You've seen it yourself: artists who come to gigs unprepared. Maybe they're dressed inappropriately, maybe they give out their own business cards. Maybe they even (gasp) EAT AT THE GIG. Or maybe this is YOU.
If it is, you're in trouble. Because agents won't re-hire you if you behave in an unprofessional manner. Below is a list of DO's and DON'T's to keep in mind when working with agents:
DO Follow your particular agents rules. Not all agents have the same rules. Make sure you know what they are before you work the gig. They should be enumerated in your contract.
DO get a contract. It should have the name of the event, a contact person. place, time to start and end, what to wear, and HOW MUCH YOU'RE GETTING PAID. IMPORTANT. Most agents are honest, but not all. And you want to make sure that you get PAID.
DO some homework. If you're unfamiliar with your gig site, do a test drive a day or two beforehand. Make sure all your gear is packed in yoru car along with emergency supplies such as duct tape (this has saved me more than once when an easel has broken on me), extra paper, rubber bands and markers.
DO Dress to impress. You're the entertainer for hte evening. Jeans aren't usually acceptable unless it's a company picnic, and even then you're on shaky ground. For event bookings, my company always requires that the artists wear all black, no matter what the event, unless something else is requested by the client. Check with your agent, and when in doubt, dress UP, not down.
DO Arrive early. Here in las vegas, we have something called a "call time", which is anywhere from fifteen minutes to an hour beforehand. You don't usually get paid for this time. Be there by call time, or in the case of a gig that doesnt have one, at least fifteen minutes before the gig is slated to start.
DON'T Eat or drink on the job even if the client offers it unless you have permission from your agent. Drinking of alcohol is ALWAYS prohibited. Often an agent is ok with you eating during a break as long as it's out of sight of the clients. When in doubt, DO NOT EAT. Eat before the gig, or sneak a granola bar and eat it on your break in the restroom.
DON'T act in an unprofessional manner. Smile. Be Polite. Don't swear. Brand yourself as a pro and agents will use you again and again.
DON'T give out your personal business cards or contact information. THis is HIGHLY unprofessional and could get you blackballed. Word of mouth moves quickly. You CAN however give out your agents cards. Some agents even have a slot for you to put your name so clients can request you again.
DON'T take tips unless you have approval.
DON'T take more than about 5 minutes per drawing at gigs. THe client will be unhappy and it reflects porly not only on you but on your agent as well.
DON'T take breaks unless the agent gives you the go-ahead.
and finally,
DO ask the client to give you a good review to your agent if you've done a good job.
More ideas? Add yours below!
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