This blog post is bit of a vent as I process years of letting myself be exploited for my art. The discussed project below was the straw that broke the camels back and I needed to write about it to process how I felt. I hope it reveals the internal conflicts that some may relate to when faced when individuals and companies asking for favours or providing “opportunities” for their art. I also hope it empowers artists to believe in themselves and advocate to be compensated appropriately when offering their work in a commercial setting.

Two months ago I saw an ad campaign pop up on instagram. The campaign was from a for-profit interior decorating company in my small town of Revelstoke. As I scrolled through their carousel I noticed my painting hanging in one of the images. This was a surprise as I did not know this was happening. Further, the for-profit company had not credited me as the artist, which after some investigation, seems to be the norm for this company.

To understand how we got to this point we have to go back two years when a “friend” took my painting without my knowing and offered it to the company for a photoshoot. After the photoshoot was complete the image was shown to me and I was asked if her friend could use the image to help them in the early stages of their business. I reluctantly said it was ok for the company to use, but internally I knew it wasn’t what I wanted. What I really wanted was to be properly compensated for use of the art.

So, why did I say yes? I said yes because I didn’t want to let down a “friend.” I remember the disappointment in her face when I said there should atleast be a rental fee attached. Once I saw that disappointment, I felt bad and went back on myself, allowing the painting to be used for free.

What should I have done? I should have asked if the company is for-profit or non-profit? Will the artwork be used on their website, instagram and/or to promote the business in advertising campaigns. It is also important to know if the artwork will be used in still images or moving images (it was also used in moving images). All options above require different rates for royalties and usage agreements. Which I should have got in a contract.

Screengrab of the painting being used in moving image advertising.

To help artists answer these questions we are lucky to have CARFAC here in Canada

https://carfac-raav.ca/2026-en/2026-en-3/

Copied directly from their website, CARFAC “advance[s] artists’ interests through advocacy, research, public education, and the development of practical resources that promote fair compensation, strengthen professional practice, and support artists at every stage of their careers.”

The above link is a resource from CARFAC that shares everything you need to know about pricing your art correctly and how that differs for the period of time being used, how it is being use and by who.

It is my opinion that CARFAC resources should be shared with every company that wants to use your art commercially. What leads to the exploitation of artists is a lack of education on the business’s end and is something we can choose, as artists to implement when speaking with business’s.

Small town life is difficult sometimes. There is an unwritten expectation that favours should be done for each other. Something I find myself sucked into often. In saying that, I’m sure if I asked any of the plumbers, carpenters, electricians or house painters if they worked for free on this project, I know the answer would be hell no, not a chance! Not isolated to small town life there is also the expectation that artists need help and they are being given an opportunity to share their work. This is incorrect, if it is a business then it should be treated as any other business and compensated appropriately.

Deep breath. Relax Brett

Obviously, I can’t blame this all on my “friend” or the company using the art. I have to take a lot of responsibility for my own actions in this situation. At the time, I can see the lack of respect I had for myself and the work I was doing. I can also see how little belief I had in myself and the art being created. Which led me to agreeing to situation that built internal resentment rather than empowerment.

The positive thing is that these internal beliefs have shifted, and as I learn to advocate for myself and the art I am sharing with the world, I can choose projects, people and organisations that treat myself, my art and my business as a legitimate, well crafted and professional entity. An entity that respects itself and the heart and soul that goes into it day after day.

Self Advocacy

Empire of Dirt