(an essay about artistry, relationships, and the ways outsiders so often misunderstand why making art for others isn't always an easy or fun task)
My relationship to making art for others is a bit complicated, which feels rather strange to say considering that I’ve become a full-time freelance artist.
It is easier to make art for strangers rather than friends, for fear of setting an expectation, and it’s incredibly difficult to put a value on my art or the time spent making it. I struggle to not undercharge for my work, and have a habit of doing more than is asked or paid for. And externally, there seems to be no short supply of people who think that, A) making art is always fun and effortless, and B) because of reason A, art should inherently be cheap or free, especially if you’re friends with the artist!
