"Off the Rack -vs- Tailor Made"

(first printed in the Tybee Breeze, April 2008)

by Debbie Brady Robinson

“Eek, don’t use the ‘d’ word. We hate deadlines. We hate them a lot“, words recently cited in an artist‘s blog! Most, especially we "artistic types", all feel the same: the mere mention of the “d” word, often results in a knot in the stomach, a head ache - and oh, sooooooo much pressure! And yet, hate it as we do, some can’t get a thing done without those insidious looming dates! What’s the matter with me - uhmn, uh... I mean them!

The truth is, artistc endeavor in its purest sense can be sheer ecstasy - that is, when one is free to create with abandon and without expectation! It's a great feeling to create whatever comes to mind for the pure enjoyment of it, and then to simply hang the finished piece directly on the gallery wall! It is truly exhilarating to create only what you desire to do, not what you HAVE to do! I dare say, that specific feeling is the entire reason that most become Artists in the first place! When an artist is totally submerged in the act of creating, minus the pressure of meeting a delivery deadline, one is (reportedly) "more likely to persist, feel good about oneself, and be the most creative...!"

The urge to create with abandon - for the sheer pleasure of it, is lost when the "Have to" factor is added to the mix - at least in the short run. It's the act of getting started on a "deadline piece" that is so difficult for most of us. Not unlike the writing of this article, (surprise, I'm smack dab up against deadline), once we actually begin the process the dread falls away. The creative juices begin to flow, and the fun of it takes over! So then, why is it so difficult to get started you ask? BECAUSE, igniting one's 'deadline motivation factor’ is much like trying to muster up enough courage to plunge oneself directly into the cold waters of the North Pacific, in January - Brrrrrrrrrr!

Why then, do you think, that many artists are reluctant to accept commissions in the first place? The money is generally considerably more than if a piece is purchased directly off a gallery wall - most Art patrons understand the difference between "off the rack -vs- tailor made"! Art Buyers typically expect to pay more for commissioned work! Why then, aren't all we artists just "koo-koo for cocoa pops" over commissions - Well, we are and we aren't! Artists, traditionally have a love-hate relationship with commissions; we are honored and excited to be asked (commissioned), but feel pressured when it comes to the act of doing (delivering)! Not to mention that old truism, ‘ Life gets in the way when you’re making plans…'

Life often gets in the way of deadlines, that's just the way it is. Injury or illness of oneself or others, caretaking of family (among many) obligations often puts the prolific Artist way behind schedule, adding pressure onto pressure! When things begin to stack up, and a multitude of deadlines are past due, the frustration can become enormous! Your desire is to deliver a sensational piece of work to everyone, and (((RIGHT NOW)))! The problem is, that's an impossible task! Too many other factors stifle the flow, and you suddenly find yourself direclty behind the eight ball! How do you decide, at this point, what to put on the front burner? Does the squeaky wheel get the oil - probably. Does the end product suffer - perhaps. Do you pull your hair out, and turn into "the artful dodger" upon seeing your commission clients - absolutely! I recently heard a very well known creative type, for whom I hold great respect, expressing similiar frustration. I would divulge her name, but I haven't cleared it with her and since it is now 12:30 AM, post deadline, the suspense will have to wait! Clearly exasperated, yet barely audible, "I take on too much, I'm just way too busy", she declared. "I can't get all of my projects done on time, and everyone is pressuring me! I've been told it's because I'm not charging enough!" Well, 'by George, I think she's got it!' Uh, huh - 'off the rack versus tailor made'; such revelation is cause for celebration! Pour me a martini, please - shaken, not stirred!