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Full-Time Artist ~ Opinions or Advice?
14 years ago
Commissions: OPEN.
Trades: CLOSED.
Prices and Policy
░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░ I've decided I would like to become a full-time artist. I know that there would be quite a few things that would need to change before I could really do this.
I know that my style would need some minor adjustments, and of course, my attitude would be a major adjustment.
I know that sometimes I can be a little snippy with my commissioners, and I would like any kind of advice to handle these situations better.
And as for my art style, what would you guys like to see more of? Anything you would like me to improve on?
Auctions seem to be a good thing as well for me. Those "this can be you" They can be quite successful!
Bills are something everyone worries about so open up a quota for how many you need to take to pay those bills, and a few extra for spoil money. But other than the obvious "dont spend it all" I say always leave a little incase of refunds.
I know it sounds reaaaally dorky but I use a budget book which really helps me out organizing commission money since its a huge problem for us full time artist.
I realize i never answered the latter question. But what I think you would be really good at is some halloween theme commissions, portraits, ava's, etc. Something simple and fun!
walk away from the computer, and thing of something else, take a break or something that makes you relax. then reply with a more gentle message c: Usually helps me handle with offensive materials on the internet xD trust me.. I have some anger/depression problems, which makes me pretty snippy aswell.
Oh, and to make the costumer sure you aren't mad or something over them, add a little smiley. I've gotten some "why are you so angry? what have I done to you? D:" when I don't use smileys xD its stupid, I know, but it prevents drama.
Good luck with your full time artist job :3 I think you'll do great.
asdf grammar.
I would also say that you really need to focus on thinking of what will piss your customers off or make them nervous, regardless of bills, personal feelings, etc. For example, following up a journal that's a complaint saying that you're seriously overworked and you have way too many commissions by putting up new personal artwork, or a request for more commissions (and you have done both of those things.) Again, I know that art isn't easy to force and that bills need to be paid, but if you're going to do personal art, don't post it just then, try to post at least a few WIPs of old commissions to give those people hope before you open up something new.
Finally, get the commission list that you have now down to almost nothing before you start this. Just set aside time that you know you won't enjoy, that you know will suck, and try your best to force your way through it. After you've gotten it down, keep it small. Most artists I've seen on here that are doing full works rather than just IAs have one of about 5. Tops. I've seen journals posted by you with 20+ full works. If the money is an issue, raise your prices and get fewer commissions for the same amount. Your art is good enough to make sure people will pay, it's your reputation that would be the only issue. If you were able to push through the hard times and assure people that you'll be able to get to their commissions in short order, that will go a long way.
Anyways, in summary, your art is gorgeous, certainly enough for a full time artist career, but you need to work on being able to apply that skill even what you don't really want to and keeping your commissions list short. Don't get angry with the customers, and don't try to give excuses, but I think you knew those two already...
Just my two cents, anyways...
It's good to see things from another person's point of view.
It's kind of ridiculous, IMO. I don't even like smilies/emotes that much, but I use them all the time because I feel like the words themselves don't hold like ANYTHING. Because they don't. If I'm not using emotes, it's probably cuz I actually am in a shitty mood. That or all my emotes are like "e.e" or "-_-"
Cuz you gotta put a face to the speech!
Not sure why people on the internetz expect the same thing. Some people still want to remain professional and educated ya know?
And I always put smileys as well for the same reason, also because I dont like people saying "well dipper your sentence was rude"
"IM SORRY :[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[["
I've gotten used to being completely unprofessional, I guess, though I never emote or anything in MMOs. Generally, I'm the quiet guy anyway XD
Also, I think you might enjoy more if you were less hard on yourself. Yes, everyone can always find things to improve, but that doesn't mean your art isn't already great. You're awesome, and you'll only get better. Drawing for others will help get you practice at drawing things you probably wouldn't have if you just drew for yourself anyway. ^^