Motivation turns to depression
Why can’t it be easier? Easier isn’t even the most appropriate word, just the most commonplace. I’ve gotten over the whole overwhelming part of trying to get my photos out there and make some dollars. I’ve read the first thirty pages of my photographer’s market book. Unfortunately, within those pages is the flat out fact that there is no way for me to be successful anytime soon. It’s the ol’ catch 22 situation. If I am even able to sell my work, I’ll have to pay taxes on my earnings. Normal, yes. But, this will also include business taxes for a business I do not even own. Meaning I will have to start my own business and keep it separate from my personal taxes. Fine. Here’s the problem though. I don’t have any money for that. It’s a spend money to make money kind of thing with the downside being I can’t spend any money therefore I cannot make any money. If I was somewhat finacially stable right now we would have a different story.
Which brings me back to my initial question. Why can’t it be easier? Why can’t I submit samples to an agency/publication/whatever, have them interested in those images or commission new ones, pay me, and that be that. I understand that taxes need to be paid, but it makes starting out near impossible. This frustration from the business side of it is like water putting out the fire of the creative side. It of course can’t be handed to you, but it doesn’t have to be slapped down before it has a chance.
At this point I would be ecstatic to just have my work featured in a gallery, in hopes that might lead to some exposure. This is immediately shot down by the fact that I cannot afford to have large prints of my work made. My go to thought is to find a small, local publication to freelance for, even if only online and even that feels beyond my reach. No one has any money for anything right now. People actually working at creative jobs are on the verge of losing them, meaning it is very doubtful for new hirings.
I just feel like my work is at the point of payment and I just can’t seem to make it all happen.
