Pogs, And Beanies, And Comics, Oh My!
I grew up in the ’80s and ’90s, when speculative collectibles were everywhere. From Beanie Babies to pogs to baseball cards, everyone chased the next big thing, convinced it would make them rich. But the reality was far less glamorous — most of these items ended up as clutter, with the only real winners being those who created and marketed them.
This mindset isn’t new, nor is it limited to toys or baseball cards or comic books. It shows up in the art world, too, where creatives are often expected to give their work away for “exposure.” It’s the same kind of speculative thinking — just like those Pogs and comic books, artists are being told that the real value of their work lies somewhere in the future promise of growing their “audience”, not in the here and now. And once again, the real beneficiaries are the companies pushing this narrative — not the creators themselves.
Think about how long this issue has persisted. Artists in the past were asked to contribute to galleries for “experience,” just as digital creators today are being told that exposure will eventually lead to financial success. In reality, this narrative disregards the time, skill, and vision poured into each piece. We see it in the NFT space, too. Despite the promise of decentralized markets and greater autonomy, many artists still find themselves underpaid, with the hope of future value replacing fair compensation upfront.
But art has been around longer than any passing trend. The structure of its market has shifted over time, but the underlying principles are etched in stone. From the earliest cave paintings to the Renaissance patronage system and today’s digital marketplaces, art has always found a way to thrive. Its value isn’t tied to the latest platform or market — art endures because it speaks to something deeply human, something that transcends time and technology.
That’s why art shouldn’t be treated as a marketing chip, given away for exposure. It carries inherent value beyond mere visibility. Too often, artists are pressured to trade their work for future promises instead of fair compensation. Whether it’s young creators asked to contribute for “experience” or that social media likes will somehow translate into income, this narrative overlooks the time, skill, and vision that goes into every piece. Exposure can help build an audience, but it doesn’t pay rent. Artists deserve to be compensated for the unique value they bring — not treated as an afterthought in someone else’s marketing strategy.
How Artists Can Combat the “Exposure” Trap
Yes, people do make it in the art world, and building an audience is undeniably important. However, it’s essential to understand when the exposure you’re gaining benefits you versus when it’s more advantageous for a gallery or marketplace. While visibility can help grow your career, the balance between personal gain and contributing to another entity’s success should be carefully considered. Knowing when exposure truly serves your long-term goals can make all the difference in sustaining an artistic practice.
Understand Your Worth
Know what your time, skill, and art are worth in the market. Research what other artists with similar experience and talent are charging. This gives you a foundation for negotiating fair rates and makes it easier to say no to unpaid opportunities.Diversify Your Revenue Streams
Relying solely on exposure to gain an audience is a shaky foundation. Explore various income sources — selling prints, offering workshops, creating digital products, or licensing your art. The more diversified your revenue streams, the less dependent you are on anyone promising future value without present compensation.Leverage Exposure on Your Own Terms
Exposure can be valuable when it’s part of a broader strategy. Instead of accepting unpaid gigs, use social media and platforms where you control the narrative. Share your work in a way that aligns with your brand and brings real engagement with your audience.Develop a Support Network
Surround yourself with other artists and creators who share your values. Being part of a supportive community makes it easier to stand firm on your worth. You can also exchange advice on navigating offers, pricing your work, and maintaining your artistic integrity.
By standing firm in the present value of your work and setting clear expectations for compensation, artists can sidestep the traps of future promises. The truth is, art’s worth doesn’t lie in speculation — it lies in the here and now, where your creativity, labor, and vision deserve to be recognized and rewarded.
