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My views as a work from home artist
10 years ago
General
Edit: I've reread this twice and I feel like my tiredness really set in on this. ;__; I am so sorry it isn't worded more eloquently and more informative. I have loads of thoughts on working from home but I just couldn't think of them all at the time. T___T! xx
I know, TL;DR! I asked if people wanted this and the answer was yes! So here we go!
This journal is full of my own personal views. There is no right or true wrong way to be an artist and I don't consider myself to be a "professional" in any right. I'm not a hobbiest, but I'm not in what I feel is the league of extraordinary artists either! This is just my two cents and a look into my daily life. Im so sorry it took so long to get this to you guys!!
Being an artist that works from home can be a blessing and a curse. So many people say "Wow, you work from home? I wish I could do that, you must get to do loads of fun things." Yes, and definitely no. Being that I live in my work place (well I have my own personal office space in the house) most people think I'm not doing anything important and am always free to help. I don't like saying no to
slatons mother or father because they were generous enough to take me in when things went sour in my private life last year. If I can help them I feel better about being a good lodger and part of the family. This does eat into my art time A LOT and this is why I've not streamed nearly as much recently. Neither of them are fans of the fandom and even though they appreciate what I do they easily forget that when I'm here, I am working.
Working from home can be VERY lonely. Before I moved here I was seriously depressed, suicidal depression set in because of my living situation and severe marital problems and I was taken out of that environment and placed into a healthy and happy home. I have someone in the house with me 98% of the time and I got a puppy last June. Even when I move out now my "family" is close by and I know I won't be alone as often as I had been previously. I've got people who care and adore me and have broken my depression. It can still get lonely but you have to work through the trials that come with it and do your best to keep yourself from getting to any low points.
I have to make my own hours in order to get things done, so I break my day up into three parts. Morning when I wake up, afternoon when I'm "off duty" and then evenings when I'm back to art mode. It's a bit of a pain but it's the only way I can work and ensure that my art is finished in a timely manner. My productivity has taken a massive hit but being that I do art for a living I feel that I MUST get my work done quickly, efficiently and do a good a job as I possibly can for my commissioners. My personal private life, my home life and my work life shouldn't affect the well being of my commissioners and I 'm dedicated to doing my duty as a business woman to fulfill my obligations.
This is also why I have zero time to do personal art. There honestly aren't enough hours in the day. If I was lucky I was getting one day off a week from doing art in one form or another and its really taken its toll on me. I'm striving to take both Saturday and Sundays off unless I'm feeling that I'm behind and make up for the day at the end of my commission queue only if I can afford it.
Obviously I can wear whatever I want to, but I like getting dressed and cleaned up in the morning. I do always wear slippers but I get cold. What if someone comes to the door? What if I need to go outside and get errands done? Don't be a slob. I do have my "home clothes" but I can't sit in PJs all day. I drink tea/coffee a lot, take breaks here and there but you really need to stay focused. What about finances?
Being an artist people think you either make loads of money, or no money at all. One of the big problems that I had with my ex was his sister always looked at me as a free loader but never took the time to look at what I was actually accomplishing. I fend for myself and I refuse to borrow from other people, so her view was incredibly skewed and false. Being a stay at home illustrator has me earning above minimum wage but around the start of the living wage here in the UK. I pay my taxes, pay into National Insurance and support charities on my earnings. I feel like I'm genuinely a minority in the art work of artists that pay taxes or rather declare taxes. I can't stress enough if you're unemployed set yourself up as a business and try to sell yourself as an artist. Even if you don't make enough to have to pay anything, you can still prove income. Here in the UK I've been successful to obtain an SA302 twice so far and about to go for my third year of taxes (which is what I'm working on at the present moment) and I've been able to prove that my earnings are consistent. You can use this form for mortgages, loans etc - so if say you want to move into a home with your other half, you can present these forms as legal proof that you've earned as a self employed person. Paypal documentation DOES NOT WORK TO PROVE YOUR INCOME IN THE UK.
Being American and a resident of the UK is a bit of a pain in the ass. I have to do my taxes twice. Though I may not make enough to have to pay twice, I still have to send my information to the USA. We do get one extra month being over seas to complete this, so our deadline is in May, not April 15th.
I do everything legitimately. None of my programs are fake. I have a subscription to Adobe for CS6 and have two full versions of SAI. I know a lot of people would call me stupid, but I like working and operating as if I were a "proper" business. I might be a one woman show, but this is my life and I don't want to jepordize that.
I use Google Docs for all of my documentation. I keep records of invoice numbers, my commission types, FA names (which is why I strangely ask for this on my forms), character name, species, details about it and then save EVERY image to my computer so if FA dies I can still work. I keep my commissioners e-mail address so that I never lose it and can still contact them with their files and also if FA goes down they can still get what they've bought. I don't like being "out of work" due to someone else.
I also use Paypal Invoices - this is huge. It has a link to my TOS (which is currently down. Boxowl.co.uk has been let go and it will be rehosted in the next week) and it states that once the invoice is paid we are in a contract that my commissioner accepts my TOS agreement. This way if someone decides for whatever reason I've done something wrong I can look back at my TOS and show them what they've agreed to. I always say to read it before you sign - as you should with any contract. Its legal jargon and all, but it protects me as an artist AND my commissioners. There are things I cant do, things they can't do, etc. Its just a fall back if anything were to ever happen. I've only ever had to point someone towards my TOS in 3 years and it quickly sizzled out. I don't like drama.
Speaking of hating drama - I REALLY HATE DRAMA. I don't like getting involved in problems here on FA. I spoke up about IMVU because I felt there needed to be one small voice of reason - but aside from that I like keeping my head low. My facebook explodes daily with people having problems, twitters the same. I like staying unbiased in peoples problems and let them get on with life. I have my own fair share of problems with my health, life, finances and what not - so I don't need to poke my head into other peoples problems. I'd rather give encouragement than grief.
I like transparency as an artist. There are a few things that I haven't shared with you guys that are pretty personal at the moment, but I try to keep myself an open artist. If things aren't going well, I like being able to say. I don't do this for pity or as a Woe Is Me, if you're a commissioner or a friend and I'm MIA I probably have a reason for it. You guys deserve to know if something's wrong.
Reputation is key. I do my best to keep my reputation clean. I never want to show up on the artist beware website because I take my work seriously. I think in this right I'd consider myself a "professional" but not based on artistic talent. I've worked office jobs and management so I have an expectation of what needs to be done out of myself and I strive to keep that morale going in my home office.
So as a recap there are a few things I think are super important as an artist:
Time Management
Reputation
Transparency
Lack of Drama
Organization
Doing things by the book
Paying my fair share of tax
Protecting myself and my commissioners
Being Orderly
Being helpful
Doing what I love
If you're starting out if can be REALLY difficult. I fell into this "accidentally" and joined FA only because of
leviathan248 and 
firekitty
These two knew I drew furries but I never knew about the fandom or what it really was. I've drawn furs since 1996-1997 and have really enjoyed it. I wasn't allowed to work in the UK because of the visa I was on so I drew while I prepared my CV (resume in the US) and waited for the July to finally finish of 2012 so I would be allowed to earn my keep. While I applied to places I drew and it took 3 weeks for someone to trust me enough and give me a chance. My first commission cost $10. 3 weeks for $10.
I wasn't an expensive artist but I knew by keeping myself low I'd be able to build myself over time. Slowly people found me, not because of how good I was but because I posted OFTEN. I was consistent. I kept trying to do my best with the talent that I had at the time. After a few months I increased myself a bit and was able to consistently get work. When I changed from USD to GBP I noticed a huge difference in my finances. The exchange rate and paypal fees were very high so I lost out when my currency was USD. I earned a bit and reinvested into my business rather than spending it lavishly on myself. The largest boost to price changes was when my husband and I split. I knew it might cause an uproar for commissioners but I didn't have a single person give me grief because they knew what had happened. I lost my financial security and I have to do my best in order to keep going. I'm slowly getting it back but I have a long way to go still. I have no plans of increasing my prices again as I'm happy where it is, and I try to do my best to earn what I can. It all is down to me and how much I can finish without burning out.
You have to find balance between work and burn out. Don't do so little you can't survive, but don't do so much that you'll hurt yourself.
Be timely. Don't take forever. Don't be a "hobbiest" or at least get labeled as one. Even if you do it as a hobby and you take a long time, let your commissioners know. Nothings worse than wondering "When the hell is my piece going to get done" 2 years down the line. I know a few artists that I follow are constantly saying that they're professional, consistently open for commissions but have a list so long it could probably stretch to the moon and back. Obviously I wont name names as that isnt the point of this - do yourself a favour and take this advice if you're starting out, or wanting to continue as a working artist - be transparent but be organized. Don't take on more than you can chew. Don't get in debt. Don't get upset if people ask for a refund, its their money at the end of the day and you have to earn it. Don't get mad at other people when they ask where their art piece is when its a few months down the line. Don't post mean posts about having someone else handle your e-mails because you can't do it for yourself. Don't draw for money as a "living" if you can't finish what YOU'VE started. I have beef with this and I never want to get chucked into that game. I hate debts and I hate owing people things. If I don't finish EVERYTHING then I don't reopen.* (I reopen when I'm about to finish so my paperwork side of things/invoicing/documentation/saving files can get done but this is always done when I'm on the last image.)
I think that is my largest gripe as an artist and as a commissioner. I dont mind if people take time to do their work as long as they keep people informed. Use journals if you cant contact everyone - this way you've been able to put it out there!
I can't gift art, do trades or requests. People must think I'm an asshole when I have to say no to these things. Honestly I'd LOVE to do them, but I have to work my tush off in order to keep going in life. Just because I draw doesn't mean I have the time to dedicate to non paid things. I don't have time to do things for myself, and thats difficult. I do get worked up that people must think I'm a jerk because I don't offer these things, but as this is my form of income, I just cant.
The nice thing about doing what I do is that I'm doing what I love. I love drawing because it is my hobby and a passion. My father told me many times I was going to fail but I've been able to keep a roof over my head and make something of myself even if its just in the furry community at the moment. Every image if practice and learning something new. Ill never stop learning and never stop being a student of the arts.
You really need to love what you do. Don't get upset or discouraged, art takes time. Talent is there if you put the time into it. Just keep trying and you'll make it. This is everything I have to keep telling myself still. I get discouraged. I feel like I'm not talented a lot of the time, but I keep trying. I don't think one persons talent is better than another persons. I may have started sooner than you, or you may be a faster learner than I am or more artistically minded. I don't discourage artists that don't understand anatomy - it clicks into place one day. I just tell people to keep drawing.
I dont think this is exactly what I wanted it to be, I know TL;DR, but it's a lot of information and personal thoughts. I know my thought process is REALLY random, but cheers to those who actually made it to the bottom, haha!
My first commission: http://www.furaffinity.net/view/8662859/
http://www.furaffinity.net/view/8540133/
http://www.furaffinity.net/view/8509508/
http://www.furaffinity.net/view/8650094/ OVER USE OF GLOW! OMG
My first time using SAI: http://www.furaffinity.net/view/8479177/
I know, TL;DR! I asked if people wanted this and the answer was yes! So here we go!
This journal is full of my own personal views. There is no right or true wrong way to be an artist and I don't consider myself to be a "professional" in any right. I'm not a hobbiest, but I'm not in what I feel is the league of extraordinary artists either! This is just my two cents and a look into my daily life. Im so sorry it took so long to get this to you guys!!
Being an artist that works from home can be a blessing and a curse. So many people say "Wow, you work from home? I wish I could do that, you must get to do loads of fun things." Yes, and definitely no. Being that I live in my work place (well I have my own personal office space in the house) most people think I'm not doing anything important and am always free to help. I don't like saying no to
slatons mother or father because they were generous enough to take me in when things went sour in my private life last year. If I can help them I feel better about being a good lodger and part of the family. This does eat into my art time A LOT and this is why I've not streamed nearly as much recently. Neither of them are fans of the fandom and even though they appreciate what I do they easily forget that when I'm here, I am working. Working from home can be VERY lonely. Before I moved here I was seriously depressed, suicidal depression set in because of my living situation and severe marital problems and I was taken out of that environment and placed into a healthy and happy home. I have someone in the house with me 98% of the time and I got a puppy last June. Even when I move out now my "family" is close by and I know I won't be alone as often as I had been previously. I've got people who care and adore me and have broken my depression. It can still get lonely but you have to work through the trials that come with it and do your best to keep yourself from getting to any low points.
I have to make my own hours in order to get things done, so I break my day up into three parts. Morning when I wake up, afternoon when I'm "off duty" and then evenings when I'm back to art mode. It's a bit of a pain but it's the only way I can work and ensure that my art is finished in a timely manner. My productivity has taken a massive hit but being that I do art for a living I feel that I MUST get my work done quickly, efficiently and do a good a job as I possibly can for my commissioners. My personal private life, my home life and my work life shouldn't affect the well being of my commissioners and I 'm dedicated to doing my duty as a business woman to fulfill my obligations.
This is also why I have zero time to do personal art. There honestly aren't enough hours in the day. If I was lucky I was getting one day off a week from doing art in one form or another and its really taken its toll on me. I'm striving to take both Saturday and Sundays off unless I'm feeling that I'm behind and make up for the day at the end of my commission queue only if I can afford it.
Obviously I can wear whatever I want to, but I like getting dressed and cleaned up in the morning. I do always wear slippers but I get cold. What if someone comes to the door? What if I need to go outside and get errands done? Don't be a slob. I do have my "home clothes" but I can't sit in PJs all day. I drink tea/coffee a lot, take breaks here and there but you really need to stay focused. What about finances?
Being an artist people think you either make loads of money, or no money at all. One of the big problems that I had with my ex was his sister always looked at me as a free loader but never took the time to look at what I was actually accomplishing. I fend for myself and I refuse to borrow from other people, so her view was incredibly skewed and false. Being a stay at home illustrator has me earning above minimum wage but around the start of the living wage here in the UK. I pay my taxes, pay into National Insurance and support charities on my earnings. I feel like I'm genuinely a minority in the art work of artists that pay taxes or rather declare taxes. I can't stress enough if you're unemployed set yourself up as a business and try to sell yourself as an artist. Even if you don't make enough to have to pay anything, you can still prove income. Here in the UK I've been successful to obtain an SA302 twice so far and about to go for my third year of taxes (which is what I'm working on at the present moment) and I've been able to prove that my earnings are consistent. You can use this form for mortgages, loans etc - so if say you want to move into a home with your other half, you can present these forms as legal proof that you've earned as a self employed person. Paypal documentation DOES NOT WORK TO PROVE YOUR INCOME IN THE UK.
Being American and a resident of the UK is a bit of a pain in the ass. I have to do my taxes twice. Though I may not make enough to have to pay twice, I still have to send my information to the USA. We do get one extra month being over seas to complete this, so our deadline is in May, not April 15th.
I do everything legitimately. None of my programs are fake. I have a subscription to Adobe for CS6 and have two full versions of SAI. I know a lot of people would call me stupid, but I like working and operating as if I were a "proper" business. I might be a one woman show, but this is my life and I don't want to jepordize that.
I use Google Docs for all of my documentation. I keep records of invoice numbers, my commission types, FA names (which is why I strangely ask for this on my forms), character name, species, details about it and then save EVERY image to my computer so if FA dies I can still work. I keep my commissioners e-mail address so that I never lose it and can still contact them with their files and also if FA goes down they can still get what they've bought. I don't like being "out of work" due to someone else.
I also use Paypal Invoices - this is huge. It has a link to my TOS (which is currently down. Boxowl.co.uk has been let go and it will be rehosted in the next week) and it states that once the invoice is paid we are in a contract that my commissioner accepts my TOS agreement. This way if someone decides for whatever reason I've done something wrong I can look back at my TOS and show them what they've agreed to. I always say to read it before you sign - as you should with any contract. Its legal jargon and all, but it protects me as an artist AND my commissioners. There are things I cant do, things they can't do, etc. Its just a fall back if anything were to ever happen. I've only ever had to point someone towards my TOS in 3 years and it quickly sizzled out. I don't like drama.
Speaking of hating drama - I REALLY HATE DRAMA. I don't like getting involved in problems here on FA. I spoke up about IMVU because I felt there needed to be one small voice of reason - but aside from that I like keeping my head low. My facebook explodes daily with people having problems, twitters the same. I like staying unbiased in peoples problems and let them get on with life. I have my own fair share of problems with my health, life, finances and what not - so I don't need to poke my head into other peoples problems. I'd rather give encouragement than grief.
I like transparency as an artist. There are a few things that I haven't shared with you guys that are pretty personal at the moment, but I try to keep myself an open artist. If things aren't going well, I like being able to say. I don't do this for pity or as a Woe Is Me, if you're a commissioner or a friend and I'm MIA I probably have a reason for it. You guys deserve to know if something's wrong.
Reputation is key. I do my best to keep my reputation clean. I never want to show up on the artist beware website because I take my work seriously. I think in this right I'd consider myself a "professional" but not based on artistic talent. I've worked office jobs and management so I have an expectation of what needs to be done out of myself and I strive to keep that morale going in my home office.
So as a recap there are a few things I think are super important as an artist:
Time Management
Reputation
Transparency
Lack of Drama
Organization
Doing things by the book
Paying my fair share of tax
Protecting myself and my commissioners
Being Orderly
Being helpful
Doing what I love
If you're starting out if can be REALLY difficult. I fell into this "accidentally" and joined FA only because of
leviathan248 and 
firekittyThese two knew I drew furries but I never knew about the fandom or what it really was. I've drawn furs since 1996-1997 and have really enjoyed it. I wasn't allowed to work in the UK because of the visa I was on so I drew while I prepared my CV (resume in the US) and waited for the July to finally finish of 2012 so I would be allowed to earn my keep. While I applied to places I drew and it took 3 weeks for someone to trust me enough and give me a chance. My first commission cost $10. 3 weeks for $10.
I wasn't an expensive artist but I knew by keeping myself low I'd be able to build myself over time. Slowly people found me, not because of how good I was but because I posted OFTEN. I was consistent. I kept trying to do my best with the talent that I had at the time. After a few months I increased myself a bit and was able to consistently get work. When I changed from USD to GBP I noticed a huge difference in my finances. The exchange rate and paypal fees were very high so I lost out when my currency was USD. I earned a bit and reinvested into my business rather than spending it lavishly on myself. The largest boost to price changes was when my husband and I split. I knew it might cause an uproar for commissioners but I didn't have a single person give me grief because they knew what had happened. I lost my financial security and I have to do my best in order to keep going. I'm slowly getting it back but I have a long way to go still. I have no plans of increasing my prices again as I'm happy where it is, and I try to do my best to earn what I can. It all is down to me and how much I can finish without burning out.
You have to find balance between work and burn out. Don't do so little you can't survive, but don't do so much that you'll hurt yourself.
Be timely. Don't take forever. Don't be a "hobbiest" or at least get labeled as one. Even if you do it as a hobby and you take a long time, let your commissioners know. Nothings worse than wondering "When the hell is my piece going to get done" 2 years down the line. I know a few artists that I follow are constantly saying that they're professional, consistently open for commissions but have a list so long it could probably stretch to the moon and back. Obviously I wont name names as that isnt the point of this - do yourself a favour and take this advice if you're starting out, or wanting to continue as a working artist - be transparent but be organized. Don't take on more than you can chew. Don't get in debt. Don't get upset if people ask for a refund, its their money at the end of the day and you have to earn it. Don't get mad at other people when they ask where their art piece is when its a few months down the line. Don't post mean posts about having someone else handle your e-mails because you can't do it for yourself. Don't draw for money as a "living" if you can't finish what YOU'VE started. I have beef with this and I never want to get chucked into that game. I hate debts and I hate owing people things. If I don't finish EVERYTHING then I don't reopen.* (I reopen when I'm about to finish so my paperwork side of things/invoicing/documentation/saving files can get done but this is always done when I'm on the last image.)
I think that is my largest gripe as an artist and as a commissioner. I dont mind if people take time to do their work as long as they keep people informed. Use journals if you cant contact everyone - this way you've been able to put it out there!
I can't gift art, do trades or requests. People must think I'm an asshole when I have to say no to these things. Honestly I'd LOVE to do them, but I have to work my tush off in order to keep going in life. Just because I draw doesn't mean I have the time to dedicate to non paid things. I don't have time to do things for myself, and thats difficult. I do get worked up that people must think I'm a jerk because I don't offer these things, but as this is my form of income, I just cant.
The nice thing about doing what I do is that I'm doing what I love. I love drawing because it is my hobby and a passion. My father told me many times I was going to fail but I've been able to keep a roof over my head and make something of myself even if its just in the furry community at the moment. Every image if practice and learning something new. Ill never stop learning and never stop being a student of the arts.
You really need to love what you do. Don't get upset or discouraged, art takes time. Talent is there if you put the time into it. Just keep trying and you'll make it. This is everything I have to keep telling myself still. I get discouraged. I feel like I'm not talented a lot of the time, but I keep trying. I don't think one persons talent is better than another persons. I may have started sooner than you, or you may be a faster learner than I am or more artistically minded. I don't discourage artists that don't understand anatomy - it clicks into place one day. I just tell people to keep drawing.
I dont think this is exactly what I wanted it to be, I know TL;DR, but it's a lot of information and personal thoughts. I know my thought process is REALLY random, but cheers to those who actually made it to the bottom, haha!
My first commission: http://www.furaffinity.net/view/8662859/
http://www.furaffinity.net/view/8540133/
http://www.furaffinity.net/view/8509508/
http://www.furaffinity.net/view/8650094/ OVER USE OF GLOW! OMG
My first time using SAI: http://www.furaffinity.net/view/8479177/
Keep doing your thing lady, you are a star <3
Actually went and bought creative cloud and my SAI license this morning after reading your journal. XD I've been meaning to but never thought to do so. :D
"You have to find balance between work and burn out. Don't do so little you can't survive, but don't do so much that you'll hurt yourself. "
this line really stuck out to me, as it's something i'm trying to balance - both the work load and the pricing. i think i'm getting closer to the point where i'd like to be, certainly closer than i was when i started out doing commissions a year ago, but there's still so much to learn (you said it best - "i'll never stop learning).
thanks for posting this, and thanks for being an awesome artist in general :>
The balance between Art and burning out is so difficult. I've only recently found working from the time I wake up until about 12-2pm in the afternoon and then stopping is the only way I can balance my day. Dad wakes up, my other half comes home, mom comes home later in the day - its the only chance I have to be with them as a family. Then dads off to work, other half goes to sleep around 6-7pm and then mom around 10 - so I'm back in the office from 7 until midnight - 1 am finishing my work for the day. I tried all sorts of different hours searching for my balance so I wasn't over doing it, but it was an awesome day when I realized it was working! XD;;
You keep being awesome! Definitely watching your art now. @___@!!! x
that actually sounds like a pretty decent system, that way you can spend time with everyone and do stuff! i've found one of the problems i have is just being able to focus on things; it's so easy for me to get distracted and sometimes it feels like about every 30 minutes my brain flips a switch and i just need to look at something else for another 20 minutes - although sometimes i get way off track with that and 20 minutes turns into a couple hours or something, hahah. drives me nuts!
once again though, thank you for the watch and the support! it really means a lot
i'm in a fairly lucky situation (that'll get even better sometime soon i hope) in that i have a SO who supports everything i do here and encourages it in many ways - i live at home at the moment so 90% of the time i work on a crappy laptop, but when i visit him i stay a week and my desktop stays up there (which he recently upgraded to be absolutely badass) - we're looking at getting me a new desk so i can utilize this mystical lovely dual monitor setup in the future, probably after i move in. i can't wait!
i will say though that most times i listen to music while arting, but other times listening to podcasts helps me stay on track (marathoning rooster teeth podcasts while drawing is one of my favorite things to do)
and ohh yeah, there's been a lot of times where i finish something but it just doesn't "feel" the way i wanted it to; i've discovered if i let myself sleep on it and get back to it the next day, i can pinpoint what felt off about it way easier and it ends up being closer to how i imagined it! :>
*Standing ovation*
I can't tell you how many artists I've commissioned MONTHS and MONTHS ago that I'm STILL waiting to get art from.
It's great that you do things as professionally as possible, it leaves a good impression for people. I try to do the same with my customers and not keep them waiting and trying to communicate with them as much as I can and give them a good service. Keeping a clean reputation can feel a little stressful at times. Like, you have to be careful what you say and how you conduct yourself online in case people start talking shit. Least thats what I worry about. I must come off as a bit cold and distant online thanks to it but I feel its personally safer for me.
I find little time to work on personal stuff as well. I'm trying to create stories at the same time as other art commitments and it's like carrying a ton of bricks sometimes. I still love what I do but man, its too easy to get burnt out by it all. I'm finding a balance though, and I'm sure every artist does. I mean we all need some time to draw for ourselves. : )
You keep it up girl. You've done a bang up job online and you're lovely irl as well. c:
I really do feel like this was an eye-opening journal to read. I've always been wanting to branch out and eventually get a job in the arts of some kind. I've been doing commissions to earn a living for about a year now, But it's only really been earning me a little bit above part time minimum wage and that's after a year of working up an audience and slowly raising prices(I still live with the folks and don't have to pay many bills on top of this). Even then, my real strength is in all the fetishes and interests I'm willing to draw rather than my raw strength as an artist. But reading this has really given me hope that I can get back to improving as an artist again and maybe start branching out into a more general art persona. Plus this has given a great roadmap for how to cover the technical side of it all. I've never been a fan of wordy jargon or technical speak but seeing a successful roadmap to how to cover it has given me a lot more confidence in how I can approach covering my basis more thoroughly as well.
All in all, this was a great bit of reading and I wish you the best in the events to come.
I think you'll do incredibly well in the art world. You've got a great style so early in life and with consistently posting and drawing you'll be beating a lot of people here on FA with ease. Just keep going!!
Can-do :3 Even if things don't go according to plan I don't think I'll ever stop drawing. We're into this for the passion of the medium afterall. If it was only about money we'd all just be doctors and lawyers and that's no fun.
You're doing a great job, and may I say, kudos to you for not pirating software. That is a very damaging practice that is all too common, I'm sorry to say.
Maybe with age comes organization? I think that ranks up there with responsibility - Uncle Ben was half way there. XD
First, is it really wise to make journals to inform your clients about changes? Many times, people will miss them. It will end up with them not being informed at all. I had lost 2 commissions like that, because an artist requested the commissioners contacted them to have their pictures sent on an email. In the end, I remembered after 6 months that "hey, didn't I get a commission from that guy?" only to find out that the picture was long lost and "Why didn't u read the journal?"
Secondly, you are one of the most professional artists I've seen after this> I wish people were more consistent and I do wish some artists would hear out other people's opinions regarding marketing. I really wish I could convience my sister to be a bit smarter about her artistic desicions, but she always keeps ignoring me. She just wants to keep believing she will draw be drawing her own manga, but I believe that commissions could always make a good living. In greece the average euro per hour for young employees is 2.68 euro. Art will definately be more than that.
I wanna hug u so much for all that I've read in this journal. and above all, I adore how much u have improved over the years. Your love and your passion show so vividly in what you draw!! I can't wait for what else u will be creating in the future :)!
I think its wise to use journals - not exclusively though. I keep email addresses so if I need to get into contact with my commissioners with their finished files and what not, I can send them straight over as well as upload them here. One way or another they have the images. If I need to talk to them I can note/e-mail with questions or with WIPs if I'm stuck. Journals I use if I'm ill and I need to tell more people than just commissioners, or if somethings happened in life. I feel like an e-mail with that information would be like I'm phishing for pity so I prefer to use it in those instances.
With e-mails, if the commissioner doesn't check their e-mails it's their own fault for not getting their images. XD;; Its the only way I send things so I can prove I've sent them rather than dropbox/google drive.
I think your sister could do well especially in Greece. The currency conversion can be incredible for certain countries and horrible for others. My best example is if I kept my prices where they are and moved back to the states, I'd have made more than I ever had working office jobs, yet here in the UK I'm ranking with some of the lowest paid people in the country. If I lived in Greece I'd life like a king, or Russia for that matter where currency conversions can do so much more. Commissions will make a good living if you have the demand for work and if you're able to generate work in a timely manner. If you have both of those you'll be set for earning. Drawing a manga is a start to be honest! As long as shes drawing constantly, she'll only improve. =)
I agree with a lot of this, especially as another artist who does commission work exclusively and works from home.
That's quite the compliment considering I love your work a ton, too <3
You're definitely one of the most professional artists I've seen on this site and it's great of you to share an inside perspective. I absolutely agree with you about professionalism; SO many artists I know or follow will use their public Twitter as a place to whine and moan about their customers... and yet will still claim to be against drama. It blows my mind. Reputation is so important in the art scene.
Also YES good on you for using legit copies of software. It's a huge peeve of mine when people don't, especially for something as cheap as SAI is! Supporting the companies who make it possible for us to do our jobs as artists shouldn't even be a question and it's such a shame to see people pirating SAI like it's nothing.
I'm still trying to get my ducks in a row (and ass into gear) when it comes to doing art for steady income so this was really inspirational and motivational to read. You're doing awesome work. ♥
One of the larger political figures here in the UK just gave up his American citizenship for failing to pay tax and being faced with a huge fine. A lot of expacts think it's wrong and give up their American citizenships if they're being forced to pay. Also theres an agreement here in the UK that if you have a British bank account and you fail to declare taxes to the USA, they can lock down your account until the payment has been fulfilled. Recently I opened a saving account and one of the questions was "Are you an American Citizen?" just for this purpose. :|
Ya know, you could always pretend to be a Canadian when setting up a bank account, they’ll never know.
Keep it up and things will only get better n better in the coming days
Something to look out for, yesterday my ex messaged asking if I had seen the changes coming in the future for self employment in the UK. I haven't personally looked yet but apparently we'll have to declare tax to HMRC monthly so they can keep tabs on what we're doing more closely? I'll find out the ins and outs and post on that in the future. T__T
My mother-in-law and I were just talking about this a few days ago. Saving receipts of any art supplies/programs/convention expenses: including transportation, hotel, booth registration, costs to produce products for sale, etc can be used and declared on US taxes as a possible reduction if you take a loss. Just toss em in a folder and go through them when its tax time. I think thats the gist of what she was trying to say. Im dumb at tax language.
I love your way of organization and am inspired by it. I am currently in the process of getting commissions going and those are really great tips. :D
I know it may seem silly, but I work full time in a school before working on art all evenings. I get a lot of time off during the holidays and am at home working then, so if you want to have another person to talk to about anything and everything, and not take it personally if you are unresponsive I would be happy to chat over skype c:
I don't know what it is that has evoked this feeling. It is a strong one though!
This journal came from me asking if others wanted to have an insight into my art life and know what I do to keep doing what I do. (If that makes any sense? XD) So this wasn't brought on by anything negative! I just wanted to let out my process and help others understand me. :D
The easiest way for me to talk to others is over Facebook. I gave it up for lent, but will be back on it after Easter. xxx
I really hope to spot you at another con >w< I need to actually save up and make active plans to socialise. I totally got the journal not coming out of sadness but it still managed to set off my radar XDD I would like to chat more, so over facebook is fine with me n.n I know you aren't a scary weirdo so I am up for it when you are n.nb
This is also my first year filing for taxes as a self-employed freelance artist and I'm pretty intimidated by the process. Doesn't help that me and the bf are currently in the process of getting a mortgage, and both of us are freelancing, soit feels pretty stressful when I think of what the mortgage broker is wanting to see for pay stubs, as both of us have less traditional pay stubs, using freelance sites and paypal. If paypal doesn't work for taxes, what about bank statements? This year I've spent my time keeping record of each commission I get in a book, with basic info for what date I got payment, what the pay is for and the name of the commissioner, and I've been concerned that it wouldn't be enough in the end, but here's hoping.
Once again, thanks for posting this, It helps me feel like this can really be a legitimate way for me to do what I've always wanted to do. :)
You can do it!! ;_; x
I love that you try and encourage other upcoming artists with developing their art styles, without being patronising (sheesh that took some spelling XD) to them. You try to be positive around other artists when they doubt their own skills.
It's great that you do all of this in the proper, legal way and declare what you earn. There seems in this fandom, few who do this and I applaud you for doing it
Your art has progressed and improved so much since your first commissions and from the first pieces I received from you while you were in Leeds
You have shown me that if you treat everyone with the same respect, they will show you the same respect back (as well as Al has on that too)
Anyways, my burgers are cooked, so I need to finish this comment :-D
You wouldn't of learned as much as you have if it was easy. Smooth sailing gets people no where, hard work does. And you are a testament to that.
It's easy as an artist to get angry at other artists, especially when tax or commission queues are involved. But you are a shining example of how a good honest artist works, your fans and your success are a testament to that. Even after all you've been through.
You invite your audience into the creative process, and offer your help and advice. That, in my opinion is a true artist. You always seek to better yourself and those around you :)
You are brave, braver than me, and its worked out well for you. As much as i love my full time job, it has effected my spare time. But i've never let it delay my commissions, i open accordingly. As you know, im on an Masters course to increase my knowledge of traditional media. Its greatly boosted my work and the way i produce it overall. Which i hope to feed back into my commissioned work later this year. When you've settled down i really recommend doing a short course or something in art. It may open up even more avenues for you ;)
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I really should raise my prices, every piece i sell has to be taxed, since i already earn over the threshold with my job. I used to get upset about it, but it did me no good. And yet i don't think i have the time or quality at the moment to warrant raising my prices so i am not loosing out tax wise. But that money has helped the economy, if more of us paid in, they would most likely reduce the amount we all have to pay! gah!
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Keep going! Your doing amazing!
You are an amazing person who produces beautiful artwork and your doing amazingly <3
Yes yes yes and more yes! I couldn't agree more with you with all those things! ♥
Time Management
Reputation
Transparency
Lack of Drama
Organization
Doing things by the book
Paying my fair share of tax
Protecting myself and my commissioners
Being Orderly
Being helpful
Doing what I love
Thanks for your point of view and advice!
I just rlly feel bad tough, the part where you mentioned the don't take more commissions then you can handle and taking forever to get something done O_O I feel rlly sad and stressful that I am that kind of artist atm..but hopefully I can make that right in the near future. Everything just been so stressful lately, especially with the move. Anyway, I wont give up and I do my best ^_^ It's also thanks to you I gotten this far, you've been my biggest inspiration as both an artist as an person!
Actually I feel a little bad now; while I consider myself to be a fast payer when it comes to comissions, I am often very slow at communicating. I mean... the artist got their money, right? So no reason to feel guilty if I don't communicate fast? I mean, it's only my own fault if I get my commissioned piece of art later as I am communicating so slow and no more harm is done?
Wrong - because by doing so I tank the artist's self organization.
I understand that now after reading your rant :) Thank you.