Should I Attempt COmmissions ?
10 years ago
Hello Ladies and Gentlemen, well Been thinking for while and wonder if I should attempt to try doing Commissions. Making Money on side of my Job would help with payments. I don't know, want share my thoughts. (Doesn't matter read if you want)
My Thoughts on Commissions:
Well I got a lot of problems doing commissions.
- 9 to 5 Job: Yeah I have Job that eats up my time with only 1 to 3 days off,also working Graveyard shifts so hardly have day to myself. Mostly Stressed out everyday after work but that's life
- Way I draw: Well this can change with Discipline and Studying new Styles., the problem Procrastinating, motivation. I guess Getting money is motivation lol
- Time: usually it takes me awhile post a pic. I do enjoy Drawing alot want it be hobby
- Rules: There are Strict Rules, not many would agree with ^^;
What you guys think?
- Am I worth Commissioning ?
- Could you wait ?
- If I set prices would it be unfair ?
Already got some plane set up but just idea.
I'm Still Iffy on Opening for Commissions.
My Thoughts on Commissions:
Well I got a lot of problems doing commissions.
- 9 to 5 Job: Yeah I have Job that eats up my time with only 1 to 3 days off,also working Graveyard shifts so hardly have day to myself. Mostly Stressed out everyday after work but that's life
- Way I draw: Well this can change with Discipline and Studying new Styles., the problem Procrastinating, motivation. I guess Getting money is motivation lol
- Time: usually it takes me awhile post a pic. I do enjoy Drawing alot want it be hobby
- Rules: There are Strict Rules, not many would agree with ^^;
What you guys think?
- Am I worth Commissioning ?
- Could you wait ?
- If I set prices would it be unfair ?
Already got some plane set up but just idea.
I'm Still Iffy on Opening for Commissions.
For instance when will you take payment, how often will you get feedback, and you will get impatient people noting you all the time going "Where is my commission!"
From my point, I'd actually rather like to commission you and certainly patient enough to wait for a while.
In terms of prices, you need to go with what you think it is worth, both in terms of your time and what you think others are willing to pay. Kinda hard to tell without a price list =P
A few golden rules to keep in mind:
1) Never feel bad about turning down a commission for any reason.
2) Limit yourself to slots. When starting out, take only one at a time.
3) Do not start a waiting list until you're experienced. Just looking at that list is a good way to feel overwhelmed.
4) Take payment ahead of time. The artist has more to lose than the client, both in terms of money and reputation.
5) Don't spend the money until the commission is completed.
6) You can always negotiate with the client if a picture isn't working or if there's a delay. Art can wait, but communication cannot.
7) Save multiple progressive stages of the art, whether the client requests the sketch/lineart/flats separately or not.
8) Suggest a few themes you like to draw, to entice/steer the clients in the direction you handle well.
9) Don't undercharge, but keep sketches cheap.
10) Factor research into your time budget. Many people have lousy or disorganized references that can be difficult to consolidate.
Good luck!
But yeah listen to the above recommendations, they're really good when it comes to commissioning. ^-^
I'd like to see this happen, mostly because it'd give you something extra to do. I mean doing commissions shows that you like your fans enough to make some artwork anyway, and you'd be making a little cash on the side.
Above all though, do what YOU think is best. :D