I absolutely love the fact that I am in a creative business and that I get to work with people from all over the world, from different cultural backgrounds and walks of life. I am in the business of making people happy by creating unforgettable events and imagery to leave their guest awed and amaze. Sometime, when I’m lucky, I’m even able to surprise vendors who’ve already seen it all. But being creative and designing dreams is subjective and we as vendors can easily get caught up in the idea that our art is only for a specific clientele. I am certainly not innocent on this account, but I recently got a little ego nudge from Sean Low’s, of the Business of Being Creative, recent post.
Sean worked with Preston Bailey as Preston developed his sensibility and style in his craft. He aided Preston through the process of creating his mogul. Here are a few words from his post that really hit home:
Your job as an artist and creative business owner is to create art for those that value it most, not to decide whom those people are. To presume that a client is not a fit because they will not value your art as you would have them is just plain arrogant. If you are in business (as the doll vendor is), then your validation comes in the form of a client (happily) purchasing your art for the value you establish. If you need recognition of any other form, then creative business is not the place for you…
While at Preston Bailey, I saw more than my fair share of billionaires (yes, billionaires) walk in looking quite shabby (severe understatement). To Preston’s credit, he did not ever and would never judge what he saw. Preston only values a client’s desire to work with him. If they value his work, want him to design their event for them and have the wherewithal to make it happen, that is more than enough for him. He truly does not care what his clients look like or what they represent. The same cannot be said of several of his competitors. And, more often than not, who do you think got the job?
Sad events have occurred recently around the country, including the death of 6 gay men who took their lives. And in honor of their struggle to be accepted, we at Full Circle Eventi have are sporting Purple to stop the hatred.
Recently I’ve received increasing numbers of inquiries for same-sex marriages or commitment ceremonies. I am shocked at the hesitance these clients have when talking about their commitment ceremonies or marriages, as if I were judging them based on their lifestyle. I am puzzled by the situation, and my only conclusion is that they receive harsh greetings from other vendors who they’ve approached to work with. In our current society, it saddens me to think that people are still so judgmental that they either deem themselves better than gay and lesbian couples or afraid to embrace two people who love each other and want to share the commitment of marriage.
Likewise, my dear brides and grooms, there is a small tale of truth in these statements for you as well. DJ, Planner, Florists, and Décor come in all shapes and sizes of all price ranges. Vendors investments are the value and just as you wouldn’t expect to pull a Tiffany diamond out of a Cracker Jack box, you can’t negotiate the value of the artistic product you want. It just doesn’t make sense. Just as it is arrogant to presume that a client is not fit because they will not value your art, it is arrogant to believe you can get everything for nothing.
And as wedding planner and designer, my only goal is to look at each client who desires to work with me with open arms, withholding all judgment. Adapting Preston’s mentality, if you value my work, want me to design your event for you and have the wherewithal to make it happen, that is more than enough for me.
I agree with your thought patterns — what right do we have to be so judgmental for two people who care deeply enough to want to spend the rest of their lives together. There are no guarantees in life and even male and female — brides and grooms don’t have any guarantees. Keep up the postitive flow.
Lia:
Thank you for this post and referring to mine. Really very happy that it spoke to you. The grace of art is that you never know what or who it will stir. Thanks again.
Sean
Sean,
Thanks for the kind words. I often find fantastic nuggets of wisdom from your post and I am always looking to share that knowledge in a different way with my clients!
L
Thanks Sunny!
It’s great to know that there are others who believe the same. Our world is judgmental enough, I choose to let those who care for each other celebrate their love, regardless of age, religion, or gender!
L