This article is by Brian Sherwin, regular contributing writer for FineArtViews. Brian Sherwin is an art critic, blogger, curator, artist and writer based near Chicago, Illinois. He has been published in Hi Fructose Magazine, Illinois Times, and other publications, and linked to by publications such as The Huffington Post, The Boston Globe, Juxtapoz Magazine, Deutsche Bank ArtMag, ARTLURKER, Myartspace, Blabbermouth, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, Conservative Punk, Modern Art Obsession, Citizen LA, Shark Forum, Two Coats of Paint, Vandalog, COMPANY, artnet, WorldNetDaily (WND) and Art Fag City. If you want your blog posts listed in the FineArtViews newsletter with the possibility of being republished to our 19,000+ subscribers, consider blogging with FASO Artist Websites.  Disclaimer: This author's views are entirely his/her own and may not reflect the views of BoldBrush, Inc.. You should submit an article and share your views as a guest author by clicking here.

An artist recently asked what he should do in a situation involving wedding invitations. Long story short, the artist had been asked if images of his artwork could be used on wedding invitations. The happy couple desired to use the images without paying financial compensation -- they wanted to cut down on wedding expenses. Needless to say, the artist was struggling over his best interest while at the same time thinking of the couple (he knew the wife-to-be). I reminded him that a request like this can offer opportunity without direct profit involved.

I normally warn against taking on nonpaying art jobs. That said, in this situation the artist may benefit from the exposure – and do so in a way that is not a career killer (it is doubtful that anyone will hold it against the artist later). Pointblank, the average wedding in the United States involves anywhere between 50 and 200 guests... I made it clear that the wedding guests could potentially be introduced to his artwork IF the happy couple is willing to include a link to his artist website on the wedding invitation and wedding program. As I told him... it may translate to 50+ new visitors to his artist website.

This alternative form of exposure may spur opportunity if his artwork is placed prominently on the wedding program along with basic information (artist name, title of work, and website address). After all, people are 'hungry' for something to do while waiting for the reception food to be served – guests are doing more with their phones than just taking pictures. The wedding reception guests may end up killing some time by looking up the artist. That places the artist in a good position with guests... because he already has a 'stamp of approval' from the happy couple.

The artist seemed shocked by my proposal -- he worried that such a request may offend the couple. I reminded him that the couple had already burdened him with a one-sided request -- and that his request for acknowledgement was not much to ask for considering that financial compensation was not offered. It did not take him long to start seeing things my way.

In closing, what do you think about this situation? Do you agree with my suggestion? Do you feel that my suggestion is rude? If you had this opportunity... what would you do? Would you barter for exposure... OR demand compensation? Is this scenario acceptable as a form of alternative exposure for art? Let me know what you think.

Take care, stay true,

Brian Sherwin