FA+
Shop
Options for donation/payment & art
13 years ago
General
I know the title is a little vague, but I couldn't think of a good way to capture what I wanted to talk about.
In summation, I'd like some input into what models of payment or donation that appeal to you. I'd also like to hear from the people who don't want to pay at all but still want to see the art. I'm not passing judgement. Just looking at options for everyone to get a little of what they want!
My reason? Commissions don't work for me. Art is a hobby for me and I'd like it to keep that vibe. I am far more interested in my own ideas than to draw ideas for other people. I feel like I can put more life into something that I create than I can for someone elses idea.
******************************************
Here are a few models that I've been pondering over:
a) Open donations: Artist posts art as it comes and donations feed in whenever people find it appropriate or are feeling generous.
For obvious reasons I don't find this option very viable. It doesn't encourage people to do it, and can often seem flaky. To me, it's like saying "I don't really expect money from this, but here, I'll suggest it anyway." The people donating don't necessarily get anything extra out of it either, so obviously it doesn't encourage donation.
b) Offer high resolution imagery for donators: Artist makes a notification that the new page/picture is complete and asks for a donation level to be met before it will be released to everyone in standard resolution, and given in high resolution to all those who donate. If this is a comic or series, then any donation taken at any time will give the high res of all others (obviously getting just one page of a comic is kind of a ripoff).
This idea is appealing to me as a standard of payment is met. The donators get benefit by getting the high res and supporting something they like. Everyone else still gets the standard resolution.
c) Create bundles or portfolios and sell at a very cheap price at high resolution: The artist notifies the public when a portfolio is ready and emails out the package of images to those who pay in after a certain date.
Obviously this option would encourage people to pirate and just get the pictures from someone else, but people who support the artist and the subject matter may be generous enough to do the right thing. I just don't know how many people that would be!
d) Offer half built commissions and slot commissioners into the image: Artist posts a picture of an image already in progress and by some means or other, sells off the position to someone who will then have a fitting character placed into the image.
Honestly not sure how I feel about this one because usually character choice means something to me for the composition of the picture. Sometimes I just like to draw a pose and don't know what characters to involve, but its less common. Obviously this is more appealing to some people because they actually get their characters drawn (which is a huge draw for some people).
**************************************
Let me know if you, personally, would go for any of these options and if yes, which one? If no, maybe offer a different option or tell me why! Even if it's "I dont like paying for art" (which is totally understandable).
Thanks for reading and for the feedback. <3
In summation, I'd like some input into what models of payment or donation that appeal to you. I'd also like to hear from the people who don't want to pay at all but still want to see the art. I'm not passing judgement. Just looking at options for everyone to get a little of what they want!
My reason? Commissions don't work for me. Art is a hobby for me and I'd like it to keep that vibe. I am far more interested in my own ideas than to draw ideas for other people. I feel like I can put more life into something that I create than I can for someone elses idea.
******************************************
Here are a few models that I've been pondering over:
a) Open donations: Artist posts art as it comes and donations feed in whenever people find it appropriate or are feeling generous.
For obvious reasons I don't find this option very viable. It doesn't encourage people to do it, and can often seem flaky. To me, it's like saying "I don't really expect money from this, but here, I'll suggest it anyway." The people donating don't necessarily get anything extra out of it either, so obviously it doesn't encourage donation.
b) Offer high resolution imagery for donators: Artist makes a notification that the new page/picture is complete and asks for a donation level to be met before it will be released to everyone in standard resolution, and given in high resolution to all those who donate. If this is a comic or series, then any donation taken at any time will give the high res of all others (obviously getting just one page of a comic is kind of a ripoff).
This idea is appealing to me as a standard of payment is met. The donators get benefit by getting the high res and supporting something they like. Everyone else still gets the standard resolution.
c) Create bundles or portfolios and sell at a very cheap price at high resolution: The artist notifies the public when a portfolio is ready and emails out the package of images to those who pay in after a certain date.
Obviously this option would encourage people to pirate and just get the pictures from someone else, but people who support the artist and the subject matter may be generous enough to do the right thing. I just don't know how many people that would be!
d) Offer half built commissions and slot commissioners into the image: Artist posts a picture of an image already in progress and by some means or other, sells off the position to someone who will then have a fitting character placed into the image.
Honestly not sure how I feel about this one because usually character choice means something to me for the composition of the picture. Sometimes I just like to draw a pose and don't know what characters to involve, but its less common. Obviously this is more appealing to some people because they actually get their characters drawn (which is a huge draw for some people).
**************************************
Let me know if you, personally, would go for any of these options and if yes, which one? If no, maybe offer a different option or tell me why! Even if it's "I dont like paying for art" (which is totally understandable).
Thanks for reading and for the feedback. <3
I just take them as people ask and some times offer things a lower price every now and then. Seems to work more times than others but you cant win them all right?
So I guess the 'standard for all high rez for donators' would be my personal choice. The only issue I see with it, is that if the 'standard' rez isn't met, no one sees the art, and that makes me kinda sad, I guess. But, that's also pretty selfish to say considering I don't wanna pay anyway XD None the less, go with whatever, and I'll continue to watch. Art's what I wanna see. How it gets to that point, I don't mind.
Regardless though, art should be about what -you- want to draw. I support people who'd like to do commissions, but is it truly worth your time if you're not enjoying it? Artists have a tendency on this site to sell themselves out and it bothers me quite a bit. Just... have fun and use sites like this to share your creations so other people can enjoy it.
Hope to see a bit more stuff from you regardless though! Good luck!
None of the other options would work for me, but I would suggest an option E. Consider doing what fursuit builders do when they really want to build a specific kind of suit. Solicit people with characters that would work in the scene you want to draw. Make a call out for gold dragons interested in vore, for example. Maybe you want to draw or are working on an image involving a griffon getting dominated by a hydra. Post about it asking for people to pledge money to support having their character in the image, then pick the one you think fits best. Don't let the commissioner dictate details. This would help you draw what you want while also allowing your audience to participate and have a reason to give you funds.
I think all the options are viable. I think that D would probably work best for what you want to give paying viewers - giving incentive to donate but leaving creative control in your hands. Though I do understand your concern if you get a character that you don't feel will fit well into the piece.
If all else fails, you can simply offer gifts in return for viewer donation. Stylish tote bags are a huge draw for many charities!
B-D all seem viable, and I would see no harm in experimenting with them all.
B: I think this would work best/only with comics, since those require both more work and have more to show. With just single pictures...it's not as "bang for the buck".
C: Which of course brings us to portfolios. A good way to group up the single ones into an affordable bundle. Personally, I've never been much a fan of these. But I know in general that they do pretty good with a big enough following.
D: Ah, the commission-ish sort of one. Let's face it, people like to see their characters drawn. I'm no exception in that, and this'd certainly be of interest to me. I know I've talked to you at length on this, where specific folks in pieces can really stifle your creativity.
Potential solutions to curtail that:
1. Offer up spots as non-main characters. Background folks strolling by in a comic, shocked onlookers at certain debauchery, etc. Stuff where the character doesn't matter as much to the story you've got in your head and want to write.
2. For main-character slots, be very specific on what you're looking for so that it doesn't bugger up your composition. Something like, "I need a cool colored western dragoness" or "a warm colored anthro canine". Lets you put the piece together in your head color and species-wise, without someone ruining it all with a bad-fit character.