When my husband and I arrived at our local cafe for breakfast a few days ago, I was disappointed that I forgot to bring my sketchbook. I had my pens with me, and I found a couple of old tram tickets in my wallet.
I started to doodle and when the waitress came, she gave her compliments and added “can I have it?” I was pleased with the positive feedback, but shocked at her request, simply because:
- Not many people – especially strangers – have asked to be given my work before, and
- Did she think because I was drawing on old tram tickets that I was not planning to keep them, therefore can she have them? I know they are just doodles, but I was planning to hang on to them.
I said “no”, but then because she had a foreign accent, I thought that it could be a cultural misunderstanding. Maybe in her culture, it was ok to ask, even if it seems outright, and of strangers. So, after I said “no”, I said I would scan and bring her copy next time I visit. She seemed rather thrilled. I am glad to give her a copy – sometimes it doesn’t take much to make someone else happy.
But I wouldn’t want to make it a habit (not that there is a queue for my work).
What would you have done?
