Are you an artist? Is someone asking you to work for free? Are you unsure how to decline? This sample letter is for you.

I received an invitation from a start-up to present my work in a 30-minute presentation on a volunteer basis. I am paid on a regular basis to present my work similarly by universities, conferences, foundations, non-profits, etc. Here is how I responded.

Thank you for your interest in my work, and for this invitation. I am not accepting requests from start-ups to present my work without compensation. As for volunteering, I focus my efforts on worthy causes that support under-resourced communities. 

When you are able to offer adequate compensation, please reach out. A great resource for learning about artist fees and artistic labor is wageforwork.com.