If you’ve ever been asked to provide your work for free or in exchange for “exposure,” you likely understand how infuriating it can feel, particularly when you’re already struggling financially. While gaining visibility is valuable, exposure alone doesn’t cover expenses—though some may argue it could pay off in the long run.
One emerging artist experienced this firsthand when a woman, impressed by her work on social media, requested a painting. However, the situation quickly soured when the client, an “influencer,” demanded the artwork for free. She insisted that the “exposure” she offered was more valuable than the art itself and even suggested the artist should pay her $200 to feature the piece on her social media platforms. Instead of complying, the artist turned the tables by sharing screenshots of the conversation with her family and the public, exposing the influencer’s unreasonable demands. Borcd Panda reached out to established artist Caelyn Robertson to get her perspective on the situation.
Demanded A Free Painting And $200 On Top Of That
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This artist couldn’t believe it when an influencer asked for a free painting, as well as a $200 fee for “exposure”
Things got really wild when the influencer threatened to destroy the artist’s reputation and career
The artist shared a series of screenshots of her convo with the “influencer”
“They handled that situation with honesty, dignity and a whole lot of grace”: another artist’s opinion
This isn’t the first time we’ve heard about creatives being asked to work for free—and it certainly won’t be the last. “In short, it’s the most disrespectful request,” established artist Caelyn Robertson told us when we reached out for her thoughts, emphasizing that most artists would likely share her sentiment.
“I’m actually highly amused,” she said. “I’ve heard of people asking for art in exchange for exposure, but never demanding that the artist pay them for the privilege. To even comment on the absurdity of that is a waste of time. In my opinion, the artist handled the situation with honesty, dignity, and grace. To her, I say: well done, and stick to your guns! You’re worth it.”
Robertson acknowledges that there are times when artists choose to gift their work for free, whether for a good cause or personal reasons. However, she strongly advises against doing so solely for exposure. “Please think twice, and only do it if it brings you, as the artist, peace,” she cautions. “Even paid jobs don’t always deliver the return or exposure you might expect. Be humble, develop a thick skin, but always know your worth and value your time.”
With 15 years of experience as a painter, Robertson has steadily built her career from the ground up. “It all started when someone who commissioned a piece from me offered me a solo show at an end-of-year event. It was a sold-out success,” she recalls. “Looking back, my work was underpriced, but as a 19-year-old unsure of her path, it felt like a golden opportunity. I didn’t know what I was getting into—I just knew I could paint and loved doing it.”
That first sold-out show not only boosted her confidence but also funded her first solo travel expedition. “That trip led to a gallerist offering me my first group exhibition in Europe, which opened many doors,” she shared. However, her journey has been far from smooth. “I’ve gone from being represented in Europe to struggling to get my work into galleries in Cape Town. Just when I found my footing, COVID-19 hit, and I put down the brush for what felt like forever.”
Robertson has experienced both highs and lows. “There have been months filled with so many commissions that I couldn’t take on more, and seasons of steady sales through galleries. But there have also been months with no sales, no orders, and no interest at all,” she said. “Those times pushed me to start creative side hustles to make ends meet, stretching me in ways I never imagined.”
To supplement her income, Robertson upcycles and hand-paints leather jackets (@mad.zoggs.skins) and has recently ventured into pet portraits (@kitschbutcute). When asked if she’s ever been asked to work for exposure, she confirmed that she has. “As an entrepreneur at heart, I understand taking risks,” she said. “Artists need hope, positivity, and tenacity. But when you’re at a low point, it’s easy to sell yourself short, hoping for that ‘big break.’ Over time, I’ve realized that the ‘big break’ is more about internal belief than external validation.”
Robertson also challenges the notion that artists shouldn’t prioritize money because their work is their passion. “We all know that’s a lie,” she said. “Artists need to live, and we need to value the gift we bring to society. The artist’s path isn’t easy, but with each step, I hope to better understand my worth. That’s the only constant in this unpredictable journey.”
Reflecting on her career, Robertson added, “People often ask why I chose to be an artist. Honestly, I feel like being an artist chose me. It’s just who I am. I love what I do, but it’s not easy. Would I have it any other way? I don’t think so.”
Exposure doesn’t pay the bills… Or does it?
Whether you love them or hate them, there’s no denying that influencers wield significant power in brand marketing. According to a recent report, social media emerged as the world’s largest advertising channel in 2024, with global ad spending reaching a staggering $247.3 billion.
The Influencer Marketing Benchmark Report 2025 further reveals that 63.8% of brands surveyed plan to collaborate with influencers this year. “Influencers are no longer just promoters; they are creators of sentiment-driven conversations and builders of communities aligned with shared values,” said Marta Migliore, General Director at Buzzoole, in the report.
From global icons like Kim Kardashian to everyday individuals, influencers are earning substantial income by promoting products on their social media platforms. However, earnings vary widely. Unsurprisingly, top-tier celebrities can command astronomical fees. For instance, partnering with Kylie Jenner, who boasts over 394 million followers, could cost over $1 million per post. Similarly, football legend Cristiano Ronaldo, with his 694 million followers, comes with a hefty price tag. But brands don’t necessarily need to “go big or go home.”
Over 75.9% of Instagram influencers fall into the nano-influencer category, with 1,000 to 10,000 followers, while micro-influencers account for 13.6%. “Brands with limited budgets can maximize their return on investment by working with nano- and micro-influencers,” advises the Influencer Marketing Hub. “These partnerships often yield higher audience trust and authenticity without the exorbitant costs associated with celebrity endorsements.”
According to the report, most nano- and micro-influencers charge between $10 and $100 per post. Finance automation platform Tipalti describes them as “everyday people with a solid following and influence.” While they are often overlooked in the influencer marketing landscape, they hold significant value for reaching niche audiences.
Tipalti also notes that many nano- and micro-influencers don’t insist on fixed payments per post and are often open to performance-based compensation structures. This flexibility can be particularly advantageous for smaller brands.
If you’re a small brand considering influencer collaborations, experts stress the importance of having a well-thought-out marketing strategy before entering into any agreements. With millions of influencers to choose from, selecting the right partner is critical. “Influencers should be carefully chosen based on their alignment with your target market and brand aesthetic,” warns Alden Wicker, founder of EcoCult. “Does their Instagram reflect your style guide? Are they part of your target demographic? Are they posting about topics that suggest their audience would be interested in your brand?” Taking these factors into account can help ensure a successful and impactful partnership.
“GTFO!” People flooded the comments, sharing their own disdain for entitled “influencers”
credits by boredpanda.com
