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12 years ago
You're kind of obligated to listen to a client when doing a commission. If they give you directions on how they want art done and you accept the commission, do not do the complete opposite of what you're told. It makes you look like an asshole, and it ABSOLUTELY makes you unprofessional.
Just today two friends messaged me and showed me commissions they bought where the artist did not show them progress along the way and completely disregarded every request that was made. This shit is not acceptable. How do you people expect to make a real career out of art when you can't even read simple directions?
If this ever happens to one of you, as a buyer, do not lie down and take it. I think artists get a lot of abuse on this site because the average joe doesn't understand art as a business or how expensive it can be in the "real world," but I've noticed when some artists here get too big for their britches, they start getting lazy and charge $200+ for cookie-cutter bullshit and expect praise for it. Artists have rights, but so do commissioners. Do not accept shoddy work for good money.
On that note, ALWAYS request progress updates on your commissions. You don't have to, and indeed shouldn't. daily pester an artist, but at the very least state that you want to see a sketch BEFORE ANY FURTHER WORK IS DONE. Get an idea of what your money is going toward before it's too late.
And if I am ever guilty of such a thing, you all have my permission to tar and feather me.
Just today two friends messaged me and showed me commissions they bought where the artist did not show them progress along the way and completely disregarded every request that was made. This shit is not acceptable. How do you people expect to make a real career out of art when you can't even read simple directions?
If this ever happens to one of you, as a buyer, do not lie down and take it. I think artists get a lot of abuse on this site because the average joe doesn't understand art as a business or how expensive it can be in the "real world," but I've noticed when some artists here get too big for their britches, they start getting lazy and charge $200+ for cookie-cutter bullshit and expect praise for it. Artists have rights, but so do commissioners. Do not accept shoddy work for good money.
On that note, ALWAYS request progress updates on your commissions. You don't have to, and indeed shouldn't. daily pester an artist, but at the very least state that you want to see a sketch BEFORE ANY FURTHER WORK IS DONE. Get an idea of what your money is going toward before it's too late.
And if I am ever guilty of such a thing, you all have my permission to tar and feather me.
I just. No. I don't understand the laziness.
I always try to make it a habit to show the person who commissions me the sketch I do before I work on the next step. I figured that was common sense. :) I'm surprised more artists don't do this, really.
Years ago, I did this once before and inked it right away without showing my friend the pencils, Mostly I wanted to surprise him and show how fast I could get it done. Yeah, that bit me on the ass, so no more of that. :)
What also might be good idea (if the artist/buyer is inclined) is to Livestream/Ustream it so they can see the person work on it and make some points as they go.
Livestream is a very useful tool for artists. I don't use it myself because I almost never finish something in less than 4-5 sittings. I don't have enough time to dedicate to it.
Speaking of, I should have something to show you by tomorrow night.
*flails happily* thanks.
shit, when you and I did a trade, i felt like a needy douche what with all my input and all, but i realized i should have contacted you before i uploaded my half of the trade. of course, you had the decency to ask that i change an aspect of the piece and i happily obliged. it was art for YOU after all. not for me, and certainly not for ppl on FA. but for YOU. and if its for you, it should reflect your desires.
same goes for anything i pay for.
that said, if im going to require a rather specific piece from someone, i should provide a picture that demonstrates the pose im asking for. and for my last two commissions, i did. perhaps they like artistic freedom, but i wouldnt have contacted them if i didnt expect some level of that. lol.
I am also a rabid believer in sending an artist as much detail and as many references as it takes to get your point across. Going along with that, if an artist can't take the time to make the idea in their head and the idea in the commissioner's head copasetic, they do not deserve to be paid.
and any time you wanna do a trade Kil, just give me the word! i got a tablet for Xmas, so i can do digital arts now :)
I also had another friend ask me yesterday advice on a simular problem. Furry artists aren't very pro. Gotta really...hate to use the word but.... "baby sit" them sometimes. Depends on the artist.
People shouldn't be afraid to call an artist out on shit behavior. If I fucked up and any one of my watchers tried to white knight me, I'd be like STEP OFF BRO.
Long story short: Always give your customers wip updates so these things don't happen.