Hi guys!

So, I know the idea of money and creativity is a contentious issue that has been talked about a lot in various capacities. Whether it’s dealing with the use of existing art or getting someone to work on your project, money comes up a lot and I’d like to put my two cents in. Ha! Get it?

When you’re talking collaboration of some kind, it’s a sticky wicket, for sure. On the one hand, everyone wants to be paid fairly for their work. On the other hand, you may want to start a project that requires the skills of other people that you feel you simply don’t have the money to pay.

I get it. I’ve totally been in that situation where I would love to hire a <insert creative title here> to help bring my project to life but I don’t have the funds. And it’s so tempting to say “Hey! Who’s willing to work for free?” And true, there are situations when you all decide to engage in a project together – like a band – and the money comes from those who hire you to play. That’s different.

I’m bringing this up because I go to a lot of networking events and have heard people say outright, “I’m looking for an <x> and I have no budget so I need someone to do it for free.”

And you might be thinking well, you gotta do what you gotta do, right?

But here’s the thing . It’s a slippery slope, a vicious cycle, if you will.

If I, as a musician, for example, do a bunch of work for no pay – like scoring your film – then either one of two things is the case; either 1) I need to work a regular job to make an income or 2) I have no income.

In the first scenario, if I have to spend most of my time at an unrelated job – I realize that some people prefer it that way but let’s say I want music to be my full-time gig – not only am I less likely to be giving my best to your volunteer project , which affects both my reputation and the quality of your project, but I have less time available to study and practice and get better at my craft.

In the second scenario of having no money, this means I am unable to pay others to orchestrate the score, provide copying services, design an album cover etc.. I can’t afford things like the $200 a month I would need to spend on  lessons to becoming a world-class vocalist or composer or whatever.

Do you see how it keeps coming around? You don’t pay me so I can’t pay anyone else – and by me I mean any creative person, not me specifically! And I might not have the money in my pocket to go see any other movies you might release. Ultimately, the whole industry – and, some would argue, the world – suffers when artists are unable to better themselves and dedicate themselves to their work.

So, my thing is, I get money can be tight. But, if you strongly believe in your project, there may be ways, whether through grants or friends and family or other benefactors, to allow you to provide financial compensation to those who are working with you. Try not to immediately jump to the donation of services until you have exhausted all other possibilities.

Trust me – your project and the creative industry as a whole will be richer for it!

So, now to some Swimming Tigress Music News.

Ladybug Crossings is coming along swimmingly and I know I’ve put up a few lyric videos.

But I wanted to share something with you that you can take anywhere – a free download of the title track!

Just click on the little Download button and away you go!

Enjoy! And don’t forget to come back or visit www.tiffanyprochera.com for more updates!

Have a fabulous day!