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Secret's guide for the good commissioner V.2
14 years ago
Secret's guide for the good commissioner V.2 ----> http://www.furaffinity.net/journal/2884549/
Secret's guide for the good artist----> http://www.furaffinity.net/journal/989763/
Secret's guide for the good artist----> http://www.furaffinity.net/journal/989763/
I decided to add a few more steps into the guide I did long time ago, trying to get it a bit more updated.
For those who already read it, the new points are marked with a V.2
Hope it help ya all if you want to get into the role of commissioning!
In this world of art and dog penis, there is a clear figure that fills up galleries upon galleries with pictures: The artist.
They are the main source for it, drawing on different styles and characters, but there is a second one which provides just as much art: The commissioner.
Commissioners are people that either because they are unable to draw or they want to see their characters draw in different style, pay artist to get pictures (mostly) done for them or sometimes for other people the wish.
Now, there is a common missconception here, where people belive that an artist is the only important person when a commission is asked to them... far from truth. Art is a bussiness and like any other bussiness the quality and good results of it depends from BOTH PARTS
There are good profesional artist and some times sadly there isn't but the same applies with commissioners, being a jerk and demanding just because of the fact that you are the one tossing the money is not a proper way to act, so I would love to give some tips in order to maximize that artist/commissioner relation.
Before the commission is accepted
-Be polite. First and most important of all the rules, as a friend once told me, kindness goes a long way. When you deal with someone, you don't want them to feel intimidated or fustrated just because you are the one with the money at hand. They aren't forced to work with you, so show them how would you apreciate their work and talk in a manered way. Don't rush when talking with them, you have all the time in the world to write them a note or a mail so watch your grammar and your words, artist LOVE to treat with inteligent people so good impressions are always great.
-Research a bit on your own. Furaffinity is a powerfull tool on that regard, artist like to stuff their info all over their profiles and journals. That info will help you to know several things, their commission prices, restrictions on content, if they are open or not. Most artist will let you know if they are constantly open for commissions, if they are currently close and when they will accept more. Browse their commission info and their past journals and you will learn how they usually act for it.
-Ask them anything. Comunication is the key. In order to maximize the quality of the work, there must be no doubts between any of the parts. Before you give them away the description of what you want, be sure to ask them if they will draw something in particular. Don't be afraid, they aren't here for judging you, the worst you can expect from them after you tell them you want a 20inches dog dick up the ass of a cub herm is a simple "No, I won't draw that"
-Ask them anything part 2. Requesting certain things. I felt like I had to do a second comment on this one as there is one thing that made me think some time ago. One of my favourite kinks is to have my character draw with one from the artist itself, thats something that is actually really common, so whats the best way to request this to the artist?
If you go ahead and say "I would like to draw me screwing with your 'sona" .... read that again, you just realized what you said? That will make the artist feel akward and see you as a creep, their characters are their creation and while there are some who don't mind, others have very protective with them, so don't go ahead and ask such a thing on that way. "I wonder if I could request to have my character draw in an adult situation with yours, in case you don't mind him/her be drawn with others"
See the difference? With a question like this, the artist would only reject when their fursona means something more deep for them and don't wish to have it that way, but at least they won't do it just because you are a FREAK.
-Let them know how you praise their work. It doesn't have to be on the "ass licking" style. You are commissioning them, that alone shows that you like their work, but letting them know as well on a kind way will help them taking the desition on taking your commission or not.
V.2
-Compare prices and find what most fits your pocket. There is a trend that have irked me for some time. People that want to commission art always look for the cheapest option with good quality, that is understable. But there is something you must not do and is to tell someone you want a commission for their prices are way to high. NEVER tell that to someone, is unmanered and rude, each artist decides on their prices based on their amount of work and demand, granted some -might- be overpricing but there is so many offer around that you can find something of the same quality for a lower income. Remember: Art is a LUXURY not a NECESITY.
After the commission gets accepted
-Provide a detailed description and references. Some people likes to give just a basic idea of what they want like "I want xxx position" and usually some artist don't mind, but most of them are gonna feel a bit stressed because is extra work for them, havint to come up with the rest of the details theirselves. If you provide a complete description of what you want (positions, face expressions, place of each limb) and provide other images that could be similar, the artist will instantly picture the image in their mind and will be much quicker and less stressfull, they will LOVE to work with someone who has clear what they seek. And when you provide a character reference, be sure to point out details that might not be as clear (for example, my character sheets doesn't show the color of Secret's shaft, so I usually let artist know about it)
In short: Detailed description -> Less stressed and happy artist -> Fasted work and better results
-Request a preview of the work. Is your right and the artist should have no problem on giving it to you, is the only stage where mayor details can be changed, so be sure to let them know if you see something out of place, they won't mind to change it so it looks thebest for you
-BE PATIENT. Unless the artist is ok to set a deadline, let them work at their peace, they have life as well and also personal problems, so they have their own choice of work time for it. If you let them work without pressure, the quality will be bigger :3
Of course if some time passes and you don't get any updated, you are able to request it from them, but never do it in an angered way, just ask if they are having some problems with it.
-Thank them for the work. Yeah, you paid them for it, but they used their time to have it complete and to make it look as best as they can, so let them know how you apreciate it.
-Don't expect them to be your friend. Sounds a bit harsh isn't it? But is necesary to leave this clear, you are a costumer and even if you and them have a good talk when discussion the details of the picture, that doesn't instantly makes you friends.
Some artist are a bit more friendly than others, some directly doesn't want to treat with you out of bussiness, and you have to accept it. If a friendship is born from this work, then is awesome! Is more than welcome, that means you can get along, but just don't try to force it, they will think you are only seeking benefits for that friendship.
V.2
-You hired xxxx artist because... You obviously like their art style, but recently there has been an issue with commissioners giving a reference of their favorite artist and asking to mimic their art style. No, just no, that's totally untolerable. There is nothing that will hurt the feelings more to an artist than asking them to radically change their art style to fit the one you want for yourself, just because said artist might be out of your range money wise or because is imposible to get a slot for him.
-This... looks totally crap. You had an awesome concept for an image, gorgeous characters, a setting and they are doing your favorite sex position. You hired an artist and gave them all the references and as much detail as you could for them to work with and in the end... is totally not what you were expecting and had in mind. This happens regulary and the reason is that we are human (heh) maybe it was that you didn't explain yourself well, maybe it was that the artist couldn't put together what your thoughs had, so what is the best thing to do in this case? Thank them for their work and never commission them again, just as simple. Life is based on trial and error and we can't expect to hit jackpot on each project we start so thank them for the work, tell them that sadly it wasn't what you expected and if the picture is still on a W.I.P status, ask them for a partial return (never a full return, they used time on that wip, like it or not)
-This... looks totally AWESOME. Congrats on your new piece of art, is exactly as you wanted and you probably have your hand busy with it right now. But before you mess up your keyboard, think if maybe the artist deserves a tip for such good work. Not every of us is finantially capable, but if you are think that an extra 5 or 10 bucks is a good token of apreciation and the artist will most probably reward your kindess. BUT BE ADVICED DO NOT EXPECT FOR THIS TO HAPPEN What I mean with reward is maybe them granting you a commission spot when they are usually full, improve or upgrade your picture or such. Again even if I'm saying this, don't come back here crying that artist are not doing this for you, each one is a whole world and expecting something is the first step for disapointment.
-But Secret, I followed all your steps and I feel cheated by the artist. You did your best but the artist is lacking a lot of comunication, has asked you for more money to finish your piece or you feel the final product doesn't even come close to their regular work. There are comunities created for the purpose of informing others about someone's behavior, like http://artists-beware.livejournal.com/
But before you make any claim, make sure you have a base for your concern, proof (screenshots of transactions, notes with details and such) and that you do it with the purpose of showing an injustice rather than trying to hurt someone.
For those who already read it, the new points are marked with a V.2
Hope it help ya all if you want to get into the role of commissioning!
In this world of art and dog penis, there is a clear figure that fills up galleries upon galleries with pictures: The artist.
They are the main source for it, drawing on different styles and characters, but there is a second one which provides just as much art: The commissioner.
Commissioners are people that either because they are unable to draw or they want to see their characters draw in different style, pay artist to get pictures (mostly) done for them or sometimes for other people the wish.
Now, there is a common missconception here, where people belive that an artist is the only important person when a commission is asked to them... far from truth. Art is a bussiness and like any other bussiness the quality and good results of it depends from BOTH PARTS
There are good profesional artist and some times sadly there isn't but the same applies with commissioners, being a jerk and demanding just because of the fact that you are the one tossing the money is not a proper way to act, so I would love to give some tips in order to maximize that artist/commissioner relation.
Before the commission is accepted
-Be polite. First and most important of all the rules, as a friend once told me, kindness goes a long way. When you deal with someone, you don't want them to feel intimidated or fustrated just because you are the one with the money at hand. They aren't forced to work with you, so show them how would you apreciate their work and talk in a manered way. Don't rush when talking with them, you have all the time in the world to write them a note or a mail so watch your grammar and your words, artist LOVE to treat with inteligent people so good impressions are always great.
-Research a bit on your own. Furaffinity is a powerfull tool on that regard, artist like to stuff their info all over their profiles and journals. That info will help you to know several things, their commission prices, restrictions on content, if they are open or not. Most artist will let you know if they are constantly open for commissions, if they are currently close and when they will accept more. Browse their commission info and their past journals and you will learn how they usually act for it.
-Ask them anything. Comunication is the key. In order to maximize the quality of the work, there must be no doubts between any of the parts. Before you give them away the description of what you want, be sure to ask them if they will draw something in particular. Don't be afraid, they aren't here for judging you, the worst you can expect from them after you tell them you want a 20inches dog dick up the ass of a cub herm is a simple "No, I won't draw that"
-Ask them anything part 2. Requesting certain things. I felt like I had to do a second comment on this one as there is one thing that made me think some time ago. One of my favourite kinks is to have my character draw with one from the artist itself, thats something that is actually really common, so whats the best way to request this to the artist?
If you go ahead and say "I would like to draw me screwing with your 'sona" .... read that again, you just realized what you said? That will make the artist feel akward and see you as a creep, their characters are their creation and while there are some who don't mind, others have very protective with them, so don't go ahead and ask such a thing on that way. "I wonder if I could request to have my character draw in an adult situation with yours, in case you don't mind him/her be drawn with others"
See the difference? With a question like this, the artist would only reject when their fursona means something more deep for them and don't wish to have it that way, but at least they won't do it just because you are a FREAK.
-Let them know how you praise their work. It doesn't have to be on the "ass licking" style. You are commissioning them, that alone shows that you like their work, but letting them know as well on a kind way will help them taking the desition on taking your commission or not.
V.2
-Compare prices and find what most fits your pocket. There is a trend that have irked me for some time. People that want to commission art always look for the cheapest option with good quality, that is understable. But there is something you must not do and is to tell someone you want a commission for their prices are way to high. NEVER tell that to someone, is unmanered and rude, each artist decides on their prices based on their amount of work and demand, granted some -might- be overpricing but there is so many offer around that you can find something of the same quality for a lower income. Remember: Art is a LUXURY not a NECESITY.
After the commission gets accepted
-Provide a detailed description and references. Some people likes to give just a basic idea of what they want like "I want xxx position" and usually some artist don't mind, but most of them are gonna feel a bit stressed because is extra work for them, havint to come up with the rest of the details theirselves. If you provide a complete description of what you want (positions, face expressions, place of each limb) and provide other images that could be similar, the artist will instantly picture the image in their mind and will be much quicker and less stressfull, they will LOVE to work with someone who has clear what they seek. And when you provide a character reference, be sure to point out details that might not be as clear (for example, my character sheets doesn't show the color of Secret's shaft, so I usually let artist know about it)
In short: Detailed description -> Less stressed and happy artist -> Fasted work and better results
-Request a preview of the work. Is your right and the artist should have no problem on giving it to you, is the only stage where mayor details can be changed, so be sure to let them know if you see something out of place, they won't mind to change it so it looks thebest for you
-BE PATIENT. Unless the artist is ok to set a deadline, let them work at their peace, they have life as well and also personal problems, so they have their own choice of work time for it. If you let them work without pressure, the quality will be bigger :3
Of course if some time passes and you don't get any updated, you are able to request it from them, but never do it in an angered way, just ask if they are having some problems with it.
-Thank them for the work. Yeah, you paid them for it, but they used their time to have it complete and to make it look as best as they can, so let them know how you apreciate it.
-Don't expect them to be your friend. Sounds a bit harsh isn't it? But is necesary to leave this clear, you are a costumer and even if you and them have a good talk when discussion the details of the picture, that doesn't instantly makes you friends.
Some artist are a bit more friendly than others, some directly doesn't want to treat with you out of bussiness, and you have to accept it. If a friendship is born from this work, then is awesome! Is more than welcome, that means you can get along, but just don't try to force it, they will think you are only seeking benefits for that friendship.
V.2
-You hired xxxx artist because... You obviously like their art style, but recently there has been an issue with commissioners giving a reference of their favorite artist and asking to mimic their art style. No, just no, that's totally untolerable. There is nothing that will hurt the feelings more to an artist than asking them to radically change their art style to fit the one you want for yourself, just because said artist might be out of your range money wise or because is imposible to get a slot for him.
-This... looks totally crap. You had an awesome concept for an image, gorgeous characters, a setting and they are doing your favorite sex position. You hired an artist and gave them all the references and as much detail as you could for them to work with and in the end... is totally not what you were expecting and had in mind. This happens regulary and the reason is that we are human (heh) maybe it was that you didn't explain yourself well, maybe it was that the artist couldn't put together what your thoughs had, so what is the best thing to do in this case? Thank them for their work and never commission them again, just as simple. Life is based on trial and error and we can't expect to hit jackpot on each project we start so thank them for the work, tell them that sadly it wasn't what you expected and if the picture is still on a W.I.P status, ask them for a partial return (never a full return, they used time on that wip, like it or not)
-This... looks totally AWESOME. Congrats on your new piece of art, is exactly as you wanted and you probably have your hand busy with it right now. But before you mess up your keyboard, think if maybe the artist deserves a tip for such good work. Not every of us is finantially capable, but if you are think that an extra 5 or 10 bucks is a good token of apreciation and the artist will most probably reward your kindess. BUT BE ADVICED DO NOT EXPECT FOR THIS TO HAPPEN What I mean with reward is maybe them granting you a commission spot when they are usually full, improve or upgrade your picture or such. Again even if I'm saying this, don't come back here crying that artist are not doing this for you, each one is a whole world and expecting something is the first step for disapointment.
-But Secret, I followed all your steps and I feel cheated by the artist. You did your best but the artist is lacking a lot of comunication, has asked you for more money to finish your piece or you feel the final product doesn't even come close to their regular work. There are comunities created for the purpose of informing others about someone's behavior, like http://artists-beware.livejournal.com/
But before you make any claim, make sure you have a base for your concern, proof (screenshots of transactions, notes with details and such) and that you do it with the purpose of showing an injustice rather than trying to hurt someone.
Some artists love when you leave them more freedom , while others love long detailed discriptions , if you send like wall of text for person who likes freedom he may refuze you comission without even saying so(had it happen enough times to have it being a bother)
on other hand had quite big bunch apriciate my detailed and specific discriptions
Coping style dont seams like isue if you ask it instead of cope "maybe you would try drawing in similar style as XXX?" i never personaly had problems , even few artist sugested me to ask them to try other style , everything depends how you ask , the politer you are the more you can get
keep it profecional(you forgot that) as comissioning its strictly buisness and you should treat it so , if artist fails to deliver what you paid for(that rarely happens but happens) ask politely for refund , if drama happens try ignore it and politely find solution , if artists makes drama for not aparent reason , you should just cut contact and find other artist(had it happen too) , as each deal involving you should ask artist when he starts your piece , i alweys did so never had problems , few artist not keptup with time but that is fine , its artistic work unless delay is like long as few months you should not burn them like witch , if there is problem try solving it polite way , if artist drew you wrong due misunderstanding try explaining it best he you can what he did wrong , if its your foult you cant expect artist to corect it , but usualy if your nice they will unless its like colored pic and you forgot about something:V
and side advice , if famous artists offers cheap sketches skip that , most likely you will pay for artist name then his work becouse seriously i paid myself 15$ for sketch artist drew for 10mins on steam , thats like... 90$ a hour , you rather comission better artist , lets take wolfblade he does few hour streams and charges 200$ , you could get like 6 solo inks not sketches
You get what you paid , before you make contact with artist i would advise to browse his work , if somehting is not clear ask how would look Digital work you would comission , if you already know what artist will draw dont be disapoited if quality will be better or worse i had sometimes artist drawing worse , but on other hand had them drawn better , you cant blame them but try avoiding drama , comission other artist if your disapointed
Avoid paying upfront especialy if artist makes you wait half year before he draws , it may sound harsh but i herd for so amount of artist cheating comissioners , even famous 500k pagevievs ones , politely ask artist if you could pay just before he starts your pic , he gets paid anyway before he started your drawing , you could ask too pay after seeing rough sketch , ost artist agrees to that too , if artist wont agree to any compromise simply move on if you dont accept paying upfront , i got friends who paid even 225$ and waiting even 5 years , thing with paying upfront most likely artist spend that money fast and egtting refund may be hard , even imposible becouse you cant use paypal refund , and artist may not be willing , i herd even of extreme rudeness "paying me dont guarantees il draw you anything" or others treating yours money as just tip becouse they already spend your money and draw art for others/friends
(most of these are from my personal own experience , everything can be skiped but avoiding paying upfront lowers chances of somone runing away with your money , while i am aware some are wealhty anough to 40$ not be bother , but for somone like me due currency exchange may be even my month saving)
x3