Do not promise what you cannot deliver

If you’re in business, and art is a business, you must stand by your product, your word, and your promise.

A neighbor was interested in having a dog portrait done of her Schnauzer. Some years ago, she had sent a photo of her dog and the cost for a 9x12 painting to a T.V. artist. His prices were right, the timing was right, but the artist was clearly immature and unprofessional. She waited, and waited. When she did not hear back, she called the station. Turns out, the artist had received so many orders, he felt overwhelmed. Rather than focusing on getting the job done, he chose to take the money and run. What could have been a profitable and successful endeavor, turned out to be a failure and a loss for everyone.

The artist became a criminal because he cheated his customers and failed to return their money. Building a profitable business requires integrity, follow through, and honesty with your customers. Giving back more than you give is sometimes necessary.

My husband recently transferred a family heirloom to his oldest son, who carries his name as a Jr. A wood carving done in the 1800’s by his great great Norwegian grandfather was passed on from father to son, father to son, and now to my husband’s son. The wood carving is titled “David’s Anointing.”

The family has a history of serving in the ministry. Wherever they have lived, they have enriched the community by starting churches, ministering to the poor and needy, passing out Gideon Bibles, and serving in community outreach programs. This carving illustrates a rich heritage of faith.

When my husband received the carving from his father, he promised it to his oldest son when his children were grown. A bout with cancer gave my husband a sense of urgency in keeping this promise. The carving will be passed on to a grandson by the same name when he is older. What a rich family history and treasure this great great grandfather has provided for his family.

Promises are important. When we accept a commission or a project, we should seek to fulfill it. Customer satisfaction should be uppermost in our minds. We should go beyond what is expected and offer our customers some additional incentives for buying from us; free cards, a copy of preliminary sketches of the painting, or other gifts of appreciation.

There are enough scammers in the world and plenty of illegitimate businesses. Don’t be one of them!

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