So I was reading Scott’s recent post on the PVP blog about how he was defending Robert Kirkman’s opinion that maybe it was a good idea to use a gig at a company like Marvel or DC as a springboard for your independent career, and first of all I have to agree.  The potential for continued revenue from a project rather then a one time salary is definitely appealing.  But that wasn’t the part of the post that really rang true with me.  It was Scott’s story about how he visited Mike Wieringo who was suffering from back pain so sever he couldn’t sleep in a bed.  Mike apparently couldn’t afford to see a doctor and had no health insurance.  For someone as talented as Mike to be in that kind of a situation is a fucking crime!

The reason this hit me so hard is that I’ve seen similar things happen to people around me to varying degrees.   I’ve been around people who put in a rediculous amount of time and effort into a job that simply isn’t compensating them appropriately for their efforts.  I’ve seen them suffering from extreme fatigue and next to empty bank accounts.  And during most of the conversations with these people someone will inevitably bring up the idea that “well at least you’re doing something you love to do…” and my response is NOOOOO!  Don’t fucking justify that!  Just cause you are working in your chosen field is no excuse to let yourself get fucked over by your employer!  It’s not right.  You worked hard to get where you are and at this point your work has REAL value!  Don’t forget it!

An artist’s work is constantly undervalued.  Do you remember when you were a kid and people around you found out you could draw and how much attention that got?  You remember how people would say “wow I wish I could draw like that?”  Well that doesn’t change as you get older… The vast majority of the world aren’t artists and that makes your skill rare and valuable!  Just like if you can sing or act or whatever.  You spent time and effort refining your skill and is worth something.  People who employ artists are constantly taking advantage of them.  Now don’t get me wrong… that is the way life is.  That’s how a buisness thrives, there are people trying to take advantage of you everyday, but it’s up to you as to how badly the take advantage of you.  You have to get out there and ASK for more, nay DEMAND it.  You have to believe that you’re worth more…. the only one who’s going to look after you like that is yourself. 

Don’t let yourself be a victim, be worth more!

Rawb