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Reclaiming Your Zen


I actually hesitate to use the word "zen" because it's a term that just gets tossed around as a catch phrase these days- usually to sell meditation classes online or a lifestyle that actually CANNOT be bought.
But the word applies here- to cultivating an inner peace with yourself first so you can properly be at peace with the world and the way things are.
As a freelance artist the first misconception people have is that I lead a freewheeling, fun and fancy free lifestyle with no schedule or rules.
Wish that were the case but its so far from the truth.
While I do have more control of my time management than most- Im still working for others- usually MANY others. So its a lot like having multiple bosses who think you're on call for them anytime day or night.
Sounds fun right? You've just spent all day toiling on a project thats due and at about 8pm you throw your tired body into the bed...pondering sleep or dinner...when you get a text from a client reminding you about Project X. On your cell phone- not email.
You maybe even already told this person you were booked for the month but there they are prodding, pushing.
After enough of this you start coming up with coping techniques like I did. So you keep your sanity...and your clients.

Boundaries, hours and contracts
Coming up on the new year and I have a new website that will be launched at some point...definitely posting business hours and directing people to that page.
Hours I can be reached for business. Loosely texting stuff after hours doesn't help me keep a clear record of communications, images that need to be sent back and forth,etc. Same goes for Facebook messenger. Everything needs to be sent to email and will be answered during business hours. I'd like to keep my cellphone free after hours for my peace of mind- like any normal person should. Im not a doctor, bail bondsman or lawyer so there really is no art emergency that can't wait until 8am the next morning.

As for contracts...Im bumping into a recurring problem. People wanting renderings done before they've even committed to ME as their artist of choice. Im not auditioning for you. I have a large body of work in different styles for you to peruse through and see what Im capable of. Upfront fees and contracts- especially on mural work is NORMAL and necessary to how I run a business. I have zero time to slave away on renderings that just disappear into thin air and no word back as to yes or no,etc. Respect the time. I will give you my best.

Volume Down
Gotta love cellphones because they've made life easier. But they can also be a problem to productivity and peace of mind. I got through a couple of months this year with my cell volume up as normal...but the interruptions were so constant that it wasn't long before I just started keeping my volume off. Yes that's right, over half the year my volume was OFF. I check my phone enough through the day that I'm not missing anything important. I designate times to respond/call back...and people have to re-learn not having instant gratification. No immediate answer. Thoughtful replies. And if I'm in the studio sometimes the phone does NOT come in there with me. I need uninterrupted time in my zone working. I think this is normal and sane...stopping every five minutes to answer texts is not sane or productive.
*Also the first thing to go was Facebook Messenger alerts. No. Hell no. Just no.

I guess I actually have a lot to say on the subject of keeping your sanity as a freelance artist so maybe part two is in order...CHAPTER TWO: THAT DOESN'T WORK FOR ME and other nice ways to say NO

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