If I had the means, I would hire someone to take care of the business side of my work. Having to be both artist and business person is difficult. I am having to learn the business side of things, not quite kicking and screaming, but you get my drift, if I am to survive. And I fully intend to survive and do it well. One thing I have learned, though, is that I value a professional attitude first and foremost. So, when putting on my business hat, I behave accordingly. A while back, a store owner emailed me wanting to stock my artwork in her shop; she attached all kinds of paperwork, from licence to local Chamber of Commerce credentials, to show me that she was legitimate. Of course I was very happy with the offer (even though I'd been disappointed before, hope springs eternal!), checked out her links, and replied promptly, giving her the information she asked for. And then -- I never heard from her again. I did follow up with an email, but the silence was deafening. I considered everypossible scenario, even one where she may have gone out of business, but in every case, all it would have taken was a quick email to tell me so.
After I got over the disappointment, I looked at it this way: the lack of professional manners showed me that this person was not reliable. Had I gone through with the deal, I may have lost my artwork to boot.
This is also why I appreciate and gladly work with people who treat me professionally.... cuffs, collages, apprentices, Christmas, fishes -- you know who you are. I so appreciate you!! You are "totally hot."
