Artist need to be taken Seriously!

I found this from my Cousins Facebook page:

Reposted from ashwings' LJ which was reposted from CraigsList

This would be directed more toward people on devArt but I figure it's good to post this everywhere. This is for anyone who ever asked me for a "free" commission.

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Craig's PISSED

Every day, there are more and more Craigs List posts seeking "artists" for everything from auto graphics to comic books to corporate logo designs. More people are finding themselves in need of some form of illustrative service.

But what they’re NOT doing, unfortunately, is realizing how rare someone with these particular talents can be.

To those who are "seeking artists", let me ask you; How many people do you know, personally, with the talent and skill to perform the services you need? A dozen? Five? One? …none?

More than likely, you don’t know any. Otherwise, you wouldn’t be posting on craigslist to find them.

And this is not really a surprise.

In this country, there are almost twice as many neurosurgeons as there are professional illustrators. There are eleven times as many certified mechanics. There are SEVENTY times as many people in the IT field.

So, given that they are less rare, and therefore less in demand, would it make sense to ask your mechanic to work on your car for free? Would you look him in the eye, with a straight face, and tell him that his compensation would be the ability to have his work shown to others as you drive down the street?

Would you offer a neurosurgeon the “opportunity” to add your name to his resume as payment for removing that pesky tumor? (Maybe you could offer him “a few bucks” for “materials”. What a deal!)

Would you be able to seriously even CONSIDER offering your web hosting service the chance to have people see their work, by viewing your website, as their payment for hosting you?

If you answered “yes” to ANY of the above, you’re obviously insane. If you answered “no”, then kudos to you for living in the real world.

But then tell me… why would you think it is okay to live out the same, delusional, ridiculous fantasy when seeking someone whose abilities are even less in supply than these folks?

Graphic artists, illustrators, painters, etc., are skilled tradesmen. As such, to consider them as, or deal with them as, anything less than professionals fully deserving of your respect is both insulting and a bad reflection on you as a sane, reasonable person. In short, it makes you look like a twit.

A few things you need to know;

1. It is not a “great opportunity” for an artist to have his work seen on your car/’zine/website/bedroom wall, etc. It IS a “great opportunity” for YOU to have their work there.

2. It is not clever to seek a “student” or “beginner” in an attempt to get work for free. It’s ignorant and insulting. They may be “students”, but that does not mean they don’t deserve to be paid for their hard work. You were a “student” once, too. Would you have taken that job at McDonalds with no pay, because you were learning essential job skills for the real world? Yes, your proposition it JUST as stupid.

3. The chance to have their name on something that is going to be seen by other people, whether it’s one or one million, is NOT a valid enticement. Neither is the right to add that work to their “portfolio”. They get to do those things ANYWAY, after being paid as they should. It’s not compensation. It’s their right, and it’s a given.

4. Stop thinking that you’re giving them some great chance to work. Once they skip over your silly ad, as they should, the next ad is usually for someone who lives in the real world, and as such, will pay them. There are far more jobs needing these skills than there are people who possess these skills.

5. Students DO need “experience”. But they do NOT need to get it by giving their work away. In fact, this does not even offer them the experience they need. Anyone who will not/can not pay them is obviously the type of person or business they should be ashamed to have on their resume anyway. Do you think professional contractors list the “experience” they got while nailing down a loose step at their grandmother’s house when they were seventeen?

If you your company or gig was worth listing as desired experience, it would be able to pay for the services it received. The only experience they will get doing free work for you is a lesson learned in what kinds of scrubs they should not lower themselves to deal with.

6. (This one is FOR the artists out there, please pay attention.) Some will ask you to “submit work for consideration”. They may even be posing as some sort of “contest”. These are almost always scams. They will take the work submitted by many artists seeking to win the “contest”, or be “chosen” for the gig, and find what they like most. They will then usually have someone who works for them, or someone who works incredibly cheap because they have no originality or talent of their own, reproduce that same work, or even just make slight modifications to it, and claim it as their own. You will NOT be paid, you will NOT win the contest. The only people who win, here, are the underhanded folks who run these ads. This is speculative, or “spec”, work. It’s risky at best, and a complete scam at worst. I urge you to avoid it, completely. For more information on this subject, please visit www.no-spec.com.

So to artists/designers/illustrators looking for work, do everyone a favor, ESPECIALLY yourselves, and avoid people who do not intend to pay you. Whether they are “spec” gigs, or just some guy who wants a free mural on his living room walls. They need you. You do NOT need them.

And for those who are looking for someone to do work for free… please wake up and join the real world. The only thing you’re accomplishing is to insult those with the skills you need. Get a clue.

State of the Union 2010

STATE OF THE UNION
President Obama
27 January 2010

These are my thoughts as I watched it...

***

There is no such thing as a perfect senator.

I hate the Sarah Palin, Mike Huckaby, types. Politics is supposed to be about making change, not celebrity. When the focus shifts to Celebrity not creating benificial policy I have a problem. Don’t use donations to enrich your life, and leave them SOL.

Obama said “no rewarding bad behaviour”.

Great spirit, and decent.

Nobody liked the bailout. Analogy to a root canal was perfect. Painful, horrible to go through, but it can save the tooth.

Our union is strong. The people are the union. The people are strong.

People are like a union, and the Fed is like the boss. Time to renegotiate the contract.

A fee on the biggest banks is a great idea. “Meltdown insurance” is more than fair.

I like that Obama keeps it real. So refreshing.

“Jobs Bill” This could be awesome. How about things like local beautification artists? How about state/city gardens to grow food for shelters.

The government can be very creative in problem solving. It can even print money.

Small business is key. I would love to have one myself.

America is way behind on “green” initiatives and mass transportation. Time to cut all the red tape and get the systems built! Bullet trains, metros, and infrastructure.

America should not put its future on hold. No more waiting. America failing or falling from it’s vast lead over every other nation would be an “allowing”. We must not allow it.

Time to bring out the clean (free) energy. It will be a great for/in America when that happens. America needs more energy so why not have it be free?

No – no – no! I am morally opposed to any more drilling. No new rigs or wells. We do not need anymore energy from dirty oil. No drilling in untouched places. No drilling in places like Santa Barbara until the old rigs and spills are actually cleaned up. If they keep the original promises they do not deserve our trust again.
If people are going to spend billions to TRY and reach really deep oil, without guarentee. We would be much better off to spend billions to create GUARENTEED free energy (wind, solar, ect) that is sustainable and clean.

Schools… don’t get me started.

Don’t reward failure!!!

Our schools have failed, so we must improve our community colleges to help the people that primary school failed.

Tax breaks for college education/funding. Great idea. “No one should go broke because they chose to go to college.”

I’m so glad to not have a mortgage on a house worth less than I paid.

We need healthcare reform. Keep the lobbyists out. Problem is not going away. Congress can not walk away. Any congress member who fails us on Healthcare Reform must not be re-elected. Healthcare must be addressed and fixed!

Is the prescription drug bill what messed up healthcare? It didn’t make people healthier, didn’t save anyone money, cost the Gov billions it did not have. Disasterous! At all levels. It made the system sick.

Creative solutions…. Not more money.

We must not do what we did the last 8 years. It failed us. Washington must change it’s ways. If it can’t the people must change Washington. One person at a time…

Deficit of trust (last 8 years). End lobbyists. I want real government or I want a new government.

Control of lobbyists is essential. Time to weed out those that take money from lobbyists and pass spending bills at the expense of the people.

“Creepy” law the Supreme Court passed. Foreign enemies(?)

Publish all earmarks online. Must be published at least a week prior to vote! Great idea.

Congress must settle partisan differences. No behaving like every day is election day. Job description is not to work toward election day.

Why do politicians not have the courage to do what needs to be done despite it being unpopular? I want real leadership. I want politicians who can get things done!

We need politicians who get things done. Out with those who don’t. That goes for state, city and local politicians too.

No more thinking “if you lose – I win”. We should all be helping eachother succeed. The success of your neighbor is your success.

Out with blockers. No more blocking just because you can. We need action. We need to get things moving. Improving.

There is a wonderful Entertaining element about Obama.

Still need to govern. That goes for all.

No running for the hills. Time to work. Politicians must serve citizens.. not personal ambitions. Help solve people and America’s problems or get out of the way.

There is way too much change / efficiency / effectiveness that needs to be achieved.

Obama has great personality. I love that he meets with all. Great idea.

Security… Uh oh. The threats to America are vast and scary.

Better future for America equals better world.

The Joint Chiefs of Staff looked skeptical.

Arms control is so necessary… so scary. Nukes are never good.

Our destiny is connected to the world’s.

Had to mention Haiti. Haiti is an example of how America can and must help the world. The world needs America’s help, and leadership.

America must stand on the side of freedom and human dignity.

Obama was correct with immigration. People must play by the rules.

Values built America. Not “Jersey Shore” mentalities. America needs its values back.

We must not tear each other down. We need to help each other.

Change is never easy when it’s not instant, and is hard even when it is.

Don’t avoid the hard truths. Do what’s best for next generation.

Keep dream alive.

The spirit of America is in us – and is strong.

“I don’t quit.”

God bless America.

CA Budget Crisis and Building Prisons in Mexico

Should Schwarzenegger Send California Prisoners to Mexico?

California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger has an idea to ease prison overcrowding and help the state's beleaguered budget in one fell swoop -- send inmates to Mexico. Schwarzenegger proposes building prisons in Mexico to house the 20,000 illegal immigrants currently behind bars in California.

"Think about it -- if California gives Mexico the money. Not 'Hey, you take care of them, these are your citizens'. No. Not at all." He told the Sacramento Press Club Monday. "We pay them to build the prison down in Mexico. And then we have those undocumented immigrants down there in prison. It would half the costs to build the prison and run the prison. We could save a billion dollars right there that could go into higher education."

Do you think this is a good idea?

***

The simple answer is yes and here is why...

1) Housing prisoners in CA cost about $40,000 per inmate, per year. This is insane and must change immediately. Building prisons in Mexico is a solution to this problem.

2) The cost is largely due to prison Unions and guards making over $100K per year. In Mexico we could offer guards $20K a year and they would be lining up for the jobs. It's time to break the choke hold of these unions on CA. This would address this problem. It would allow us to weaken the power of these unions.

3) Detaining illegal immigrants in CA is not practical, and is a huge waste of money. It makes sense to deport them to a place where CA and the Federal Government knows and trusts; especially if they are dangerous. After all the reason we don't just turn them over to the Mexican authorities is because we want to make sure they are incarcerated. We want to make sure they don't just get released and then come back into the US (which they currently do).

4) The Prisons in Mexico would serve a dual purpose, as a prison, and a detention / processing center for illegal immigrants deported from the US. Whenever an illegal immigrant is arrested here in CA (or any state) they would immediately be sent to one of these prisons/centers. There they will be processed, tried in a Mexican or US (or combo) court and sentenced. No more detaining illegals in the US. Ship them out immediately. People that are not Mexican could be deported elsewhere from this center as well; once their term is complete.

5) This would be a great way to team up with Mexico to address this immigration problem. We would be providing them with long-term jobs, and boost their economy while also helping our own security. It's a win win.

6) These prisons would be a joint venture between The Fed, States, and Mexico. Because the illegal immigration problem is a Federal and State issue, both would be involved in these prisons. Funding would come from both the Fed and the State. The Fed will be in charge of the tracking of illegals and submitting criminal records to immigration, local police and to all parties involved in determining citizenship eligibility. We also need to be tracking fugitives of the Mexican government that find there way into America, we need to know to detain them if they are picked up.

BOTTOM LINE: We need to be working with Mexico on this problem on way or another.

They said what???

43 Things Actually Said in Job Interviews

By Rachel Zupek, CareerBuilder.com writer

Find Jobs
"I'm not wanted in this state."
"How many young women work here?"
"I didn't steal it; I just borrowed it."
"You touch somebody and they call it sexual harassment!"
"I've never heard such a stupid question."

Believe it or not, the above statements weren't overheard in bars or random conversations -- they were said in job interviews.
Maybe you were nervous, you thought the employer would appreciate your honesty, or maybe you just have no boundaries. Whatever the reason, you can be certain that you shouldn't tell an interviewer that it's probably best if he doesn't do a background check on you. (And yes, the hiring manager remembered you said that.)
We asked hiring managers to share the craziest things they've heard from applicants in an interview. Some are laugh-out-loud hysterical, others are jaw-dropping -- the majority are both. They will relieve anyone who has ever said something unfortunate at a job interview -- and simply amuse the rest of you.
Hiring managers shared these 43 memorable interview responses:

Why did you leave your last job?
"I have a problem with authority." - Carrie Rocha, chief operating officer, HousingLink

Tell us about a problem you had with a co-worker and how you resolved it
"The resolution was we were both fired." - Jason Shindler, CEO, Curvine Web Solutions

What kind of computer software have you used?
"Computers? Are those the black boxes that sit on the floor next to the desks? My boss has one of those. He uses it. I don't have one. He just gives me my schedule and I follow it." - Greg Szymanski, director of human resources, Geonerco Management Inc.

What are your hobbies and interests?
"[He said] 'Well, as you can see, I'm a young, virile man and I'm single -- if you ladies know what I'm saying.' Then he looked at one of the fair-haired board members and said, 'I particularly like blondes.'" - Petri R.J. Darby, president, darbyDarnit Public Relations

Why should we hire you?
"I would be a great asset to the events team because I party all the time." - Bill McGowan, founder, Clarity Media Group

Do you have any questions?
"Cross-dressing isn't a problem is it?" - Barry Maher, Barry Maher & Associates
"If you were a fruit, what fruit would you be?" - Megan Garnett, Articulate Leadership Team, Articulate Communications Inc.
"What do you want me to do if I cannot walk to work if it's raining? Can you pick me up?" - Christine Pechstein, career coach
"I was a chamber of commerce executive once hiring a secretary. [The candidate asked] 'What does a chamber of commerce do?'" - Mary Kurek, Mary Kurek Inc. Visibility Consulting
"Can we wrap this up fairly quickly? I have someplace I have to go." - Bruce Campbell, vice president of marketing, Clare Computer Solutions
"What is your company's policy on Monday absences?" - Campbell
"If this doesn't work out can I call you to go out sometime?" - Christine Bolzan, founder of Graduate Career Coaching
"How big do the bonuses really get once you make associate? I hear it's some serious cash." - Bolzan
"[The candidate asked,] 'Can my dad call you to talk about the job and the training program? He is really upset I'm not going to medical school and wants someone to explain the Wall Street path to him.' The dad did call. Then that dad's friends called and I ended up doing a conference call with a group of concerned parents ... long story." - Bolzan
"If I get an offer, how long do I have before I have to take the drug test?" - Bolzan
"When you do background checks on candidates, do things like public drunkenness arrests come up?" - Bolzan
"Can I get a tour of the breast pumping room? I heard you have a great one here and while I don't plan on having children for at least 10 or 12 years, I will definitely breast-feed and would want to use that room."- Bolzan
"So, how much do they pay you for doing these interviews?" - Jodi R.R. Smith, Mannersmith Etiquette Consulting

Why are you leaving your current job?
"Because I (expletive) my pants every time I enter the building." - Abbe Mortimore, human resources manager, True Textiles Inc.
"I was fired from my last job because they were forcing me to attend anger management classes." - Smith

Why are you looking for a job?
"Cigarettes are getting more expensive, so I need another job." - Pechstein
"My parents told me I need to get a job so that is why I'm here." - McGowan

Why do you want to work for us?
"Just for the benefits." - Jennifer Juergens, JJ Communications
"My old boss didn't like me, so one day, I just left and never came back. And here I am!" - Matt Cowall, communications manager, Appia Communications
"I saw the job posted on Twitter and thought, why not?" - Rebecca Gertsmark Oren, communications director at The Rudd Center for Food Policy and Obesity

What are your assets? (as in strengths)
"Well, I do own a bike." - Pam Venné, principal, The Venné Group
What are your weaknesses?
"I get angry easily and I went to jail for domestic violence. But I won't get mad at you." - Pechstein
"I had a job candidate tell me that she often oversleeps and has trouble getting out of bed in the morning." - Linda Yaffe, certified executive coach
"I am an alcoholic and do not deserve this job." - Deb Bailey, owner, Power Women Magazine & Radio Show
"I'm really not a big learner. You know ... some people love learning and are always picking up new things, but that's just not me. I'd much rather work at a place where the job is pretty stagnant and doesn't change a lot." - Michaele Charles, Voice Communications

When have you demonstrated leadership skills?
"Well my best example would be in the world of online video gaming. I pretty much run the show; it takes a lot to do that." - Rachel Croce

Is there anything else I should know about you?
"You should probably know I mud wrestle on the weekends." -- Venné

When can you start?
"I need to check with my mom on that one." - Bolzan

Use three adjectives to describe yourself
"I hate questions like this." - Katrina Meistering

Tell of a time you made a mistake and how you dealt with it
"I stole some equipment from my old job, and I had to pay for its replacement." - Meistering
Have you submitted your two weeks' notice to your current employer?
"What is two weeks' notice? I've never quit a job before, I've always been fired." - Meistering

Random responses
"One guy [said] 'it would probably be best' if I didn't run a background check on him. Of course, I did, and learned all about his long, sordid past of law-breaking. Our client actually offered him a job as a staff accountant, but quickly retracted the offer when I had to tell them all about his recent arrest for a meth lab in his basement." - Charles
"[A] guy said he did not have a mailing address, as he was living in a gypsy camp at the airport." - Sandra L. Flippo, SPHR
"I went into the lobby to pick up a candidate. As he stood up, his trousers fell to the floor! [He said] 'Oh, my gosh -- they told me I needed a suit for the interview. I've got no money -- so I borrowed this thing. It's too big!'" - Beth Ross, executive and career coach
"Wow -- I'm not used to wearing dress shoes! My feet are killing me. Can I show you these bloody blisters?" - Bolzan
"May I have a cup of coffee? I think I may still be a little drunk from last night." - Smith
(During a telephone call to schedule the interview) "Can we meet next month? I am currently incarcerated." - Smith
"[A candidate] was asked whether he could advocate impartially on behalf of the various universities he would be representing since he had attended one of them. He responded, 'Well, I don't like to poop where I eat, but I thought my education sucked, so I certainly wouldn't put that school above the others.'" - Darby

Review: Up in the Air

Witty. Dark. Timely/Topical. Funny. Interesting...

I would call this film: Satisfyingly Unfulfilling

I very much enjoyed this film. I found it original, smart, real, fun and well done. Reitman's vision came through nicely it would seem, albeit I gather recent events gave the film a darker edge. Had the global economy not crashed and millions of people were not actually going through what goes on in the film, it would have been more comical. Instead, getting fired, or losing your job is not comedy to most in 2009 - 2010. It made the film much cheaper to make if that makes you feel better. Lots of abandoned offices to film in...

The film is dark in that way, and also in another way. I actually think the world that the George Clooney character lives in is actually quite dark as well. An impersonal, sterile, and fake world devoid of closeness and love. In the film the George Clooney character seems to like it... but all I kept thinking is "my god how could you eat airplane food 322 days a year???"

Everyone in this film did a very good job. The people getting fired in all.

Vera Farmiga is amazing. Her performance was perfect for me.

Anna Kendrick also was great. She has great timing, delivery and expression.

All in all the film was good, but the fact that it was left uncompleted or 'up in the air' is both annoying and perfect. Ryan (the GC character) does not find resolution, or rather, his resolution is 'Up in the Air'.