Roma Flowers: Dancing Financially as a Lighting Designer
In this Artistic Finance Podcast Episode, Ellen Lampert-Gréaux and Ethan talk with Roma Flowers, a lighting designer for dance and theatre based in Texas. Below is an insight into the Top 5 questions and answers in this Podcast.
What financial advice do you wish you had followed earlier in your career as a freelance artist?
Roma reflects on her early struggles with finances, admitting she wasn’t always proactive. Her advice to young artists is to open a 401(k) as soon as possible, even if finances are tight, and report income on taxes to qualify for Social Security. She emphasizes that setting up retirement savings early on is key, especially for freelancers without regular benefits, and suggests steering clear of debt, as it can become a burden in lean times.
How do you approach pricing for your freelance work, especially with dance and theater companies?
Roma uses United Scenic Artists union rates as a guideline but adjusts her pricing based on the financial constraints of the company and the project’s artistic value to her. While she never works for free, her rates can vary significantly—from $500 for small companies to $3,000 for more established ones. She values each project not only financially but also in terms of its impact on her artistic development and community.
How did you manage financial stability and navigate lean years in the industry?
Roma adapted her lifestyle to her income fluctuations by keeping her overhead low and living within her means. She avoided credit cards and lived modestly in shared apartments, only investing in essentials like photography equipment and software that supported her career. For Roma, managing money during lean times meant sacrificing luxuries and focusing on the essentials.
How important has networking been to your financial stability and career opportunities?
Networking has been essential for Roma, as many of her job opportunities came through word-of-mouth and personal recommendations. She values events like LDI, where she can connect with others in the industry and support emerging artists. For young creatives, she recommends building relationships within their communities, emphasizing that networking can lead to long-term career sustainability.
How did teaching contribute to your financial stability, and were there any trade-offs?
Teaching provided Roma with a steady income and health benefits, which brought stability to her freelance career. She describes academia as the “golden handcuffs” because, while it offered financial security, it sometimes limited her creative opportunities. Although the steady paycheck was beneficial, she notes that going into academia may restrict freelancers from taking certain projects.
Additional Insights from Roma Flowers
- Generational Wealth’s Impact
Roma acknowledges how inherited wealth helped her pay off her mortgage, underscoring that even small amounts of generational wealth can significantly impact financial stability. - Health Insurance as a Priority
Roma advises freelancers to prioritize health insurance, ideally through artist advocacy groups, as it allows them to address health issues early before they escalate. - Paying into Social Security and Taxes
Roma highlights the importance of paying into Social Security by reporting income accurately. Freelancers who don’t report earnings risk missing out on retirement benefits, so she urges others to balance deductions with contributions. - Leaving a Legacy and Supporting Future Generations
As she contemplates her legacy, Roma is considering creating a scholarship fund for young lighting designers. She believes even small contributions toward future generations can make a meaningful difference.
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