Inspired by fellow Graphic Artists

Chicago Area Graphic Artist Guild Members from our meeting in March 2014. 
Doug Jennings is second from left (smiling, facing camera). More names of people TBA.

I didn't bring any samples of my work with me to the Chicago Graphic Artists Guild meeting, but most members showed a lot of excellent samples of their work in sketches and finished pieces.

The eight of us met in the Chicago Suburb of LaGrange Illinois in the friendly Palmer's Place Pub. It was my first meeting with fellow members of the Graphic Artists Guild since I joined that organization earlier this year. The official purpose of the meeting was to have a brainstorming session about the direction of the local Chicago chapter of the Guild. But many of the members were there, like me, for the first time to meet other graphic artists and ask questions?

"How do I protect the copyright to my art work?

"Is it ok to sign a consent form giving a media company unlimited license to use my work if it will give me 'free' publicity?"

"Should I look for a job at a company after graduating Art School or should I start out as a freelance artist?"

What rights to my work do I have when I am hired to create art for a corporation?

"How do I know what rate or fee to charge for my freelance work?"

Most of these questions were answered. The discussion was lively and, I'd say as far as I am concerned, downright therapeutic! I loved hearing about other artist's career paths, struggles and solutions. One illustrator specializes in fantasy art and has a thriving online following for her work. Another member, a cartoonist/caricaturist who's freelance business has been picking up considerably. He brought a job estimate to show how he submitted proposals to clients with a draft sketch and pricing. The basic form of this he patterned off one from the Graphic Arts Guild Pricing and Ethical Guide Book that is provided for all members. Another attending member brought samples of wonderful package design work and other school projects. She also had graphic designs for a public relations campaign that she felt passionate about to help reinforce a legacy of shared values in her community. There were other remarkable stories.

The most experienced artist in the group, and the most tenured Guild Member, shared some valuable insights during our gab session. He explained one of the Graphic Artist Guilds most basic messages: Don’t undervalue your Art. Too many Graphic Artists give their work away. He warned of the tendency for social media outlets like Facebook, Instagram and Google to over-reach in their terms of use agreements. This includes clauses that, when agreed with my the user, gives free perpetual license to use whatever art and images the user posts online.

Over the next few weeks, I am going to address many of the professional and creative concerns we delved into during our meeting. If you are a creative person who wants to understand more about making a living from your art, I hope you’ll find my subsequent posts helpful.

Graphic Artist Guild Website