Renowned visual artist Vaughn Anslyn shared a deeply personal and insightful conversation with Michelle “Sweet Sister Sensia” Stokes on Freedom FM, where he reflected on his early challenges and the ongoing struggle for creatives to be valued in Caribbean society. Recounting a harrowing experience from his youth, Anslyn revealed that he once traveled to Miami to attend a sign painting school, only to discover the institution was a scam. With only $150 in his pocket and no connections, he found himself homeless for two weeks, sleeping in an abandoned car and eating fast food scraps. His fortunes changed when he met a fellow Virgin Islander who offered him shelter and a job at Subway, eventually leading him to an opportunity with a legitimate sign painter, where he finally learned the craft that shaped his artistic career.
Anslyn’s story emphasized the importance of trusting the process, as every hardship contributed to his development. He expressed that creatives in the Caribbean often face a lack of support because society undervalues the arts. Using a compelling metaphor about two identical baseballs—one transformed in value simply because it was part of a memorable moment and signed by a player—he explained how art similarly gains worth through creative input and emotional connection. Despite this, he noted, many still see only the materials, not the story or labor behind the work.
The conversation with Sensia expanded into a powerful dialogue about how artists, DJs, dancers, and performers are frequently expected to work for free or for less than their worth. Sensia echoed the sentiment, sharing personal experiences of being undervalued as a DJ, and drawing attention to the idea that entertainers do not simply show up—they bring preparation, skill, passion, and years of experience. She noted that people often try to negotiate down creatives’ fees without understanding what goes into the final product.
Anslyn reiterated that while he may complete a project in eight hours, it took him forty years to learn how to do it in that time. The pair agreed that creatives must stop underselling themselves and recognize the value of their craft. They pointed out that some clients only realize the worth of artists after experiencing the quality and professionalism they bring. Yet, despite elevating the status of events or businesses, creatives are still met with reluctance when it comes to fair compensation.
The interview underscored a common reality across the region—many people want the prestige of having a well-known artist or DJ associated with their event but are unwilling to pay for that prestige. In the end, the message was clear. Value your craft. Set your price. And never be afraid to walk away from those who don’t respect it.