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A Break from Arts Perhaps: A Little Rant
11 years ago
Lately, I haven't really been getting as much out of art as I did in the past. The feelings of stress, anxiety and frustration have been outweighing the happies. I think I'd like to go a while without commissioning anything new.
This isn't directed at anyone whom I've commissioned, I've had mostly good experiences, and even in the ones causing me stress, I understand where the artists are coming from and don't blame them. I just... I'm finding it hard to appreciate how nice some of these pictures are cause small errors stand out to me so much. Some stuff is coming out just not how I expect or hope it will. I'm questioning my choices and sending an obnoxious number of messages to artists. The waiting is worse. I think the longest I've got now is a piece I paid for 8 months ago and have received no update on, still sitting untouched on their queue. I just want to do as little as I can to increase the anxiety that comes with that.
I've still got a long queue of pending stuff, some that I'm hopeful will be completed in a timely manner, and some where I'm less convinced. Either way it should take a good chunk of time to tick down, so there are still some art dumps coming. Plus, I have a short list of about 5 friends who I've been discussing art plans with, and I'm still going to pursue those. I've got a refsheet edit coming from Tsaiwolf, so that should be a good milestone to aim for since his queue takes a few months. When that is done I'll re-evaluate.
Knowing me, I'll fail to stick to this at all and keep jumping on random deals I see, but I had to at least get these feels out.
This isn't directed at anyone whom I've commissioned, I've had mostly good experiences, and even in the ones causing me stress, I understand where the artists are coming from and don't blame them. I just... I'm finding it hard to appreciate how nice some of these pictures are cause small errors stand out to me so much. Some stuff is coming out just not how I expect or hope it will. I'm questioning my choices and sending an obnoxious number of messages to artists. The waiting is worse. I think the longest I've got now is a piece I paid for 8 months ago and have received no update on, still sitting untouched on their queue. I just want to do as little as I can to increase the anxiety that comes with that.
I've still got a long queue of pending stuff, some that I'm hopeful will be completed in a timely manner, and some where I'm less convinced. Either way it should take a good chunk of time to tick down, so there are still some art dumps coming. Plus, I have a short list of about 5 friends who I've been discussing art plans with, and I'm still going to pursue those. I've got a refsheet edit coming from Tsaiwolf, so that should be a good milestone to aim for since his queue takes a few months. When that is done I'll re-evaluate.
Knowing me, I'll fail to stick to this at all and keep jumping on random deals I see, but I had to at least get these feels out.
But... may I take the opportunity to maybe ask for some tips or experiences for someone that is just getting into commissioning? I am currently waiting for a ref-sheet for a character of mine to get finished (so far the contact with the artist has been very positive!) and looking to get some pieces done once I have the ref, but maybe you can share your experiences on some of the pitfalls we can fall into?
Another thing to keep in mind is TOS. Some of them are a little daunting, but a good idea to read as closely as you can. A lot of artists who have massive queues and slow turnaround time, also happen to not allow refunds, which can burn a bit. For me personally, one annoyance has been some artists refusing to draw any non-human genitalia (no sheath </3).
"Don't Rush" kinda sums this up. Take time to think if a price seems fair to you and if a style will work with your character (some artists find otters very difficult, they're generally more adept at canines or felines). Don't let yourself get tricked by a YCH deadline. If you could commission the artist to draw you in that exact pose for less than the auction is going for, don't be an idiot.
If there's specific stuff that is important to be included on your character, emphasize it on a short list when you first order the commission, otherwise you'll find yourself repeating the same notes to many artists.
That's all I got off the top of my head, sorry for rambling. x3 I can reply to more specific questions if you have them.
And yes, the TOS part can be tricky and I usually try to educate myself the best I can. Though I am a bit surprised about no refunds... if someone is behind for months, I would argue that they failed to deliver their service within a reasonable amount of time and a refund would be appropriate. But then again, I can see that such discussions might be quite the burden.
The thing that scares me the most, though, is how to communicate what you have in mind. It was rather difficult to find an artist willing to do a ref for me from only a written description. And while I tried my best to be as detailed and precise as possible, during the process we still realized that there were many details I had not quite considered or described inaccurately.
How much do refs really help in that regard? Do you still have to make readjustments on a regular basis? What do you think is the best way to communicate what you have in mind? Typical pitfalls? And can there be such a thing as being *too* specific?
And your ramblings are much appreciated! Thank you :)
It is very possible to be too specific, some artists are just looking for a couple image refs and that's all. If you are not 100% onboard with how your refsheet looks, it's best to have a short bulleted list of any key features to draw differently, possibly including additional images.
And one note on the TOS stuff. That's why it's so important, by commissioning them you are agreeing to those rights. So if they so no refunds, then you cannot argue it, regardless of any logic or entitlement you feel is on your side. They're doing it to protect themselves, which they have every right to, just should always be aware of it.
So the essence would be: make sure to keep pictures ready for every detail I find important. And that will definitely be something I will have to be aware of... the artist currently doing the ref is, unfortunately, not fond of drawing male genitalia at all, so I will eventually have to get that done separately.
And speaking of which: where would I look to get very specific things like that done?
Sadly in my short time of having asked for commissions to be done. I have both seen good and bad things. Thankfully most artists that I commission are very kind and good people. And I have not had the need to complain (much).
I too understand the wait is a dreadfull thing, with one piece I waited over a year and a half for it to get fully finished. Which was a drag to the fullest and not merely because it was a bit of an expensive pîece either.
But indeed, waiting time, or artists that suddenly decide to not do your commission eventough you paid them, is a horrible thing. Thankfully I was able to get a refund at that one time. Though it would be nicer if artists indeed finished their que when you are added to it. Lesson learned the hard way alas.
Still Vertex good mluck with your own comissions, there are some very beautiful pieces in there.
I haven't really been very unfortunate, I'm just not enjoying the process very much at this point and I need a break. Thank you for your words though. :3
It is just fun to know some people havn't yet been denied commissions. But in a sense that has been a good thing as well, as it makes you appreciate and adore the pieces you do get again. :3
Nothing as fun as an artist saying "Sorry I don't want to draw for you..." Blantly stating because it is you xD
And you are correct! Otters don't get drawn much. :o
But my policy is: If the art is worth it? Then just wait it out. :3
I love commissioning art too, but I become too much of a wuss and don't ask the artists to fix issues, so I end up accepting art I don't really like (I even have a folder on .y compute called "Commissions I don't like" )
And thank you for nice things about Ket as always. x3 I do want a break, I just dunno when it will start. I think it's unlikely for my list to really shrink very much within a month. I can hope thoughh.