The business of Art
When I first started in the ad business I couldn’t decide if I was an artist, a craftsman, or a hack. Now I’ve come to realize that I’m all of those at the same time, maybe even on the same day. It may be a creative business, but business it is and sometimes in business you’re expected to fill roles. And if you don’t own the shop there’s not much point in arguing about it.
The irony is no one wants to work with a hack. And no one want to work with a prima donna either. Although they’ll never say it, what they want is to work with someone who is both. Or which ever one they’re needed to be at any given time.
Fighting for work is admired and rewarded. But giving up the fight is also rewarded, just not admired. Just make sure you do them at the right time or you’ll be rewarded with a severance check.
How do you know when to fight? Think like you own the place you are responsible for both payroll and the professional reputation of the firm. Would you still be arguing the size of the logo? If yes, dig in. Producing great work takes combat skills. But knowing when to use them ensures you’ll survive to use them when it counts.
