Things You Probably Shouldn't Say To An Artist

Hi there, I'm completely new to Buzzfeed and new to posting stuff. I'm more comfortable keeping my opinions bottled up rather than sharing them with complete strangers online, but I feel like this is something important that a lot of people may not understand. I'm an artist, I have a degree and everything. I went to one of the top public art schools in the country (VCU shout out!). If you are a friend of an artist or are thinking of becoming one, here are some phrases that I would advise you to avoid. If you're an artist and want to add something to this list, feel free to add in the comments. Thanks for reading my first post! I hope it was informative and that you didn't feel like I was bitching too much.

1. So is this just a hobby?

This can be a valid question and if you've never met this person before it could be acceptable. If you know the person though, and they introduce themselves as an artist, do not ask this question. Most of us are trying to have valid careers.

2. What are you going to do for money?

First of all, not really any of your business. You wouldn't go up to an accountant and ask them how they make money. If you're curious about the business and how I sell on commission or if you would like to talk with me about my pricing, I'm more than happy to discuss things with you, otherwise, just don't.

3. So what's your real job?

It's true, a lot of artists do have secondary "day jobs" to supplement their practice. Materials are expensive! I happen to be a jewelry artist, so just imagine what I'm spending on materials! It's important to us to have another form of income, especially when we're first starting out. Make no mistake though, art is our real job. In a lot of cases we went to school or studied very hard to be in the position to call ourselves artists.

4. Oh! You do art! Will you draw something for me?

This is something I get primarily from friends and family. It is one of the most uncomfortable positions you can put an artist in. A lot of us are self-employed which means that everything we do, we have to charge for. If you have someone in your family who is an artist and you want them to make something for you, discuss commission and pricing. If you ask them to do it for free, either they'll say "no" and you'll be upset with them because they turned you down, or they'll say "yes" and be upset with you because you're not valuing their time and commitment.

5. I wish I was an artist, that sounds like so much fun!

This is the phrase every artist hears at least once in their lifetimes. It's typically the first thing we hear when being introduced to someone new. I am so glad that you want to get into art. I don't think there are enough artists in the world and I would love to see you join our ranks. But, it's not all fun and games, it's a lot of hard work. We typically don't have standard hours, it's physically demanding, and mentally challenging. It's like competing with yourself and never feeling like you're winning.

6. My kid could do that.

It's cool that your kid is getting into painting or sculpting. I think it's awesome that you're encouraging your child to explore and create. But, part of the creative process is coming up with the idea. Ideas are just as integral as physical ability.

7. You don't look like an artist.

What am I supposed to look like? We all look different, there is no standard look for an artist.

8. So you could design a tattoo for me!

Like #4, I would love to design a tattoo for you, but not for free. We need to be paid!

9. But art is fun, why do you have to charge me?

Pay your artist! I will even break down my fees for you if you're confused about the price, but do not assume that because we love our jobs that we shouldn't be compensated for our work.