Hiring Help

A friend and I are doing a series of shows together this summer; she has injured her shoulder, and it's hard for her to put up her tent. It's always hard for me to put up my tent. So we're thinking maybe we should look to hire a person to help, and split the cost of hiring. 

I'd love to hear any input from you all about how you've gone about successfully hiring people, and how much you've paid them. 

Thanks! 

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  • I know artists who have found good help at Craigslist.com. This has really worked well in Ann Arbor --

    There is a service that artists have used in various cities - LaborReady.com -- can give you more information. My info may be a little old, but their website is helpful. We hired someone once to come to an art fair to help my husband take down and pack up. There may be a 4 hour minimum, but that shouldn't be any problem -- these folks are usually bonded also.

    • Thanks, Connie. Craigslist was my only thought, but people have helped a lot with additional ideas. I knew there was a labor site, and am so glad you remembered the name. 

  • I don't routinely hire help but other artists I know have informally hired teens related to show staff. Two homeless guys asked if they could help in Grand Jct. I used them after everything was packed up to hand stuff into the truck as it was raining and a mess. $10 And a Tecate each for about 20 minutes work. A neighbor also used a homeless guy to load heavy ceramic work. I think he gave him $20 for an hours help. Need I say they remember you when you return the next year.
    • Thanks, Richard. I've hired homeless people, or people I assume were homeless, a few times, with varying results. I've never encountered the same guys at shows year after year, however. 

  • perhaps check with the event organizer, they sometimes have volunteer groups who might be interested in a small donation for their assistance; otherwise honestly a few times I just asked any man working near me to help and they always oblige.

    • Thanks, Tina. Good thought. I usually just ask someone for help, at that one moment when I need it - but when I've had help, it's been so ridiculously easy, compared to what it usually is, I am thinking it's dumb not to formalize the process and just pay for help, especially if we're splitting the cost. I had a good show at the end of the year with a ton of volunteers, helping me put the tent up and take it down, and it was night and day compared to doing it myself. But yes, people always help, and I have learned to always ask. 

  • Last year I injured my finger (in a splint) and hired a high school neighbor boy. It was a evening setup 1 1/2 hours from home so with 3 hours of  driving time, dinner and 3 hour setup I paid him $75. You can also try contacting a high school counselor about any one looking for extra money either in your town if close or in the town where the event is located. Good luck

    • Thanks, Robert. Great idea! 

    • Also try the art departments at nearby colleges - often someone is looking for money and also the experience of being around artwork.

      • Thanks, Camryn, another good idea. 

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