Jenna C Gom

Scam!!!!!

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I'm embarrassed to say I fell for one of their "shows" in Miami. I'm a photographer in my spare time, and they found my work on Instagram. In short, you have to sell 20 tickets ($25 each) to participate in the event, which is harder than it sounds. If you don't sell enough tickets, you have to pay the remaining balance. They provide you with a small, rickety gridwall panel. They promised lighting, but that never happened. The venue was very dark and grungy. In addition to artisans, there were musicians and dancers. I had expected low-key acoustic background music. NOPE! It was all rap music. They placed me right next to the stage, and it was SO loud. I could not hear anything. Forget trying to speak with potential clients, because no one can hear anything over the noise. A group of dancers decided to have a dance off next to my stall, several of my pieces were damaged because they kept knocking into the gridwall. I tracked down the event organizer and explained my situation, she was like "oh yea, sorry". I packed up and left after an hour. I didn't sell a single thing. Every person that stopped at my booth tried to buy on the cheap. Sure, I'm not Ansel Adams; but I put a lot of work into my images. There's skill, post editing, equipment, travel, scouting - a lot goes into it. And when people ask to buy a signed and matted 8x10 for $10, that's insulting. So, tl; dr - RUN, DON'T STOP TO PACK
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Loss:
$400
Reason of review:
Not as described/ advertised
Cecilia C Pls

My last showcase with Raw Artist was in 2016

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I am designer I create chic handbags. The last showcase I had with Raw Artist was in 2016. It was an amazing experience for me, to take part in a showcase with creators like myself. I am grateful that I was able to showcase my beautiful pieces.
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Reason of review:
My experience was amazing
Anonymous

I wouldn't recommend it

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A few years ago I took part in a RAW event in Australia. At first it was exciting. I was excited to participate and our first (and only) meeting made me psyched. Do you know how hard it is to FORCE 20 people you know to buy tickets and show up to your event? I remember this lovely lady was in full panic mode because she was having issues selling tickets which meant the price of the $400 would ultimately fall on her. On top of which, marketing falls entirely on your shoulders too. They recommend print outs (which I did) and lots of nights were spent taping posters to poles with no results. A week beforehand I had the deadline due of the $400 and I felt embarrassed putting up a pleading call for people to purchase tickets just so I could meet target. I think if you're going to make your artists literally do all the work, it would be good to at least provide the visitors with a booklet actually explaining who is showcased on the night and where they could find you. People also don't expect to part with money to buy your work because people didn't actually know what was going on. Surely, they make a significant cut in bar sales that night that $400 from 20 or so artists doesn't seem remotely necessary. It makes you a sucker and then let's you pay for it.
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Reason of review:
Poor customer service
3 comments
Christ Xgn

Thank you for sharing your experience!

Guest

Pay to play artists. Anyone who supports that is a little *** Some of us actually work for our exposure and then this scam allows folks to either be fully scammed out of what little cash they have or otherwise really just purchase their spot in a booth regardless of skill level and talent.

That's not a RAW artist. That's a scam artist.

Guest

I was asked to participate as a photographer. I had already heard about this when a follower on Instagram announced that he was in the show.

This person is not even remotely qualified to showcase his stuff and I was immediately suspicious. When they approached me I gave a tentative 'yes'. Then the emails with requirements started coming in.

I was to try to get people to buy tickets, do all the promo work, maintain several website pages, email a required number of people, print, matt, and frame everything, buy a cocktail dress for the event, and, on top of all that, they told me I need to bring lighting and EXTENSION CORDS!! I pulled out.

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nonononoliars

RAW=SCAM ab

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I just did one of these. I fell for it. I was duped. I didn't do my research first and I was taken advantage of hardcore and ignored every red flag and better instinct I had. I paid over $400 after selling $180 in tickets to people I knew (oh, yeah, their prices have gone up folks, $200 in pure profit isn't enough for them per person anymore apparently) in order to go work for an entire night, earn nothing, and now have my name associated with this pathetic organization that does nothing but hurt new naive artistic locals wherever they go. I was lied to over and over and over and then ignored. You won't get photos after. They don't promote you. You will be forced to promote them. No one buys anything from anyone at the event -sold nothing- and neither did anyone else I spoke to that evening. Also, no, you will not be allowed to do another event for free after your first. That's another lie they tell. Good luck trying. If you aren't paying to attend or selling tickets then they aren't allowing you to attend. FACT. The 'event' was pathetic and embarrassing and I'm ashamed to have been associated with it for even one night. It was amateurish phishing at best, dangerous code violations and downright illegal dishonesty at worst and I've never been so taken advantage of in my life. Don't do it. Don't help RAW hurt more people.
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Loss:
$500
Reason of review:
Not as described/ advertised

Preferred solution: Full refund

Maclain Gfk

This review is from a real person who provided valid contact information and hasn't been caught misusing, spamming or abusing our website. Check our FAQ

Verified Reviewer

Too much money not any opportunities

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Updated by user Mar 20, 2019

They also had children under 12 @ a show that was 21 and up and people were drinking and kids were running around and it was hot. They told me I couldn't have family under 21 but they had people there underage.

The set up is like a shack in a building, everything about my experience was wired and not beneficial I love being on stage and I haven't been in a long time I got my chance to me on stage and feel how it is again that's all I gained. I don't think that is worth 400 $ from every artist in the show.

Original review Mar 20, 2019
I paid them 400$ through ticket sales and out of pocket. I couldn't perform unless o paid the 400. And the experience is really bad no water provided in hot building of performance no amenities for artists. We don't have any opportunities to connect with people at shows cause most people are just show goers not many people to connect with artistically. Most artists are busy that night so it's hard to connect with a full house when artists are busy selling their image and products. Not worth it and I gained nothing from this performance except some pictures they took and I had family and friends present who took photos professional photos so I didn't gain anything. As well as it's not set up well at all. And communication was terrible backstage. I performed at Phoenix raw artists in 2017
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Loss:
$500
Cons:
  • Scam the illegal activities the dishonesty
Reason of review:
Not as described/ advertised

Preferred solution: Full refund

1 comment
Guest

I did my free show. I didn't experience anything like this

Anonymous
map-marker Beaverton, Oregon

Not really recommend

I was found on instagram and thought it was a scam at first. I contacted them through google and it was legit. I was so excited and traveled 2 hours to Portland for this event on the 28th of November and it turned out to be what was like a club rather then for art. The lighting was poor, the music was WAY to load to even talk about art. And most everyone was drunk. I sold One painting to another artist and one to a family member that had to pay an extra 30 bucks to get in the door! She bought a ticket from my link and they wouldn’t except it. NOT OK! The whole thing was just not ok to do. They make it sound so awesome till ur there. The art director that I had was so nice and stuff. When I tried talking to him at the “art club” he pretty much ignored me. I really wish I knew all this before I wasted my time.
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Reason of review:
Bad quality
Anonymous

Artist scam

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I participated in an event that I thought was going to be more of a gallery setting with music in the background but it ended up being more like a club setting. It was dark, so no one could see the art. It was loud, so how is anyone supposed to buy anything if they have to scream at each other. Overall, knowing what I know about shows, it’s a huge scam that preys on artists and their families. Usually a show should charge you 10% of what they project you to make at the show but I ended up making less than 10% of what they charged me to participate in the show.
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2 comments
Guest

I don't recommend participating in ANY Raw Artist events!!!. I too was flattered that they had chosen me to participate in their "Trocadero" event.

I did my research and googled them as well. About a year ago I had received an email saying they saw my Instagram page and they would love for me to participate in an event , so some guy called me from California (don't remember his name) and explained to me how it worked. You have to sell a certain amount of tickets, at about $20.00 a piece, then the next show is free, but then back to selling their tickets, so round and around you go! O and I almost forgot, he mentioned whatever tickets you DON'T sell, you have to make the difference up out of your own money.

Yea, that's gonna be a NO! You also have to agree to travel to different cities, states with them promoting your art and selling more tickets. Those two things were red flags for me because I wanted to sell my jewelry at the events not tickets, so after some consideration I got back in touch with them via email and declined the offer. I refuse to be on a running wheel.

It's stressful enough trying to sell your products without having to try and sell tickets too, because they get their money regardless even if you don't sell one item. They've reached out to me as of recently thru my Etsy shop, still trying to get me to join their events lol (how desperate) DON'T FALL FOR RAW ARTIST ***

Guest

My daughter received an invite and was so excited they had chosen her. I was so sad to have to tell her that it was a scam. I really wish enough complaints would come through to force them to stop taking advantage of young and talented artists.

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Resolved
Marvin P Leu

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Verified Reviewer

Resolved: Raw and you tube

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RAW Artists - Raw and you tube
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RAW Artists - Raw and you tube - Image 5
Updated by user Jul 30, 2017

i decided that im happy and they can do what ever they want to do... if you put a hundred dollars in a slot machine you might win a 1000 or you might loose it all either way the machine is the same. what i think is not important what i do is my responsibility

Original review Jul 30, 2017
so go to you tube its like the *** twilight zone all the videos are of them no personal vids posted so i go ok scroll down NO COMMENTS no diabled NO COMMENTS just one one several vids that video is *** really ? i dont think anyone ever said that on you tube ever so how do you get you tube to act like that?its *** weird go see I would need at least 100 feet to show Marvin PhiRatio ..FB YT Underground Artist they have that in print and then they do Not underground Interviews head shot Im fuckijng underground that means no general admission and it also means we are the cool kids under ground is where main stream gets the leaf without true underground movements you have hearts sculls and blood on everything and you all be wearing your sisters jeans hahahah words words words words words words words really a hundred words
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Pros:
  • Free to do what they want
Reason of review:
Bad quality
Anonymous

RAW is such an evil concept. Stop them. NOW.

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YOU provide the crowd, not them. YOU stand alongside YOUR competitors selling to people who are YOUR friends and therefore, kinda not interested. RAW recruiters only have to find a venue and they guarantee nothing. I was a sucker for the hype but luckily, I was smart enough not to pester friends to purchase tickets by getting a sponsor to pay for all my ticket sales and all my printing. Needless to say, RAW offers a crowded market where nothing sells,populated with a lot of people milling around with drinks in their hands. I would never, ever pay money to anybody--- not a gallery nor a market stall nor 'creative event' again to show my work. You want me, ya pay me.
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Reason of review:
misleading
Anonymous
map-marker Nashville, Tennessee

Raw Natural Born Artists - Review in Advertising category from Nashville, Tennessee

I am extremely concerned about Raw Artists. This type of marketing is deceptive and should be illegal. I am embarrassed and ashamed that I almost fell for this scam. Luckily, I caught it before I spent a dime on any promotion. They offer no contract, that is reason enough not to be involved. Never agree to show any works without a contract. Never enter a show unless it is curated by a reputable person. Don't be fooled they want your money not your talent.
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Reason of review:
Poor customer service
Anonymous
map-marker Toronto, Ontario

False Advertising. Waste of Time for Performer

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RAW Artists - False Advertising. Waste of Time for Performer
I was super positive about this show and happy to dance as a soloist. I advertised myself a lot and sold all of my tickets. Usually I get paid to perform, or do it for free if it's a good cause, but I have never had to sell tickets. i actually didn't mind as long as I received professional video, photos and networking. Raw does not promote their artists. I did all of my own advertising. I was mentioned once on their LOCAL facebook page (only engagement is from other artists) and they told me one shoutout was all that was included. They told me my Raw profile had hundreds of clicks...yeah likely from the people I sent there to buy tickets! During the show My biggest source of frustration was not having a private area to change. The models were occupying the green room despite being on hours later than me. They were also quite rude and demanded I change in the washroom which is highly unprofessional and actually quite gross as I do not want my costuming near a washroom floor. When they did concede and allowed me a square inch of space I was taking off my bra and a photographer came in and started to take pictures!!! I asked if he was the official photographer and he said no. So basically, a man with a camera had been granted access to the change room!!! Hello, RAW employees? wtf? I ended up changing in the washroom and by then guests started coming in, talking to me and asking me questions, including a colleague I didn't know was coming! I found it extremely embarrassing that she saw me getting ready in the washroom. This company does not have professional protocol in place to recognize that a female soloist needs a private area to change. I didn't even think to ask if this would be provided because I really thought something like this would be a no brainer for a company that hosts performers. I have never had anything like that happen to me and it really put a damper on the evening. When I wrote to the director about this I received a condescending reply about how she changed in the washroom too. The difference is she is an employee and I'm essentially a paying customer! So here's the kicker. The headshot date was changed for hardly any reason at all and rebooked to the big day of pride in Toronto. I was in the parade and had a gig so I did not get my headshot. The 'professional" photography from that night was atrocious. In most they were taken from so far away I look like a dot and the only close up I ended up using I had to crop and I think any pro photographer would have done the same. I have uploaded one of the 'pro" shots that were released into the public. I was also under the impression I would receive a video of my performance. Apparently not. It's just a compilation. Even that was promised after 6 weeks and it has been 12. Really though, what kind of show doesn't film performances? So basically I have no photos of videos to show people that supported me. There are actually a number of other complaints but these are the main ones. If you are a performer I urge you to not do this show!
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Loss:
$300
Cons:
  • Customer service
  • Product
Reason of review:
Poor customer service

Preferred solution: Let the company propose a solution

Anonymous
map-marker Boise, Idaho

What a joke RAW is

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Pay to play, Ponzi, Waste of Time.... All apply. RAW is poorly staffed and poorly promoted. They have a great concept that is being executed in a way that can only be interpreted as dishonest. I spent over $300 on tickets and another $300 on booth setup. The music was loud, the staff rude, and the consumers were not prepared to purchase, leaving many artists upset. Participate only if you have the extra cash to mingle for a night. What a complete disappointment. I did enjoy meeting the other artists, so here's my suggestion. Flip the script. Go to the meet up, make friends, and bail! Don't sign anything!
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Reason of review:
Bad quality
Anonymous
map-marker Chicago, Illinois

"RAW natural born artists" is the Fools Gold of the Art community

They contacted me based off of liking my fine art on Instagram (email account on my insta) Then they explained the whole thing to me. -Its a "pay to play" scheme -It sounded promising at first, but the catch 22 is that you have to sell 20 of their $20 tickets(a 5 dollar increase from the past). If you don't meet the required amount, you will be stuck paying the remainder. -The show is real, that part is legit, but its not a buyers show or market so having art to sell or perform in doesn't really matter when . I learned from Facebook, tumblr, an article from Cincincatti, wordpressblogs, here, counterparts who have been in the art community for many years as well, and so on that its disingenuous to the very core. -even curators have stated it wasn't legit... -they are taking advantage of hopefuls,and extremely talented people who don't have to pay nearly as much to actually be in the gallery setting. -This is more about making sure they are getting money vs. the artists making money. -the woman made it sound like she was doing me this huge favor, like I was so underground and tried to say I started recently when I've been doing fine arts on the professional level for an extremely long time and succeeding without "RAW". Anyways, it didn't take long for me to find out that it was more like RAW that needs the favor. -As one always should always do with anything they aren't familiar with, whether it be education, business, or an opportunity- I did my research first. My findings were horrific. I backed out at the last minute based on my findings that ended up being very real. When I told the woman she asked me why, I told her point blank why, I never heard from her since(ROFL-wonder why).
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Reason of review:
Not as described/ advertised
Ayari Dxl

This review is from a real person who provided valid contact information and hasn't been caught misusing, spamming or abusing our website. Check our FAQ

Verified Reviewer
| map-marker Salt Lake City, Utah

Pay to play? No Way!

I was contacted by an incredibly courteous staff member, and told about this opportunity. I thought, why not. Until I learned that this was pay-to-play. But, as a musician, we see our fair share of 'pay-to-play' schemes out there. You invest a lot into it, and you get little in return. They charge you $600 just to be in the event and then they give you some tickets and tell you that if you sell 20 of them for $15, you'll break even. What do you get out of it? Almost nothing. Maybe you'll sell a T-Shirt or two, which you could do at a local bar, and get paid to play. What does RAW get out of it? $600 per artist. Nobody say that "it takes money to make money." Because you already spent money and time on perfecting your craft and for your tools. Exploitation at its worst. This has an excellent conversation about it: Google: raw-artist-scam-warning If you've had a bad experience, make some noise! https://www.facebook.com/rawnaturalbornartists?sk=reviews
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Reason of review:
Bad quality

Preferred solution: Let the company propose a solution

Melissa Fme
map-marker Apopka, Florida

False Statements/advertising of Promises that were never kept

I submitted my work on the RAW site after just searching for art shows and organizations and no where on their site did it say I had to pay to participate. I being a fine artist saw it as a decent way to get recognition in my area for I have not participated in any art shows accept those at my college. But, I had to wait to be contacted if they wanted my work is what the site said. So, it was about three or four months after submission that I was finally contacted. The lady on the phone talked a huge talk about how much I would get in return if I were to showcase. This information was that I would receive my advertising poster link a week in advance of my show, they would be advertising the event, that they would provide support for setup and the run through would be two weeks in advance of the show, that I would receive a head shot and video interview, I would be announced in what they call a features slot, she also stated there were to be over 800 people at the event not including the artists in the show that were already professional artists, and I could put any business related information on their RAW site so they could promote me as an artist (mind you with no mention of having to pay for this feature). It was not until after all the pure talk was done that she mentioned I had to pay $300 to be in the show. I had some doubts at the beginning and wish I had acted on them instead of being in the show. It was not until I said that the $300 was a bit much that she tells me about the other option to sell tickets to supporters. But, all those that I managed to get to support were people in my family and therefore feel ripped off and factor in all the other expenses that I did not know I would have to pay for. My totals came out to about $1000 because I had to drive four times in a row to get to the venue which was two hours away, the time I spent, the amount I had to spend to get my own business cards (which isn't this part of the promoting system that RAW is stating they would give me? No promoting done by them at all), had to buy my own tools to hang my own show on fencing that came in late (host stated she had none because people walked away with them and didn't get them replaced, and had to call out of work four times because the walk through date was rescheduled twice and was not informed. The problems did not end at the show I enjoyed the atmosphere but if I wanted to just enjoy the atmosphere I would go to that bar to actually dance and drink and not spend $1000 to do it. That day I was asked to come at 2pm to setup but the fencing did not come in until 3:30pm last minute and the host and the interns poorly constructed them so they were shaky. I had previously asked the host how to hang my work on these fencing a week before the show and she never answered me. So, I wanted to make sure my artwork was going to be protected and so I also had to purchase equipment to tighten the fencing. I had to go the day of to purchase hanging devices and screwdrivers. Show was to start at 8pm but I was told to be back to check in by 7pm, and so I did not get back from the store until about 4:30pm it took about two hours to setup. I had to eat so I only had about 30 minutes. The staff did not seem to care about the fine artists all they seemed to worry about were making sure the fashion artists were going to be ready in time for show start. After checking in I stood near my artwork and the show did not start until an hour after 8pm and they never even made an announcement that the doors opened. The schedule for the show kept changing first I was told that I would be announced at 10:30pm then I was told I would be announced at 11:15pm and would receive a text message to let me know when to go up on stage. I never received a text and I was standing near the stage pretty much the whole time from 10:30pm to close at 12am and they never mentioned any of the fine artists' names only the fashion artists, musicians, or performers. One of the fine artists even left three hours before the end because he was so disgusted that he was never announced and the only people at the event were people in the show and their family or friends. I waited because I was hoping that they would call us at the end and plus I was the latest scheduled person in the features section. The video interview is ridiculous as well as the head-shot because they never provided me with the links and I even looked on their channels Flickr for the images and YouTube for the video and neither are even there. The images were supposed to be available a week after the show and the video four weeks after and they are not there. Only the larger cities or those that make RAW look good are shown on these platforms. I was also told and it is listed on their website that I could receive one free RAW Showcase outside of my hometown if two hours away from where I live is $1000 I would hate to see how much it would cost to go to a completely different place to showcase. RAW is a rip off, artists do not give your money to them, what they promise is lies. There may be some cities that yes you could end up stumbling upon a break but this is one in a million. They did nothing for me but take mine and my family's and friends' money.
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Loss:
$1000
2 comments
Guest

I just had an art show with Raw: Natural born Artists last Thursday at Jersey City. It was entitled, SPECTRUM.

The show was great, they had musicians performing, a lot of visual Artists showcasing and selling their work and had dance and fashion performances. It was at a decent looking nightclub in Jersey City, NJ. I have received a lot of wonderful remarks on my work and some good leads from people actually interested in contacting me for sales of my work. I appreciated my fellow art friends who came out to support me as well as my mother.

The energy was great, they did video interviews on me and my work, took footage of my art as well as a few headshots. Some NJ press came out and they made documentations of my talent.

Sounds very awesome, right? ;)

Now, at the end of day, after all of the fame, exposure, positive reactions and admirations, I had an awesome good time at the event, yet came home very disappointed, feeling embarrassed and frustrated. Why?

1.

I did not make any sales off of my work and a few other artists also showcasing did, and I came home empty-handed after all of the money and effort I have put into the show;

2. I was looking at what I could have done wrong market-wise as an artist selling work and

3. I began to feel like I was not promoted very well from the organization. I wake up in the morning, I checked my facebook page, and see one of my fellow artists show love by posting comments on his support for me.

However, another artist responded with some not too well and critical opinions on Raw: Natural Born Artists based on his personal experiences with them; and that was when it began to really hit me: all along, I truly thought that Raw was a wonderful venue for artists to make it big, and I have even supported a fellow artist at a Raw event as I was struggling to setup a show with them. I was hooked after I saw the show for myself and was attracted to having the same success and exposure for me showcasing my work. But, I had to wait to be contacted if they wanted my work displayed which was what their website said. So, it was about a month after going through submission issues and really pushing and doing my homework in trying to contact them heavily and I was finally given a call from them.

However, when I signed up with them, I began to feel funny vibes that I unfortunately ignored and could not figure out after the first phone conversation. According to the company, Raw: natural born artists is a so-called "non-profit" organization that throws parties and other social events at nightclubs in about 60 cities each year (across the United States, Australia, Canada and, now London), showcasing musicians, fashion designers, photographers, filmmakers and visual artists. A typical event features a fashion show, live music and a film screening; along with interesting displays of photos, jewelry, art pieces and wonderful crafts. The company’s mission is to provide independent artists within the first 10 years of their career with the tools, resources and exposure needed to inspire and cultivate creativity.

Raw also gives out annual awards to artists and musicians towards the end of the year. Raw has been labeled as a “grassroots movement” for independent artists, designers and musicians to show their talent and receive positive feedback in the “indie art” industry. Now, here is the catch. It is completely not mentioned on their website or anywhere else that all of the artists, musicians and designers have to “pay to play.” Artists, musicians and fashion designers who are very interested to become featured in a Raw art showcase are obligated to sell 20 tickets at $15 apiece, which is what they explain to you in the first phone conversation.

If not, they must make up the difference, which is $300 if they don't sell any tickets at all. If they sell all of the tickets, they get into the show for free. If they pay the whole $300, they can put 20 of their friends and family members on the guest list. Now, I am going to be honest: I as an Artist, only like to concentrate on being a sales person of my own work, as well as (most of all) spend plenty of time creating art for sale.

I, by any means, am not really good at selling tickets, especially if people are coming to see my art to buy. They give you a certain deadline for selling the tickets and if you don’t sell them all, you will have to pay the difference by the deadline, or else no show for you. They will give you an extension to pay the difference up until the show, however. When they have called me and told me they have chosen me to be in their event, They hitted me with the fast talk and mentioned a fee of $300 to participate in the show; and explained to me that I can make up the fee by selling 20 tickets.

They even tried to provide me tips and advice in how to aggressively sell the 20 tickets (strictly using your personal Raw artist profile on their website, where your guests pay for the show and look at your bio and samples of your work online), and even mentioned to me that most artists usually pay the full $300 upfront, rather than be bothered in selling tickets (just to show how much they are helping you out ;). They also told informed me that after my first paid show with them, I can be provided with one free complimentary Raw art show anywhere within the 60 cities of U.S., Australia, Canada and the UK; but who is gonna pay for the hotel, airfare and car rental? Hmm? Each participant receives an email explaining that he or she will be expected to sell tickets at a dated deadline, usually a week before the show.

But if that is the case, why not mention this obligation on their Raw website? And where are the contracts for the Artists? None! Personally me I am not accustomed to selling tickets in an art show or gallery exhibit setting-you usually invite people to view and be interested in buying your art by marketing, word of mouth and (nowadays) social networking.

So, back to the show that I was just in, here is what's happening in front of my naked eyes; RAW has made their money not only off from the door, but also from the designers, musicians and the artists, and there is NO commission nor percentage gained from the tickets being sold by them! So now, 3 things are occurring on the down low: the musicians are not getting paid to perform, fashion models are not getting compensated and finally, the visual artists are depending on luck and chance in making a sale off of their work; which most are trying to makeup their $300 (or whatever difference) to be in the show for one night only AND have to pack-up everything after the show is over, while other artists who have sold their tickets yet pumped a lot of money for presentation, either made a few sales or came home with nothing to show for. The Raw Artist staff appeared to be very helpful and friendly at first in providing information and the right space for me. They contacted me every week to see how things are going for me and how I was preparing for the show; they had a mandatory orientation walkthrough of the club space and was upfront on how the show was going down and gave you a great idea of what type of space you are working with.

They told me a I had a 6ft x 6ft space to display my artwork on (however the space looked smaller than what they have explained, the displays to place your work on were like junkyard cages and most of the artists were cramping each others' spaces pretty tight), as well as tables and chairs (basically any objects you could use already there in the nightclub, but did not provide important equipment; such as: spotlights, hanging materials, etc.). The day of the setup was the day of the event! You was not able to setup any earlier days than that! The RAW staff’s knowledge on art events appeared to be odd-as if they really didn't have any true knowledge of how art is presented in a gallery or an art market setting (or in this case, a club setting); I remember one of the Raw representatives who coordinated the show looked at my work at the day of the setup for the night, took a quick glance at my pieces (like it was her very first time seeing my art, I wondered has she really paid attention to my submitted work on my Raw profile), told me, "wow, your art looks very afrocentric," and kept it moving (WTF!!!!!).

No true curating opinion, or whatsoever. I was really expecting some form of greater aesthetic sensibility, to be honest. When it came to the show, it felt as if no one was actually coordinating! Any artist that aspires to be involved or work with a "curator" (this is what RAW is offering themselves as) should not pay (or pay so much) to be involved; especially with a weird mix of different paintings and photography from various artists that are forcing to blend pretty well together in a club-like environment.

The show felt badly curated. This is not about giving encouragement to artists, its getting artists to do the work! After all of this, I have decided to take a look at RAW's website (as I have done periodically, checking for ticket sales, etc.) and as of date, there is hardly any news articles, pictures, posts, comments or feedback from Thursday's past event; nor even on their facebook profile! What I did discover is that they are now immediately promoting a RAW SPECTRUM event in Kansas City next week, and another show called PANORAMA in Jersey City on June 19th and are looking for new artists and performers.

I also discover that their website does not receive a lot of heavy traffic, nor have a decent number of likes on their facebook page (a total of only 456 likes to date, compared to 2,455 likes on my facebook Artist page! Talk about advertising!). I have even viewed their YouTube videos and discovered zero likes or comments, which seemed like a virtual ghost town. And then you ask yourself: was it all worth it?

Seems to me that the reality is this: you are not getting paid; you are actually paying Raw! Can you say: SCAM? I'm beginning to think so! And you may ask yourself: "what’s wrong with that?

Artists pay to showcase in venues all of the time, it is what it is!" Of course, to survive in the art world takes patience, skill, development, research and most of all, sacrifice-and what I mean by sacrifice is taking risks and making huge financial investments into what you love to do-making a living off of your talent. However, I think it is time for us to take a more mature approach in this art industry. All of us so-called "starving artists" need to stop approaching our careers with heavy desperations; if we do not, it brings potential danger to ourselves and to our craft. We are all beautiful and talented artists that don't deserve to pay or sell tickets for people to look at our art that we are trying to make a living off of.

I mean, does that make sense? It now makes more sense to me to promote your own independent art shows or work with a group of fellow Artists and/or curators to create a show together with a common goal or subject matter; yeah it takes money and hard work, but at least is not going into some stranger's or a random company's pocket. I take this experience as a hard lesson in my long-time career as an Artist. After this unfortunate experience, I felt a strong sense of disappointment, humiliation and failure.

However, as I have said before, this was a hard lesson. Yet most of all, it was a true blessing in disguise. This experience made me realize how serious I must be in making a living as an artist, and how valuable my art is to myself. There should be no room in settling for less or putting out more for less.

Out of all of the fame that is gained, there is money for us to make out there. It is about time that we become consistent in honoring what we are are truly worth. We as artists are truly the ones that make this changing world beautiful. It is an expression of our valuable mind, heart and soul that should not be wasted nor taken advantage of.

We should not stand for manipulation and exploitation! It is not fair to you and most of all not fair to your craft! To all of my fellow artists out there, keep doing the great work that you are doing, get your respectable success and keep your heads high! NEVER GIVE UP!

Love you all! :) -Elton

Guest
reply icon Replying to comment of Guest-806922

Thank you so much for your thorough and honest review. I was recently contacted by RAW asking if I would show my work in an upcoming show.

My gut told me something sounds off, like a scam. Now I know it is.

As an artist and single mother, the last thing I need is to waste time and money on a scam like this! Thanks again

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Anonymous
map-marker Berlin, Berlin

They claimed to know and care about art and artists. all they did was take my money and time and throw an art party in a bar. a bad party at that.

Ok. I don't pre-judge anyone or talk bad about things ever. that said, I put a ton of effort into my RAW event, I offered immediate criticisms on the RAW Survey Monkey in hopes that they would address the issues I found so disappointing and discomforting. I don't tell folks to do RAW or not do RAW. I will tell them the Truth and that they can expect, what they get and what they are on the hook for. It may be worth it for some artist to pay 200 clams to get some 'exposure', and if they sell something attendees will buy perhaps they can brake even or make a few bucks. But they at very least should be told upfront that they are responsible for 'selling', pedaling $200 worth of tickets to their friends or paying the whole tab themselves. {that's what I did because I didn't want my friends to pay, I'm an Artist not a sales person} I never got my coveted 'Professional Video Interview' and worse the schlep 'Faux-tographer' they had shooting the event, snapped a dozen photos of my 6' paintings with no mention of Me, , the Artist who created them; worse yet and most unforgivable, and illegal they slapped their (C) opyright Joe Blow Faux-tography across MY Art images...wtf? you'd thing they made the paintings. { this was rectified immediately when the LA RAW heard of it and had the images pulled, so now there's no images of my work.} As Artists we all work hard. I put a ton of work into the RAW event, it was like a 20 hr day.. here's the video I did of exclusive pieces I created to help market the RAW event ~> http://youtu.be/o_EaLag7L38 I am not ranting, I'm over it. These are just the facts how they went down. I felt like an over-educated Artist in a room full of kids who I couldn't even talk Art with. The staff is not Artists they're party planners. {well, now they started showing their stencil work at their own shows} Any how If you win Artist of the year, Great! that is good clout, it may add up to something. For the vast majority it is a pay to play plan. Writers do this too, they hire 'reviewers' and pay for 'book tours' whatever. If it's worth it to you do it. for me and my Art friends it is ALL about the ART! it either comes from the Heart or it isn't worth a ***; and all the pay parties in the world won't make bad Art good. You can bank on that.
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3 comments
Guest

"won't make bad Art good."

What does that mean? How do you define 'bad art'?

I don't have a 4-year degree skill set and years of experience and I'm not as good as the 'fine artists' like yourself, but I'm still an artist. Am I not deserving of a chance?

The networking that you may get through colleagues, I may have to pay for. Not everyone is social enough to have a following or natural networking skills to be completely independent like you.

Guest
reply icon Replying to comment of Guest-1127748

If you don't know the difference between skillfully executed art and work done by people who have not put in the time to shsrpen their skills, you clearly are in the latter group.

You're probaby one of the raw artists employees who get paid off the backs of artists.

Guest

Weird! A Google search any few lines of the above post in quotes shows: this was copied and pasted into new posts on multiple places many months after it was originally online...?

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