I’ve got a story and a business question for you. You ever open your email and see the subject line say “Are you available?” It’s exciting. You either open it right away or save it for last so you can give it your full attention. Your brain is running around like a squirrel wondering what the opportunity might be.

I’ve worked with a lot of clients, and most were great to work with. Most of my work history with freelancing has been one-time commissions never to be heard from again, and that bummed me out because I’d wondered if it was my work, personality, or they never made past their indie phase.

 I’ve also signed a variety of contracts from a promise and a handshake, email agreements, fill-in-the-blanks contracts to corporate contracts with legalese that would have you rereading lines to make sure you weren’t signing away your unborn child. Most contracts are fair to both parties. If you read over them carefully, you can see that the client is covering their business interests and potentially saving themselves from future headaches. All in all, I’ve never felt the need to have a contract amended.

Recently, though, I’ve come into a situation where I don’t like the terms of the contract, and I wrote back clearly stating my reasons for amending it. Some of my questions were answered, my requests were accepted, but on one point, it seems they’re not willing to budge. Unfortunately, their reluctance leaves me in an uncertain position. One in which is just bad business. I’m not a business-minded person. My less-than-stellar career is proof of that. But now, after a lot of hits, bumps, and bruises, I’m unwilling to take what’s given. Of course, like many artists out there, I also don’t want to damage relationships or create a bad reputation for myself. The art world, despite being global, is still a small industry, and word does get around.

So, what would you do?