Rightly so, because otherwise you may as well donate that money to Haitian relief so it can actually do some good.

If you’ve never worked with an artist before, it’s hard to know what to expect. Of course awesomeness – you should definitely expect amazing results. But what about all the stuff that happens between the time you pick an artist and that whole results thing? What usually happens? What’s supposed to happen?

Like any service provider, Artists can vary widely in their style of helping people. However, there are some aspects of service that you should expect to experience. This is the first in a series of posts I’ll be doing to share what it’s like to work with an artist.

Conversation, anyone?

Call it consulting if you want. The main idea is that you should get to speak to a human being before any work starts. Nay, before you put down any money.

As I write this, I’m aware that I have packages available in my business that ask for payment up front. The key thing to watch out for is risk. If you put money down on a package, it should be 100% refundable until you’ve spoken. Typically I already have good relationships with the people who purchase packages, but I couldn’t keep someone’s money if they felt uncomfortable after we spoke. It would feel slimy to me. I’m allergic to slime.

What kind of conversation should you have?

“You mean like talking about the Colts or Lady Gaga? I hate useless chit-chat. Can’t we just get down to business?”

Of course you need to talk about the business at hand – it’s what you’re paying for – but consider the fact that you’re both human beings. Hopefully you’ll get to know each other a little bit before diving into the nitty gritty of the work. You don’t have to swap stories about your dog’s digestive disorders, but you should at least share something about who you are and what your business is all about.

Sometimes very important concepts come out of “non-business” chats I’ve had with clients. In fact, my best work is done with people with whom I feel like I could share a cup of coffee. Otherwise, it just comes down to push-button instructions like, “Make this bigger,” or “Change this color.” It could all be done by a robot, which may be exactly what you want if you simply want to give out instructions.

If you don’t like being all chatty, it’s fine. Just be human: personable, polite, and open to sharing a bit about your business. Don’t tell me you’re tired of talking about your business? Yeah, I thought not.

You should expect an artist you hire to want to know about your business and the people you serve. If an artist tells you, “I don’t need to know all that stuff, I’m just laying out your card,” run. Run far, far away. Take your money with you.

Next: Concepts and Idears