Talking about creative issues.....help

[Marcus Lim]

Hi Patt,
I suddenly got a flashback for myself after reading your problem with your client. I guess everyone's had their share of runs with "picky people". I'm confident you're good in what you're doing, and that's not where the issue lies.

The real problem is with our clients, who wants a final say to things. I had two recent comissions, and both of them did that on me! And guess what, both of them had me to "make that little 'perfect adjustment'" (the earlier commission had me travel all the way down to the gallery in a cab, in my crutches!)

The thing is, i didn't do anything (though i didn't say that to my clients and not even to my gallery owner), just a little action on the canvas/ drawing. And they tell me "THAT'S IT!!"

The very fact is that they want you to make the correction THE WAY THEY WANT IT, PRONTO. And i realised these people tend to be either power-people or control freaks. So don't let them bog you down because of what they say. Emotionally take a step outside and be professional. If they want you to 'conjure up the magic', then wave that brush, maestro!

Give them the 'rush feeling' of being in control of you - for once in their lives.

[Carol Norton]

If they want you to 'conjure up the magic', then wave that brush, maestro!

Give them the 'rush feeling' of being in control of you - for once in their lives. [/QUOTE]
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MARCUS, YOU ARE BRILLIANT! Showmanship may be the answer to that client of an all too familiar breed. Magic! Wave the brush. I truly will remember that. Thanks for your wisdom.

I cannot help to relate to this story. Upon receipt, a recent commission found a "spot" that had to be viewed with a MAGNIFYING glass. The painting was returned. It happened to be a bubble from Liquin. Yes, it took a magnifying glass to see it. Initially that was the only thing verbalized. Oh, yes, later I heard that the portrait was "lovely." I guess we need to recall that portraiture is a BUSINESS and that we need to separate ourselves from the personal part.

Got the painting back, took a thumbnail to the bubble visible only outside in the AZ sunlight, flicked if off and revarnished that pinhead spot. Yes, magic. And all with a smile. A second commission was forthcoming. Moral: Don't burn bridges or you could be on the part that hits the water.

No, I'm not related to Aesop.

[Michele Rushworth]

some of the worst photos ever that she had given me. ( I know, I know, I needed to refuse the photos and for that I am guilty .)

You answered your own question here, I think. Thank her for commissioning you but let her know you can't make a painting that you can be proud of from these photos .... and then end the contract (returning whatever payment seems appropriate). No one will be happy if you keep beating this dead horse.

[Steven Sweeney]

Though I