Advocating for yourself as a freelance artist

It's taken me a decade to learn and grow the confidence, but it shouldn't have!

Image credit: Idle Work Factory

There are a myriad of reasons why somebody might struggle to advocate for themselves as a freelance artist. It’s certainly something that’s taken me the best part of a decade to feel comfortable with. So, I’ll share what I’ve learnt.

For those of us who “identify as coming from” a working-class background, poetry and literature undoubtedly instil a sense of imposter syndrome. In my case, I also suspect there’s a healthy dollop of RSD somewhere in my ADHD brain.

Either way, it’s a tough landscape out there. Sometimes, especially with smaller DIY-funded organisations, it genuinely is a case of “take it or leave it.” But oftentimes, there is room for you to push back and be paid more in line with your value.

I’m painfully aware that this might come across as greedy or entitled. This belief surely contributed to the fact that it took so long to reach where I am now. Perhaps age is a factor, too - at 36, I’m slowly starting to feel like an adult.

But if this post can help even one artist to advocate for themselves better, equipping themselves with the confidence and tools to do so, it’s entirely worth it. I’m going to paywall it purely because I’ll be more candid than I would be on social media.

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Before I crack on with the reason we’re here…

If you’re based anywhere near Tadcaster, come along to Summer Fields Festival on Sunday. I’m performing as part of the Say Owt showcase between 5.30-6.30pm, alongside fellow poet Khadijah Ibrahiim and comedian Seeta Wrightson.

It looks like a brilliant family day out, and if you’re nifty about it, you might still be able to reserve some free tickets here.

Summer Fields Festival in Tadcaster on Sunday 13 July