Challenge #21: Make The World A Better Place -- For Free!

Ladies and Gentlemen, the Humble Brag Challenge Badge.

As artists ourselves, we know how precious time spent working is-- and how that in turn informs how much we charge for our work. We did a whole week of posts talking about that, actually.

But today, we're going to talk about something different. Radically different.

Chances are, you have interests besides strictly making art and making money. Maybe you've thought about volunteering or donating to your local food bank; maybe there's a club at your school that advocates for a cause you believe in; maybe you know someone who loves the arts but can't get out there to experience them.

Whatever the situation, there's more than one way to make the world a better, more art-filled place -- and what better opportunity for you to be generous with your talents? Are you a musician? Set up a random performance downtown during lunch hour for all the business folks, or head to a nursing home (ask the staff first to make sure it's cool) and stage a mini-concert. Visual artist or photographer? Maybe one of your local non-profits could use your skills for a poster or accept a piece of work for a future fundraising auction. Writers: is there an issue going overlooked in your community? Why not draft a compelling letter to the editor, your representative, groups in your community that would be interested in solving that problem. Blog about it, then use your personal network to spread the word.

Whatever you do, your challenge this week is to use your talents without concern for compensation, without asking 'what's in it for you?' Doing good just feels good -- and you have the power to make it happen. Now let's get to work!