Do you know your creative worth? Davita Galloway sure does.
 Davita Galloway – CREDIT: Camille Hughes Here’s the question of the year:
Are you being paid what you’re worth? Do you know your worth and that of your work?
When the ball dropped a few weeks ago, did you resolve, “This year, I’m going to value myself, my ideas and my creative work much higher”? If you did, good on you. Your kung fu is impressive. If you didn’t, join us in taking it on as a new resolution.
“The Price Went Up”
That question came for us this week as we read this post from Davita Galloway (from whom many of our revelations come). This week, Galloway announced she’d won an award from BroadwayWorld for “Best Costume Design for a Play or Musical” for her work on Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom.
After sharing the news, Galloway laid out two clear statements about the award’s impact on her:
- “The journey is real”
- “The price went up”
So, if you want to work with Galloway on fashion design, it’ll cost a little more now. Why? She’s demonstrated that her skills are worth it. She knows her value. The force is strong with that one.
An Act of Courage
Valuing ourselves, our ideas and the products we create properly is a challenge for creatives. It’s not how we get our initial endorphine hit. We’re “fed” by making things, building things, sharing things and collaborating with others to do so. Making money is often a secondary consideration.
And, while we all know that we have to get paid (and paid properly), it’s not the first thing on our minds. For most of us (The Biscuit team included) drafting invoices, writing proposals and following up on payment are a chore with little appeal, easily put off in favor of making something.
Many of us break out into a straight up flop sweat at the dreaded question, “How much do you charge for that?”
The internal monologue that follows is often – “If I go too low, I’m screwed. But, if I go too high, they’ll walk away …” Learning how much to charge and standing by it can be terrifying and paralzying. But, it’s necessary if we’re going to succeed and keep succeeding as working creatives in Charlotte. It’s an act of courage. And, it must be done.
When it comes to raising prices after we achieve success? Well, we all need to channel our “Inner Davita,” know our worth and say it out loud: “The price went up.”
Exploring Value Together
That’s a lot easier said than done. How do you break through the nerves and do it?
In the months ahead for The Biscuit, we’ll work to share information, perspective, opinions and tips on how we creatives can recognize our own value and how we convey that to those who pay us. If you have something to share on the matter, reach out to us at hello@charlotteiscreative.com … let’s talk.
After all, if we don’t resolve to value ourselves and stand by it, no one will do it for us. Galloway hasn’t said those words exactly, but we’re pretty sure she’s thinking it right now.
All good things,
Tim Miner and Matt Olin
Charlotte Is Creative
Publishers of The Biscuit
Main Photo Credit: Camille Hughes | INSTAGRAM
 Renata Komers of Renata’s Kitchen – Courtesy of the creative Charlotte’s “Mama Makers” Get Crafty in the Pop-Up Scene
by Erika Lopez
Across Charlotte, art, jewelry and delicacies are being made in home studios and kitchens by women balancing creative pursuits and raising a family.
While social media has made it easy for creatives to connect with potential clients, especially those interested in supporting local, women-owned businesses, in-person pop-pp events are irreplaceable as a way for these makers to share their work, expand their clientele and even spur collaborations between artists.
This week, we feature three of these creatives, or “Mama Makers” (as some call themselves), that have successfully turned their passions into a business with beautiful and delicious results.
CREATIVE OPPORTUNITIES
 Creative pool member Melissa Wineman – CREDIT: Brooke Brown City Creatives Pool Opens
Applications due by March 4
Applications are now open for Charlotte’s Urban Design Center’s placemaking creatives pool. This application opens once a year. Creatives ranging from visual artists, performers and photographers to poets, fabricators and teams of artists are invited to apply. Creatives who are currently members of the pool and want to remain in it for 2022 must register and refresh their information.
According to the UDC: “The pool will be used to match local creatives on a rolling basis, with opportunities throughout Charlotte.” The document also notes that “inclusion in the pool does not guarantee a commission.”
Charlotte Art League Issues Call for Black History Month
Entry Deadline: Feb. 2
Exhibit Dates: Feb. 4 – March 4
Charlotte Art League has issued an open call to artists to submit artwork that portrays Black History Month. They’re seeking work that explores Black history from a vantage point that is meaningful to the submitting artist. Selected pieces will be viewed online and can be purchased through the virtual exhibit.
Hear That? BOOM Charlotte is Back!
Deadline to apply: Feb. 4
Queen City creatives, by now you may already know (but we want to be sure) that a live, in-person version of the BOOM Charlotte festival is BACK April 22-23. And, they’ve issued an open call for artists.
BOOM’s Instagram post says, “BOOM Charlotte is looking forward to collaboratively creating spaces where edgy, provocative, and downright weird art can be put on display just a few steps away from family-friendly art offerings.”
CREATIVE EVENTS
Nouveau Sud Unleashes La Bestia
Jan. 20-23, 2022
Booth Playhouse – 100 N. Tryon St.
If you’ve seen the remarkable work of director Carlos Alexis Cruz and his diverse group of dance/acrobatic/physical theater artists, then you know this all-ages show is going to be lit. La Bestia is a contemporary circus show about the immigrant journey from Central and Latin America to the U.S., featuring a wide array of visual scenes to capture the heart of the Central American and Mexican landscape and culture.
Goodyear Arts Invites You to See MÔR in 2022
Opening Jan. 21 from 6 to 9 p.m.
Goodyear Arts – 301 Camp Rd. Charlotte, N.C.
Charlotte creatives Alexandra Jane and Briona Simone have curated works for MÔR, a collective exhibition of works centered on Black lesbian thought. MÔR opens at Goodyear Arts today.
MÔR includes work from Sokari Ekine, Shan Wallace and Makeda Lewis, Tochi Hannah, Sofahood, Laila Stevens, Asia Stewart, Ibtisam Tasnim, Victoria Walton and special guest, Ika Hügel-Marshall. The evening features a walkthrough with participating artists at 7 p.m.
Get One “Last Look” at Regine Bechtler Sculpture
Jan. 27, 6-9 p.m. – Reservation Required
Galleries at 811 – 811 Providence Rd
This is your last chance to check out 811’s eight original sculptures from Regine Bechtler on display at the Galleries at 811. In addition to the gorgeous collection of contemporary ceramic works, this closing event will also feature champagne and light hors d’oeuvres.
Three Artists Featured at Charlotte Renaissance: An Urban Revival
Feb. 1-28
The Goodyear House – 3032 N. Davidson St.
This month-long art event presented by Jacqueline F. Currie MA will feature original artwork by Leon S. Parker, Ajane Williams and Azjah Stallings. Pieces displayed on the walls of The Goodyear House can be purchased by diners on the spot. Now that’s a partnership we’ll eat up.
CREATIVE EXPLORATION
Art is Popping Up-town … Thanks to Art Pop
Uptown Charlotte
Our weather friends are saying there’s a chance we may be headed into the second “snowmageddon” of January this weekend, but … 24 hours later … you’re going to want to get out and walk around. Our friends at ArtPop Street Gallery have just the tonic.
Use the map above for a self-guided art walk of 10 of the artists from their class of 2022 on newsstands on Tryon Street. (Or, you can take a less athletic drive around and see the work emblazoned on billboards all over the city.)
What are you making with your “Snow Day” groceries?
Collectively, the main Biscuit team has lived in Charlotte for over 100 years. And, the “ice-sanity” that overtakes us all at the rumor of a snowflake falling is still a mystery.
So, we’re asking you. If you’ve headed out to buy milk, bread, eggs and toilet paper, is there some amazing recipe that incorporates all four? If you have an answer for that (yes, we know “French Toast” is one – without the TP) would you please share it with us HERE? Especially if you actually incorporate copious amounts of toilet paper.
And, while we’re at it, we’d like to thank all the first responders, City and County crews, Duke Energy crews, medical professionals, reporters and — let’s face it – grocery store staff and many more who brave the insanity when the flakes start to fall.
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