know what you are getting in return.

Nothing is free. Now if it’s a charitable cause that you really just want to support, give away, as long as it doesn’t discount your brand or confuse the value of your work.

Whatever you do, do not misconstrue a real charitable donation with a hope of a business opportunity.

If it is going to involve your time, your brand, your intellectual property, or your art, you are involving your business assets. 

So put your business hat on and outline the following in writing:

• Risks
• Opportunities
• Costs
• Time line
• Responsibilities

Make sure that it will be obvious that your work is for sale and how someone can acquire it.

Have a clear discussion and then confirm your understanding in writing. 

Why? Because if you don’t put agreements in writing you operating on a less than professional level and you are leaving room for unnecessary misunderstanding. 

And you know that it is miscommunication that is most often the cause of conflict. So why go there? Get it in writing.

If the other party is resisting documenting and signing your agreement just ask them why. 

They may have a legitimate concern about the agreement that you must still work through. 

Or their resistance could be a big fat red flag that you need to walk away.

Be diplomatic.  Have a conversation. Be collaborative.

Discuss openly how each side will benefit. If you can’t converse clearly about how each side is benefiting you have a threat, not an opportunity.

Don’t ever come from a place of scarcity. When you come from scarcity some people will smell it and they will take full advantage of you.

Artists too often are prey to these hyenas. But not you. You are business savvy!

My experience has taught me that when one door closes two more will immediately or eventually open.

Always be willing to walk.

If you know an artist who is wondering if they have an opportunity or not, share this post below.

If you are wondering if you have an opportunity or not, book a consult.  It could save you serious time and money.