How To Say No

Every artist has heard the phrase “this is for exposure” from individuals and organizations who commission art projects. It means they do not intend to pay you. The best way to respond to unwanted requests for free labor is to politely thank the sender for their interest in your work, assert that you cannot donate your time, and invite them to hire you for pay. 

HERE ARE A FEW EXAMPLES:

💥 This sounds like an exciting project! Here is a link to the price packages that I offer for commissioned work. Please let me know if you have any questions. 

💥 Good to hear from you! I typically charge a flat fee for consulting so I am unable to answer your questions over email. Here’s a link to book an appointment. 

💥 Thank you for thinking of me! I’m unable to take on any unpaid projects. Let me know if you’d like me to send you a quote. 

Joelle Fanciullo, MA, LMSW, a therapist for adults in New York City (therapywithjoelle.com) says, “Saying ‘no’ can be so hard, but it gets easier with practice. Setting a boundary is not a betrayal; it communicates your needs and values at any given moment. In that way, it guides the asker to make more reasonable requests, too. The more we say ‘no,’ the more seriously people take us when we say ‘yes.’”

Have any of your own tips to share? Let us know!