Dear AD, an award-winning agency had reached out to me last year about doing a series of illustrated posters for a large advertising campaign involving two huge clients. The project also involved a physical aspect that was a BIG ask and out of the norm for an artist/illustrator. When it came time to talk about rates, they said their budget was low and asked if I had a pro-bono rate. Needless to say, it fell through. My question is: Will my work ever be valued so that I can be paid appropriately?
Absolutely.You experienced a classic Client From Hell. Receiving proposals from people who have Big Ideas But No Budget is, unfortunately, just part of being an artist with an online presence. All artists, both pros and beginners, hear from these slimeballs once in a while. Don’t take it too personally, or as a statement on the value of your work, or of the overall viability of a career in art. This is just a thing that’s going to annoyingly pop into your inbox sometimes.There are clients out there who value artwork, will treat you with respect, and can pay professional wages. Keep going, keep searching for quality clients, and keep polishing your art to a professional level.
