--- title: 'Don''t Do This To Artists Please...' source: 'https://youtube.com/watch?v=trjHgqPGQvU' video_id: 'trjHgqPGQvU' date: 2026-08-17 duration_sec: 166 channel: 'kat ''n chat' --- # Don't Do This To Artists Please... > Source: [Don't Do This To Artists Please...](https://youtube.com/watch?v=trjHgqPGQvU) ## Summary The video discusses a situation where an artist was wrongfully terminated from a mural project due to a contract dispute over the mural's dimensions. The artist explains that the wall was only 9 feet tall, not the 16 feet specified in the contract, and that the museum failed to measure the wall before commissioning the work. The video highlights the frustration and unfairness of the situation, emphasizing the need for better communication and fair treatment of artists. ### Key Points - **Artist's Termination** [00:01] — The artist was sent a termination letter without prior warning, claiming the mural was not completed by the deadline, which was July 4th, but the letter was sent on June 24th, 9 days before the deadline. - **Contract Discrepancy** [00:29] — The contract specified a 16x32 ft mural, but the wall is only 9 ft high, making it impossible to fulfill the contract as written. The artist had agreed on the size with the director in writing. - **Impossible Dimensions** [01:09] — The artist explains that the wall is not 16 ft tall, so the mural could not be made to that size. The museum did not measure the wall before commissioning the project. - **Financial Impact** [02:00] — The artist was paid $500 upfront out of a $5,000 agreed price. The museum wants the unused supplies back, leaving the artist with nothing for the work already done. - **Support for the Artist** [02:28] — The video encourages viewers to support the artist, who creates cute animal artwork, and provides links to their work. ### Conclusion The video sheds light on the unfair treatment of artists in contract disputes, emphasizing the importance of clear communication and fair compensation. It calls for support for the artist and highlights the need for better practices in commissioning public art. ## Transcript commissioned to do by the local museum. At least it's a learning experience. So, that I will no longer be working on the mural outside of Lynn's Dakota Mart in Custer. I was wrongfully sent a termination letter with no prior warning or notice stating that I did not complete the mural by the deadline. Our original deadline was July 4th. I was sent this letter yesterday, June 24th, about 9 days from the original deadline. That's already so odd." They add, "Additionally, we agreed on the size it is now and I have it in writing. The termination letter states I did not follow the contract making the mural 16 by 32 ft. From the metal piece at the bottom of the wall to the wooden post at top, the wall is 9 ft high. To make the mural 9 by 32 would not have been proportional to the photo I was given. After doing the math to make it fit the before deciding on the size of the mural and having me start the project. How do you hire somebody to make a mural for a wall where you didn't measure the wall? they didn't like that my reference photo wouldn't fit exactly the way they originally wanted. However, this was explained to the director and I have in writing that she agreed and understood why it has to be the size it is now. All in all, it was impossible to make the mural 16 by 32 ft because the wall is not that size. And here we have an additional photo of the mural where you like a really thin metal pipe running along it and there is this giant wooden panel on the top. Yeah, I mean, I don't understand from the museum perspective. How do you ask for a mural for a wall when that is not the size of the wall? Right here, from here to here is 9 ft tall. Where are you getting the extra 7 I don't know, over the metal and onto the bottom and then over the wood paneling up to the top? If that wasn't specified and this was the area given, yeah, they're painting a 9-ft tall mural by however wide you want it. How are they making this 16 ft tall? [laughter] Oh my gosh, I feel so bad for the artist that is so frustrating to have so many piece that you're trying to create. Here's another close-up of the painting process of the mural. A commenter says, "I sincerely hope you take legal action You deserve to be paid for the work you've already done." And OP says, "I was paid $500 up front out of the $5,000 set price we agreed upon. They received grants from a couple of organizations, hence the set price. The 500 was to buy the termination letter I can keep the 500, but they want the unused supplies. supplies and gives it back to you, the artist keeps nothing for a mural that's support Taylor. I will have them linked down below. They are an artist. They do really, really cute artwork featuring a lot of cute little animals, featuring frogs, big fan of frogs. So, show them the love that they deserve.