Delivering the Whole PB&J

To create great art while failing to create a great transactional experience for the client seems to me like peanut butter sandwich without jelly (or vice-versa). It’s good, yet incomplete. Instead, my idea of a “great artist” is one who delivers the “whole sandwich” comprised of great art and a great transactional experience.

In this light, I’ve always considered it a travesty when artists who excel at creative craftsmanship consider the transactional side of their work unimportant or “beneath them.” In the worst cases, some artists are so self-absorbed that they consider their narcissistic obsession with their own creative world as a valid substitute for genuine transactional integrity. “They (the client) should be wowed by my process. Don’t bother me with all that ‘business stuff,’” they smugly say as they shuffle off to their studio and slam the door behind them. Ugh.

Somehow, the fine art world seems to be one of the only – if not the only – world in which such client-despising arrogance and transactional malfeasance can actually breed success. Some clients actually flock to artists who ooze such an attitude, lauding it as part of their esteemed, establishment-bucking, unquestionable “process.” “O, isn’t he just such a… dish,” they whisper in awe to one another at art openings where the artist is strangely absent. Ugh.

To me, the true beauty of all human endeavors - artwork included - involves serving people with joy, integrity, and excellence. To me, this signals humility in the artist, respect for the client, and reverence for The Master Artisan who made us all. This kind of artist delights to create great artwork on time, on budget, and on mission in an enjoyable and professional transactional experience. This is the mouthwatering, gooey PB&J, and boy is it delicious.

While never perfect at this, it remains my aim as a professional artist. That’s why I love working with individuals and agencies who value both great art and a great transactional experience! My collaborative commission process is another way I strive to support this honorable goal. And when, by God’s grace, I reach it, it’s worth celebrating! Let’s do that together in light of this recent testimonial from Christina Saboe, a wonderful Project Manager for Chicago Art Source.

A few projects where Christina and I delivered “the whole PB&J”