wily foxes and other swindlers

Without putting ourselves out there, showing our work, doing social media, writing blogs etc, no one will know we exist and if no one knows about our work we won't sell anything. We'll either starve or, horror of horrors, have to find a job.

Unfortunately, an inevitable vulnerability comes with being an artist and the openness that's baked into our profession will attract a motley crew of bots, scammers and time-wasters, dangling opportunities that seem just a little too good to be true. But as Aesop cautioned, never fall for the false flattery of those who seek to swindle us. Here's a recent example that appeared in my spam folder (copied and pasted):

"I came across your stunning artwork and wanted to take a moment to express my admiration for your talent. I’m quite interested in purchasing 5-10 pieces for my upcoming exhibition. I’m focused on digital formats and would like to acquire them as NFTs. I’m offering $2500 for each artwork that I select as an NFT."

I've been sent links to 'sites' to post my work and, I kid you not, even a QR code from someone in Russia that they needed me to scan in order to complete a purchase of my digital art.

I was asked recently, "Are you on WhatsApp?" "Sure" I said, "Give me your number and I'll message you." Needless to say, I didn't get their number. From the same person a few frustrating exchanges later I was getting a "Hey buddy!" which was where the conversation ended.

I've learned that it's best to establish some boundaries that your self-respect and integrity won't, under any circumstance, allow you to cross.

1. Don't respond to any enquiries NFT related - in my experience they have all, without exception, been a complete waste of time. An easy red flag to spot. If you must play their game, do it on your terms. I suggest you create some NFTs of your own and list them on a reputable platform like OpenSea. You can simply direct any enquiries there. If they are serious collectors, they can bid for the work. Best of all, you don't need to have further dealings with them.

2. Don't respond to any messages on Instagram or other social media. Have the link to your professional email available in your bio. This can be a difficult one to stick to but people need to respect your professionalism if they are serious about doing business with you. It puts the necessary marker in the sand. It says, "This is how I do business. Take it or leave it."

3. When you get the, "I came across your stunning artwork and wanted to express my admiration for your talent etc..." If you really must reply to this nonsense, simply ask them what they found so stunning about the work and, "What is it you admire specifically about my talent?" Make them work a bit. That should get rid of them. If not block them, or mark them as spam.

4. For the, "Are you on WhatsApp?" question, insist they provide their number first. Better still, get their email. Don't do business with anyone unwilling to provide their genuine contact details.

5. Never click on links in emails or on WhatsApp and under no circumstances are you to ever scan a QR code a stranger sends you on Instagram!

General rule of thumb, trust your instincts. If an offer seems too good to be true, it probably is.

Many of us were raised to be a little too co-operative for our own good. At the cost of our own interests and wellbeing. With the promise of easy money or other tempting 'opportunity', it can be easy to get suckered in.

Being someone who has always defaulted to trusting people and dealing with them openly and honestly, it's hard for me to be so guarded. It goes against my nature. My art is for anyone and everyone. I want the door to be wide open.

We only need a few mutually beneficial, trusting relationships with people who believe in our art, believe in us and give us the respect we are due. Genuine collectors or anyone simply interested in what we do should always be given our time and utmost respect. In my experience genuine collectors keep their cards close to their chest, are curious and interested in the work - without the gushing flattery - and certainly don't make outrageous purchase offers. You'll know when someone is on the level. A relationship with a collector should be long and slow.

Don't be desperate to sell your art. Choose your buyers carefully. Not everyone deserves to do business with you.

Putting our art out in the world is inherently risky, but avoiding risk altogether is not an option. No risk, no gain but we can take reasonable steps to keep our practice safe and avoid making the mistake of Aesop's foolish crow.

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