Abuse of donations -- Ajax_Suitengu's Journal -- Fur Affinity [dot] net

Abuse of donations

11 years ago General

To all those that "donate" money to "patrons" "gofundme" ect, for art related content, on subject matters, pertaining to ones interest, in the hopes for, some means for a goal, art, or gratitude form the artist in question, because they ask for such "sponsor me" "help needed" "be a patron" so on and so on. Be mindful of this situation, and know that the fact is, this is really nothing more then a cash grab gimmick, It may be clever and well though out, but it the end it is nothing more then begging for money, it is not accountable for we do not know were the donations go where the funding is truly being used, and less so abuse to the idea of free flowing creativity and motivation through true inspiration and not monetary goals, and more so to the patrons being scamped out of there money,

Second to all the"artists" out there that have and or need patrons to continue to do your work, if you need monetary donations to continue drawing/art , to make up for or to offset your personal financial issues, because of your own incompetence to budget and or greedy you're pathetic, I would tell the community to be weary of such shameful activity and people. I would also suggest monetization of this activity and to ween out this behavior. with the exception of notarized individuals that have provable accountability, and are locked in for proper compensation to the patrons and promised goals.

12 Comments

GrumpMonster ~grumpmonster

Digital Artist

11 years ago

In the case of Patreon, they should be telling you anything that they're giving you as a reward, and they should be following through with their rewards.
They may also opt not to give you anything, but to only be paid every time they release something new.

Yes, sometimes it is the case that whoever you decide to support is just shit at handling money. But it is also the case where there are actually artists who need to pay for things like housing and food, and don't quite make the cut. Or perhaps they'd like to draw more art for their fans, but can't do so because again, they don't have the money to make up for any time they spend outside of whatever jobs they may have.

Art takes time. Time is money. Money is hard to come by at this time.

Adleisio ~adleisio

Traditional Artist

11 years ago

I agree, Fluff-Kevlar is a good example, and most artists are using Patreon are using it as a means to not need to take as many commission and have time for personal art, because as a freelance artist, if you aren't getting commissions, you aren't getting paid, or in order to makes ends meat, all you ever do is commissions with barely any time for their own personal ideas, which as an artist myself, makes it hard to keep doing art, because you eventually lose motivation, because you are working at the whims of others, especially if you are barely making enough to get by.

Ajax_Suitengu ~ajaxsuitengu

traditional artist, builder

11 years ago

I see the point to this, and yes if that was the immediate reason for such action, then it would be understandable, but this only works if the goals and promises made by the artist, are fulfilled making good on their word and compensating their investors for there efforts upon completion, however I'm seeing too many people jumping on this wagon, and some using this as a free source of income without accountability, taking advantage of there fan-base for personal art or projects, bills other various financial issues. put simply if you have someone investing into your work, that investment should go to that work as implied, if you use it for any other reason, you are simply stealing, this is not a negotiable fact. and that is fraud, My issue with it is if you pride yourself as being a successful artist, you shouldn't be begging for money to fund your own issues.

Adleisio ~adleisio

Traditional Artist

11 years ago

Certainly, there are those that have jumped on the band wagon for monetary gain rather than actually helping them be more financially stable. For a lot of free lance artists, the money they make on art really is used for rent, groceries, and other bills that everyone has. And for a lot of free lance artists, this means they are making a good deal more than minimum wage, but as we all know, in America, you need more than minimum wage to make a livable wage, so...there is that.

Now, if the Artist are not filling there rewards to the patrons, then most likely the patrons will leave and stop supporting them. So it is a bit of a toss up. Now, I know of a few artists who are money grubbers anyway even without a patreon, and the only reason they are getting so much money is because of their popularity.

Ajax_Suitengu ~ajaxsuitengu

traditional artist, builder

11 years ago

well the best artists do make the bests thieves is seems.

Adleisio ~adleisio

Traditional Artist

11 years ago

Yep, then there are others that do it more as paid hobby in addition to another job they have, which usually are more honest artists, who are like if you want to pay you, you can, but I will still produce art regardless.

redraptor16 is a really fantastic artist, and he just does it as a hobby and is a good friend of mine.
linktojo-the-thief: is a great artist, but I have mixed feelings, because I can't tell if they are a money grubber or just so popular that people will buy tons of art from them. She has published a book and is selling digital copies, she records lessons and sells those files, but then she also makes adopts left and right. I am just not sure.

Ajax_Suitengu ~ajaxsuitengu

traditional artist, builder

11 years ago

I personal see adoptions and actions as the biggest waste of money and as well a cash grab scenario, however the difference is that the work is personally made for the bidder, so its not a loss and the individual does choses how much they value it. as for me that is certaintly something not hight on my list of priorities.

Adleisio ~adleisio

Traditional Artist

11 years ago

Yeah, adopts are a bit odd, but YCH things I am fine with, so long as they don't have a ridiculously high autobuy if it is auction and not a flat rate. Part of why I think they are okay, is that it is sort of compromise between the artist and the commissioner. Commissioners are not always the best at detailing a scene or a pose or what have you.

Nick ~leelee

Freelance

11 years ago

WOAH
"Second to all the"artists" out there that have and or need patrons to continue to do your work, if you need monetary donations to continue drawing/art , to make up for or to offset your personal financial issues, because of your own incompetence to budget and or greed you're pathetic, I would tell the community to be weary of such shameful activity and people. I would also suggest monetization of this activity and to ween out this behavior. with the exception of notarized individuals that have provable accountability, and are locked in for proper compensation to the patrons and promised goals."

harsh there. I know a lot who only have art AS their job (me being one of them) and at the end of the month. All the dogdicks and MLP and furries don't add up to rent. I'm disabled (and I don't have to tell you why legally) but I am and I can't work out in the IRL world. I used to, now I can't. so this is what I have.
And when you have rent a service dog to take care of and have to buy things you need to live i make about $0 I make NEGATIVE come the end of the month.
so that "leetle" help we get is nice.

Ajax_Suitengu ~ajaxsuitengu

traditional artist, builder

11 years ago

Harsh, not at all for the reality applies for the parties in question, now in your case you say all the commissions at the end of the day don't quite cover your over all budget and cost of living expenses due to your condition, so you assisted the help of others to fund you to make time ect, now one would have to ask yourself whether you make good on your art goals and promises to the patron that invest in to you and you compensate them accordingly, whether or not you are being completely ethical with such generosity, or weather you take advantage of this, and use it for your own personal means. because if the second applies, you would be either a thief or a charity case nothing more. the difference lies in ones honesty.

Nick ~leelee

Freelance

11 years ago

No I make good on my word.
I undercharge
give out free art
and work myself to "near death"

Ajax_Suitengu ~ajaxsuitengu

traditional artist, builder

11 years ago

well thats not good either, it good to find a happy balance

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