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Questions to ppl who commission others frequently!
10 years ago
I have a friend who commissions artists a LOT, and have heard some wild stories about what they've experienced.
And it got me curious about what other experiences people have had
So my questions:
On average, how long is the wait time you experience from sending payment to receiving art?
What is the longest you've ever waited for art?
What is the biggest pet peeve you've come across when commissioning artists?
What's the opposite--the favorite thing artists have done that you were really thankful for?
What's the worst/craziest experience you've had?
and IDK ANYTHING ELSE YOU want to share??
And it got me curious about what other experiences people have had
So my questions:
On average, how long is the wait time you experience from sending payment to receiving art?
What is the longest you've ever waited for art?
What is the biggest pet peeve you've come across when commissioning artists?
What's the opposite--the favorite thing artists have done that you were really thankful for?
What's the worst/craziest experience you've had?
and IDK ANYTHING ELSE YOU want to share??
Longest was like, three years (I got a sketch, then never got more so I asked for a refund)
Biggest pet peeve is seeing the artists take on more and more commissions when I know I'm still waiting in their queue, and seeing them work on newer stuff before my earlier slot.
I can't think of a single favorite, but I have a few very reliable artists who are just a total joy to work with.
The worst was similar to the pet peeve I explained, and the artist in question was dodging my requests.
Good times.
Longest I've ever waited was a year (and ongoing) but I don't mind.
My biggest pet peeve is a lack of communication or unprofessional-ism when I attempt to make contact. If I get a snippy or rude reply, I tend to just ask for a refund.
Favorite thing an artist I've commissioned has done? Been polite, punctual, and accommodating. Can never get enough of that.
Haven't had many crazy experiences, besides one, where I struggled for weeks to get in touch with an artist and basically had to resort to harassing them over every form of social media for results.
longest time--- three years and counting
probably when i tell them something important about my character--- and then they completely ignore it... like.... really......
i've had a few artists give me a lil extra in terms of effort-- as an example, adding depth to a sketch comm
probably the three years waiting one.. keeps telling me they will be done and then vanishes.. makes a side account, gets exposed... repeat. and another that refused to draw what pose i wanted because they thought the canon character involved wouldn't do such a thing "in their opinion" LOL.
2.) 3 months and still waiting for one traditional badge
3.) Not communicating with me
4.) I LOVE when they send WIPs but my absolute fav is when they ask about the personality so they can get the character better. I don't have her personality on her ref so it makes me happy that they want to get her to a T!
5.) This current one Im having now. I send $25 for a traditional badge. They are being super nice but when I ask for updates it is always still in the sketch stage? And they post other art so it's not like they are super busy or life hit em hard? But they are super willing to communicate with me, yet the conversation is always left at a dead end because she doesn't reply. It's so confusing and it saddens me because her work is AMAZING?
6.) I'd like to just say as a pointer to people who take commissions, Make sure you get to know the character and ask any questions you need, also, COMMUNICATION IS KEY! C:
And to the people who BUY commissions, don't leave your commissioner with an unclear ref and little info (unless thats all you have). The more to work with the better! I know I like lots of details!
What is the longest you've ever waited for art? - considering I have one that is still pending from about six years ago, quite awhile.
What is the biggest pet peeve you've come across when commissioning artists? - Rudeness. More well known artist who think it is alright to treat people like crap just because they are well known. Thankfully,I've only had this happen once.
What's the opposite--the favorite thing artists have done that you were really thankful for? I had one artist who as a thanks for being late on a piece gave me a free upgrade on my art.
What's the worst/craziest experience you've had? The combination of number 2 and 3 above.
michelangelo painted the sistine chapel ceiling in five years
so i just really hope the picture of animals fucking is going to be the best thing that happened to the world
so that's that!
also h e didn't get fully paid for it because the pope wanted it changed or something and he just walked out
I can't remember, little over a month?
I don't want to bug people with updates and so, but I really dislike when I get no updates or even anything saying they started. Also when they tell me they'll do this and that today or that they'll update it today, yet it's been a week since then.
Just over all when people fix whatever I require and are super nice about it and just updating me on things.
Luckily I don't have any of these.
Normally between 1-3 months.
What is the longest you've ever waited for art?
A year, and still waiting.
What is the biggest pet peeve you've come across when commissioning artists?
Them giving you a date they plan on finishing it by, and not sticking to it (unless they told me a reason earlier on as to why they can't complete by said date, cause, you know, life happens, which is totally understandable!)
What's the opposite--the favorite thing artists have done that you were really thankful for?
Just putting extra effort into the commission. I've had people colour a sketch even though I just paid for a sketch, or they'd add other elements I never asked for. Discounts too xD
What's the worst/craziest experience you've had?
Nothing really, actually! Mine have been pretty average actually xD
On average, how long is the wait time you experience from sending payment to receiving art?
6 weeks or so?
What is the longest you've ever waited for art?
Around 8 months
What is the biggest pet peeve you've come across when commissioning artists?
When they just.... don't reply to notes but it's clear they've been online.
What's the opposite--the favorite thing artists have done that you were really thankful for?
Giving me expected dates then meeting them perfectly and giving me a hi res and low res copy =D
What's the worst/craziest experience you've had?
I waited arooound 8 months for an in-stream commission
My biggest pet peeve is a lack of communication or ignoring notes. I'm VERY patient, I can wait way longer than just three months, but after maybe a month (if no contact was made, no journals posted, no public queue, etcetera) I'll check with the artist to make sure I didn't give them a character they have issues with or whatever, and if my note is marked as read and the artist doesn't bother to reply but continues to post tons of personal art, I get nervous. All I really need to feel okay about a commission is some form of communication, be it a journal to all commissioners that there's been a bump in their life, a personal note, whatever.
My absolute favorite thing is when an artist gets a feel for my character and actually draws them so their personality shows through, i.e. rather than just drawing them standing straight and looking at the viewer, they're, I don't know, drinking their favorite tea or wearing a shirt of their favorite brand or something. It makes me feel like the artist genuinely cares for me and is making that extra little effort to make the art personal.
My worst experience so far is an artist doing exactly what I was ranting about above and avoiding contact with all of her commissioners while still posting personal art (which I think is fine! I personally draw art for myself between commissions so I don't burn myself out, but after three months of avoiding commissioners and posting only personal art it was very concerning) :'D
I think the longest I've been waiting has been about 9 months now? Nearing 10 months.
My biggest pet peeve would be when no updates are given for an extended amount of time. I get pretty bad anxiety at the thought of bugging anyone about something, though if enough time passes I worry they've forgotten about it entirely. I don't want to rush anyone, so I try not to bring up owed stuff too often;;;
I love it when artists show me progression on more expensive pieces! It gets me super hyped, and assures everyone is happy with the results!
I can't think of any experience that was too wild, despite buying plenty art for my chillens. ;v; ! so that's pretty fortunate so far! I've had overall plenty of nice experiences.
About a month
What is the longest you've ever waited for art?
Over a year lmao.....
What is the biggest pet peeve you've come across when commissioning artists?
idk I've only had it happen a few times but when artists don't clear their queue before taking more comms & constantly get backed up if they aren't going in order. Lack of communication is really bad too
What's the opposite--the favorite thing artists have done that you were really thankful for?
COMMUNICATION. Just. in general. Showing sketches/WIPS, updating on if things are going to take a while, or even if they can't get a piece to work & want to cancel. I'm totally chill with that. Just communication man idk.
What's the worst/craziest experience you've had?
basically the worst is when i prepaid someone for 2 art pieces, and whenever i asked for updates I was told "oh i'll have the sketch to you soon!" it'd go another two weeks or more without any update, and i saw they were finishing comms & taking others. so basically every time i asked, i was told "i'll work on it soon!" then never see anything, and they dropped off the face of the earth for a while. turns out they screwed a lot of other people too so. yeah.
On average, how long is the wait time you experience from sending payment to receiving art? Usually a week to a couple months. Im patient.
What is the longest you've ever waited for art? almost 3 years and counting...
What is the biggest pet peeve you've come across when commissioning artists? Artists that take in way too much and then never deliver on older pieces while always taking in new commissions. =\ like really, finish up what you have first!
What's the opposite--the favorite thing artists have done that you were really thankful for? Quick and beautiful. Sometimes I get pieces way before I expect them and it amazes me! It's what I try to do for people as well!
What's the worst/craziest experience you've had? 3 years with only a couple pages and a handful of sketches done for a comic. > >
My wait is generally a couple of weeks to a month, depends on the artist, I have been more careful of late though, my wait used to be longer!
I am still waiting on a YCH acuction for over a year now. I also have a couple that I think are going on 5-6 months now. I stopped checking and gave up hope of getting them to be honest.
I think my biggest pet peeve is when artist ignore your character description when doing a comm, when they ask for one. For instance, if you say your char is shy, which I am, and then they draw a super bubbly outgoing character, it kind of annoys me. But I also hate having to wait several months for a comm.
I gosh, I love it when artist compliment my fursona, its awesome. I also love it when they pay attention to the colour scheme of my fursona and use complementary colours. I also love it when artist put their heart into the work. I hate getting something, and its happeded about half of the time, where I commishion something, and I can just tell the artist did not care, so I really love it when an artist seems to care a ton about my fursona. But above all.... honestly I just like it when people talk to me, so when artist take the time to talk to me, that gives me the warm fuzzies.
hmmmm the craziest experience, well, to be honest, I avoid confrentation, so I ask artist a couple of times about art, if it seems they have forgotten, but If I can tell I am being ignored I dont make a big deal out of it. I think there are... three major $100+ comms that I have lost because my character is complex and I dont want to make a huge deal out of it. hmmm, the craziest thing is probably that I literally have wasted $500 because I was too afraid to argue with the artist for a refund.... wow, thats actually pretty sad... nvm then on that....
Couple of weeks to months on end, I tend to get annoyed after a month and half, and very annoyed after three.
What is the longest you've ever waited for art?
Waited and received? 6+ months maybe, don't really remember.
What is the biggest pet peeve you've come across when commissioning artists?
Artists not following instructionssss, leaving out certain details, changing certain details . . . I don't really mind if they alter the outfit designs entirely but if they alter just parts, it feels more like carelessness and annoys me.
Taking on new commissions without finishing old ones, opening unlimited commission slots, waitlists that are long as shit and still never get done . . . there's this one guy I commissioned that I seriously felt like he was taking on new commissions just to refund the old commissioners. Not sure if it's true but I was very irritated by that point.
What's the opposite--the favorite thing artists have done that you were really thankful for?
Finished the work quickly /shrugs
WIPs are nice!
What's the worst/craziest experience you've had?
Artists with super shitty communication, several times
One that deactivated a few months after I commissioned and only got in contact after I sent a chargeback on paypal
Longest I've waited was probably 4 months for a price and technically still waiting on A 2 year price still.
Other than that of you have a supiriority complex its that grinds my gears.
I'd say average is about 2 weeks. Some only take days or hours and others just take longer.
What is the longest you've ever waited for art?
Generally I will give an artist a 3-4 weeks before I get antsy depending on my past business with them. There are some artists I've done lots of business with and been friendly with that I will be far more patient with because I know them and trust them. The more I trust and artist the more patient I am. I'll wait months on end if I know I can trust the artist.
What is the biggest pet peeve you've come across when commissioning artists?
I hate it when it's awkward talking to an artist for various reasons. They brush me off or don't seem to care about my commission or make it seem like I'm just another number on their queue to get money from. Also unprofessional acts really annoy me like not notifying me when a commission is done just assuming I'd know they'd already finished (yeah that's happened where I haven't known for weeks or months that a commission was finished because an artist never notified me) And artists that don't remember particular notes I've asked for such a change in the characters design. It just makes it seem like they didn't read my note before working on the commission.
What's the opposite--the favorite thing artists have done that you were really thankful for?
I love artists that I can trust. I go back to them over and over again because I always enjoy my experience with them. I also love when I can talk to an artist easily, like a friend and not have it be awkward in the least. I really value an artist who appreciates their customers and recognizes and acknowledges them.
What's the worst/craziest experience you've had?
I haven't had many thankfully but the worst have to be the times where I've waited and waited with no communication or attempt at one. A few I found out they had finished my commission ages ago and just never told me for whatever reason and a couple actually just completely forgot who it was for :/ I've also had a few times where artists forget completely that they even owe me art. It's unfortunate but I've learned to just roll over rather than fight with artists because of these things.
On average, how long is the wait time you experience from sending payment to receiving art?
a few weeks, a month? ye
What is the longest you've ever waited for art?
hmm, i think maybe 3-4 months bc i really wanted a commission and didnt mind the wait list
What is the biggest pet peeve you've come across when commissioning artists?
idk im pretty chill about commissions, i guess artists that dont let me just pay them right away? i like to know what i have in my paypal at all times without having to remember to save stuff forthings i havent paid for yet.
What's the opposite--the favorite thing artists have done that you were really thankful for?
wips are awesome!
What's the worst/craziest experience you've had?
luckily ive gotten all my commssions. i have a 1.5 year unfinished art trade with someone who vanished from all social media so thats a bother since i had finished my half sob (it was a big art trade bluh)
On average, how long is the wait time you experience from sending payment to receiving art?
on AVERAGE 1-4 months
What is the longest you've ever waited for art?
2+ years :^) tho generally idgaf how long I wait for art, especially if the artist is a friend or is keeping me updated on things going on in their life. it'll be like a present to my future self from my past self HELL YEAH
What is the biggest pet peeve you've come across when commissioning artists?
Refusing to communicate and a lack of professionalism. If an artist can't be bothered to update me when there are going to be delays then I'm not going to be happy about it. If it's been longer than 3 months and they haven't started on the piece, it's probably best to explain why that's the case. Also artists that just lack communication skills in general, where it's clear they don't care about their work and don't want to talk to you. Actually, just a general lack of professionalism and lack of interest in what they do -- they don't care to read the info you give them, don't care to communicate, don't care to put in the same effort for their commissions as they do in personal art. ya dig.
What's the opposite--the favorite thing artists have done that you were really thankful for?
Just being good at communicating. being speedy isn't important to me. I've had a few artists include extras due to the wait/an error, and while that's mindboggingly awesome, it's not something I ever expect from a comm experience!
tho tbh my biggest weakness is if an artist seems excited to draw my character or compliments the character. I will LOSE MY MIND
What's the worst/craziest experience you've had?
lol
2. the longest i waited was a month
3. everytime ive commissioned someone they always go 'ok ill do it when im bored and have nothing to do,' like straight up say that to me, or just not work on it until im sitting in their livestreams waiting on them to work on my commission and that really bothers me.
4. nothing special aside from just doing the commission or fixing something small i point out
5. i have no crazy/bad experiences as a client :0
6. i usually do commissions for others and i make a lot of mistakes and miss details often because im really absent minded so i like it when my clients tell me whats up; i dont mind fixing things at all!! (i edit their commissions sometimes and give them both versions bc i feel bad for any mess ups)
also if people dont give me a lot of details on their char or ask for wips then i just assume i have artistic freedom to do like wateverrrrrr and then im like hella and i finish it in one go.
generally it's abuot one week to two months range on average, based on person's workload.
What is the longest you've ever waited for art?
two artists in my "waiting list" still are well over a year now and while one is flatout unreachable, the other is blatantly ignoring lord knows how many customers beyond myself as well. :I
What is the biggest pet peeve you've come across when commissioning artists?
artists stating "work done in __ hours/days" but then it taking weeks/months beyond that promised/contracted date. (i'm patient, but seriously; if yer getting commissioned for that kind of expedited work...it reflects poorly on the artist/s prioritizing abilities.)
What's the opposite--the favorite thing artists have done that you were really thankful for?
not making a huge gripe or bitchfit when -i- overlooked something in a rough draft/sketch and found a little bit later on such as refined sketching/lining, etc. (and appreciate it more when they don't make it -my- fault when -they- overlook something i blatantly emphasized on in details too! <have had two artists on this maltreatment>)
though rare, i also enjoy when an artist truly loves the characters and/or project i'm tossing their way. like they actually connect with it and are stoked to begin work even when you're like "it-it's not that great, really...." kinda thought. always feels good knowing the artist holds genuine interest in the creation and not just a "fuck, more work....great..." kinda sensation so many give. :)
What's the worst/craziest experience you've had?
working with an artist very professionally, whom went into a roleplaying, childish, tissyfit of a shitstorm when requested a rework of a completely botched commission. (wrong colors, wrong species, headshot instead of fullbody piece, etc. <the list does go on too, sadly on this occurrence>) I'm fine with using emoticons, etc. to emphasize on statements, just chatting while working with clients is totally fine--cracking jokes, discussing delays or life stuff--but derailing from -any- sense of having professsional business to a childish shitstorm...when they had all the references, and keep you waiting for over a year on something that was "at con completion" contracting, and they fail to EVER attempt reaching the client--whose phone number, email, and mailing address were all given on commission order form--it basically shows they're doubly in the wrong there.
(hell, i openly encourage friendliness and talking casually as a whole, while keeping some professionalism about discussing the work itself. i'm no hardcore lawyer or anything~)
What is the longest you've ever waited for art?: I've waited 3+ years for a couple chibis, but they were definitely worth the wait (I did have to remind the artist a few times, though).
What is the biggest pet peeve you've come across when commissioning artists?: When people draw back poses without askin' first. A lot of my characters don't have references for backs or they're not nearly as detailed as the front, so it frustrates me.
What's the opposite--the favorite thing artists have done that you were really thankful for?: Making the pic transparent, remembering my name if I do commission them again, giving status updates every so often if they are goin' through stuff (doesn't have to be detailed, just a "It might take longer than expected") is cool, using part of the character's description when making a pic, actually reading the character description (though I understand if they don't), sending an invoice so I don't have to worry about making sure everything gets sent correctly.
What's the worst/craziest experience you've had?: I commissioned a peep, but after the fact they started pump out fanart like crazy (for 3+ months) and would ignore any of my attempts to contact them. It took a while to finally get their attention (I basically had to make a callout post) and then after that it took another year+ before I got my art. Their art is fantastic, but never again...
ANYTHING ELSE YOU want to share??: I've learned that it's better to be patient and when it comes to commissioning peeps it's good to realize that they have lives too. School, jobs, work, stress, sometimes it's hard to handle all that and something you're being paid to do. Definitely gauge what kind of work you're asking them to do, and what kind of queue they have before getting impatient with them (I've been that kind of shitty commissioner unfortunately, and I hope to not do that again).
Depends. Certain artists will have the pic finished in a few days. Some might take a month or more. But with the artists I commission regularly, I'll have my piece finished within a couple of weeks.
What is the longest you've ever waited for art?
For a single picture? 3 months and counting. For a commission project? Had one that was supposed to be three months turn into damn near a year because Murphy's Law just wasn't on our side.
What is the biggest pet peeve you've come across when commissioning artists?
Artists who don't communicate. I understand you have a life outside of commissions. I'm aware that things happen and projects get delayed. I'm even understanding (to a point) that sometimes the motivation just runs out and you have a spout of art block. All I ask is that you make an effort to give me a heads up if things are going to slow down. Nothing aggravates me more than trying to reach an artist for an update and not getting a response beacon. It turns me off something terrible and I'm less likely to become a return customer.
Also, artists who try to make a living off of commissions and then treat it as a hobby rather than a job. But that's a rant for another time...
What's the opposite--the favorite thing artists have done that you were really thankful for?
I put a lot of thought and effort into my characters' designs, backstories, and relationships amongst each other. They all exist within a little world I created for them. So when an artist goes above and beyond to read up on these details and incorporate the little things when doing a commission, it really puts a smile on my face because it means that my characters were interesting enough for the artist to want to learn more about them. This isn't something I ever expect anyone to do, but it makes me feel a special kind of happy when it does happen.
What's the worst/craziest experience you've had?
Nothing really sticks out. I'm extremely protective of my characters, so I'm inadvertently picky with who I throw my money at. The only thing I can pick out was a certain artist, whom I used to be a repeat customer of, slowly started getting lazy in his work and making very gross errors in how my characters were depicted. Needless to say, I don't commission him anymore.
I guess I'll close this with a couple of shouts.
To artists: Don't bite off more than you can chew! Know what your time and effort is worth. We all have to start out building up a reputation, but don't sell yourself short! if you're worth it, the customers will come in time!
To commissioners: Don't rush the artist! They're not machines. Do your research before you commission someone. Your wallet will thank you!
To both: COMMUNICATION IS KEY! If there's a delay in the workflow, LET THEM KNOW. If there are specific details you want for your commission, LET THEM KNOW. Not communicating just leads to problems for both parties.
I guess that's it. I've thrown more money than I care to admit at furry artists, so I hope my words have some weight.
Biggest pet peeve would have to be a lack of communication. Artists that make me wait several months and don't say a thing, then I note them asking what's up and am told something like 'I lost your information' or 'something came up', but I was never told. I even had an artist who lost my information TWICE and didn't contact me to ask for it again until I had to ask them what was going on. It made me feel like I didn't matter after I had given them my money. There are other issues, like artists that do personal art or take on commissions after mine, but finish them first while I've been waiting for months. But I feel like not talking to the commissioner is an even bigger problem.
I actually have some really great experiences with artists, especially with those that made up for long waits, ranging from one artist who gave me a free sketch and another that gave me a refund, but completed the commission anyway. Considering the majority of my experience with long waited for commissions ends either with the artist making off with my money or years of not even getting a wip, those were great experiences. Mostly, I just love it when artists are polite, interested in the art, and communicate.
I've had plenty of crazy experiences, unfortunately. I've had artists try to cheat me out of money (my favorite is when an artist that still owes me money tried to get me to round down on the amount that was owed to me because 'an even number would be easier') and others that have disappeared with hundreds of dollars. I've had artists that, when asked about their progress, have told me that they 'misquoted' me, and the work was too much for them, so they decided to just not do anything. I even had an artist that was doing a reference sheet for me and didn't even look at the coloring information for the character that I linked and just kind of winged it. Thankfully they were willing to change it, but it was still pretty perplexing to me at the time. Unfortunately, I've had more bad experiences with artists than I've had good, and I've lost a lot of trust in the commissioning process, but the good experiences that I've had have kept me from stopping entirely.
About 2 to 3 weeks, normally.
What is the longest you've ever waited for art?
About 6 months. I have had at least 6 artists on this website steal my money and never give me anything, however.
What is the biggest pet peeve you've come across when commissioning artists?
Poor work ethic, loss of quality on my work compared to others.
What's the opposite--the favorite thing artists have done that you were really thankful for?
Kept in contact when things got rough, or were simply just honest about not liking the character I gave them. It doesnt hurt my feelings, I have hundreds of OCs and, dare I say, something for every taste. I'd prefer people just to tell me instead of..dropping the quality because they hate the subject lol.
What's the worst/craziest experience you've had?
Somebody literally cussed me out because they were tired of drawing the particular content I wanted. Like..I'm talking a full blown RANT here, and I got ALL of it. Ridiculous, childish and unprofessional. :T
If I'm not okay drawing something, I SAY SO. I don't... tell you whatever you as a person like is "wrong" because I DON'T LIKE IT, HERE'S MY OVER 9000 WORDS ON WHY I DON'T LIKE WHAT YOU LIKE
Jesus... some people. >>
Sometimes I have (with personal art and commissions) a piece which I like the idea of and it turns out good sketchwise... but somewhere along the inks or colouring, I start to hate it. It becomes a chore. I just don't feel like it's a nice picture and don't want to work on it anymore, and wish it would just go away.
I usually can never pinpoint why or what in these pictures suddenly bothers me. Maybe the more I look at them, the more disappointed I am with not overdoing myself? Idk.
But those I always finish. They just tend to take a bit longer because I need more breaks in between to keep up my focus.. anyone else who does commissions have this problem? :|"
From a couple days to a month or so.
What is the longest you've ever waited for art?
4 Months (for paid art). Needless to say, I wasn't given such a long time frame when I paid >>
What is the biggest pet peeve you've come across when commissioning artists?
The only thing that comes to me is the fact I've been told TWICE by the same artist that my art would be done within the week, and I've waited 3 and 4 months, with no communication on their part, and had to dangle the threat of a refund to get my art. It was a shame because I really liked the stuff, but I won't commission them again unless they change their practices.
I tend to be scared that artists would make my chars OOC, too. But it's not really a peeve?
What's the opposite--the favorite thing artists have done that you were really thankful for?
I can't remember anything in particular, but I always feel warm and fuzzy when artists mention that they like my characters/enjoyed drawing them.
What's the worst/craziest experience you've had?
Nothing that bad for now *fingers crossed*
over a year
*artist who take more than 3 weeks and not keep me informed on progress.
*drawing my characters and surprise discounts or extras. other than that artist that (at least pretend to) like my character.
*astist took may money and did a runner after stalling for six months, they didn't expect that would track them down (which took another 6 months finding their new and acual identity) and force them to either do the art i commission or refund me before i file a frawd claim on their ass (i dont buy adult commissions so i had nothing to loose). i got my art in the end
- Two to four weeks
What is the longest you've ever waited for art?
- From a popular artist, like six months plus.
- There are still some pieces I'm waiting for I'm pretty sure are never gonna come :(
What is the biggest pet peeve you've come across when commissioning artists?
- Loose pricing schemes. Part of my decision to go for an artist is knowing how much it's gonna cost me, and if that changes arbitrarily at the last moment, or they'll "decide after they're done", it makes me jittery.
What's the opposite--the favorite thing artists have done that you were really thankful for?
- Lots of communication! It's nice to discuss details, or have ideas pitched at me that'll improve the look of the final piece.
About two weeks.
What is the longest you've ever waited for art?
Eight months!!! O_O
What is the biggest pet peeve you've come across when commissioning artists?
Getting the final picture and nothing else, something I find dangerous since I don't get to approve any preliminary sketch, and thus I never get an opportunity to correct the aim if the picture wasn't heading in the right direction.
What's the opposite--the favorite thing artists have done that you were really thankful for?
One artist included with his picture several files of his creative process, containing various preliminary sketches and then the final picture in its stages of development. It was a neat insight!
What's the worst/craziest experience you've had?
Fairly tame I'm sure but one artist communicated with me until we agreed on what was to be drawn. After that, they ceased all contact and ignored further E-Mails yet kept pumping out pics and commissions for others.
I've been reading all of the responses just because it's interesting to see what people have experienced vs what they would like
...also it's really sad that almost everyone has that one artist who seemingly never finishes their commission... ;c
Thank you Jotaku!
This has been super helpful!
- a couple weeks to a month
What is the longest you've ever waited for art?
-like 5 years theres just one comm i will never get LOL
What is the biggest pet peeve you've come across when commissioning artists?
-IGNORING CHARACTER'S PERSONALITY/BIO or my requests if i asked for a particular thing to be happening!
What's the opposite--the favorite thing artists have done that you were really thankful for?
- omg i LOVE to commission ayapus@tumblr because not only do they do fantastic scenes that match your characters, they also do little warm-up sketches to capture the personalities of the characters before they work on the real thing? and they always give you those little sketches and i think thats really sweet- I also had like the best commissioning experience with denaesketch@tumblr she was just extremely pleasant to work with and does fantastic work i highly recommend both of them ;w;
What's the worst/craziest experience you've had?
this artist started out pretty good but the more i worked with them they started giving less and less quality work- and i don't mean that in a subjective way like just straight up went from a lot of effort/nice lines/poses/coloring to a very obvious little effort/wiggly black lines/colors everywhere/careless mistakes... and they stopped listening to my requests for characters and things i would like to see for sketchpages and just doing whatever instead and it was terribly annoying
Like... some artists would take it for granted that he's a regular, and take longer and longer with his commissions, and half ass them more and more.
It's... a really bad policy. >.>"
On average, how long is the wait time you experience from sending payment to receiving art?
About 2 months
What is the longest you've ever waited for art?
2.5 years
What is the biggest pet peeve you've come across when commissioning artists?
Lack of communication or updates from the artist; it shouldnt take months to complete a commission, but if for some reason it does at least have the courtesy to inform your commissioners / ALSO I really dislike when the artist FORGETS the commission; this has happened several times
What's the opposite--the favorite thing artists have done that you were really thankful for?
Artists who are easy to speak with
What's the worst/craziest experience you've had?
Well Ive had a few artist who take my money and disappear - never producing results, but my worst experience by far was hiring Rarakie. I feel I was screwed over so to speak as I paid over $300 for her commission; Rarakie at the time was not open for commissions. The next day; after taking my money, she explains she'll be opening for normal commissions which were 1/3 the price, but promised unparalleled quality since I paid significantly more. Did she? No, when I asked her for an edit due to a mistake on her end, she flat out said "No." On top of this issue the background wasnt drawn, it was a photo. Worst client service Ive ever had; unwatched her years ago and never commissioned her again.
It depends. Some artists are amazing and are done within a week or two (if not same day even.) Others ... take years -- my profile displays the naughty list.
What is the longest you've ever waited for art?
Six years and still counting.
What is the biggest pet peeve you've come across when commissioning artists?
Unprofessionalism. It seems some artists think that because they don't run a brick-and-mortar business that the same set of expectations one would have of such a business do not apply. That the customer must pay up immediately, but few artists commit to any sort of timeliness -- some are awesome like NowandLater and commit to her customers an orderly turn around time akin to a business cycle and artists like her I'm very happy with and are guaranteed to have my repeat business.
Unfortunately, some others take a commissioner's money, and do the job whenever they feel like it - often neglecting it in favor of drawing things for family, friends, or new commissions - and often cite personal problems, "it's a hobby of mine not a business", or some other irresponsible reason to justify taking not just a few months to finish but timespans approaching or exceeding a year. That there is some sort of cognitive disconnect about the expectations when one exchanges money for a good. That said, I realize that most artists I commission do not art as their primary source of income so I set my expectations for a turnaround time to something like 3-6 months depending on the complexity of the project -- it's unfortunate some abuse that patience to an extreme.
What's the opposite--the favorite thing artists have done that you were really thankful for?
Well, regardless of the customer experience good or bad, I'm always thankful for a job well done. I remember one year Frisket made me a badge for my birthday and I've always really appreciated that since no one else ever (cares to) remembers it. Some artists are really awesome, going above and beyond, and that's not only appreciated but remembered forever.
What's the worst/craziest experience you've had?
I'm not sure if I can really cite a "worst experience", but sometimes dealing with some artists feels like "walking barefoot among broken glass" -- say anything wrong, even inadvertently, and the drama one suffers is ... worthy of soap operas.
Hmm, I should probably throw in AnimalCracker's "furry bankruptcy" declaration.
I have waited almost 7 months for art before
Pet peeve is no contact at all. Also, someone ran with my cash and i can't get it back because using the paypal android app doesn't ask if you want to send as goods &services so i can't request my money back
I really like it when artists send me updates even when i don't ask, and even when it's "i got a huge commission, are you okay with me putting yours on the back burner"
Worst exp is the one described above. Craziest was the seven month wait. I did end up with extra clothing options though
Hard to say. It varies pretty significantly from artist to artist. I've had some stuff done in less than a day, some stuff I'm still waiting on two months later.
What is the longest you've ever waited for art?
Received, six months. Fizzled out and refunded, like a year-ish?
What is the biggest pet peeve you've come across when commissioning artists?
Overall, I've had good luck with commissions, so I honestly can't think of much. I guess I'd have to say ignoring certain details that I specified? There have been a few instances where certain things about the piece I received were not what I asked for. Minor things, usually, and not worth sending the artist back to the drawing board, but still.
What's the opposite--the favorite thing artists have done that you were really thankful for?
Professionalism, communication, and being accommodating. I really appreciate when artists treat me as a valued customer whom they want to satisfy. It makes me feel like they're taking the piece (and the money I'm paying for it) seriously.
What's the worst/craziest experience you've had?
I haven't had a truly bad experience, thankfully, but the very first piece I commissioned (like three, four years ago now?) ended up being a flop. Took a couple months to get some prelim sketches, then a rough colored version, and then...nothing. They did eventually send me a refund, which was nice, but the whole thing was kinda disappointing.
Longest? Near-abouts a decade.
Biggest pet peeve..? Probably being hard to get in touch with.
I like when folks stream their commission work.
I've never really had many bad experiences since I lean towards commissioning friends.. But I'd probably have to say the one time I tried commissioning someone and it ended being a ping-pong of missed or lost notes until simply nothing came from it.
Im still waiting on a lolisoup design, this is month 6 of my waiting. Tried to contact her and she said she was working on it after the con. Still no progress.
When artists with long lists of comissions never work on them and instead make adoptables. Or open comissions, get 3k and then dont respond for a year and when they do its to say no refunds youll get it when I get to it.
An artist Ive comissioned often was making me an adoptable but he was so inspired by my character story it became a character waist instead of chibi. I paid for the waists, even if it was more expensive. I like artists who get lost in their work.
I comissioned a girl three months before my boyfriends birthday. Everytime I asked for a status check she said she was sketching. Two days before his birthday she told me she lost interest but refused to refund me.
Just because nothing is written on a contract doesn't mean that one isn't in place -- a contract is inherent whenever money is exchanged. It's the details which really get hard to enforce because of a lack of a contract, but a person declaring that they're not going to do the work is clearly a breach of contract.
Don't be quick to judge, lest ye be judged yourself.
longest was about a month, month and a half, but that was a traditional ref sheet with watercolors
a pet peeve of mine is to hand over a completely finished work--and like, i mean without them showing sketches beforehand or anything at all--and not ask if everything's right, and then refuse to answer when i try to message them to correct something. like, 'oh here's the finished project go away now'. erm. thankfully that doesn't happen too often? i guess the other thing is where i feel like there's an unspoken 'yeah i really don't want to do this but i need money but also im not going to be personable at all'. just. like. refuse. idk. it's not going to hurt anybody.
my favorite artists are also my friends, and the people i laugh and joke around with in their streams etc.
i've been fairly fortunate i guess; there's nothing i can remember that stands out as awful or even really bad.
- Anywhere from a couple of weeks to a month and a half, depending on their workload and how far in the queue I am, but generally communication is available upfront of the expected finish time
What is the longest you've ever waited for art?
- As of this message right now, 10 years and counting. I wrote it off as a loss a number of years ago, an artist took a bunch of money from myself and a handful of others and then just vanished from the internet. Otherwise, I believe my longest wait was almost two years because the artist in that situation has no decency and decided that since it was a 'big' project, that he wasn't going to release the characters as they were finished, only the final product, when he got around to finishing it; all while taking hundreds of more comms since that point without finishing even a hint of the project.
What is the biggest pet peeve you've come across when commissioning artists?
- See above, in regards to artists that take comms, but don't do them in any manner of order, leaving it indefinitely on the backburner while continuing to take new and emergency commissions.
- Second biggest pet peeve is an artist that rose to popularity and let their skills diminish and pay not attention to anatomy so art comes out looking all sorts of wrong at a cursory glance, and requesting additional money to 'fix' it.
What's the opposite--the favorite thing artists have done that you were really thankful for?
- Restore my faith that the vast MAJORITY of artists aren't asshats.
What's the worst/craziest experience you've had?
- Hands down, it would be the project that took nearly two years before the first bits of art started to trickle out. The quick story of it is that it was a 23-character 'character select' sort of piece, getting the character icon and then a full-body fighting pose sort of deal. Each slot filled up almost immediately, payment was given, and then there was nothing. Eventually, there came a note that if I wanted my characters wings, I was going to have to pay additional money for it, because they 'take up too much time'. Which, I completely get, but there was no note or TOS regarding that situation at the time of that project, and the additional money was a significant portion of what I'd already paid. That was my first and second strike, what with the lack of contact and then changing their TOS because a bunch of people had wings, months down the line. I think it had to have been eight months before I saw the rough sketch, and immediately there was a sense of disappointment because I swear that they didn't even bother looking at the reference sheet, just made a generic female character and threw on her colors in the end and said good enough. Further down the project, once the colors were started, there came an email from the duo that was doing the project, asking for moveset names, stats and suchnot, so that they could move onto the next step of things. It was the middle of the work-week and I don't have much free time to sit down and set all of that up, so I figured that doing it friday evening when I got home was just fine and good; especially after waiting well over a year to even get to this point. Oh no, less than a day later, I got a nastygram email stating that since I was unable to 'respond in a timely manner', they just made it all up for me, and I would have to deal with it. This project was hell from start to finish, and I've no intent to ever commission or follow the pair again.
About a month
What is the longest you've ever waited for art?
A little over a year, but the artist had some huge RL things going on and I didn't really mind the wait from that particular artist.
What is the biggest pet peeve you've come across when commissioning artists?
Not sure if I've had any issues with artists. I'd assume not being available for contact would be a problem.
What's the opposite--the favorite thing artists have done that you were really thankful for?
I could list so many ;w;'
One of my fave thing some artists have done for me is when they add in a little something in the image that you weren't expecting them to do.
What's the worst/craziest experience you've had?
Not really had that many issues yet ;w;'
-A Month (cause of unforseen circumstances)
-No communicative updates. There can be extreme circumstances where the artist may not be able to do said update but they tend to be rare. Low and impracticle resolution which is != to the cost agreed on -.-
-Progress reports and check ups before posting. Last minute changes are EXTREMELY important and gives a chance for both the artist and the customer to reflect on the artwork before it's published.
-Thankfully I havent encountered problems myself, but I've read about enough horror stories and bewares to know who to trust with my faith and money.
Bruh, I'm still waiting on art from 2013... [PISSED TONE INTENSIFIES]
The artist reading my notes but not responding to me. Biggest. Pet Peve. Ever.
LOTS O WIPS, SHOWER ME IN WIPS OR BETTER YET PERSONAL STREAMS, so much love when artist's do that!
Went to go ask for an update, gets called an impatient asshole and gets blocked with no refund.
I suppose, on average, about 30 days. It really varies from artist to artist. Some artists, I know I'll receive the commission within just a few days, some a week, some two weeks, some a month, and some I know I'll be waiting much longer. As long as I know up-front the estimated time a particular artist has until completion of my commission, I can be pretty flexible about wait-times.
What is the longest you've ever waited for art?
Well, for pieces that I expect to actually get; I've been waiting about a year and a half on one piece. The artist has been good about communication, and I knew going in, it would be a long wait, and they've had good documentation of extenuating circumstances, so I've been OK with it.
I have had other commissions that I've basically written-off. I've been waiting 2 or more years, the artists have disappeared off the face of the internet, and it's too late to file Paypal disputes.
What is the biggest pet peeve you've come across when commissioning artists?
Attitude.
There are some artists on here that, while they have tremendous artistic skill, and have really good turn-around times, are just assholes, and will jump down your throat at even the most polite inquiry.
What's the opposite--the favorite thing artists have done that you were really thankful for?
I really appreciate artists that have good attitudes, are kind, and especially artists who genuinely enjoy drawing my characters, and treat them with love and respect.
What's the worst/craziest experience you've had?
Well, as I hinted above, I have outstanding commissions where the artist has basically stolen $100 from me, and disappeared off the face of the internet.
- Longest I've waited was about 2 years. Got compensated!
- Peeves: months without contact, asking to cover fees
- I really like artistic freedom taken by the reign!! hnnnnGGGGG
- No crazy experiences
...moooonth? Maybe? Don't remember! Quickest one was within 2 days by Grau!
What is the longest you've ever waited for art?
1 and a half, stilllll waiting. They keep skipping over my commission despite it being the longest wait on the list fdjhfsjd
What is the biggest pet peeve you've come across when commissioning artists?
Never getting an up or they send info/the art to my old account. A single look at my page would say I moved and???
Also asshole artists, I don't care how good you are
What's the opposite--the favorite thing artists have done that you were really thankful for?
Make cool art when i give them free reign!! I love seeing what people can do, I don't believe in limits
Some artists are just flat out very nice and grateful!! If people get stuff wrong on my character, I usually don't tell because it doesn't bother me
On average, how long is the wait time you experience from sending payment to receiving art?
For most artists it's anywhere from a week to about a month, but it depends on the artist and their workload. If they get a lot of interest it's typically 1-3 months, but if they're super fast at drawing it tends to be a week or so!
What is the longest you've ever waited for art?
3 years! 8>;
What is the biggest pet peeve you've come across when commissioning artists?
Kind of goes hand in hand with the last one, but lack of communication is by far the biggest issue I run into and the most annoying. The artist I waited on for that long had a DeviantART but they were more active on Twitter to the point where they didn't really respond to anything on DeviantART. I had to actually make a twitter account just to get their attention, and then they didn't even do the commission right (I had sent them a note with references explaining what was different about the character's design from when I initially messaged them 3 years back) and they had to start over again.
What's the opposite--the favorite thing artists have done that you were really thankful for?
I am SUPER THANKFUL when artists make an obvious effort to get things right, whether that's with the wait time or with getting details correct. I will wait for forever AS LONG AS I know what the artist is doing. I don't mind waiting, I just hate -wondering-. Sometimes I'll have references that are perfectly correct but the artist will get something wrong, but it's way less of a headache if the artist sends me WIP's of different stages. A sketch stage, an inked stage, a flat colored stage and then the finished product. Sending a version with flat colors is a REALLY good idea because if you get the flat colors right you don't have to change anything later on. It's so frustrating to me when an artist gets something wrong because they didnt ask, and then they go ahead and get to a point where I cant even ask them to change it.
Usually a couple weeks to a month because I tend to commission smaller things. A month or two for bigger pieces.
What is the longest you've ever waited for art?
Mmm. About a year I think it was? I was very unhappy about that.
What is the biggest pet peeve you've come across when commissioning artists?
I have two!
1. Lack of communication. I don't mind waiting or time estimates changing, but I want to know what's going on. I also do not like an artist expecting me to follow them on all of their platforms to see WIPs, finished commissions, or delay announcements. It's up to the artist to message their clients.
2. Not giving me some kind of time frame. I'm perfectly fine to wait. I'm okay if delays happen! But I appreciate a ballpark answer, even if it's like, "usually two weeks but may be longer!" or, "a max of two months!" Telling a client, "idk i'll work on it eventually" is shitty, especially if you pay up front and are ahead of people on the queue.
What's the opposite--the favorite thing artists have done that you were really thankful for?
It's really nice when an artist seems to enjoy drawing your character or just says something nice about them in the description!
What's the worst/craziest experience you've had?
Commissioned an artist for 4-5 small things once. Waited months for just one of them, and then asked if they knew when they might do the others. Their answer was to the effect of, "idk before 2050 probably but i jump around the queue"
Holy cow, that's terrible.
-The longest was three (bordering on four) years! And then I was finally given a refund instead of them finishing the art. I also had a two year long wait once before too, different artist though.
-My pet peeve is when they ask me to cover fees or send as a gift! Since, it makes me uncomfortable, and it's not allowed by paypal. If you want the fees to not be taken out of your profit, do the research and add that amount onto your commission prices, don't tell your commissioners to do that kind of thing for you!
-I always like it when an artist is very open and easy to communicate with!
-The worst experience I had was when I commissioned someone and had to hunt them down on tumblr just to get a refund. I waited three years before that. Though, luckily, most people have have worked with are not like that at all.
a year and counting :D
I hate it when they wont stay in contact or i see them taking commissions AND FINISHING them before even starting mine :/ just seems wrong and unfair, also to the people before me (if there are people waiting for art from the artist before me)
I love when they tell me when the art will be done, and then is done on time ;u; i just, igh yes, ALSO when they seem to add something like a little bit of shading on a flat peice or something it like ugh so happy i die
Right now im waiting on 2 peices of art , i cant get a refund form the person due to there tos and i was ok with that but now they are taking more commissions and mine has been sitting for a month (which is ok) but theres also people ahead of me who need there art to, so like... yah and they been odding the newest commissions and then seeeming to put off more and more stuff, i dont even think they could refund me anymore i think they spent the money already. Also wont keep in touch very well. I also feel like if i ask them they will tell me im harassing them and tat they cancle my commission with no refund and i payed a lot of money so i really dont want to upset them and ugh...
1 week - 3 months
What is the longest you've ever waited for art?
8 months and counting
What is the biggest pet peeve you've come across when commissioning artists?
I didn't really have a pet peeve up until a couple of days ago lol! I really don't like it when there's a lack of communication. Granted the only time I don't mind is if I get something within 1 month. However, after that, I start wondering what's going on after not hearing anything from an artist for a while, so I have to make my way and ask about it. I kinda feel like the artist I commissioned should be obligated to tell me what's up if it takes longer than expected, after all they are holding my money.
I don't really know how often I should be asking about my commission but I try and go for once or twice a month for updates.
Other pet peeve is that if my order gets rejected without reason or notice. I don't mind if it's one of those commissions that clearly states that it's not first come first serve, because it states that and I understand the the possibility of not getting picked. However, when nothing is mentioned in the journal and/or you see other orders getting picked, I start thinking why? In all honesty I won't get hurt if I get no for an answer I rather have that communication than to feel ignored. In real life store employees still tell customers "yes we can do that" or "no we cannot do that" they don't just 'ignore' them if the answer is no. Same thing with online stores even, they send you and e-mail if they sold out of an item while returning your money. So I don't see why it's so hard to say no to a customer who is ordering a commission from an artist?
The two above are my biggest pet peeves because I think communication is the most important part of keeping customers. Other than that, when artist tell me "oh btw you have to pay for Paypal fee" is another annoying thing.
What's the opposite--the favorite thing artists have done that you were really thankful for?
One time an artist made a mistake in finished piece, even after giving them the necessary reference. Not only did they fixed it but also gave me a few other extra to make up for their mistake. That was really kind of them and they didn't really have to give me extra art so I'm really thankful for that ;;
What's the worst/craziest experience you've had?
The same commission that I'm waiting over 8 months for. I see the artist still taking commissions from people among other things, while my, well over due art, isn't completed yet. They complete art for other people and I feel like I'm completely pushed to the side. This is really a tricky one, because if it was with any other artist I would have demanded a refund by now. However, not only did I send it as gift, but I consider them as a friend and I don't want to cause any trouble.
BTW: never pay for commissions through PayPal 'gifts'. You lose the ability to dispute, and you put the artist's PayPal account status at risk: PayPal could find out and suspend their account, seriously disrupting the artist's business. Certainly any artist asking people to send payments as 'gifts' either need to be educated or completely avoided, friend or not.
Usually 2-3 months or so.
What is the longest you've ever waited for art?
The longest is one I'm still waiting for, paid for this past December.
What is the biggest pet peeve you've come across when commissioning artists?
Sudden changes in style when my commission is completed, so it looks odd in their gallery.
What's the opposite--the favorite thing artists have done that you were really thankful for?
Portraying my characters accurately, but still in their own style.
What's the worst/craziest experience you've had?
Commissioned a feather painting a few years back, waited for 5 months while it got lost in the postal system, only for the frame and glass to be broken and shattered when it finally arrived >:
I just received a commission I waited for for 8 months! XD There was another I waited for over a year for before getting a guilt-tripping, grudgeful refund - since the artist had not responded to any of my messages for months (which were all polite), I had finally resorted to posting on a public "taking commissions" -journal of theirs with my experience and that I would not recommend commissioning them, and am going to have to put a notice of them on AB since they will not respond to me.
They immediately noted me back with stories of suicide attempts and ineffectual medication, and asked for my account number so they could return the money to my ungrateful ass... yeeesh. I was never made aware of their struggles until this note, so I apologised and was genuinely sad because I had been friends with them at one time, and of course would've cancelled the commission or given them more time... or even let them keep the 25$; had they not guilt tripped me about their problems I knew nothing about. I offered to help and listen if they ever needed someone, reminded them they're not alone... but they have not spoken to me since. I said hi to them at a con, dunno if they even realised it was me. Seemed to be doing better, so that's good.
Biggest peeve, or more than a peeve; an actual problem is if the artist does not respond for an extended period of time. And by this I mean WEEKS. I'm ok waiting for days, we all got lives and shit happens and you shouldn't be even expected to be reached all the time except by those close to you (maybe not even then).... but like I've had cases of artists not responding to me AT ALL. Even though they continue to be active and post other things, they blatantly ignore me because my questions about the investment I've made in their art are... troublesome??
If someone buys art from you, no, you do not need to become BFFs. But you do need to respond to the commissioner on how is the process going, maybe they want to change something last minute... that kind of stuff. The line of communication NEEDS to be open. Is all I'm saying. >:|
I love it when artists actually have fun with my commissions! I mean yeah, it's a job and it's drawing something you didn't come up with and thus, probably don't feel for as much... but if an artist tells me they felt happy and enjoyed working on what I commissioned for, it makes me feel all warm and fuzzy inside *w* <3
Then there's been a few "awwwh!" -cases, such as when one artist found out I was female, they made me a second commission for no extra charge that was more to a female taste (read: less sexual XD). I loved both the first and the second piece, but I found it a bit silly they felt the need to do so... but really really sweet of them to try and be thoughtful.
Also like it if artists get curious of my OCs and wanna hear more about them - idk, it's nice to be interesting. =u=
I think the one about suddenly suicidal artist is my worst experience, which was mostly just... sad. I really like their art, and really liked them when we still used to hang out... so them scorning me for wanting my commission from them and not knowing they're in trouble (because even though they handled the situation really bad, I do believe them; I'm sure they didn't lie about their feelings and situation) was shitty and sad, and sometimes I wish I could patch up the bridge they burned.
...but it's their job to do, not mine.
1-2 months seems to be pretty average for the wait time. Not too bad.
What is the longest you've ever waited for art?
Roughly 2 years. Still waiting in some cases.
What is the biggest pet peeve you've come across when commissioning artists?
Artists taking on too much and then not communicating + finishing brand new pieces instead of owed things repeatedly. Biggest peeve is a lack of/refusal to communicate and an attitude that they somehow have a right to your money and you're somehow being done a favor by them doing your [or anyone's] commissions. Like - you should be 'honored' that they chose to do something for anyone at all [this is especially bad when art is their sole source of income and they act like giant ****lords]. Oh, and inappropriate amounts of sexual comments and innuendos. Like, a bit is funny so long as it's wanted, but when everything is just to the point of being gross and people get the wrong ideas [ie - they're taking more than a professional interest or are interested in more than friendship]? I start to lose interest in supporting them. I've seen two artists do this and watched people get hurt after spending huge amounts to support someone they think is interested, only to find out it was all just words.
What's the opposite--the favorite thing artists have done that you were really thankful for?
Touching base with me every step of the process - sketch, lines, flats, etc.. It's not expected [I'm happy with one at sketch and one final check] but it is nice. That ties with artists who have kept me in the loop about where they're at - I don't need to know details, just that I've not been forgotten. Artists who are friendly and who thank me for my commission also right up there - I choose to spend my money on them because I love their work, and an appreciation that my hard earned cash is going to them is always nice [rather than the thing mentioned in peeves]. I want to support those who I like, so this always encourages me to spend more on them to continue to support them, regardless of whether it's their main source of income or just a supplement.
What's the worst/craziest experience you've had?
I've got two that tie, to be honest. I have one artist who owes me multiple pieces who basically took my money and ran over on dA. I've tried to contact them, but they've gone on an indefinite hiatus. It wouldn't have been so bad, but they came over here and opened up more commissions [and finished many] after supposedly not being able to do anything. That account is also inactive now, probably due to others finding her as well. Supposedly half of mine are done [as of mid 2013] but she wants to send them all at once and refused to give me what ones were done - plus no proof was given.
I also have an ongoing situation where I'm owed a handful of full pieces plus auction/AB extras and have spent far more than I normally would due to them being a friend, but when it became clear I wasn't getting any of my stuff done I stopped buying. Others who are still buying are getting their owed things done, and the rest of us are being ignored. They updated their queue recently and left at least 10 people off of it that I know of, myself included. There are probably more than that, though I can't say that 100% for sure. They owe 40+ pieces to people, which I didn't know until well after I'd bought from them, and we're still getting the runaround. New pieces are being completed almost as soon as they're posted [YCHs] and there are multiple new things being done, but the only owed work I've seen belongs to people who are essentially throwing bundles of money at them for new stuff or who are sucking up to them and basically rolling over. There's a serious lack of transparency to the whole thing and I've given up on them as a friend at this point, due to feeling as if I was used as a quick loan center [that one dodges payments to] and someone to aim angry customers at for a time [long story short, I was asked to help them manage their queue but got ill and had to take care of myself first] instead of a paying customer and friend.
Anywhere between a week to a month.
What is the longest you've ever waited for art?
A year and a half & counting ^^;
What is the biggest pet peeve you've come across when commissioning artists?
Lack of communication when commission is taking awhile. If there are problems, fine; Shit happens. Just give me an update.
What's the opposite--the favorite thing artists have done that you were really thankful for?
Sending me WIPs & listening to input from me.
What's the worst/craziest experience you've had?
No one experience, but it seems that whenever I commission a reference sheet of one of my OCs, something seems to happen to the artist (computer breaking down, family crisis, hand injury, etc.). I'm starting to think that my characters are cursed ^^:
Sometimes I have only had to wait from a week to about a month for commissions, depending on how complicated they are.
The longest I have ever waited (and I am still waiting :/) is going on three years. I don't expect to see anything from those artists, to be honest. It'd be one thing if there were constant communication, but there has been only radio silence.
My biggest pet peeve is lack of communication. Please, just talk to me, I am far more understanding if you hare having a rough time (I've been there!) than if you just poof!
There are artists who have gone above and beyond and asked about details and things I hadn't even though of. Every now and then, they'll throw a surprise into the commission.
My worst experience hasn't actually been as the patron, but as the artist, so I don't think it'll count.
I am trying to be more diligent in my research as to the reliability of artists before I consider commissioning them. Sure, quick turnarounds are nice, but not necessary so long as that person just keeps me up to date frequently with check-ins, so I know I've not been forgotten.
But if you aren't in a position where you can consistently deliver or manage your time like a professional, it might be best to step away from offering commissions.
On average, how long is the wait time you experience from sending payment to receiving art?
About 5 years ago I started tracking all the details of my commissions. Out of the past 687 commissions that I've bought, the average wait time of the completed ones was 54 days.
But that's less useful than you think -- some of those commissions were stream commissions, done on the same day. And some of them were done knowing full well it would be a full season or more before work was started. "average wait time" is only a rough estimate of what your expectation should be, but if your patience is not unlimited, then you should arrange expectations with every artist you commission, some sort of rough estimate of how long the work should take. For any commission >$100, I ask the artist for an estimated date of completion, so that I know when to start worrying about the commission, and so that I can set up my brain to chill out until it gets closer to that date. ;)
What is the longest you've ever waited for art?
The longest I know of is a commission I bought for $60 from an artist in 1998 at a convention. After many life events that distracted him and delayed him, he never delivered. He now runs a popular furry adult art pay site.
In another case, in 2003 I sent a cast of my face and $200 downpayment to an artist who makes fine quality Italian-renaissance-style leather masks. I never got the mask. Or the down payment, or the face cast.
In another case, I won an art raffle from an amazing artist and was promised an 11x17 inking. That was 2007, I believe.
But since I started tracking all my commission details in 2010, the longest commission I have that is still outstanding is 1820 days, paid for 8/29/2010. That piece has gone to sketch stage and got stalled there by health issues and the like. I'm still on good terms with and conversing with the artist, so I'm sure it'll be done eventually. 14% of my commissions are outstanding (incomplete) with an average wait time (from payment date) of 578.05 days. 20% of those commissions (about 4% of all commissions) are >1000 days wait.
Of my completed commissions, the longest I ever waited was 1288 days. That was by a coveted and extremely popular artist who is usually much better with such things, and to compensate me for the wait, she offered a free fully colored picture (completely unprompted, I was just super patient and polite the entire time). So it's like getting 2 commissions for the price of 1. Worth all of my patience and politeness and waiting, that's for sure! :)
The top 10 longest waits for now complete commissions ranges from 482 to 1288, with an average of 729.3 days.
What is the biggest pet peeve you've come across when commissioning artists?
Probably lack of communication. Although a few artists are just very disorganized and lose track of things easily, or don't take their profession seriously and handle some basic things like payments very unprofessionally. Those things sort of bother me, like I want to say, "If this is how you're going to earn your living - step up!"
What's the opposite--the favorite thing artists have done that you were really thankful for?
Communication. :) But more generally, professionalism. Professionalism means having a process and following it. Professionalism means not getting personal with the transaction (such as making excuses about personal life problems and so forth). Professionalism means owning mistakes and doing good by them, and learning from them. Professionalism means saying no to a customer when you might say yes to a good friend. Professionalism means acting friendly and polite in your service, without actually being friends. Many furries mistake friendly service for friendship, though, which discourages some artists from behaving in this way.
What's the worst/craziest experience you've had?
Worst experience would probably be that aforementioned mask. I went through the very significant trouble of getting my face cast, and shipped it to the artist, expecting I'd get it back some day. To this day I wish I had a custom-fit leather mask that just sat on my head and face naturally and hardly needed straps or anything. But I don't know if I will ever get a face cast again.
Craziest experience: getting a duct tape dummy made for my costume(s). That doesn't really have anything to do with the artist, per se, but it is a crazy thing to do for the love of art. :)
Also since your waiting times are so irregular (stream and post-season stuff), maybe using percentage would be better.
100 days estimate, but 110 days deliver = 110%
Stream commission done the same day = 100%.
Man... reading all this stuff I feel like a good person and an ultimate professional.
You're right, I should probably filter out the 0-day delivery things and run some stats on the rest as a different class of commission.
Sleepy professional. ;)
I really like it when artists enjoy the work I've commissioned them to do. Some will instantly gravitate toward one of my characters when I give the option, and they get excited about drawing them, even complimenting the concept. I love it when that happens. Also when the artist takes the time to go through my gallery for a sense of the character they're drawing, or for a sense of what sorts of things I like, or just checking out all the artists I've commissioned.
Crazy thing happened recently, not sure why I didn't mention: someone did fan art of two of my characters. Once in a blue moon I'll get a little freebie sketch or commission upgrade from someone because I did something nice, or paid too much, or they were just doodling and my character popped out. Things like that. More rarely I'll be surprised by being included, free of charge, in a cool group commission. :) But this particular bit of artwork was extreme 'fan art', a fully finished polished piece of art of 2 of my characters from an artist who does not take commissions, they just art on the side once in a while. This artist apparently follows me and really likes my fursona, Rooth, but they noticed a gap in my artwork. So, they drew a fully rendered scene of something to fill that gap. That was really touching and amazing, but unfortunately, the gap they saw was a complete of smut/p0rn, so they drew something very explicit. The lack of porn isn't an oversight, it's done intentionally, especially when it comes to Rooth, so it really bothered me to see him drawn that way, despite it looking awesome. I'm totally torn. I did send a note asking for a take-down as politely and kindly as I could imagine, but they are very inactive, and the piece was done quite some time ago, so I may never get closure on that. They had done the artwork on-the-sly, you see; didn't ask for permission, didn't show it to me when it was done. A friend had seen it and pointed it out to me.
I've been commissioning furry art for more than 2 decades now, and that's the first time that ever happened to me (that I know of!).
Specifically about professionalism, and not to mistake good manners and cordial behavior with personal friendship. Not that you aren't a nice person, or that we couldn't ever be friends! It's just that you can't be friends with EVERYONE you meet.
1-2 Months. Some artists pound it out within 1-2 weeks, but the long waits really raise the average.
What is the longest you've ever waited for art?
6-8months?
What is the biggest pet peeve you've come across when commissioning artists?
Generally, not being allowed input in the creation process. Not being given a sketch to see if everything is okay. I've had artists (clearly) not really read my description (simple bullet points not even a wall of text), and still take full payment and be like "whelp that's what you get".
Runnerup, lack of communication. Going dark for months.
What's the opposite--the favorite thing artists have done that you were really thankful for?
Professionalism. Good communication throughout the process. Handling of payment, discussion pre-sketch, going over sketches/revision, final product, quality assurance.
You can EASILY tell the difference between an artist who treats commissions like a career and an artist who just sees it as a way to get some money on the side.
What's the worst/craziest experience you've had?
An artist with a "no repost" policy. Payed for the art but they don't want us posting it on our personal sites.
and IDK ANYTHING ELSE YOU want to share??
One of the biggest things for me is professionalism. Even if your art is great, if you don't treat me like a client, I won't be coming back.