CREATIVE THOUGHTS OF BUSINESS SUCCESS Artists, Agreements, and Assumptions - Oh My! © 2008 dezignbiz.com In many areas of certain careers, much individual success is based on personal effort, as well as their use of creativity to get the job done. This would be obvious for an artist - but it is also the same for musicians, an interior decorator, a fashion designer, a bartender, a psychologist, an architect, a teacher, an inventor, a carpenter, and so on. Although each field offers us different services - each is dependant on problem-solving ideas and imagination to strive for long-standing success.
When you start getting down to the nitty gritty of the specific situations, you can begin to understand, that like the thoughts of a genius or an inventor - a creative person's imaginative ideas comes from within, and therefore what you actually receive is not just a great idea - but also a part of that person. So often, creative folks and artists will actually strive for perfection when challenged for solving problems, because they aim to satisfy their customers, but also themselves. We are creative thinkers, and what we present to you... is the answer to your puzzle. Mind-bending and twisted thoughts brought us the exact idea that you were looking for - so we make our personal claim to it, which takes us to a whole different topic on copyrights. But understanding this, will explain how many claims have been made at poking fun at artists who are overly sensitive about their work and skills, but righteously so, as our thoughts, our imagination, and ideas are a part of us - and who we are. It is our own form of interpretation and expression that makes each of unique. Stealing our ideas and work is no-no of course, as it shows no respect of appreciation for our hard work and effort. Ridiculing or rejecting our work - can sometimes mean that one is rejecting us as an individual and can be taken personally. Therefore, like musicians and inventors... I am a commercial artist and graphic designer who uses my own skills to solve problems with ideas and imagination. These mental-tools bring potential customers to businesses - which in return, should put meat on their dinner table - as well as on mine. After time, you begin to realize that in business, ANYONE can be a "customer".... whether it's a friend, an existing business person, family members, a hopeful entrepreneur, a neighbor, a work at home company, a stranger, a relative, etc. One thing that I had learned, and if I may shamefully mention "the hard way", was about trust. For example, just because I act as a professional - does not always mean that this is true of the "customer". Just because I am honest and my word is enough - does not mean that the "customer" lives by the same standard. Just because I have pride and ethics - doesn't mean that the "customer" always does. And last, just because I work and created a successful project - does not always mean that the "customer" will gladly write out a check. Many of us who work in the field of creativity - have come across an occasional situation with individuals who will intentionally try to get away with whatever they can. I don't use the word "intentionally" lightly - as I am a firm believer in Karma. But unfortunately - the world is not built on respect, pride and honor - but more on "what can I get out of this?". One must learn how to protect themselves from this particular group - both professionally and legally. In other words, if you want trust on one's "word" or "handshake" - one must take the realistic approach - and prepare a detailed agreement between both parties, and sign it. The signing of the signatures, will simply confirm (in print) that each individual is aware of their own responsibility in the "agreed partnership" - when the job is successfully completed, or if something goes accidentally wrong and needs additional work. Without a binding agreement of signatures - you could end up trusting the wrong "customer", resulting in a loss of time and money, and possible legal fees. An agreement is created and used by professionals, and more of a guarantee that you will get paid for your work. If you are expecting a professional transaction or honorable intentions - do not simply trust or assume that all will be fine. Get a signature to hold them to it. If you want a friendly transaction with a good outcome (despite errors or mistakes that can happen) get it all in writing. The combined signatures share an understanding and commitment to bind respect and pride with each party involved - and should be viewed simply as insurance.