Musicians, designers, dancers, writers, actors, among many artistic professionals are some of the most dis-respected and under-valued players in Zimbabwe. Yet everyone wants the value they bring to the table.
Everyone wants to get desired results in marketing, whilst leveraging on art but few are willing to compensate the artists for it.
Do not get it twisted they know your value, but they want to minimize costs and pay people in other sectors before you. This tendency demands you to be very strict in your operations and draft the right contracts and working terms.
I remember a certain friend telling me how she was frustrated by doing writing work which she went unpaid for by a certain publication. The owners of the publication after the fact would then go on to say they didn’t pay her because her articles were apparently “sub-standard” yet they had held these articles for over 4 months (meaning during that 4 month period she had been unable to use them elsewhere, assuming they would pay).
In some instances companies ask designers for logos with endless revisions , sometimes as a tactic to justify late payments.
Yet most brand awareness campaigns are driven by writing, good music, dance, acting, videography and design.
In order for companies to scale their client base, art plays a major role in getting and retaining attention on products sold. So there is no need for companies to act as if it is a grudge payment where they are doing the creative contributor a favour.
Protecting Your Craft: Best Practices for Creatives in Zimbabwe
In the Zimbabwean business landscape, creative professionals need to be vigilant and proactive to safeguard their work and ensure they are fairly compensated. Beyond having solid contracts, here are some essential practices to consider:
- Request Upfront Payments or Deposits
It’s common-place for businesses to delay or withhold payment owed to creatives, whilst prioritizing other suppliers and rentals. You can mitigate this by requesting upfront payments or a deposit before starting any work.
This shows that the client is serious and committed, and it also secures your effort and time investment. If the person is unwilling to make a deposit, do not proceed. In fact many will be angry and they will spread the message to others.
Over-time you will realize that people will only come to you when they are serious. - Maintain Clear Communication and Written Agreements
Verbal agreements can easily be forgotten or misinterpreted. Always follow up on discussions with written communication, whether through email or formal letters.
This helps clarify expectations and can serve as evidence if disputes arise. Emails are always best because you can store a copy of the minutes unlike a conversation over phone or Whatsapp. If you do an agreement via phone call, unless it’s being recorded (with their permission). Make sure to follow it up with and email to recap on the main points. - Limit Revisions
Define a specific number of revisions in your initial agreement.
Endless revisions can be a tactic to delay payment or undervalue your work. Clearly state that additional revisions will come at an extra cost.
If someone keeps changing their initial brief penalize it as new work. - Portfolio Rights and Usage
Specify in your contract or agreement that you retain the rights to use your work in your portfolio or for self-promotion unless you’re paid extra for exclusivity.
This is particularly important in Zimbabwe, where your ability to showcase your work to attract new clients is vital. - Networking and References
Leverage your network and seek references before working with new clients. In a tight-knit community like Zimbabwe’s, word of mouth is powerful. Ask around or check if others have had positive experiences with the client.
You may find out that the reason they are moving to you is because they haven’t paid the previous person. We once had a difficult hosting client, who kept evading hosting bills until we had to kick him off.
He went around bad-mouthing us, and eventually someone took him in. Then 6 months later the person who accommodated that individual was crying foul too. - Stay Updated on Industry Standards
Familiarize yourself with the going rates and industry standards in Zimbabwe. Knowing what others in your field are charging can help you set your prices competitively while ensuring you’re not underselling yourself.
It also helps the industry as a whole. So that there is a minimal viable standard value for a specific task. - Insist on Milestone Payments
For larger projects, break down the work into milestones with payments attached to each.
This reduces the risk of non-payment and allows you to manage your cash flow better. - Educate Clients on the Value of Your Work
Sometimes, clients undervalue creative work because they don’t fully understand the process or the impact it has on their business. Take time to educate your clients on the value and effort involved, which can help in securing fair compensation.
By incorporating these practices into your dealings, you can better protect your craft and ensure that your contributions are recognized and rewarded fairly in Zimbabwe.
With that said, you are welcome to join my growing WhatsApp group of great thinkers.
