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Something for the Critics
13 years ago
I started typing this journal with the intention of completely flying off the handle. Not just flying, actually climbing into an orion rocket, and blasting off with body-pulping g-forces and leaving behind an atomic haze where the handle was, screaming my lungs out, corkscrewing through the sky, all the way to the stars. Much worse than simply flying off the handle.
But hey, what would that get me, right? Just a shitload more drama that I don't want (but certain websites thrive off of), but I wanted to clear the air on a couple things.
There were a LOT of comments goin' on about my commission prices and the quality of my work, and those of you that had positive things to say, I thank you, from the bottom of my heart, because it really does mean a lot to me. It actually is one of the big things that keeps me goin'. But there were a lot of people that had a lot of not-so-awesome things to say, and hey, whatever, you've got the right to say them, and in the case of a few artistic critiques, you're completely right, and it'd be stupid of me not to pay mind to them.
Now, with regards to the prices, the reason I charge that much is because I feel that's what my stuff is worth. I don't give a shit, really, about the professional industry standard or the average price in the fandom. I give it my all to the best of my abilities, and I figure for my time, skill, effort, ect, $450 seems reasonable. Don't agree with me? Fine. There's plenty of other peeps out there charging less for some absolutely spectacular work that I honestly find myself utterly envious of. Support them! I'm serious! They need a lot more love! I'd commission them myself if I wasn't so poor! I've still got plenty of awesome customers to fill slots when I need to pay the rent.
And the quality of my work: yes, I need to improve. Admittedly, the stresses of my daily life have been taking its toll on me, and my quality of work has been dipping a little. I'm trying to fix it up. I'm even experimenting with new ways of approaching things, trying to learn (and more importantly, retain) new things. But at the same time, I can't be posting one pic a month because I'm being too picky about everything I draw, or I'd REALLY be in shit. And it's not like I can stop taking commissions, either, given my low income and being the only earner in the house (Cooper tries to help, too, but she's struggling too). So I'm between a rock and a hard place.
But I'm trying. And it it's killin' me, but I'm tryin'
So, I guess what I'm gettin' at here is that I'd appreciate is people would step off and let me get my work done. As you all can see below, I've got a lot of work to do, and drama and bullshit only makes the task that much more difficult.
Thank You
COMMISSIONS
1/ Aryte (in process of inking due to CRAPLOADS OF ZOMBIES)
2/ Karmakat
3/ Rogern x2 (inked, colouring)
4/ 9Lion (pencilled, plus one other)
5/ Mechaman
6/ Chazore x2
7/ Suntatoowolf
8/ Artica (inked, linework needs some cleanup)
9/ Sandalf
10/ Roaming_Shadow
11/ daswuetend
12/ yutrah
13/ rageki (waiting on payment)
14/ Twitch The Dragon
15/ Iridium (pencilled)
16/ dragonfireny
17/ Kipeo
18/ Opeoaslam
But hey, what would that get me, right? Just a shitload more drama that I don't want (but certain websites thrive off of), but I wanted to clear the air on a couple things.
There were a LOT of comments goin' on about my commission prices and the quality of my work, and those of you that had positive things to say, I thank you, from the bottom of my heart, because it really does mean a lot to me. It actually is one of the big things that keeps me goin'. But there were a lot of people that had a lot of not-so-awesome things to say, and hey, whatever, you've got the right to say them, and in the case of a few artistic critiques, you're completely right, and it'd be stupid of me not to pay mind to them.
Now, with regards to the prices, the reason I charge that much is because I feel that's what my stuff is worth. I don't give a shit, really, about the professional industry standard or the average price in the fandom. I give it my all to the best of my abilities, and I figure for my time, skill, effort, ect, $450 seems reasonable. Don't agree with me? Fine. There's plenty of other peeps out there charging less for some absolutely spectacular work that I honestly find myself utterly envious of. Support them! I'm serious! They need a lot more love! I'd commission them myself if I wasn't so poor! I've still got plenty of awesome customers to fill slots when I need to pay the rent.
And the quality of my work: yes, I need to improve. Admittedly, the stresses of my daily life have been taking its toll on me, and my quality of work has been dipping a little. I'm trying to fix it up. I'm even experimenting with new ways of approaching things, trying to learn (and more importantly, retain) new things. But at the same time, I can't be posting one pic a month because I'm being too picky about everything I draw, or I'd REALLY be in shit. And it's not like I can stop taking commissions, either, given my low income and being the only earner in the house (Cooper tries to help, too, but she's struggling too). So I'm between a rock and a hard place.
But I'm trying. And it it's killin' me, but I'm tryin'
So, I guess what I'm gettin' at here is that I'd appreciate is people would step off and let me get my work done. As you all can see below, I've got a lot of work to do, and drama and bullshit only makes the task that much more difficult.
Thank You
COMMISSIONS
1/ Aryte (in process of inking due to CRAPLOADS OF ZOMBIES)
2/ Karmakat
3/ Rogern x2 (inked, colouring)
4/ 9Lion (pencilled, plus one other)
5/ Mechaman
6/ Chazore x2
7/ Suntatoowolf
8/ Artica (inked, linework needs some cleanup)
9/ Sandalf
10/ Roaming_Shadow
11/ daswuetend
12/ yutrah
13/ rageki (waiting on payment)
14/ Twitch The Dragon
15/ Iridium (pencilled)
16/ dragonfireny
17/ Kipeo
18/ Opeoaslam
Got to make compromises in life.
Business lesson. If you aren't selling at the price you want to sell and need to sell then lower the price.
If you are in demand and booked quickly, raise your price.
If people are willing to pay $450 charge $450. Price with the market. People can think it's a bad value. People think Best Buy is a horrible place to shop, and frankly it is, but it's still a fortune 100 company.
Or
Lamborghini would increase its efforts to provide an even more luxurious product or improve its quality so that people are willing to pay in that price point.
Connecting it to this situation. It doesn't matter if a bunch of people are complaining about the price of the Lamborghini because someone out there is still buying them.
Complaining makes the world go around.
Can it be counter productive? Of course. So can anything in excess. Or if the whiners aren't whining with purpose. Many of these people complaining wouldn't commission strype even if he was charging $10 a commission. They are doing it for lulz and basically manipulating him. Is it right? i am not sure. My ethics bend towards a positive productivity increase, or quality increase... maybe I should just say a value increase. Am I one of the people complaining? Nah, because I don't commission furry art.
Complaining can be a good thing and in many cases does change the market.
What if you were stranded on a mountain?
Would you pay $75 for a steak at Morton's? or stick with Logans roadhouse for $15
What if Morton's was purchased by Mcdonalds and ran like one? Would you still pay $75 for a steak. I know I certainly wouldn't. Unless they stepped up their game.
I'd choose Mortons, but maybe that is why I'm considered a Savvy consumer.
Of course I choose Morton's when Mcdonalds is $1 too. Why? because I demand quality. Why do people buy a Mercedes over a Chevy? Because they want a higher level of luxury. If Mercedes starts making chevy Aveo level of Luxury vehicles what would mercedes have to do to maintain sales? Oh,.... lower the price. However If a bunch of idiots are willing to pay $200,000 for a Chevrolet Aveo with a Mercedes logo on it then let them. When they realize they paid too much what will mercedes have to do to maintain customers? Either lower the cost or raise the level of luxury.
I do encourage you to reread and use a translator so you can see what is being said.
Eventually customers willing to pay a price will dry up if something is not of value. In the furry fandom Strype is one of the best artists, so that pool may not dry up. Unless other artists increase their abilities and become the "lamborghinis" to the point that strype is a "chevy" the likelihood of that happening is slim, but it can happen.
I'm more of a fan of Ada Sculz and the sort. Her paintings are only ~$5000-$20,000 but in my opinion they are very much worth it. I also like my Mont Blanc 100 Year Starwalker Diamond Edition fountain pen writing instrument I picked up for $475. Now it goes for $1000+ on ebay. But that is just me.
I shall give you points for this. I am impressed.
You should look into law school.
I do plan on getting my MBA and a JD in the future though.
People don't understand why I go to school though with the business and all.
The other 5 points of trolling are me getting mad, so he didn't get those points.
Regardless of what other people have to say about it: I love your work. Yes, it does need some work here and there, but I still love it. :)
They tend to either be:
1. Jealous they can't charge the same
2. Annoyed because your're out their price range
3. Don't like the idea that people can support themselves with something they at least -partially- enjoy doing.
4. $450 to them is like a years wage and they don't see why ANYONE EVER would ever pay THAT MUCH for art [lol]
"Don't agree with me? Fine. There's plenty of other peeps out there charging less for some absolutely spectacular work that I honestly find myself utterly envious of. Support them! I'm serious! They need a lot more love! I'd commission them myself if I wasn't so poor! I've still got plenty of awesome customers to fill slots when I need to pay the rent."
To sum it up. " Dotn like it , then go play a game of hide and see and go fuck your self"
Simple reading
You don't have rights Yong boy. you are simply following orders from the higher people, simply put, your a slave and have no rights. you may think you do. but You don't !
lrn2debate
lrn2nobuthurt
I'll say it again, with a clever new addition! :3
lrn2debate
lrn2nobuthurt
lrn2spell
If you don't understand what that means, let me walk you through it!
"lrn2debate", shortened internet language for "learn to debate", specifically, learn how to support your opinions and arguments in a knowledgeable and friendly way!
"lrn2nobuthurt", shortened internet language for "learn to not butthurt", meaning there's no call for spouting obscene language. We're all adults here... (I hope? You've given me evidence to think otherwise d:)
"lrn2spell", shortened internet language for "learn to spell". This is probably the toughest one for you; you have to use proper spelling and punctuation in your rebuttals. More often than not it shows one's intelligence! Also, you sound halfway decent to other people when you do so.
Come back when you've at least grasped these three concepts! :3
And when i say life with it i am an idiot? You say i can fuck off and that makes you a very smart individual?
I am following my own rules, i work with them, i live with them.
"4Chan was the beginning." oh i am really sorry, i didnt knew i was talking to one of the smartest Person(Troll) in History. WoW youre so cool Mr.4Chan.
It seems like you dont understand 450 for 1 Picture that you even cant hold in your hand because its only one Data on your PC its way to expensive.
If he whould Draw on Paper maybe i could understand but digital drawing...no.
Of course you know what to do with trolls and why not to feed them d:
and as for that 4Chan quote, i ow you no explanation since you are refusing to understand and listen to others .
but i just want to ask you this, what kind of use. does it have to. make a comment like "its way to expansive "?
you see that strype is working hard, and then you just smack it in his face like a clowns pie act.
and just try to understand that drawing like strypes level isn't easy to match , go ahead try it your self .
And do not try to argue with me, since i ignored you it will have no effect. your simply wasting your energy and precious time .
It really makes me wonder what kind of society people think they live in if they feel entitled to demand X price for Y good/service, regardless of how sane that demand is.
Also, while I can't afford your work, you do a wonderful job and I always take time to look over your finished pieces when you post them. Keep up the great work! :>
Also, Strype, you're work is awesome and I always love the details in each piece, it just encourages me to practice more. ^^
as far as artwork goes, you truly do get what you pay for (as long as you're not commissioning some stuck up whore who passed high school art 1 and now thinks they're worth $25/hr)
don't sweat the haters. they're not worth your time.
http://www.furaffinity.net/user/alectorfencer
Bam.
thanks, bro. you're real polite.
I understand the prices. I understand why alot of people would complain.
But for me, I'd want a commission off you just because it would be your art. I think that should be explanation enough.
Ah bah if you like the positive things with me you will be served. XD
One must always improve, but frankly given the quality of your work is already huge!
I don't see why random complaints should have any bearing on what you do or whether you think your (business!) decisions are correct.
Haters gonna hate.
However, it feels good to do your best to pull it off. You make a good point. I'm you feel that way. I'm new to commissions myself and beginning to learn that not every commission i do will be 100% perfect.
Keep up the nice works man, best of luck to you and coop.
P.S. I like your rain pictures the most.
and really, you shouldnt bother with what people say as long as you are doing fine (and obviously you are), they can just keep dreaming about how the world whould have been IF they were right, but apparently they are not.
the price you set is the price that goes, if peopel dont like it its their problem.
keep rocki'n
http://s3.amazonaws.com/data.tumblr.....oDqr7NlGrkY%3D
There.
(:
Drawing artn that special atleast there are higher fractions.
A:It isnt a auction house, in the industry you have Artist (usually paintings) and commissionaire artist) that means the people who work at gaming company's paintings go for 4000-5000 idd. but commissionaire artist get paid an hour.
B: i see he/she got if from a book that was made # Years ago. prices change around the months.
And i am not wanting you to believe me. i am just simply speaking from experience.
Which actually I believe shows the difference between "industry" and "fandom" more clearly.
BUT. My friend made a brilliant point that the main difference here is style. Like both are professional quality in some shape or form, just that the painted one is more of something you'd see akin to concept art, and the right one is more a cartoonist illustration. :3
Prices are somewhat lower than that for personal pictures without those rights, while pictures that can have money made off of them are sold for more. eg; Concept, models, all that jazz.
I still believe Strype charges appropriately. Even if it takes up to a year or more to get an image finished, and that more people are added each month. I hope he doesn't end up like Astray and let it overwhelm him. As I think it has been going up more and more each month.
A bit more effort goes a long way. http://img.lulz.net/src/shadeyergod.....edpictures.jpg
Some artists may charge a certain price because they let popularity get into their head. Some others try to charge an amount a bit higher than they should to get extra money out of it.
You on the other hand. I see your prices and I think that those high prices are the RIGHT prices. When people commission you, they pay for quality and by golly do they get quality.
Thanks for having the confidence to charge what you feel you're worth, and then defend that. It makes it easier for other artists to do the same, myself included. If you still have people who want to buy your work, your prices aren't too high.
Regardless if the price/quality ratio stacks up, if people commission him that's that. It's like an auction, you get whatever the highest is willing to pay.
I suppose the moaners are thinking average of 25$ an hour which is probably more than most furries on here earn. means that comes down to 18 hours worth of art. And I guess the balance that to what the end result is. Or some shit like that, who honestly gives a shit :P
As long as people are willing to pay for your stuff Strype and you are willing and eager to please them in return with beautiful art, all is great :D
Yes, your artwork is worth that amount to me, because I've seen the effort you put into your process. You are a genius in that regards, even though we all need improving. I hold you in high esteem.
Good luck man, you're going to need a shit ton of it to just fucking survive. I really hope you can pull through, keep that fire burning, even if it's dim!
(tho I emit, deep down I constantly extent the wish that you like win 10 million Canadian Dollars, so that the commission price was not so deeply rooted in necessity to put food on your table and roof over your head)
http://www.furaffinity.net/view/3580751/
Make a list of the techniques and "parts" of this picture and think about what actually goes into constructing something like that, not even including the years of practice, life drawing, and effort that goes to even being able to use those individual parts. If you can tell me with a straight face that that's not worth what he's charging, then I'm completely convinced you don't understand the hard work that goes into illustration.
Your work is amazing. Dont let anyone tell you otherwise - and dont think otherwise.
being an artist is a crapload of really hard work. so when you think your commissions are worth around $400 then you have all the right in the world to charge that much!
Hobby Artists usually have no issue charging less cause it opens themselves to a large variety of people with all kinds of options.
I wish I could get away with charging that much tho D:> It would help my hubby and I immensely.
I agree 492% with the time invested. My piano suite takes about 30 minutes to sit down and play. but it took 6 months to write. So the sheet music for it will cost over $100, which has angered a few people, but they can suck my Ruby Tuesdays. Its up to me to set the prices on my music, not them. And the same goes for you! Its YOUR art, so YOU set the price, not the people. Its not a Democracy here, its a Dictatorship and you are deh Boss!
You were one of my first watches EVER, so you keep doing whatever the hell you want to do buddy! Hater's gonna hate! I had one of my watchers and i do a trade where she did fractals (8) and i write her a 4 minute piece. But i took all 8 to Kinko's and blew them up on a canvas and its hangin in mah room! If i can muster up some capital, i would love to commission you to either touch up something of mine with color and shading (i am colorblind, sob) or if I can get TONS of money, your mind will be the limit and go nuts!
Keep up the hard work, they can hate all they want. The most evil thing you can do to them is smile and say thank you!
-Zironyxcyx
You need to charge so that you make at least minimum wage.
You have more skill than a lot of artists out there outside of the fandom who manage to sell utter shit for thousands.
Everyone can improve.
You have enough people who love your work that you can sustain these prices.
Art is only worth what people are willing to pay for it, as irritating as that can be to lesser-known artists such as myself.
So yeah, don't lower your prices, and don't let people get to you, though I know it's easier said than done :3
Yeahhhh...
There is no.other reason to complain. Gets you no where.
But on digital art like this I'm not even in the same town let alone ballpark as you, so I charge way less.
And do what ever you have to do to pay the bills
I'm all in favor of the artist charging whatever they think their work is worth if they think they can get it. It can take 20 hours to complete a painting; if I -could- work a regular job, I'd make more delivering pizza than I make doing what I love. Thank the powers I'm talented/skilled enough to have several different fall-backs in a wide variety of interest groups for when graphic art isn't selling; it's mostly just a marketing thing for me now.
And strype i really noticed that you are in some deep !@#$ ,Your probably thinking "Jeez , what a suck up. "
perhaps ,perhaps not.and id like to help unfortunally 2 things :
1 :i cant transfer large amounts of money on Paypal(something happened in the past that caused this).
2: i obviuslly need the money back at some point and ye that would cause more stress and frustration .
And if you want to learn new stuff. i can help you, with something in my expertise Aka 3Ds.
"
Making models,
sculpts..
effect dunno i can mostly do it all .
If there is ANY way i can help you, just gimme a poke. ill be there.
Just one request - open commission slots early in the morning a couple of times, so people on different continents can have a better shot. :)
If the commissioner is happy with what you produce, it shouldn't matter what some jealous no-name twat on the internet says. They can keep on being miserable. I often think if these anonymous whiners put in as much effort into drawing as they did bitching on some glorified image board, they'd become great artists who can charge a good amount for their work.
There will always be a handful of bitter man children out there who can't help but gripe, piss, and moan about what other people spend their money on, even though they had absolutely NO part in earning said money, nor does it harm their livelihood in any way, shape, or form. I guess it's easier for them to waste time flinging poo at other peoples' achievements rather than straightening their own lives out to develop a profitable skill. Perhaps it's their way of developing this false sense of security by surrounding themselves with similar crab-asses, perpetuating their denial and pushing away the ugly fact that there's absolutely nothing appealing about them.
:3c
we'll always love you <3
c:
It's not just the quality they're paying for, it's your damn time. Your time costs, any time spent focusing on them and their art is time not spent doing work for money. If every you become more available obviously your prices will drop.
So fuck the turdhats.
If people CAN afford the prices, power to em. If people can't OH WELL. It's not like you owe them anything.
Not that you didn't already know that.
p.s. excited to see Artica's commission when its done :3
Many artists drastically undercharge for their services. The problem isn't that your price point is too high, it's that the over all pricing scheme for the fandom is set too low.
"it makes it hard for other people to get your art"
Well there's a reason why everyone that has car ISN'T driving a ferrari. Things are hard to afford sometimes. Work hard so maybe you can afford it someday or suck it up and get something you can afford. If money is such an issue you shouldn't be buying furry art anyway.
nah but seriously, you're talented and professional. You get what you pay for. I don't get why people are so offended about prices when no one's holding a gun to their head and making them pay it.
hard work for the money to spend on a picture = just the same hard work for an artist. Post what you like, Post what you want , it's not worth dealing with people who try to make you think you're charging way too much , they don't think you're art's worth that much , that's they're opinion honestly cause just for a handful who think that , there's just a handful who think you're art is worth every penny. Honestly what I learned was instead of telling people to just leave it alone which they won't , do not listen to them , either they can commission you and will or they just don't gotta buy from you, simple as that.
for example me and my friend fel both love you're armor work and space style , we one day wanna commission you when we have enough money so basically we just wait till we can, simple as that .
while as some people think " WOW WAY TOO MUCH MONEY" fine go shop at the 99 cent art ben , but they shouldn't expect you to lower you're prices , there are plenty of other awesome artist on this site that could work with their budget.
WOW so much text, sorry just I recently had to go through what you are going through and this is what I learned o 3 o
I do get the bit about high prices, but eh. Each to their own'n all that. If ya can afford it, good for ya! If not, enjoy what ya get to see for free, and let others enjoy their purchase and the artist his work. Don't get why folks hafta bring drama where there's no point to it.
Quality is great, of course ya could do -something- better. We all could. EVERYBODY who submits art on this site could make some improvement, no matter how much they deny it.
Keep up the awesome work, Strype! Hope things are all smoothed out'n good again soon.
If a person doesn't think an artist's skill is worth their price, they shouldn't buy them.
If they can't afford them, they should save up for it. I don't think everyone on Stype's list just pulled $450 out a trust fund and went "Oh, hai, I want a commish!", I'm pretty sure at least one of them saved up for a couple of months. And I bet that this spend isn't a casual one.
if a person just doesn't think artwork is worth that much money, they shouldn't feel guilty about just walking away.
no sorry, i can't. however i have plans for you, i'm picking you in my van and take you home, there i have a little room just for you and best of all, it's without windows (windows are scary, that's where burglars and deadly radiation from the sun comes from!) so i'm going to keep you in security in this room, so you will have all the time to work on my commissions without having any problem of employment, bank, annoying fans...
oh i'll cook you food too :3 you will love cakes.
You have the right to charge whatever you feel your art is worth. Don't know if you've heard, but this is America.
The people that are buying your stuff are obviously your fans and like your work. You really shouldn't worry about other people saying shit about your prices because they aren't the ones commissioning you. Though some people do have a point that the furry art fandom and the professional art world are two different monsters. One that consists of technical skills and networking. While the other is practically fan base. In reality a lot of furries don't care how your line weight is, your color pallet, or perspective. They just like the way you draw tits or dicks because they can't or refuse to learn how. But I'm ranting now...
If you're happy with your position in life and are getting the results you want through the furry fandom then more power to you. Arguments like these are all part of the game. A second journal wasn't really needed as a more "professional" method would have been to just say nothing and keep doing your commissions to make space for more clients.
Keep drawing and keep improving. If you ever get to a point where you look at your work and say, "Good enough." then berate yourself. Until then keep on going. When you reach the point of looking at one of your pieces and say, "That's freaking good!" then you've arrived. If you keep going you'll get there one day. So will I.
I think your work is worth it, especially after having the pleasure to chit chat very briefly with you in person and seeing the beautiful pencil work you do (as well as ink) so as soon as I make a steady living you can be assured I'll be waiting to pounce for a commission myself ;3 I think it's worth the price.
Anyone gives you trouble... just point em in my direction. I'll have my claws sharpened. (Us Cheetah have kinda dull claws ya know ^^)
I love your work and if I had a job I'd be lined up for a spot. I also just had a piece of work done by Cooper in their live feed the other night and I LOVE it. I will be keeping my eyes on the both of you for further commission options and hopefully a job will come my way soon and I can afford to have more drawings done.
“Stay the course and god bless”
Ps
How much for a small Icon, I’m thinking of getting some work done on my characters image.
Not really sure people are be trolling. The prices are high, but they obviously work for you, you're constantly in buiness and I'd have to stare at FA, constantly refreshing my journal page to even hope to get a slot. If anything your could probably go hire and still get just as much business (after all, someone who can spend 450 on a commission probably has a job, and enough money to go up to 600... Not encouraging that though, because I wouldn't be in that position for a very long time).
Also, normal art in the real world goes for about your price, so if anything you're the only one with a average price and everyone else is being way too cheap x3 Except Azelyn, I think she has about your price level too.
Anyway, I'd hope to commission you someday. I'll need a job to be able to make my money back though(I could afford it now, but parents would kill me), and be able to stare at the FA journal page all day everyday ion hopes to pounce quick enough. lol
YOU are the artist offering your services. You have every damn right to charge what you want. If they can't afford your art and are bitching to you about it because they want something to show off and get off to at night but are too poor to afford it tell them to fuck off and get a better job.
And for those people who are going to reply and say "there's no jobs out there!" yes there is. Go get the credentials you need and there are plenty of fields out there for you to find a very cushy job.
I can agree to that, having a good job will allow one the privilege to buying more expensive art.
I spent $450 on DN's Azule
Someone gonna complain she charges too much as well? Anyone?
Didn't think so.
Just because your wallet is not as quite as fortunate as others, doesn't mean ya gotta drag people down to your spending level.
It's simple, if ya can't afford it, just STFU and move on. Go BAW to someone who cares.
Last I checked, Strype STILL sells his slots each and every opening.
I don't see a problem here.
Now I just need the right timing to snag a commission slot.
While I will say that your Com prices are outrageous, I am always eager to add that the quality of the art is borderline extravagant. In fact, as a glimpse into my own daily life for you - every time I see something posted from you I utter the phrase "Strype, you magnificent bastard.", part out of approval, and part out of maniacal skill envy.
People are gonna talk shit, its what they do. They can't function without it, plain and simple. Typically I let them talk, but then, I don't see a fraction of the traffic that you do so I imagine it being a little more difficult for you...
Chin up and all that jazz, and if you need someone stricken, I'll do it for a nominal fee! XD
Venting good for Strype? Yes?
First, I'd like to start by saying that the quality of your work is amazing, but I don't think it's worth that much money. If you think it's THAT good, go get a job with some company as an illustrator rather than doing furry art. I also find it kind of funny that you charge this much for artwork and still can't afford to pay your rent. Maybe if you didn't take forever and a day to get stuff done, you'd be able to open up more commissions slots and would make more money. Seriously. If you need money that badly.\, go out and get a real job instead of wallet-raping people for your art.
Thank you and goodnight.
Keep on keepin' on. You're doin' great.
you know what you gotta do, do it, that's where I'm at in my life too, freaking sucks, but gotta keep moving forward
love your art, even if sometimes the quality slips, it almost always makes my jaw drop, and sooner or later I'll have money to buy one (a man can dream XD)
stay awesome!
I've got a question though. Do you ever get people criticizing your prices like that face to face? I'll bet all those people are the ones turning around and complimenting you with smiles about how great your stuff is and how they would commission you if they could.
Keep up the outstanding work, man!!
People are actually bitching about the quality of your art?
I don't tend to join these love fest leg humping artist suck up things, but I'm drunk, and I'm an honest drunk: your art fucking rocks.
The ones bitching probably just can't afford it, and being the generation of entitlement that makes them derp.
Besides if you want to simplify it it just comes down to supply and demand; if you price yourself at 'X' and people buy it, you're doing it right!
Kudos on actually making money off of something you enjoy, we all wish we were you.
To avoid having to go back over and over again, use more reference materials. Get an articulated doll of any kind to help with proportions. For the most part once everything has the right shape the right base line work, it is harder to pick out the other errors unless they are glaring, and with your skill, you would have to try to make glaring errors.
Once again, I did not post a critique because I dislike your work or dislike you, or I get off thinking I ruined your day. This time I posted because I thought the OP of that tangent was a little harsh and I wanted to make a more articulated then just redlining and saying no. yes I was a little harsh but It mostly came across in looking at your art from day 1 to now, it looks like a very early piece.
For every piece, once you say it is done, have someone look at it with a critical eye. Someone to tell you what flaws there are, not for you to go back and fix them but to take the knowledge forward. Keeping these ideas in mind to keep yourself sharp and from slacking in the various steps needed. With luck that would also help prevent the need to go back and re-do things.
I know things are rough now and stressful. Im sorry if I added to it, but I meant it as a learning tool, rather then personal attack.
Regards- Melty
That, and the cost of the movie's production has no effect on quality in most cases. A lot of really good movies have been made on budgets well under a million (Napoleon Dynamite was made with a budget of $400,000), and many multimillion dollar movies are utterly, insultingly bad (ANYTHING MICHEAL BAY TOUCHED).
I did not specify between "good or bad" movies. As you said, it doesn't make a difference, so your statements do not faze me.
Movies take time and money, just as many other products, and the like, do. If it helps, I was using the concept of "movies" as something simple to compare. I could have used(as mentioned further up) the example of cars, or even some other pleasuring commodity. Strype puts a lot of time and effort into his art. Regardless of [quality], there is justice in the pricing, as I see it.
And, of course, I welcome you to disagree with me or anyone else. Opinions do not have to be changed.
Oh kiss my ass! Your one-liner was subjective. It's a subjective topic. Use a new card, because that's just ridiculous.
I'm not disagreeing over Strype's prices being fair to Strype. I never said otherwise, not even in the other journal.
I just see there's a line in the logical sand between Strype deserves more, and EVERYONE deserving more, because you all seem to think "BOO HOO, furries undercut their prices so much, fucking over the rest of us". I wouldn't pay 50% of what Strype was asking to someone who had 50% the talent or 50% the effort of Strype. It wouldn't be worth it at that point.
The fandom's typical prices are the fandom's typical prices. Industry standard prices are for professionals, not every joe-smoe furry. Some fandom artists bring in professional money. Most who do deserve it, not always to equal degrees. Even then, sometimes the lesser skilled artist gets more not because of how he draws, but his style, or what fetishes he'll draw. That's the definition of 'subjective' my friend!
Capitalism works both ways. That's my only point. If you're going to kiss ass, just focus on the artist and his art, not how the system is totally evil or something. You sound just as stupid as the people bitching over the price.
When I mentioned disagreeing, I was referring to you disagreeing with what I believed, not what Strype believed.
What is your definition of [logical]?
And yes, I'm aware of how I appear to others. Stupidity is one of my many flaws... But please don't put words in my mouth. Looking back, many of the things that we have said actually agree with each other. I agree with your views of capitalism... But I do not believe that the system is [evil], nor am I kissing up to Strype to gain any sense of favorable recognition from him. I only said some things.
How am I muddling my thoughts? I try my best to explain my thoughts as clearly as I can.
This is experienced everywhere. Going through an art gallery in my town here, there were several people looking at the different pieces, the largest one and by far one of the worse being shown was of course the least expensive. But since it was 1/4 the price of everything else people were then looking at were then deemed to be overpriced. People were looking at a beautiful Japanese style werewolf scene complete with gold lief highlights printed on traditional fabric, and commenting oh how it must be over-priced, because another piece was 250, compared to the 900 of that one, despite everyone agreeing that the 900$ one was absolutely beautiful and the cheep one was crap.
What I am saying is, every artist will be compared to the prices of every other artist in the same vicinity. At a con, your prices will be judged by other people in the dealers den, Online your prices will be judged by anecdote. If your lucky and people watch more suit builders, and artists like DarkNatasha, Blotch, and others like them, strype seems on the average to cheep side. If you look at other artists and are use to seeing 50$ commission slots, then it seems expensive.
I think the point being made is, because someone under-prices work, means that others will forever think that anything over that prices is over-priced. It is a bad analogy.
It's not a bad analogy, it's a fallacy. Capitalism works both ways. Yes, if someone sets their price point to the moon, and has someone else willing to pay for it, regardless of quality, they'll make a sale. However, someone will always be able to put their price point lower and snag a sale.
Other people's prices don't really have to affect your prices, it depends if you want them to. McDonalds and Burger King will have price wars, because the products fill the same niche, a fancy uptown gourmet restaurant won't have to worry when they price their food significantly higher, because as you said, it's about perceived realm of price/quality... but it won't have the same volume of business.
I don't argue with a lot of that. I just argue with that sneering ire a lot of people have that it's all the fandom's fault because most people don't charge that much.
I never said it was the fandom's fault for the prices being too low because people do not charge enough, Im just saying that in any art circle people will judge your prices based on their knowledge of prices. Since art tends to be subjective more so then food, people have a hard time judging work.
U MAD BRO?
No but seriously, I get your point. I just don't see how it has anything other than a neutral connotation. He specifically called it an injustice. That's pretty laughable.
My who point is you can't have your cake and eat it to by saying high prices justified by someone paying that is honky dory, while the inverse is something wicked.
But on a more serious note: To me, it seems much the same reason somebody will pay comparatively more to go see a popular band in concert than they would a band lesser known, or why somebody would pay shit-tons of money for a purse exactly the same as one you can find in a dollar store. Sometimes the name and label are worth almost as much as the product. Regardless of quality of product, I can name a few friends of mine who'd shit-bricks if I was getting my hands on a piece of your work, and that impact alone is easily worth a few hundred dollars to me. Though I don't assume this is the case for everybody, it's a reason I can understand (and to some degree appreciate) how expensive your work is,
That being said, I SO want a commission as soon as I can afford it x.x
Nobody seems to understand "This took me 'only' ten hours today! :D"
if it's not a hundred-dollar piece of work
you would probably do better getting a mid-wage job.
No, I'm not ass kissing. I'm just saying that when I grow up I wanna be just like you.
Probably this argument comes up so much with art because people view it not as a profession or business but as a passionate hobby you should be doing because the sheer joy wrenched from that bosom of creativity is surely reward enough for drawing someone's generic fox taking it up the ass from a rhino.
I am one of those people who can only -dream- about commissioning you, but I don't resent you for your prices, I am impressed with your ability to demand such a price between your quality and your brand (the commissioner getting to squee and go 'this was done by -STRYPE- mo'fos). Keep on keeping on and nuts to those who whine about your pricing. As you said, there are other artists out there who are able to turn out pieces of incredible art with much lower prices than what you offer.
Best thing I can say: Ignore the drama. People who want to whine about this fall into the same respect category (for me) as those who demand to be put in equal status (in respect, finances, and so on) with others without earning it.
I am really looking forward for the day when I'll be able to buy one one of your awesome commissions. Until then, I'll be dreaming about that day!
Cheers!
In fact, when I can dig up the money, I would do it again. I cherish the piece you did for me, and it's hung up on my wall framed as a clear fact of it. I still do really appreciate it, and keep in mind people are gonna just be out there to bitch, but don't let 'em drag you down.
You're still getting customers after all ;)
-Stormy
Besides, if it's being bought, no need to drop the price.
As for all the debates, drama lamas and trololololol's above ...
I know it's not a perfect analogy, but I feel that it illustrates the disconnect between those saying "the complainers are just jealous", and those that are complaining. I would hazard a guess that the majority of those complaining are not complaining simply because they can't afford you, but because they don't understand why others would commission you at the current asking price (please note that I did NOT say "they don't understand why you charge so much". Yes the amount of time and effort that you put into a piece are part of it, but the quality of the final product is what the majority are going to really care about I would image).
My point is that I think it's very likely that those who are complaining would not commission you at the current price even if they DID have the money.
So I suppose you're the Macintosh of furry art; there will be some who think you're worth it, but many who think you're not. The bottom line is that if the prices that you charge ARE working for you, then you have no reason to lower your prices. That's just common business sense. But you or anyone else are just going to fall flat on your face trying to convince those who think you charge too much that you're actually worth it.
You just keep doing the awesome work that you do. If they don't like the prices? Then by all means like you said, there are other people. Just know you've always got a huge fanbase regardless. :3
Keep artin' and keep doin' the work I wish I had the money to commission you for. XD
--Vik
You're obviously an extremely popular artist here on FA, so that is automatically going to give you a big boost in demand. Higher demand is met with higher prices. Simple. To compound that even more, you put out so little artwork over a given period of time that your work is also considered rare, which gives you ANOTHER huge boost in what people are willing to pay. I know it's elementary economics, but high demand + low supply = people willing to pay a very large premium.
So just how high can your prices go? What IS the tipping point where your asking price finally subdues demand for your artwork to the point that your demand is finally in-line with your supply?
I think the more important question there is is this something you should even try to find out? Keep in mind that there are going to be some very well-off furries that are going to be willing to pay ridiculous premiums just for the ability to say that they have artwork from you. Typically, auctions are a decent way of finding out "just what ARE people willing to pay?", which I believe you said you've already tried and the final price was more than twice as much what your normal commission rate is. You have, I believe smartly, not made such a high price your standard rate just because there were people willing to pay it. Doing so would DEFINITELY make you look like you're only in it for the money, and just desire to have top-dollar at all costs instead of charging what you feel your product is ACTUALLY worth. I mean, if you wanted you could just do ALL commissions via auction and be guaranteed to always get the most money you could possibly get. But you don't, so kudos to you for that.
I think I was going to say more here but I'm at work right now and keep getting distracted. :( Oh well.
tl;dr: Char rambles a lot
Sorry, if some aspects are explained in a misleading way, english is just not my native language.
P.S.: That repeatedly mentioned "leave him alone" is no Chris Crocker reference!
Anyway, good luck, happy painting, and don't let the naysayers get ya down.
You must draw all the pronz and never be happy.
/sarcasm
Though a sad reality that a rare, few furs feel this way....
Keep doing your thing, man. You open slots, they go in about ten seconds flat. That means your prices aren't too much for some people to afford them. And, given the quality of work and factors like job, wanting to get stuff right and all that? That seems to work out just fine.
I know I'd charge if 1) I was good enough and, 2) people were as eager to buy as they clearly are. So...yeah, fuck haters I guess. Worlds full of them.
Hope you and Cooper are doing alright (and hope she's getting good use out of that pad! =P ) and thanks once more for the tips you gave me on the livestream.
*Goes and fetches the shotguns for some hater huntin'*
haters are always gonna be there, it means your actually succeeding in what you do, if people are making the effort to bitch about your prices and bitch and critique your work, it means your going somewhere.
while your right about the need for improvement, any advice you can get to excel yourself further is advice you want to take, just so long as its advice and not biased unconstructive criticism.
A: my palm hurts from 207 facepalms
B: its very simple , His Art, His Time,His price. its not that hard to understand...
(all fifty thousand pages of it).
I think thats good that you want to improve skills, we can see you progress more and more in the future. Still i will keep watching your art and enjoy it even if i cant afford it.
I'll just leave this here...
https://p.twimg.com/AkBsPgQCMAA7RNZ.jpg:large
You gave up your right to artistic integrity when you started drawing throbbing dog cocks and squirrels with boobs.
Monster is your friend homes.