Prepare for Better Support

Remember being a kid and learning how to request for help in a nice way? Ever heard advice about being prepared before asking a question? There’s a reason for this advice: it saves everyone’s time, clarity means a reduced chance for costly mistakes, and there’s less chance of frustration all around.

Make decisions & move on.

Don’t make changes unless absolutely necessary.

• Indecision results in back-and-forths and stress-induced drinking, and it’s not necessary. Ever work with someone who constantly changes their mind? It’s stressful! To prevent the migraines all around:

• When dropping off your artwork or sending files to people (services like printers and galleries, for example), make sure every detail is covered BEFORE you drop off or hit send.

• All files and information associated with your artwork are together, and no more changes will be required. Such as:

  • Content for labels that hang with the artwork(s) going in a gallery or competition.

  • Content and images for business cards, brochures, and other material being printed.

• Art is ready to be hung or displayed. Whatever is needed to display your artwork professionally (e.g., wire or other hanging device, easel/pedestal) needs to be assembled or prepared for (arranging for an easel, for example) ahead of time. It minimizes how much the art handler touches your art, preventing damage and errors.

  The artwork must be completely finished, dry, and framed, if using, before you give it to anyone else to handle.
  

Ask before you send or drop off your art.

• If you have a question, the answer could affect other people involved:

  • If you need to delay a print job, that will affect your deadline for when prints are needed.

  • If you need the prints sooner, supplies like ink or paper may not be in stock yet.

  • The budget may be affected.
    

• Any number of things can affect the service being provided. Trust me, it’s always beneficial when someone calls ahead, even if it’s just to confirm something. It means you care, are organized, and are more likely to be prepared, which usually means fewer errors, back-and-forths, and frustration. It makes life so much easier!
  

When you’re prepared for a service, I guarantee the service provider is going to be much happier to work with you now and in the future. You’ll get better service, too.

Be kind.

A lot of people who work at nonprofit organizations are volunteers. Besides it being rude to waste anyone’s time, to waste a volunteer’s is beyond disrespectful. Kindness goes a long way.

Be prepared before you send or drop off your art to a printer, gallery, festival, competition, or any other service provider you work with.

You will have a much more positive outcome when you follow these simple codes of conduct when working with professional service providers.