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How to get an artist to draw a FREE picture for you...
15 years ago
In my short art career I encountered number of individuals whose intentions were pretty clear yet well masked. First ambush, then attack. Of course everything not to defeat a worthy opponent but to get a free art. Yes... a free art which nowadays is almost like currency for furry fandom. They show value, they show prestige... However the problematic thing is that most good arts are done by good artists and they... cost... (DRAMATIC MUSIC)... Yes they cost... (arts not artists) And more, some of them cost MUCH... of course the rule of a thumb says - the more cash you have in your wallet, the more you want to save. This way if said individual is not an art fan or artist supporter, he will try to get an art for free which is pretty normal I guess... He will try to get at least one (preferably more). Of course it requires some sophisticated tactics to strike at the right moment to get a picture... It's not easy but some furries mastered these techniques for many years practising on lesser artists... Their next step is to attack and make a new art slave...
After some time and experience (though I don't have much yet) I can list a few techniques used by people to get their beloved free arts... Of course I must state first that they usually are less thankful for pictures than people who have to pay for them. It's another fact that you care more about things you have to pay for... So here are these techniques:
1. Straightforward:
- Do you take requests?
(My comment: Nice and straightforward way but I personally draw free pictures only for close friends...)
2. Poor puppy
- I don't have a single picture of my fursona *cries*...
(My comment: I feel so sorry for you *hugs*, it's such a tragedy!)
3. Celebration
- You are such a wonderful artist! You know, tomorrow is my birthday...
(My comment: Best wishes! *flees*)
4. Oh by the way:
- Yes I agree... this culture was well developed and shamans were incredibly wise... Oh btw... I've seen your last picture. You're a great artist! I love your art! Do you know my character? It's a black wolf with a brown collar... Here take a look...
(My comment: Oh yes I've seen some wolves like that...)
5. Overlove:
- I love your art, you're such an amazing artist, I loved your pictures long time ago and am a huge fan of yours... I would love to get a commission from you... too bad I don't have money right now, but it's ok...
(My comment: Not quite... it's not ok XD)
6. Approach by connections
- Many great artists drew gifts for me. They are so nice guys! Look into my gallery <link here>.
(My comment: I feel so ashamed now. Should I be among great artists? Naaaah XD)
7. Trader
- Hi, do you do trades?
(My comment: You take a look into their galleries and see they can't draw a stickman.)
8. Trade by surprise
- Hi, I wrote a story for you... Look!... Now could you draw my character in this pose... here are references...
(My comment: Some people fail at this technique and say that they want to write/draw something for you instead of facing you with the fact... This way you have time to refuse XD)
9. Insufficient mana:
- I want to commission you so badly but I don't have any money right now...
(My comment: No resources available, build another crystal mine!)
10. Permission:
- You know... If you want so much, feel free to draw my character... You have full permission to use it in your arts but just ask me first...
(My comment: Oh my gosh! I feel soooo special! Thank you for permission!)
11. Challenge: (by martin_lonewolf2)
- You know... I've never seen anybody draw an anthro Dung Beetle. Wanna give it a shot? I think you could do it!
I respect people who would like to have a free picture and it's fine I guess but only if they are straightforward. It's just honest. I know not everyone has money for picture but would like to have one. The only thing that pisses me off and makes me laugh at the same time is hiding the truth :)
This straightforwad method is the only one that I find nice and honest. I don't laugh or make fun of those who simply ask without using some crazy tactics xd
After some time and experience (though I don't have much yet) I can list a few techniques used by people to get their beloved free arts... Of course I must state first that they usually are less thankful for pictures than people who have to pay for them. It's another fact that you care more about things you have to pay for... So here are these techniques:
1. Straightforward:
- Do you take requests?
(My comment: Nice and straightforward way but I personally draw free pictures only for close friends...)
2. Poor puppy
- I don't have a single picture of my fursona *cries*...
(My comment: I feel so sorry for you *hugs*, it's such a tragedy!)
3. Celebration
- You are such a wonderful artist! You know, tomorrow is my birthday...
(My comment: Best wishes! *flees*)
4. Oh by the way:
- Yes I agree... this culture was well developed and shamans were incredibly wise... Oh btw... I've seen your last picture. You're a great artist! I love your art! Do you know my character? It's a black wolf with a brown collar... Here take a look...
(My comment: Oh yes I've seen some wolves like that...)
5. Overlove:
- I love your art, you're such an amazing artist, I loved your pictures long time ago and am a huge fan of yours... I would love to get a commission from you... too bad I don't have money right now, but it's ok...
(My comment: Not quite... it's not ok XD)
6. Approach by connections
- Many great artists drew gifts for me. They are so nice guys! Look into my gallery <link here>.
(My comment: I feel so ashamed now. Should I be among great artists? Naaaah XD)
7. Trader
- Hi, do you do trades?
(My comment: You take a look into their galleries and see they can't draw a stickman.)
8. Trade by surprise
- Hi, I wrote a story for you... Look!... Now could you draw my character in this pose... here are references...
(My comment: Some people fail at this technique and say that they want to write/draw something for you instead of facing you with the fact... This way you have time to refuse XD)
9. Insufficient mana:
- I want to commission you so badly but I don't have any money right now...
(My comment: No resources available, build another crystal mine!)
10. Permission:
- You know... If you want so much, feel free to draw my character... You have full permission to use it in your arts but just ask me first...
(My comment: Oh my gosh! I feel soooo special! Thank you for permission!)
11. Challenge: (by martin_lonewolf2)
- You know... I've never seen anybody draw an anthro Dung Beetle. Wanna give it a shot? I think you could do it!
I respect people who would like to have a free picture and it's fine I guess but only if they are straightforward. It's just honest. I know not everyone has money for picture but would like to have one. The only thing that pisses me off and makes me laugh at the same time is hiding the truth :)
This straightforwad method is the only one that I find nice and honest. I don't laugh or make fun of those who simply ask without using some crazy tactics xd
And, of course, ask for art.
Man, I can see how that becomes monotonous.
I'm kidding, it's nice of artist to do that for friends, and that's kinda what makes it hard for me to try to be more then a "friendly fan" X3 I'd rather people not think I want free stuff from them
like i saw a chair and she was addorable, and i so WANTED to draw her, but i know my art isn't so good ... so i shouldn't draw her or what ... i think people should be thankeful for free art, if the artists wants to do (not bag for free art though .. that sucks)
Also I've seen some adorable chairs in my day, but I'm more into loveseats.
I usually have a little extra money each month. I budget myself quite strictly, and my entertainment budget meant for games and such is usually not spent at all. I'm very picky with games. So why not spread the dosh. :3
as for a lot of work and such.
i look at it this way, I like drawing! i will draw stuff one way or another, i will put a lot of work in my drawings cause it's actually not WORK , for me it's fun! so if i plan on drawing random things, i see no problem when i'm choosing colors, to choose colors from one guy, and put on a few earings or something to make "him"
as for the return gift ... the fun of drawing and having something to do for 10 hours is a nice thing .. so no need for anything in return :P ...
so , if i draw anyway why wouldn't i put different colors on to make a guy or two happy ? arff
Also yes, drawing is fun! I enjoy colouring, myself, though I am not very good at it. X3
its better really to either be straightforward like you said or just wait til they post and joint he ever clammering groups off ppl in a attempt to get one
4. Oh by the way.
I've actually noticed that wolves are begining to become more and more of the bottom type, while foxes are starting to top, if they don;t top, they've started becoming harder to get into bed *laughs* I love how fads work. Its why I avoid them :3
By the way, take a look here. What? Nonono I never said that, in fact I have a refsheet to show you. Also, I'll give you permission, just ask, OK?
And I love your art, I'd be happy to do a trade with you. What? Stickmans? No no I never said I could draw. I'm a musician, you know...
The one above would be the ULTIMATE request! Combining the power of all techniques into a massive, incoherent, babbling one who's sure to leave any artist flattered! :P
Combining the power of all techniques would result in an EPIC FAIL XD
Poor puppy will never work on me again >:C ungrateful bastard...
Well so the "poor puppy" technique was used upon you?
NEVER AGAIN!
peoples are funny :)
also i love free art .... i don't have a lot of money, and the money i do have i would rather spend on traveling ... so, if i'm not prepared to give anything for some art, i also don't expect to get anything ... so i do requests for fun ..and usually guys have some nice ideas for a pic
witch brings me to the second point, when people smell they can get free art, everything logical goes away
my request journal said : if you want a free pic, you gotta have an awesome idea and give me a detailed description !
what i got from a few guys was: draw me (wolf or dog) getting buttsex ...
like lol .. did you even try to think of that, or what :P hehe (this doesn't apply to anyone specifically just in general how guys do it)
Requests are fine :D just like you said - people are funny (and pathetic XD)
Why? Buttsex is so original and awesome :D Everyone would agree on awesomeness of this xD
I know why they said "draw me and buttsex"... They wanted to be first... you know, the more request on the list, the less probable that you draw theirs...
so the whole first in line thing isn't that good .. but i see your point ... i mead duhhhh who doesn't wanna draw buttsex !!! duhh
but what ever the case ... i'm all for Art ... requests on not .. just as long as people keep making awesome art that makes them happy
but thanks ... the whole idea was that some requests can be actually normal ... hehe ... arff
Silly Woof. <3
hmmm, yes, very. .
*suckiesuckiesuckie*
*SPOOGE!*
free arts pwease? *puppy eyes*
*sighs* oh alright. . . . . . . first bend over. X3
lol XD
but yah I prefer the straight forward approach, regardless if I'm on the receiving end or not. XP
I'm afraid I would choose a gayforward approach XD
I've had:
1, 3, 4, 7, 8 (especially 8... damn the 8 [because I've said that to others]) and 9 thrown at me
Worst case scenario was someone wanted gift art of them yiffing my character :/
I hadn't heard of that furson before that time, so I immediatly said "No, that's against my TOS - I'm monogamous in real life and in my drawings"
then they were all apologetic, and then said afterwards, to do one for their friend who was new...
I lost my patience after that and had to explain that close friends of MINE get freebies/deals, not people I don't know x3
They havn't spoken a word since (because they probably only wanted to friend me for my art skill)
They never return because it's not profitable... it's simple... :/
I think my position is worse, since I was forced to have an alternate fursona that I never wanted. :P
No, I mean the Kin picture in my gallery.
"Befriend the Artist"
This method can often take months and result in a pretty good friendship. But who remembers what you were doing it for by then
"O HI... LETS BE FRIENDS... YOU DRAW ART FOR ME?"
Ay, ay! This was straightforward method! :D
Are trades are the most funny in art requests ;D and btw: to draw stickman is not so easy!
I know :D I learned a few years about stickman proportions XD
But every once in a while, even a "trade by surprise" succeeds. For instance, I had someone approach me that he was interested in a trade. He was flattering, but also kind, so you really got the feeling he was honest about the things he wrote. He offered me to play some songs on his piano for me, in exchange of a character picture - nothing too fancy.
Since I could use some music, that was not copyright protected for future video projects, I agreed. After the trade was concluded he uploaded three pieces of music into his gallery.
The last one got a comment, that got me a bit suspicious. Someone pointed out that the exact length and song of the song played, was similar to a commercial work on youtube.
A few weeks later, I found out his account was banned for the reason of uploading music that was not created or played by him.
I dont feel that bad, since I wasnt the only artist falling for that trick, but I will be even more careful when it comes to trades now. But you really got to give him credit, at least he was sneaky and creative to get him some pictures drawn.
One 'technique' I didn't see you note...
The 'challenge' - "You know... I've never seen anybody draw an anthro Dung Beetle. Wanna give it a shot? I think you could do it!
"My mom says I do good art and I should be doing a trade for this instead of paying you"
The kicker: This guy next got some expensive commission the next week using his character sheet and everyone commented how unique he was to come up with that character and he just thanked them, didnt even mention DB helping d=
You know it's sick. I understand that some artists are lazy and take much but they do little but there are some who REALLY try to please their customers but it seems some commissioners love to exploit them >_<
"My mom says..." - wow... most moms would kill if they knew their child is a furry or buys furry pictures/porn for money so I barely believe that it was true. Another thing is that "my mom says I do good art" means nothing. Most moms will not say anything bad for art of their children and still they are not very demanding. People rarely can draw so many of them are satisfied with poor quality works. It's like my grandmom. I showed to her my very old picture and she said it was very good and doesn't see any signigicant improvement in my art but I know there is huge improvement. People who don't watch much art are not very demanding.
Aactually... many people are jerks...
Just saying...
:P
A while ago, my mate wanted to claim such a creation as his fursona, but none of our friends were willing to even attempt that. If you're interested, would you like to discuss a price?
http://www.evangelchristianschool.o.....8/12/crab1.jpg
Does your mate want to have such eyes? :D Because pincers are fine of course... I know one person who could be able to draw an anthro crab too... http://www.furaffinity.net/user/reho/
If you want a picture from me though here's the price list:
http://www.furaffinity.net/journal/821266/
http://www.reefseekers.com/PIXPAGES....._with_eggs.jpg
As you can see, the eyes are a bit more subdued in this species, so it shouldn't be as much of a problem.
His only request was that there be a mix of strength, agility and European sophistication. So, he wanted an Anthro Red Rock Crab sitting in a plush chair sipping tea. (Should that prove needlessly challenging, chair can be omitted)
I'll go ahead and transfer funds to Paypal. When would you like payment? Lineart w/ Background should be preferable at this time.
BTW: The eyes XD it barely has any xd... They are opposite to tarsiers who are basically mostly eyes XD http://akshatb.files.wordpress.com/...../tarsier_2.jpg
No no funds yet... After work, not before... and I will still have to draw a sketch first... you will tell me if it's fine... You know I've never drawn anything like that so it would be much better if you judged if my idea how to draw it is fine enough...
If you're really interested please send me a note of a complete description of the scene... I should provide a sketch in up to a few days. I've got a lot of work now and a few new commissions...
----
about donating... it's up to an artist... if said artist is not bothered then I guess it doesn't count... but if the artist doesn't take donations then you're right... it might be "I will donate with 10 bucks and get a full color picture" XD
http://img18.imageshack.us/img18/79.....hworkofart.jpg
XD