I’ve been trying to organize more projects and collaborate with different people.  It is hard to get people (even people I know very well already) to stay committed, I don’t have much financial backing.  What are some things I should do ? – Jimmie James

In a lot of the creative fields, especially collaborative ones, you end up building a contact list of people in all different specialties and of varying degrees of competence.  Some of these people will be good friends, and some you will just work with a lot.  Here are some things to keep in mind when interacting with other freelance artists.

The guy who is always working on a million things, never leaves his studio or office and only ever talks about work. HIRE THIS PERSON! I have found again and again, the guy who really has no time to be working on your project is more likely to get it done anyway than the guy who is pretty light on work, and probably even really needs the money.  Even if they are at the same competence level.  There is a reason this first fellah is so busy.  He does whatever is humanly possible to get the job done! People keep coming back to him, he gets referrals, and hell, he probably even enjoys the work he is doing enough that he is okay with cramming four months of work into six days.  (I’m looking at you Adam Benson)

Sometimes your go-to-contacts have now become your friends.  OR, maybe you are just out of school, and you can’t really afford a pro for the job, but you need someone to do it, so you go to one of your peers.  Often times they will be glad to do the job for free.  They need the experience, or another piece for their portfolio. But regardless of these facts, if you give them the job, you will never hear from them about it again.   You try and give them slight reminders, but you feel bad because they are your friends and you wanted it done cheap, and they offered to do it for free.  So you don’t want to push them. Rookie mistake, bro.  You needed to hire that guy like a boss, and pay them at least something, anything!  That way it actually gets done.  If they finish your project, and then turn down your money. Okay that’s fine. They are the glorious exception to the rule.  But don’t count on it.

- From the desk of Dr. Drag
08/07/09

10 reasons why freelancing sucks
10 reasons why freelancing is awesome

“This girl and I haven’t been hanging out or dating or whatever you call it for very long.  We are having a good time but I am leaving town for several months. What do I do?”  - Sincerely, ‘Outta Here’

I’d say that for every month you commit to someone, count one week apart as a reasonable time to stay committed. There are a couple advantages here. Let us say that it has only been a month, and she will be gone a little more than a week. It’s short enough where if you really like her, it wont pain you to pick right back up after the reuniting, and you will be too busy thinking about her and texting her constantly to worry about that blond minx eyeing you from across the bro-party (don’t worry, I’ll make sure she gets home okay for ya).  If at the month mark though, you were starting to see some of the SIGNS (like she’s annoying the hell out of you) that your relationship might go sour.  Then the advantage of the ‘hiatus’ is in it’s passivity, cleanliness and complete lack of guilt that you wouldn’t normally find in a break-up.

In a longer example, you might be skeptical that the formula holds out.  A four month relationship, (you might even be ‘in love’ now) it makes it an even worse idea to stay together for that month apart, let alone that four year tour in Iran.  That is a long time to be dreading and filled with insecurity. It will tear you apart, trust me.  Calling things off for the period will make the time pass indefinitely faster.  You’ll be happier, and you will probably get some ass (once again guilt free.  Maybe even learn a new trick or two. And hell, you have needs) during the interim.  I’m confident that you are significantly more likely to reunite under better circumstances if you separate.  If you don’t I can only predict that you will both be miserable the whole time apart, and she will break up with you as soon as you come home.

On a final note, if you have been together for more than 12 months,  no advice you find on the Internet can save you.

Good Luck!
-From the desk of Dr. Drag
07/17/2009

Links to other opinions
How to break up with someone in 7 easy steps
Long distance relationships NEVER Work (except when they do)