Perhaps you could ask your commissioner to postpone reposting your artwork for a period of time (a few days, maybe a week tops) before posting the artwork to his/her gallery so people would only be able to find the image in your gallery for a while. And ask your commissioner to properly credit you for the artwork if you see that it's lacking, and ask them to put the 'original' link of the artwork in the description.

You make a good point!

I used to do this as well, for the exact same reason. It makes me irate that someone else can just post up MY art on their own gallery and reap essentially All of the traffic from it. After an unnamed client that I no longer do work for threatened to chargeback (because he failed to read the rules when I had this rule in place) because I told him he was not allowed to post it, I eventually allowed it, to avoid the hassle, but with one contingent. When the art is posted, it MUST link back to the original artwork in the description. Yes, it's still a footnote, but, here's the thinking. If someone else sees it, on another gallery for whatever reason, sees it, and likes it, then at least they have a means to actually get back to me, and in return, hopefully buy art. It's a long shot of a hope, but in the end it is still more exposure. Yes, it's fucked up, but ultimately it allows for more people who may have never heard of you to see your work. I'm still not a fan of it, but LOTS of people do it. They like to 'collect' things, and I suppose, not being able to post it and thus give themselves that attention for it, gives them the feeling that they're not really collecting it.

Instead, you could simply ask the client if they intend to repost it or not (prior to doing the work), and either deciding to or not to allow it.
Or, more creatively, you could imply a reposting fee >.>; another $5-10 or something.

I honestly don't want to charge anyone any extra, it's just that this is an art site, you know? I'M the artist, not that. I've commissioned stuff here and I'm definitely not in the habit of posting someone else's work to show it's my character. Coming from deviantart, this concept of "I have the right to repost your work on the same site and pull focus" is both mindboggling and sometimes offensive.

IDK. IDK MAN. IDK. IT JUST GETS MY GOAT. GETS MY DANDER RIGHT UP.

I haven't really decided either way, but the whole browsing, or searching and finding two of my pieces, one with a fuckton of favorites... not posted by me, and then mine with four favorites is like "Lol. Wow."

I think I actually found you through someone posting a piece you did for them. I understand what you're getting at, but there are people who actually pay attention to who the tagged artist is. That's actually how I've found a lot of the artists I watch. I see a piece posted by someone else and go 'oooohhh... pretty! Lets go watch the artist!' I know a lot of people who do that as well. But telling a commissioner they can't post your art is kind of...off in my eyes. It's pretty much saying 'hey, you paid me money for this piece, but you can't have it.' I realize that the commissioner would be able to save it and print it for themselves, but still, that's a bit extreme. I love posting art I get because of the beauty of them and I want others to see my character AND the artists work. If you don't allow reposts, you'll loose popularity with commissioners, yes, but you will also limit who sees your work severely. Any people who see/watch the commissioner will not see the work you did, or the tome you spent on it, and your art will get fewer views/favorites. Commissioners reposting work you have created for them is like free advertising. And with any ad, it can bring in more business. Without it, you loose a lot and kind of shut yourself off.

As far as making commissioners postpone their posting of the piece, that seems a little unfair, but more reasonable then not allowing it at all. The best option suggested, in my opinion, is to have them link back to the original piece as well as tag you.

I am one of those people, but only because this 'art site' is notorious for people posting things they didn't draw for their collections. And also because it's an issue (obviously) near and dear to my heart right now. I'm glad that there are a limited few who will actually take the time to look at the actual artist and come here, but of the countless numbers that visit that particular piece it seems very lopsided.

To give you a little context (bearing the response above in mind) I come from deviantart, where the tos is very clear, reposting another artist's work is on the same level of art theft, and that's what it feels like to me,

Like you're stealing.

I definitely see where you're coming from, but even the way it's worded is like an ultimatum. Yeah, advertising is great, but it's only as great as the attention it actually draws to ME, not the person reposting. That's the disconnect.

Anyways, it's good to hear it from someone else's perspective, I'll take it into consideration, definitely!

But... They're not stealing. They have the right to post up the picture, if it involves their character, (Unless you request they don't beforehand)

It's really not their fault that the picture they got from you is getting more views, favorites and comments on their upload than yours.

I kind of imagine this: Someone who's wearing the design of a shirt you made and they bought from you and everyone in school is admiring it, then the next day, you wear it and everyone just says, "Oh, cool, X was wearing that yesterday. You made that, right?" And then you go to the person who was wearing it and you start berating them and demanding that they give you the shirt back because you didn't get as much attention as they did.

It makes you look desperate for attention after the fact, and to me that doesn't seem very professional.

Oh, I know their not stealing, it just felt that way.

I totally get the perspective though, the responses (most of them) have helped me gain some better understanding of how this works/helps etc. I try pretty hard to be as professional and diplomatic as possible.

Kind of like how Johnny Cash stole "Hurt" from Trent Reznor? x3

Not exactly the same, since in your case, it's the exact same image being reposted, and not redone in any way shape or form, but Trent Reznor felt like Cash "stole" his song because the cover version of it was much more popular. (And just plain better compared to Reznor's, in my opinion, seeing as Johnny Cash covered the song very shortly before he died, thus making it more poignant, and the original was just some emo song.)

...Wow, I went on a tangent there, I apologize. ^_^;

Anyway, though, my suggestion - and I mean this in as respectful a way as possible, I promise - is to take such things with a grain of salt if they happen again. There are people who purchase art and post it and they're very popular because of it, like Stripes, who at the very least posts the artists' pages in the description. Under the little story he types up, sure, but it's there. And I doubt he's doing it with any kind of vindictiveness in mind, it's just something he does and probably doesn't think of it. Granted, most of the artists he commissions are already super popular, so that might be a moot point.

And as for myself - and I'm not popular in the least x3 - I've purchased art before, and I always put a link to the artist in the desc, though granted, I don't have five or six paragraphs above the link, heh.

Also, to tie in with all of this, here are my two cents on the whole matter. Like Kitana said, we get no profit whatsoever from the artwork. It's just another luxury that other people may or may not appreciate more than others would like to know (especially if it's sexual), and something that we also may appreciate in that same manner ourselves. But there are those bad eggs who may claim the artwork as theirs, but the situation is very quickly resolved, I believe, since there are a majority of furs who dislike and hate those who steal work and claim it as theirs. Otherwise, it's not really stealing UNLESS they are claiming copyright and selling prints of it, etc. They did pay to have you do them a service, artwork, and like Wind said, the characters are in your work. They really aren't yours, the commissioner came to YOU to draw for THEM, so they can see that specific character in a different style, in a different perspective, etc, and have that idea that they have come to life.
I really don't have to buy commissions, but I do because it's an enjoyable thing to have. To see my ideas and the results of my imagination come to life is quite wonderful, in all honesty, but it does really hurt the wallet too...haha.

Also, to point out something else, some commissioners are really popular for a few reasons. They may have more watchers, and more of a bigger fanbase than maybe you as the artist do. The reason? Commissioners have characters that people like, and they may be pretty consistent in what they get, whether it's usually based off a specific kink, specific theme, specific partners, whatever. A lot factors into what brings in watchers and what doesn't.
And also, depending on how they respond to comments is either fair/unfair. Usually it doesn't hurt, but I have seen those who correct the artists name in the comments, or those who do give the artist credit to the commentors, just like how it'd most likely already be in the description.

I always, ALWAYS try to give the most credit due where possible. If people say I have good art, I tell them to look at each artist and give them watches, because if it weren't for them, then my ideas wouldn't be alive right now, they wouldn't be taking form on the screen. For a while I did relink back to the original, and it's something I should restart, along with posting the artists name in the title, and maybe even add a disclaimer right at the very, very top if it would help encourage those watchers to watch the original artist. Just because I may favorite a commissioners version, doesn't mean I won't look at the artist, I always do to figure out exactly who did it so I can give them a watch in return.

But if you feel you need to put some stipulations onto your art and the act of reposting, then by all means, do so. It may be worse or better for you, depending on how stable you are at the moment with commissions and watches, and it can also bring down your business. I kinda can see why it would, but at the same time, I don't get why it would either. It just depends on the individual who approaches you, I guess.

Sorry to respond, but I felt the thread was relevant to put my thoughts in.^^;

I second this opinion of not reposting.

Reposting art to a "character FA page" is something I just don't get, mainly because I know how many character sites there are to repost art you commission. (I.E. - Toybox, F-list, RPR, etc etc) So there is literally no excuse for people who make FA's for art they have never drawn before only to get popufur status on a site meant to elevate the artists not the characters.

I completely disagree with Kitana. You commission a piece, you favorite it, you save it on your computer and you cherish it without reposting and stealing initial credit. That's how it's supposed to work. It's not some ploy to say "NOPE can't have it," it's just respect to artists.


But I get it, FA has made it a staple to re-upload a commissioned piece because it's easier than going off-site to make a collection of your characters/fursonas. But I just think it's lazy.

IF I had to offer some sort of solution without making furries here butthurt I would have to say MAKE THEM put "BY DETOU - blurpblah title they want to upload" when they re-upload it, because so fucking many people don't do it. This has led me to believe that some wannabe popufur I check out unknowingly have actually drawn things (as usually they stick to artists who are rather alike in some aspects of style) and wonder how the fuck they accomplished such great art, makes me think they trace, etc etc etc, before I EVEN LOOK at the art's description box.

I have no idea what the appeal of it is, because I don't do it and have no interest IN doing it.

I just dunno, I'll have to think of some sort of compromise I'm sure, since reposting is not just someone one or two people do, but literally everyone.

I don't see the point either. But, catering to the masses seems to be the kool-aid everyone's drinking. Bottom's up I guess

I agree with the 'If they are going to repost it, have them link back to the original and clearly state who it is by.'
It shouldn't make anyone butthurt to do that, they still get to post in on their page and show it off to their friends and hopefully that will bring traffic either directly to the piece on your FA, or to you as the artist in general.
I do really understand why this would bother you though, and I don't think it makes you in the wrong or anything.

Maybe even above whatever little story they want to tell. I know the average attentionspan of internet goers is 'TL;DR;' in most cases, they might not even make it to the part where it says who the art is actually by.

The lack of concrete evidence that them reposting actually helps me makes it hard to believe it's beneficial and not just outright insulting.

I wonder, do Miles-DF or Wolfy-Nail have repost policies? That might be something to look into just for reference's sake.

Simply look at their Terms of Service:

Miles DF:
Rules for usage:
I may use your final commission for sell and presentation at Dealer Dens, art-shows, and in printed form. Also, I may use the commission for Patreon projects and other digital projects (without any character changing). In any case, I will include on all commissions used in this manner the character’s full name, the creator of the character, and copyright information. (Example "name of character" (С) "name/nickname owner")
Also you'll got digital files by email:
- FA version file for the PUBLIC internet use.
- Hi-res file for PRIVATE using.
- Wallpeper version (Bust commission only) for PRIVATE using.

You can respost the downsized version from him.


Wolfy-Nail:
Has no ToS Displayed, but does not fight those who pay him hundreds of dollars to re-post what they paid him for.

How about a few more large artists:
Kadath:

You are free to:

Share — copy and redistribute the material in any medium or format

The licensor cannot revoke these freedoms as long as you follow the license terms.

This is part of the Creative Commons system which is a legal organization to protect artists and commissioners. (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/3.0/)

Kaylii:
You have my permission to have the commission taken down on any site if it wasn’t placed there by me or the commissioner (you) who bought the piece. This includes sites such as E621, Tumblr, etc. Only the commissioner or myself can have the image removed.

Not only do you have the right to post your commission, you have the right to have it taken down if wished.

Ajna:
As a commissioner, you are free to post the finished drawing to any site on the internet so long as you do not make profit off of it in any way. You may not sell it in a portfolio, paysite or prints, etc. If you do post it, please link back to my userpage. I have the right to request you remove the drawing for any reason.

As the artist, I may use my drawings for prints, examples, post to my gallery, etc, unless we discuss otherwise before the commission is accepted.


F-R95:
• The Copyright of the final image will stay with me. You are allowed to use your picture for Non-Commercial use only (Upload the Web-Version to your gallery, use it as an avatar, print posters for yourself and friends etc.)!
I have the right to upload the Commission to my galleries and use if for prints in artbooks, portfolios etc. (However, i will not recolor your commission for other people or things like that, I respect your commission as yours, of course.)
If you want to buy Commercial Usage Rights please ask for a quote.





So yes, there you go.

Oh, these are super enlightening, thanks!

Yea, this sucks but ultimately I get giddy when it happens. Granted not all the people faving the repost will go 'OHH MY GOD, I NEED TO WATCH HIM NOW!!". But my stuff being seen by my watchers and even more outside will only make me more known as an artist. It gets my art seen and brings more happiness to others that they went out of their way to click one more time. Even though it doesnt seem like much, it is a way to mark how well my art is doing. How a different shading pattern is liked. How a different eye shape is hated or appreciated.

Let my art be seen. yes, with credit for goodness sake, but seen more none the less.

This is a more positive view on it. I can see where you're coming from, even if those favorites aren't yours, there's still some exposure.

Suppose it's just about clarifying HOW you will credit me, and where that credit will be.

Thanks for popping by and lending a more favorable opinion! Helps to see other sides.

Any time. I also went through some of the largest names on FA for their policies. Hopefully it will help.

Maybe require your commissioners not to only mention who the artist is, but to have 1-3 quick links with your icon in the description. Or require a re-post to have a a heavy watermark with a link to the non-watermaked/light watermarked version you upload directly.

So, here's the deal.

First, Legally, you can't require that someone never reposts the art that you make them. If it is of their character, they have as many legal rights as you over it. You can say they can't sell it as their own work, but that's about it.

Second, This is going to hurt you, not because people won't commission you, but because no one will be able to find you. On average, the new watchers that you accrue are based on other people posting bits and pieces of art that they have commissioned. One of my personal favorite artists gets about 20 new watchers and 3 (at least) new commissioners every time I post a piece that I've gotten from her. So, unless you can post a new piece of art 10 times a day (because that's all that we are allowed to post), you are not going to gain a lot of new watchers.
A solution to this problem is you can require that the commissioner post a link that connects it you your original post.


Understand, I get A LOT of art, I have a lot of followers because of the art that I get. People see the art I commission and ask, "how was the artist to work with?" or "Wow! Where did you find this artist?" There is a ton of different art on this site, and if you want to get found, you need help. That's why when people get their commissions from me, I ask that they post photos of it, allow me to like it, why complain about Free advertisement?

I get that the thing that upsets you the most is that people favorite the piece on your commissioners page more than on yours, but how many of those people "favoriting" end up watching you, or already watch you and favorite on both accounts?

I know I'm going to get blown off, but really, you say this is an artist site, my answer is no, no it's not. It's SIGNIFICANTLY more than just an art site to many people. This is a community of people. Take away the "non-artists" and what are you left with? A bare shell of a site of poor artists who's talent is never recognized due to lack of appreciation.

I never mentioned the legality of anything for a reason. This is a dialogue, if the replies I've given EVERYONE who commented here doesn't already suggest that, I'm not really sure what more I can do.

Secondly, not sure why being blown off would figure in, for the above reason. I've responded to everyone, even the ones I don't necessarily agree with.

Thirdly, coming to my page and opening with an aggressive statement meant to basically put me in my place? Was that necessary? I'm not sure why you felt the need to piss all over like its some sort of contest of rights. I expressed what bothers me about the reposting in a journal and that it MADE me want to say 'no' not to provoke fights, but actually hear what other people had to say in a constructive nonpenial sort of way. That does not include getting BULLIED by someone on my own journal.

I find it hard to view and acknowledge all the valid points, through an opening statement that - between the lines - reads 'lol, I can do whatever I want, regardless of anything you say.'

Legally, meaning in your TOS, it can't be stated that no one can repost. I'm coming here and saying this because it's true. You best advertisment comes from people reposting your art. I said it will probably be blown off because when I started typing you had answered to the top 2 comments, not the rest, so there is that, sorry for it. The truth is, if I as to commission you, I can say "lol I can do whatever I want regardless of what you say." It's my art, I can post it wherever and whenever I want as long as you get some form of the credit as an artist, I'm perfectly in my rights. I'm being a little aggressive because I just had to deal with an artist I'm rather fond of acting like a child and blocking me because I refuse to pull down my art. I got pulled into this due to a link getting dropped. It's the internet, we all have opinions and get to say them. I'm telling you, you can't put that there are no posting rights in your TOS.

So you brought all your seething disapproval over here. I'm not responsible for what this artist did, her views may not be mine, and your need to come at me with as much of a thinly masked petulance as this makes it very clear that you and I will never do business in the future because of it. I apologize if saying anything regarding reposts hinted at insult towards a commission-base.

Make no mistake, I appreciate every commission I get. I do my DAMNDEST to portray EACH character as near to the commissioner's original concept as possible. I take pride in my work, and it that pride that makes the 'coming second to a repost' hurt-- that's what inspired this. I know the community is give and take, it's not just one side or the other. Without artists, commissioners would have no way to give their concepts voices, and without commissioners, no artist would be able to improve, make money and increase their own exposure. I get that. This is not an attack on ANYONE IN PARTICULAR, it was meant to be a dialogue to help me see a bit more clearly into why reposting is or is not beneficial.

But, what you've said in the last hour has given me the distinct impression you're here to 'educate' and by educate I mean belittle. I'm glad you have opinions, but if you could be less of a right cunt about it, that'd be wonderful.

I get it, you can do whatever, regardless of what I think, thanks for enlightening me to the power dynamic. Got it. It's hard to be diplomatic with people like you.

Why don't you see it as people liking your art on another page?? Seriously, when you are on facebook, when was the last time you tracked every single shared post back to it's original poster and liked it there. You simply don't. Because the favorite and like button are the same, a click to say, I appreciate this piece of art, or I agree with the theme hete. Don't get offended not every single person watches you for it, or goes to the original source. People are far too lazy for it.
I came on here to state some really simple facts :
-you can't take people's posting rights
-you are hurting yourself in this act if you try
-a lot of free advertising is gone

Trust me, this isn't me being a cunt. If I was, I would insult your art work, which I find rather nice or swear lots. The only reason I got mad is because you thought you could remove posting rights to your commissioners.
I'm sorry you are reading in that tone. I lay down the facts and don't do much fluff. I am blunt, but I don't fuck around with something that can get you screwed in the end....

I don't facebook, but I understand the concept all the same.

I'm not discrediting your points, what bothers me is the heat you brought with you from an interaction that isn't my baggage. That's my problem. It's hard not to read your frustration in text tone.

I'm aware from a legal standpoint, I cannot MAKE anyone not post. You've iterated this several times. I get it. Saying 'no' would have been a way to dissuade people who intended to do that, from commissioning me, more or less, but this is irrelevant either way, as I've not concretely said 'this is what's happening' and people who've actually taken this as a constructive outlet, have given me plenty of insight into why this isn't actually hurting me, but helping me, and that I simply need to set clear terms for reposting going forward.