While its great to get your name out there,exposure cant pay the bills.
Though some might argue that in the long run, it can.
Bored Pandareached out to established artistCaelyn Robertsonfor her take on the matter.
We also spoke to influencer marketing expertOlivia Savage.
Shes theSenior Marketing Strategist, Creator Growth and Engagement for partnership management platformimpact.com.
And it probably wont be the last.
Im actually highly amused.
To comment on the drivel that proceeded is just a waste of time, she says.
The artist handled that situation with honesty, dignity and a whole lot of grace, in my opinion.
If anything, to the said artist, well done and stick to your guns!
Olivia Savage is the Senior Marketing Strategist, Creator Growth and Engagement, for award-winning partnership management platformimpact.com.
Asking creatives of any kind to do labor for free is not fair, says Savage.
Artists across all different mediums experience this bang out of treatment frequently, Savage told Bored Panda.
There is a misconception that exposure is a reasonable, valuable form of compensation.
While exposure can certainly have its benefits, it alone does not pay an artists bills.
But she cautions against doing it for exposure.
Sometimes, even paid jobs dont bring the return and exposure one might expect as an artist.
Be humble, have a thick skin, but know your worth and remember how important your time is.
Savage believes that the influencer escalated the situation unnecessarily by calling the artists mother and sending hate texts.
But given how communications have deteriorated, it might be best if they do not collaborate and part ways.
Savage says its important to always have a contract in place.
Absolutely smashed it and was a SOLD OUT show, she says.
The first sold-out show didnt only give me the confidence that this was a pretty sure call.
It financed my first solo traveling expedition.
Its been a journey with many highs and lows.
Ive had months of so many commissions that I cant take on more.
Ive had seasons of steady sales through galleries and sales upon dropping artworks off to be hung for shows.
These stretched me in ways I never imagined I could be stretched.
We asked Robertson whether shes ever been asked to work for exposure.
We arent surprised to hear that she has.
I think as an artist, hope, positivity and tenacity needs to be a cornerstone.
However, we can sometimes get caught when we find ourselves at a low ebb.
We all know thats a lie, she said.
The artists way is not easy, she adds.
Its the only constant in the nature of our work.
Its just a way of being for me.
You either have it or you dont, she says.
I love what I do, but its not easy.
Would I have it any other way?
I dont think so.
Exposure doesnt pay the bills… Or does it?
TheInfluencer Marketing Benchmark Report 2025further notes that63.8% of brands polled confirmed plans to partner with influencers this year.
Just how much they make is relative though.
It goes without saying that bigcelebritiescan command big bucks.
The same goes for football legend Christiano Ronaldo with his 694m+ followers.
But you dont have to go big or go home.
Most nano- and micro-influencers charge between $10 and $100 per post, notes the report.
Nano and micro-influencers are everyday people with a decent following and influence,readsfinance automation platform Tipalti.
There are millions of influencers out there, and you should think carefully about who you work with.
Does her Instagram come close to your style guide?
Is she in your target demographic?
Is she posting about topics that indicate she and her readers would be interested in your brand?
Check out the results:
