My life is pretty easy, if I think about it. Things are simple. I don’t have a lot of responsibilities or expenses. So I figured it was time to put a stop to all that, and go back to school.
I’ve been having a career identity crisis in recent years. What am I? A comedian who doesn’t perform much. An actor who works mostly as an extra, and books a “real” part maybe once a year. A banquet server who’s getting tired of this shit. A writer who never writes anything. During the height of the pandemic I worked at COVID vaccination clinic, which felt like I was making a difference in the world. But I’m glad it’s a job that isn’t needed anymore.
In the past week I’ve seen a lot of “good riddance” grumbles on social media about the year 2017. While I’m also looking forward to a fresh start in the new year, I have to say this past one was pretty great for me overall. I want to count my blessings here, in case I need to remember the good things some day.
This post was originally going to talk about the overall year, but it started getting way too long. I’m going to break it up into categories instead, starting with career:
I haven’t added it all up yet, but I dare say this was the most money I’ve made since becoming self-employed 8(!) years ago. It came from a few different sources, and I like a little variety in my workweek. It was especially busy during my Damn Early Days experiment, so you got to hear about some of it.Read More »
On Day 7 I had some work stuff to do, so chasing my dreams would have to wait for a minute.
I made some revisions to a graphic design project and fired it back to the client in Edmonton, who happens to be my brother. Ha! We’ve never worked together before. He’s doing audio/visual stuff for a conference this weekend, and outsourced some of the presentation graphics to me. Basically, “my sister can make this stuff look real nice.” I got most of it done a couple of weeks ago, before my brain filled up with the writing gig. It’s great to work for a company with a budget to spend, as opposed to comedians wanting show posters.
I’ve recently found myself explaining to people why I don’t freelance as a graphic designer.
In theory, it sounds awesome. You’re an artist, with a laptop and the internet. You can set your own hours, be your own boss, work from home, fuck yeah! This topic has come up again with my current day job situation (which is still unresolved). Freelance graphic design sounds like it would go perfect with the freelance comedy thing. Maybe for some people.
I was a freelance designer for a year and a half. I was broke for most of that period. Being self-employed, you’re never really off the clock, and most of it is unpaid labour. More of my time was spent negotiating with potential clients, rather than doing anything creative. They couldn’t understand why design services would cost so much, or the amount of time involved. Even if they cover the printing costs, it’s my time that I’m selling. Graphic designers have always had to defend this, and I find comedy has a lot of the same issues.
When I started working full-time again, I didn’t want to freelance, either. After nine hours at the office, the last thing I want is more time in front of the computer monitor. Even for friends. Wait, ESPECIALLY for friends. My mistake is that I would do it for really cheap, because they were my friends. I began to resent everyone I worked for. They felt they were bringing me business, I felt like I was doing them a really big favour. It’s always great… then one more thing… now one more thing… and, I forgot, can you just change this one other thing…?
I saw my coworker go through this. Her sister-in-law was getting married, and as her wedding gift, she was going to design the invitations. That’s sweet, right? Perfect gift from a graphic designer. The bride-to-be loved it so much, she asked if she could also design the place cards… and the menus… and the programs…. and basically do the entire visual identity of the wedding. Even though the engaged couple was paying for the production costs, it was way more work than my coworker had signed up for. She didn’t know where to draw the line between “wedding present” and “disgruntled employee”. I wouldn’t have known, either. It would have been easier to buy something and drop it on the gift table. Done!
Here is another well-meaning sentiment that doesn’t fly with me: The dangling carrot. “Hey, if this goes well, it could lead to more work. Little/no money, but lots of exposure! Hey? You like that. There’s the carrot, go get it!” By doing this first project for cheap, it could lead to more low-paying jobs? Kickass. There were times when I was desperate enough to do it, too. Again, that happens in comedy. The vague idea that there will be a future payoff… but not today.
This subject has always been an issue for me, but it was this video that I saw yesterday which set me off. I’m sure this clip hits home for a lot of people:
“Sir, we’re not the taco stand!”
In graphic design — and in comedy — there’s always someone willing to do it cheaper, or for free. You usually get what you pay for.
I hate haggling over costs. That’s why I (usually) like having a day job; I get a steady paycheque and don’t deal with the asking-for-money part. Just like I’m glad I have agents for comedy; they do the negotiating for me.
If I’m going to devote my energy to comedy, I don’t have any to spare for freelance design projects. I didn’t mind doing contract work, though. That was when I would go into an office/studio on per-project basis, usually just for a few weeks. Temping, if you will.
I didn’t realize this would turn into such a spleen-venting session. I guess what I’m saying is that I’m not interested in designing your business card/poster/web site. I appreciate the business, but I’m already plenty busy. I don’t want to work on a time-sucking project that potentially leads to more aggravating work. If you want to find someone who does it cheaper, I guarantee you will. If you have Photoshop at home and think you can do it yourself, go right ahead.
Occasionally I still get excited about a great grid layout or some sweet white space. And I’ll do a design project if there’s a worthy cause. For example, a poster for a show I’m on, or a charity fund-raiser. Once I traded favours with a comic: I did the advertising for his show, and he came with me to be “the guy” when I bought my car.
Graphic design isn’t my passion these days. Maybe one day I can fall in love with it again, but for now it just takes time away from what I really want to do. It’s a day job, and it’s one that I prefer to leave behind at the end of the day.
Inside Voice 