I’ve been working on writing a book. It’s an idea that’s been in some semblance of progress for years but lately it’s actually becoming close to reality. To help myself out I’ve been sitting myself in some circles of writers to get the lay of the land and to learn what I can learn about the industry here in Newfoundland. One of these writers said he loved writing but he didn’t think it could be a sustainable career as the arts aren’t valued here in Newfoundland. I’ve heard a similar story from many creators here over the last couple years. Is it true? Not always, but mostly yes. Does it need to stay true? Definitely not.
It’s pretty normal for me to question my own stories and beliefs now (Thanks Tonya!) After reading his book, which is incredible by the way, I couldn’t keep this line of journaling to myself. It is sad that the arts aren’t valued more here, and there is lots that each of us can do to change it.
Before we can even talk about other people valuing our work, it’s imperative to say that the creator needs to value what they create most. This isn’t just for artists either. This is for anyone who sells their skills or creations, whether that is esthetic services, farming, writing, construction skills, fitness instructing.. anything. If you don’t believe in what you have to offer, your pricing will reflect it, your marketing will reflect it, and the amount of people who will buy what you’re selling will reflect it.
This is an area I struggle with tremendously and I know for a fact that I am not the only one. I was doing tax returns for a couple not too long ago. It didn’t take me long to prepare the returns so I was going to give them a discounted price. She actually gave me a stern talking to about valuing my education and knowledge more. She told me she isn’t paying for my time, she is paying for my experience and expertise and that should be priced more, not discounted. I have been giving my opinions and advice on all sorts of financial decisions for so long that I didn’t even consider that that was a valuable service that people would pay for.
When I talk to people in business or in creative circles I hear all sides of the spectrum on the pricing and offering topic. I hear stories of ‘I’m not good enough to really charge anything’, ‘the market is too crowded’, ‘everyone can do what I do, it’s not special’, and ‘no one will pay for this’. I also hear stories of ‘these are my prices and the people who want me will pay it’, ‘I worked hard to earn these skills and I deserve to be compensated for that’. Can you guess which people were more successful in earning great money from their creations.
It’s all subjective. The worst thing to come out of being a part of photography groups is the comparison that I do and the minimizing of my own skills because I know there are people who do it better. The best thing to come out of sitting in those groups is a community of people who recognize just how much skill and knowledge go into it and the general valuing of the industry that is often a topic of conversation. Truth is the pictures those people make are valuable and so are mine. Different people will value each based on how it makes them feel. There is no threat in an overcrowded market when you believe in what you sell. Think of how many people hate what Eminem creates. It doesn’t even matter really because what matters to him is the number of people who love it. There is a market for all tastes and styles. You don’t need to be everyone’s cup of tea to be successful. You do need to have deep belief in yourself though.
It’s also important to say just how valuable the pursuing passions piece is regardless of pricetags or income. I spoke to a man recently who had always wanted to write, but only just started now that he’s retired and his wife had passed away. It breaks my heart to think of all the joy he missed out on in denying himself the bit of time to do what he loved to do. Think how boring books would be if they were only ever written by people who had no responsibilities or any other irons in the fire. We need diverse points of view. Reading about stories like ours is life changing.
This denying ourselves of fun and passion in the name of responsibility is so common! How many people don’t make time to pursue the things that make them happy? I can’t even imagine how different my life would be now had I not started to make time to learn photography, or now to lean into writing. I’m a far cry from making millions from either yet, but the value it has added to my life and the impact of the amazing people I’ve met in those communities is immeasurable. I also tried hockey and I can assure you I will never make a career out of that, but it was great fun non-the-less. Fun for the sake of it is a good enough reason to do something.
So, if a person can get through all the internal and external struggles enough to actually spend their time in developing a skill and then put something they created or their knowledge out into the world for sale, how can we help support that? I’ve got some ideas.
- The most obvious way is to buy what they are selling. If you can buy a shirt from a local maker that you love, choose that over a walmart version.
- Don’t ask for discounts or freebies. If you can’t afford to pay what they are asking, say that. Don’t make it about the worth of what they are selling.
- I also plan to keep working hard to get over my bs stories of can’t to be an example of can. Success and passion are just as contagious as excuses and inaction. If you want to pursue business or the arts, do yourself a favor and sit yourself next to the people who are doing it and listen less to those who tell you you can’t.
- Tell a creative when you love their work whether you can buy it or not. Help build up their internal sense of value for what they do. If an author has inspired you, tell them! They love nothing more than to hear how their words impacted you. Write a review for other people to know how great the person is to work with. Let them know exactly what you value about their product or service. Nothing feels better than that appreciation for something you offer.
- Share about them! Share their posts on social media, tell your friends about it, create your own social media posts bragging on them. Even a like or a comment helps their stuff be seen by more people online. Hand out business cards for them if you’re really passionate. When opportunities pop up, share their name and contact info.
Support local is so much more than a catchy hashtag. It is helping people live their dreams. It is also building a strong economy that isn’t controlled or manipulated by big organizations or government. We have all seen just how important it is to have local supply and how dependent we are on things being shipped here. It also comes with the added bonus of helping foster and create value for our rich culture with all of it’s many voices and expressions.
Be a voice that adds value rather than one that takes away. I regularly tell people when I don’t think they charge enough for their offerings. I am eternally grateful for the people who have kicked me in the ass and told me the same. Once I got over the immense feeling of discomfort of course, but that’s just par for the course.
If you are one of those people who have a passion you want to turn into a business, but the tax/ finance piece is freaking you out, reach out to me! We can book a time for a crash course in all things business finance and I can answer all those daunting questions. I’m also pretty good for a little excitement and motivation too. This is a service I provide that I previously would not advertise because I hated the idea of putting a dollar figure on sharing my knowledge. I’m still working on this whole valuing my skills stuff too.
This is a topic that is near and dear to my heart for all sorts of reasons. There is such a rich talent base here. My hope is that they all value themselves enough to make time to hone their skills, expand their knowledge and to earn whatever they dream of earning from it. We all can play a supporting role in that.
Lots of love
Dawn
Tax Wise 