¿Cómo lidias con artistas o clientes difíciles o exigentes?

Dealing with challenging situations, whether they involve artists or clients, is an art that requires a delicate touch. It all starts with listening carefully and trying to understand things from their perspective. It's essential to set clear boundaries respectfully while still encouraging creative freedom. It's also crucial to value each individual's unique talents and ideas while working towards a common goal without compromising their true integrity and values. This approach should take into account the different audiences and targets involved.

Effective collaborations rely on clear communication, especially with Artists and/or Buyers. Start by setting clear expectations, defining roles, and agreeing on timelines and budgets. Maintain regular communication through feedback, updates, and solutions. Address any issues or conflicts promptly! Don't worry about being rude when addressing issues - it's much better to do this right away than to be unhappy with the end result.

Dealing with difficult clients can be challenging, but maintaining professionalism and clear communication is key. First, listen attentively to their concerns. Validate their feelings while calmly asserting your boundaries and capabilities. Set clear expectations upfront to avoid misunderstandings later on. Remain open-minded, but also assertive in advocating for your own creative vision and expertise. When faced with unreasonable demands, diplomatically negotiate compromises that align with both parties' goals. Remember to prioritize the quality of your work and your artistic integrity, and if necessary, know when it's appropriate to walk away from a situation that is not conducive to a productive collaboration.

Dealing with a difficult client, artist, manager requires patience, and STRONG communication. I like to strategize when in situations like this. Remember to always stay focused on finding a solution. Approach problems with the end goal being solutions, rather than assigning blame. Keep thorough records of conversations, agreements, and any changes. This can prevent disputes later. Maintain Flexibility this involves being open to your approach based on feedback. Also flexibility shows you value input. Clearly communicate what is acceptable and what isn’t in your working relationship to protect your own well-being.

I am on the artist's side and here I would like to focus on the following: 1. Define expectations and fix them. At the stage of research or preparation, it is worth fixing the idea of the customer / artist with the help of references. This way you can meet each other's expectations. 2. Think over the important points that affect the result of the project and fix them in the contract. It is important to have a transparent workflow for both parties, the easiest way is to fix it in the contract. 3. Set the format for feedback and receiving reports. This will simplify communication, as well as protect both sides. 4. Work on your vocabulary. Speak in the language of specifics, do not use formulations that may be ambiguous.

When working with a difficult or demanding artists/client, always try to listen to them and hear them out first. This shows you care about their opinion and will make them feel more comfortable and lead to an easier cooperation.

Always ask questions, lots of questions. This will allow you to understand each other better. It is worth thinking about the questions before you will start conversation.

Here is a simple technique which can help: repeat their words with adding something like: "as I understood, you are saying (...). (you can use your form of sentence, it works better to show if there is an actual communication). Pleas tell me am I correct?" Sometimes just one conversation like this can turn all the communication on the right side. When the people feel to be listened, they usually stop fighting.

From the very beginning, it is worth solving the issue on the shore. Where is your area of competence and what defines it and where is the client's area of competence. This will allow you to solve the issue quite simply. But each side needs to have arguments on controversial issues. Define the boundaries

It's also important to make the difference between personal support and professional opinion. Working with people who are in any sence complicated for us we need both emotional and professional support, but it's very important to not confuse one with another.

I managed an artist independently, which often felt overwhelming as I found myself juggling the roles of manager, publicist, agent, security, and producer, among others. Without a dedicated team, the challenges were significant. I’m grateful for my strong support system of peers; reaching out to them provided valuable advice and helped me gain clarity on the missteps I made along the way. I don't know what I would have done without those colleagues (If you’re reading this, you know who you are.)

My greatest lession from 2023 - how to say "no" if you are not agree with the Client, or employee, or your partner, or boss. I thought it's a conflict. But, as I understood the conflict actually starts if you don't say "no" when you feel you wouldn't like to continue the collaboration the way it is. Loosing the moment in which you could just say it calmly and with respect, we are going to the point in which it transforms into something like "OH NO IT'S TOO MUCH", and at this point we usually come with anger and frustration. So, saying no then you feel it - means you really care about good communication :)

If you notice from the beginning that a customer or artist is difficult to deal with and may lead to conflict in the future - stay away. Sometimes that one order or job is just not worth it. It will cost you more nerves and energy than it will return any rewards.

Going forward I now know to say "NO." I allow myself to set boundaries so I don't get my brand or reputation damaged. I also won't allow for any humiliation and or bullying in the workplace. I learned to have more respect for myself rather than the artist. Remember you to are human. You deserve the best for you.

Creative Guidance: As a craft-centric art strategist, I leverage my expertise to offer creative and viable solutions that address the artist or client's concerns while staying within the project's scope and budget. Strategic Thinking: I approach challenges strategically, considering the long-term implications of my decisions and working towards mutually beneficial outcomes. Professionalism: Maintaining a high level of professionalism throughout the process is crucial. This includes being punctual, responsive and respectful, even in challenging situations. Thanks for letting me share 🙏

Develop a strategy for yourself. What projects/artists/clients do you work with and why. Try to focus only on your target audience. Sometimes the client/artist just doesn't suit you and that's fine.