On Models, TFP's and an Artist's Worth

Usually, when models start out in the industry, they do not charge money.  Rather, they will exchange services with the photographer in an arrangement know as Time For Prints (aka TFP, or Time for CD).   This is a way for them to build up their portfolios, without having to pay the photographer.  Once the model's portfolio is established, she will start charging for her time, and quite often will no longer do TFP, once established as a professional.

I am currently listed on several modeling industry sites, and I occasionally get requests from models to draw them.  Typically, it's something like, oh, I love your work, and I'd love for you to do one of me.  When I ask them if this will be a commission, or what the financial arrangement might be, the reply is very often, oh I just want one, it will look great, etc.   I find it humorous that many models want me to draw a portrait of them for free, when on their modeling site profiles they have this symbol displayed prominently:

Even though I use photos as my reference, it still takes me time, as an artist, to create a piece.   As it takes time for photographers and models to create the fantastic images that they display in their portfolios.  I don't necessarily have an issue with doing TFP artwork, but only under circumstances that I dictate.  Sometimes I want to add a piece to my portfolio, or sometimes I come across a model or image I feel will benefit me.  That's my prerogative, as it is the prerogative of the model to accept or decline TFP.

I have skills, and sometimes I charge for that skill, same as a photographer, or a plumber, or electrician.  What do you think?  I'd love some feedback on this.

On the (Almost) Sudden Loss of .....Me!

"You're having a heart attack, we're calling the cardiac team down now!"

I heard those words two weeks ago today, as I write this blog.  Chilling news--I had gone to the ER that morning, thinking I was suffering from acute asthma or pneumonia.  I felt bad all weekend, and by the time Monday morning came around, I thought that my difficulty breathing was a recurrence of asthma or some lung infection, although I couldn't explain the pain in my right arm.

I had my heart attack while hooked up to the EKG in the ER.  This probably saved my life---my attending internist told me that night I was lucky to be at the hospital, that he's known patients who waited a day or two with my symptoms, and they died.  I had 90% blockage on my heart's lower right quadrant, and 80% on the left side.  I was in the cardio surgery room 10 minutes after my 'event,' where they put in the first stent (the second surgery was performed 2 days later).

I'm now back at work, and feeling VERY lucky to be alive.  What possessed me to go to the emergency room?  I am someone who puts off doctor visits constantly (I postponed 3 check-ups this summer).  I am lucky to be alive, especially considering what happened to my co-worker just a month earlier.

I have some lifestyle changes to make, one is to 'destress' my life.   That means, after a long absence, I need to get back to my drawing board, and just create.  Art can be a great high, and I already have  couple of lovely ladies that I wish to capture.