Establishing trust

Mike McCarty · 01-14-2005, 10:29 AM

Here's a little something I read very recently by the sage Wm. Whittaker. It seems apropos to this thread.

[QUOTE]Don

Joan Breckwoldt · 01-25-2005, 02:48 PM

Hi Kimberly,

I may have missed something here, but with all the red flags you're getting from this woman, why even continue the job? It seems to me that the time you have already spend just worrying over the job and writing about it on this forum has costs you time and therefore money.

I had a chance at a commission earlier this month, for a landscape for an office. Actually, the client wants three large landscapes. But, I talked to the client only twice on the phone and she was already 'bossing me around'. All of a sudden I was her employee and she was telling me what to do. Her manner set off one big red flag to me. I didn't want to assume the position of some lowly employee of this woman for the next couple of months while I attempted to please her. So, I told her I would have some of my paintings available for her to look at in a couple of months. I'm going to paint what I want to and if she wants to buy one, or two, then great! If not, somebody else will buy then. I want to paint the way I want to paint, the way I need to paint. I'm afraid it would be a waste of my time to try and paint something to please her.

You are such a go-getter, you're a real people person, and you never seem to lack commissions. Have you thought about "cutting your losses?". I remember reading here on the forum some advice about how to get out of a commission gracefully.

I know you live in a small town, that's why it's important to get out of the job gracefully. You have so much talent, I have to see it manipulated so by the client!

Anyway, these are just my thoughts.

Joan

Kimberly Dow · 01-25-2005, 05:19 PM

Joan,

I actually do more of my own work and the commissions come rarely - although I'm in good shape right now. That's one reason I chose to go ahead with this - I definitly want more commissions. Another is her contacts.

I have already started the job - so wish me luck. At one point there I finally told her she was going to have to trust me and she has left me to do my job since then. Hopefully she is still speaking to me.

It might have been better to let this one go - I guess I'll know when it is completed. If so I will make sure you all get a chance to tell me "I told you so." I like the painting so far and it has a western feel to it - which will be good for my advertising considering the area I am in. No matter what - it will be a good portfolio piece.

Thank you for all the comments!

Joan Breckwoldt · 01-25-2005, 11:26 PM

Hi Kimberly,

I admire your perseverance. (I admit I would have bolted a long time ago.) I am positive that this will be another beautiful portrait. Hopefully she will like it since she's trusting you and even if she doesn't, it'll be a great addition to your portfolio.

I would never say 'I told you so'!

Here's me wishing you luck. Good luck!

Joan