i’m a 20 year old junior artist based in the UK and need advice on how to move forward with my shops money expectations .
i was an apprentice for a year, now a junior artist and have a contract for another year and a half. through this time they have taken 50% of my earnings to pay for my needles gloves all equipment etc, and the cost of training me. however a lot of my supplies i have paid for myself.
i’ve been to other studios and they tell me 50% is way too high, and that chair rent is better as it gives me more freedom and a better pay. i mentioned it to my boss and he said the 50% is also to cover customers i get through the studio im in, however 90% of my customers i get through my social media which i run myself, and i dont really get any consumers from the studio anymore. he said i can do 60/40 if i buy my own supplies , but the different in percentage would cover orders but not actually give me anymore freedom.
it feels like im trapped in an unfair situation getting 50% taken, ive had to buy my own machines, armrests, lights and other aftercare stuff etc, for my customers which i was happy to do- but it feels like theres no benefits for me.
please can someone help me understand if the 50% is justified , if i should take the 60/40 or if i need to do something about this .