I'll take this question. For those of you who don't know, I've done art shows for the past several years (many in the US) and currently base much of my work - creative production - and sales in Southeast Asia. I'm a conservation photographer and my work is a bit different since my core collectors purchase images of indigenous and marginalized people. My business model includes fine art prints and documentary work.
In order to work less administratively and create more, I recently hired a creative production assistant to help market my work and handle the communication and meetings with project funders. This is all part of my business model, and creating revenue other than fine art print sales. While I believe that a lot of my work can be donor funded in Southeast Asia and elsewhere (and pay for my time and expenses) it takes a ton of work. I had too much work; I had to find a balance; the only option was to hire someone.
This "rep" handles gallery correspondence, show organization, meetings, and correspondence for one or two large projects each year (that is part of my business model) and helps brainstorm and find funding for other projects. Much of the work is getting ready for documentary projects related to environmental conservation. Some of the work involves documentary video production and hence a lot of planning and meetings.
For her time, I pay $15/hour, the phone bills and a commission on large projects. I gave her a professional email using my domain. We work out the commission on a project by project basis. For an upcoming series of images that will include both artwork and architecture, I'll pay her to be an assistant on site.
It was a big step in hiring an assistant, but it's already showing some results. When I hired her I was at the point where I had at least 30 hours of work / month that I couldn't handle; I should have done something earlier. We had a good working relationship beforehand, so that helped; trust is really important if we just have one or two occasional contract employees. I've hired other assistants in the past for projects, but they've always left or not been in a place where they can support my work in the long-term.
Finding the kind of person that has skills and time and you can build longterm trust with is key.
Good luck,
Noah
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