As I approach the ripe young age of 50 there are times I ask myself how long my body can take the grind and physical toll on my body from all the long drives, setups, breakdowns, standing on my feet for hours etc. that are part of the job description for art shows.
Recently I threw out my back (not from doing a show, but from all things, exercising!) and although I am recovering quickly (hopefully in time for my next show next week) I am really starting to think what would happen if something more serious happened. Luckily I had no shows scheduled for two weeks, so this gives me time to recoup. But the thought of missing a couple shows would be costly. Unlikely I would get my booth fee refunded in addition to non refundable Priceline fees. I do shows on my own and God forbid I am on the road when my back gives out...what to do then? Cant set up ,break down, drive....that's another blog though.
I don't have a history of back problems so hopefully this is a one time thing, and Im in pretty good health and shape, BUT life has a way of changing quickly. So my question for you is how many of you artist carry disability Insurance and any advice on what to look for or good reputable companies that carry it for artist and did you have issues with getting insurance because of the line of work were in? Thanks.
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Thanks Bill. I wonder how many artist actually have it. God forbid something were to happen that would prevent me from doing shows since it is my only source of income. Im single so I don't have the benefit of a working spouse. My health insurance runs about $3000 year so your right, not sure if I can afford to have both, but I am certainly going to look into it.
Disability insurance is expensive and may not be the best bang for your buck. Otherwise everyone would have it. Do look into it, however. Things may have changed since the plans were presented to me by an agent.
I just quit doing outdoor shows - I'm 72. For the last 4 years, my husband has helped with setup and removal. For 8 years - 60 to 68, I did them alone. I started (age 52) with a partner, but we are better friends than business partners. I did it with a dome tent - Showoff - chosen because JD Hillberry recommended it as a tent that one person could set up. It got harder to do when I sold my old GMC van. It was fitted out with spaces for walls, poles, cases, weights and stuff. I just left everything in it so the drill of load, unload before and after shows was gone and i wasn't beat when I showed up. I also didn't have to carry heavy bags of parts and walls, just go to the van and get the parts I needed. If you want to save your body, get a cheap old van and fit it out for all your show stuff. Treat it like a trailer with a motor. Park it when you aren't doing shows. Just keep the insurance for a parked vehicle rather than one being driven. Surely if I can do this stuff up till 68 alone, you kids can keep going. No, I'm not a jock or in particularly good shape. Just an artist loving the work and the show circuit.
Everyone needs to get health insurance in 2014 for "Obamacare." Disability insurance is totally different. If you have business insurance, ask about a rider to that policy. If you don't have business insurance, you should get some in case the loaded van get stolen, etc. . . .
Thanks Oscar, why by next year?
Check out Afflack. You need to get insurance any how by next year.