Did the math on a trade I did last year and I'm still mad about it
Last year I traded a big mixed-media piece (about 3x4 feet, took me six weeks) for what I thought was "exposure" at a local gallery event. They were supposed to feature my work in their window for a month, promote it, the whole thing.
They hung it in a hallway next to the bathrooms for two weeks. Then it went into storage and I'm pretty sure they lost track of it because I had to ask three times to get it back.
Meanwhile I could have sold it for $1800, which I know because I had an offer two months before from someone who actually wanted it. I said no because I thought the trade was smarter.
Trades are fine in theory but I think I need a hard rule now, if I wouldn't pay cash for what they're offering, it's not worth my materials let alone my time. What's your dumbest trade story so I feel less alone here?
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This is the kind of story that makes me glad I never went down that road, though I understand why people do. The offer of exposure is seductive when you're trying to build a reputation. But six weeks of work and a piece that size has real material cost before you even account for your time. And galleries, like anyone else, tend to value what they pay for.
The hallway by the bathrooms says everything, doesn't it. They didn't value it because it cost them nothing.
I hope you've taken the lesson and moved on, but the mad about it part, I think that's fair to hold onto. It keeps you sharp for the next offer.
yeah the hallway by the bathrooms is the part that still gets me. not even the main hallway, the one where they keep the recycling bins.
i'd do it again though, honestly. not that exact trade but i'd take the risk. you learn something about whose promises mean anything. costs about the same as a workshop and teaches you more.