Depends on what people want and not if it makes you feel overwhelmed.

Honestly, you shouldn't give out free sketches because people ask you for then. If anything, maybe free sketches towards your friends but you shouldn't feel like you owe anyone free stuff

I think the best options are C. D. or E.

C and D are the easiest to manage, and will result in fewer people trying to...take advantage of the situation or badger you.
E cause...doing things for free can sometimes get out of hand or become all consuming.

I agree

I agree with thunderstrike23, though personally once I get my computer fixed and saved up a bit I plan on paying you for your art, if I can come up with an idea that is, I definitely feel your quality is worth it

C. all the way :> just draw what you feel like.

you dont owe anyone anything unless you took compensation for it , trade,comission.
you should just draw personal artwork and not take request in my oppinion , everyone can enjoy that.
requests often tend to attract the wrong kind of people sadly,nothing is worse than doing something for free and people are ungratefull for it.

If it's a "Give back to the community" approach you want, then C is the best choice, but no artist is bound by ethics or law to provide something for everyone.

I think "E" is the choice if you're okay with the way things are.
"C" is the choice that'll statistically make most folks happy, but won't satisfy the folks who personally ask for free art / requests.
"A" and "B" are nice on paper but stands a chance to build salt from those not chosen.
"D" takes out the personal element that may make certain people unhappy, and takes the onus of the decision away from you - but in no way does it guarantee someone who couldn't afford normal commissions would get this one.

Another artist I follow has a long, rotating waiting list, streams regularly, and just pulls the topmost person of anyone present from the waiting list during those streams. This person also intentionally uses a style that's lower than their highest possible quality bar, in order to make the art happen quickly and be affordable to the folks who want to commission them.

I don't know the style of how you do things well enough to know if the above suggestion works for you, but there may be some tidbits to take from the above.

Ultimately, though, from what I understand you're a professional and, while it's nice for a professional to offer their stuff for free every once in a while, nobody should feel entitled to it.

Damn, sorry for the double-post, didn't edit quickly enough.

These approaches only really hit reasons 2 and 5 of your above "reason" list, too.
For #1, all you can do on that front is:
* Increase your throughput of existing quality work
* Offer faster quality work for price points reasonable for such quality
* Try out a system that gives a wider variety of folks a chance to commission you (e.g. waiting list).

For #3, the choices I can think of are:
* Make time to go back and catch up on incomplete trades. Example: Maybe for every 3 or 4 new commissions you draw, pull 1 backlog item as well.
* Ask the folks whether they still want your side of the trade. If not, offer monetary compensation equivalent to the quality of work they put in at their commission prices at the time. (Though that may end up irritating some folks, especially if they felt they were undervaluing their art at that time.)

For #4, it's a business.
You're not ethically required to share for free all the work that you've done, even if the dominant culture of the Internet at the moment leads some folks to demand it. The currently known method to assuage folks who aren't OK with paywalls is to release that content for free at a later date.


Anyway, I unfortunately haven't been following closely enough recently to understand the intricacies and subtleties involved in this particular case, so take my perspective with a grain of salt.

Any art which you create and share with the community is a contribution to the community. Allowing some other individual to dictate what goes in the art does not make it more or less of a contribution to the community. When you create something and share it, you are contributing, and anyone suggesting for some reason that it would be more of a community-contribution for you to create art for them is making a strange and selfish claim. It is your prerogative to share as much or as little as you please with the community.

Your history with past commissioners and art-traders is not really for me to comment on; you may have remaining obligations to them, and what you must do to make past wrongs right is a matter between you and those individuals. Anyone else suggesting that you have some obligation to make your labor available to them is being manipulative. Choosing to share is generous, but you have no obligation to do that. You have made sacrifices of time and effort to learn your skills and to apply them; like every skilled laborer, you have every right to put a price on the products of your work. Where you have sacrificed to create a thing, it is appropriate that others contribute if they want to enjoy the products of your labor. You don't somehow owe everything to everyone for free.

You have contributed more to the community than some people, and less to the community than some people. There is no expectation or requirement that you must match the generosity of the most-generous members of the community. Many people who demand such generosity from artists are certainly not contributing such time and effort themselves.

You've given some reasons that you may choose to do free work. They are fine reasons, if they satisfy you. But they are not reasons that you should or must do free work. If it pleases you to do so, you can do it out of gratitude, out of generosity, or out of genuine enjoyment of being able to please people, but it is wrong to suggest that you should or must do it out of obligation.

But as to your last question, I have no feedback on how best to do it if you choose to.

Good luck!

Well-worded, I strongly agree.

I will say A or D ^^

Option E is the safest one, but I think you'd have a great chance to please your audience with options C and D also. If anyone tries to take advantage of you, do not let them walk all over you.

Making up for your side of an agreed upon trade or commission is one thing, but outside of that you really don't OWE anyone anything. Don't feel obligated to work for free just because someone pressures you for it.

But if you want to involve the community more, option C is a really cool idea. You can set your own limits, but get feedback and see what people are most instead in. I think that's something that would benefit you AND your watchers.

Freebies are cool, but I'm honestly just happy to see art from you. You should never feel obligated to make free art for someone if you don't want to (except maybe in the case of unfinished trades -- I would probably feel an obligation to finish those, but that's just me. Like others have said, you shouldn't let people take advantage of you, especially as amazing an artist as you are.

That said, if you do want to do freebies, I would probably do A, C, or D. But I personally have certainly not been disappointed with the art you have put out. ^_^

(Out of curiosity, do you ever still do trades? I'm not exactly on your level, but I would love to do an art trade with you some time. XP)

I think D is the best option although A is close behind, but a lot of artists already do raffles so I think that would be the one most would be happy with, and just use a random number generator, the only downside is there will be a lot of people that go to the raffle instead of possibly commission you, now I have to admit, I would be one of those people that can't afford you (you aren't the only one) but I will always admire your art and say that you shouldn't have open freebies, just because people are guilt tripping you

If your concern lingers around making it up to folks who've been left waiting or simply can't afford your prices, I think B is your best bet.

I've seen other artists setup journals for FREE REQUESTS and whenever they've got the inkling to do so, they just scan through the list of ideas people leave there and pick a few they like. It's a nice way to provide something fun and free for folks without any set expectation of it being done at any particular time. When someone's idea finally does get drawn, they get a wonderfully pleasant surprise!

This is honestly something you could do with any combination of the other ideas too, it's something you could just have up semi-permanently for people to poke at and add to every so often.

I would say it would go very well with idea D, as that could be your method of giving folks who come out to see you stream a little reward too, again with no hardcore expectations set as it would be a raffle so it's just up to chance if they get something!

I'd just rather do a trade with ya ;D xD

Nah but, C or D would probably be the best choices. If you went with D, the raffle thing would be a "if you're in the mood" kinda thing where you can open them up anything you felt like it and if you went with C, alot of people would be eager to see what you'd make and then let the viewer choose which one you finish or whatever. Either way, I mean hey! It's free art! People can't complain too much about that right? owo'

Also... I kinda cave in sometimes too ;w;'

My sincere opinion: It would obviously be nice if more artists, not to mention ones on the high end as yourself, could do that. Few would probably even ask this question, and I find it awfully generous of you.

There is only one problem I can see: People might try to abuse you doing that, therefore you need to be sure you can handle it. Considering you're a figure of the fandom altogether, you might get loads of people demanding free art from you! It will be physically impossible for a person who eats sleeps and uses the bathroom to be able meet with such demand.

The problem gets worse when you consider that a portion of them might be the typical self-entitled person too. If at any point you'll have to tell someone you can't do their request or they'll have to wait a while for it, be ready for answers such as "but you said you'll do me free art, how dare you... I'll tell everyone on the internet what an asshole you are". It's happened before to artists, and it will happen again.

I'd like A or B, personally, though a raffle may be easier on you.

Short answer: No, you shouldnt.
Long answer: No, you shouldnt for a couple reasons.

First, because it could well hurt your commissions. "Why commissioning this artist? Lets wait until he opens freebies. Maybe it will be hard to be chosen, but it could happen!"
Second, because it could ruin your own disposition to do stuff. You cant imagine how people get when they have a minimum, minimum chance of getting free art. Instead of being an artist dealing with some users, you become a sole survivor against an immense horde of zombies that located you, armed only with a nail and a stone. No, seriously. You can't say you are greedy yourself until you've seen yourself in such situation.

Complains about paywalls are bullshit. People who are so vocal against them in most cases still wouldnt commission you; they're just salty because they cant get other's art for free, like we as artists were forced by some sort of law to share everything with everyone.

If you want to give back to the community, or somehow to 'clean' your image, draw personal non-commission stuff. Not only with your own characters. Do you like somebody else's character? Pick it and draw it in something that artist would like. If you want to draw said character in a situation that the person could potentially not like, send them a note and ask them about it. Get the initiative about that, but choose yourself. Don't put yourself on the hands of the horde.
Finally, posting the commissions is always a good idea. People also would be able to see what they could get from you if they commission you.

Also yes, Its true. Its impossible to stop people from downloading and reposting your art in imageboards or other places. But most sites actually have formal ways to get your art taken down from them -I've used them a couple times- and when images are uploaded to imageboards and stuff, they'll die quickly. And even if they don't because the thread was saved in an archive or something, the problem isnt that huge considering more people are seeing your stuff and can try to find you, over all if you put a small signature in the picture. It would becompletely different than people uploading your 'paywalled' art, where not only these guys that feel entitled to get everything for free actually win, but you also end angry because people still saw the stuff without having paid for it.

These are my two cents.

I'm glad I scanned the comments before making my own, I completely agree with this.

D. Sounds best. Not in streams though, journals that last a day so it's fair for all watchers

Another option is something I've seen in Jeremy Bernal's (EvilArt on FA) page a few times. He posts a journal announcing a sketch stream, takes ideas from the users in stream, and then sets up a kind of wheel of fortune with the ideas. He then sketches out whichever idea the wheel lands on. Not sure if that is the direction you want to go with but I've had fun with that and it does at a bit of "chance" to the decision so that there is no appearance of favoritism or any real grounds for complaints by people who had an idea that wasn't chosen.

E.
and this is coming from someone who'd commish a zillion things if he could afford it.
idk the details of your past experiences or anything but I feel like it's quite frankly irrelevant when it comes to the question at hand. Does free stuff from Cownugget sound awesome? Abso-fucking-lutely. Should he do it? Abso-fucking-lutely NOT.

Don't cave in to people who just want free shit (I know that's easier than it sounds bc a big angry mob can be a very convincing force), but by doing so you're not only devaluing your work in the process, but you're potentially snowballing into the same bad situation you used to be in. And that's the LAST thing you want. Hell, think of the bullshit you'd potentially put up with in the situation where you /do/ do them. People can be fucking savages when it comes to free art. It's disgusting, honestly.

Don't get me wrong, it's your prerogative above all else, if you just love drawing and love the idea of handing stuff out then that's that, but personally I just wouldn't do that. Ever.

And no, you did not /deserve/ to be an art slave. Get that outta yer head. You "contribute" more than enough simply by being an artist someone can commission for X or Y. That said I wasn't aware that anyone was obligated to make 'contributions,' and putting it that way sounds... well, kinda slave-y to me, no?

In the end just do what YOU want, not what everyone demands of you. We're not your boss at your job, you have 0 obligation to any of us. But since you're asking us for advice, then option E is the best option in my honest opinion.

My personal opinion. You don't owe anyone here, anything. We ALL owe you for posting years of amazing and enjoyable art, and I for one am very thankful for you posting what you do.

Do your freebies just based on what YOU want to do, to those you feel like, for whatever reason you may have. You don't owe anyone free shit, commissioners that have been waiting are only entitled to what they paid for and not a heap of stuff either!

Best of luck working out your course of action! Keep up the lovely art!

I think B and D are good options. This way you can pick and choose, you wont have to do all of them, and its organised than flooding your notes.

Ive seen a few people do this and use a random generator, or doodle ideas that they had a lot of fun doing.

Just remember, you have to *enjoy* these. Otherwise i think youd just grow to hate it. That and dont take too many that your commissions become obsolete. Moderation.

Also, to let everyone have a chance, only choose people who didnt get one last time. So the same people dont spam you (maybe) and its fair.

Free art gets swarms running, unfortunately. Just do your best to keep it in careful moderation. And first and foremost, enjoy it.

I think D is probably the one I see happen most often, but that's probably a consequence of who I tend to associate with. Free request streams are a good way to manage the time involved, since you can stream for four/six/eight/ten/however long hours and then stop when you get tired or something comes up. There's no obligation beyond that, and it's something that everyone can participate in even if they're not chosen.

A raffle is probably the best way to go - you don't wanna open the floodgates on 'free art requests,' if you know what I mean.

No.

Do a raffle.

I wouldn't work for free and I don't expect you to. Lots of youngsters in the fandom that think life is dreadfully unfair because they don't have any money. I would not worry about pandering to that crowd when there are those that will pay you fairly for your time.

I honestly think E is your best option. Keep doing what you're doing. Opening up to requests could be kind of dangerous. You'd get peppered with messages from people constantly asking you to alter pieces, or why you didn't pick them and all that junk. An artist of your high caliber doing requests, just unleashes the screaming, ungrateful masses. Obligatory movie quote "If you're good at something, never do it for free." -The Joker

I think you've contributed pretty significantly to 'the community.' How can anyone say otherwise?

Draw what you want, survey ideas and pick ones that you like (lonbluewolf does request threads like this, they're very cool), or collaborate with someone (ie throw ideas around with someone creative until something works).

If people have demands like 'draw me art' they need to pay.
This community is all about self insertion of your character too so it's narcissitic beyond just wanting art...
To think that you owe anyone free art when you and commissioners have posted voluminous amounts of vore, and your art's been around from the beginning, is ridiculous.
I do think you were a bit overprotective with the CDs and caused some upset, but that still doesn't warrant free art or even come close.
((I never got the second CD by the way : / ))

I like your work and unless its a trade or commission situation, you don't owe anyone anything. Do you bud. As much as I'd like free art chances, Option E for sure.

C or D wouldn't hurt, if done sparingly. If you do a raffle, i wouldn't recommend holding the raffle in-stream either.

A or B are only going to invite headaches and drama

It's been said many times before, but I will say it again. A raffle is the best, most fair way to do requests (artist's choice is another, but that tends to generate a lot of drama). It's how Strega - who never takes paid commissions - occasionally opens art out to fans, and many other successful artists also run raffles.

You can also offer "bonus" sketches for those who've been waiting the longest for commissions - I've had artists do that for me as well. It's good customer service, and might help mollify those who've been waiting a long time. I'm a private tutor, and I occasionally will do the same thing for really good clients.

But most of all you owe us nothing, beyond what people pay for commissions. People get so used to free art they feel entitled to it. Nope. Not how it works. I make a point of NOT asking for free art (unless it's someone like Strega that never takes paid commissions).

Only do the free vore sketches if it makes you feel good to do them. C and D seem to be the best ideas, that way you can find the idea that inspires you the most.

The Raffle seems like one of the better bets if you so go with one of the freebie giving options.

If you're good at something never do it for free, you don't owe anyone anything. Do what you feel is right.

Firstly I think that other than trades or coms that you know you have an obligation to you should not feel as if you owe anyone anything. The art that you produce takes time and energy. Not to mention the stress of dealing with this often times toxic community.

If you want to do some sort of raffle or freebie make sure that it's on your terms. You have stated in the past that people have pushed and pressed you into doing free work in the past and it would be a shame for that to happen again.

Price wise, having spoken with you I don't find that you are that expensive for the level of work. You set prices based on your needs. There is nothing wrong with that. As for paywalling. That's your right. You deserve to make a living!!

Whatever you decide to do. Make sure it's going to be something that works for you most of all!

Why not just do LIVE STREAM Free vore sketches only? first 5 to make it into the stream win the spot, or, number generator

my opinions on the options:

Main issue: People using multiple accounts to offset the chances of who gets what/etc.

A) would get way out of hand and you would have everyone including their mothers asking for freebies.

B) this can work if you designate a day out of the month for that journal and just pick from 1-5 depending on how fast you can go through the freebies. you would also have to set up a way to make sure everyone gets a turn cause otherwise you can cause the saltiness of people who never get pick vs the ones that always do.

C)this can work also. again, designated time of when you post the journal and coming up with different themes.

D)designated time of when you'll do the raffle or stream & keeping track of who got picked.

E) You are your own person. You know what you have on your plate and how to handle it. If you feel a strong desire to do this, then try it out. If it works for you, then go for it. If not, then don't. No one is forcing you to do anything you don't want to do. And if there are people who do, then they're jerks for forcing you. Unless the reasons as you mentioned in your journal are there (reasons 1 and 3).

But again, its all on how you feel you should approach this issue. Don't get overwhelmed by it.

I don't know what your prices are honestly

I would say if you were to do this and you truly wanted to, I'd say C and/or D from time to time would probably be the best. You are an incredibly talented individual, and you are quite patient, but don't let others bully you into giving out free stuff out of some sense of entitlement. If you feel like you want to do freebies from time to time, give them out on your terms and not someone else's, it's your talent and hard work to share not their's. I always think it's a treat(hah, pun) when I see your stuff show up in my submission notifications or watchin' ya stream.

I'm just going to pretty much agree with practically everyone here and say C or D. C will let you do what you want, while D let's it be a small amount and easy to manage.

However, if people have caused you so much trouble about freebies that you felt like a slave to them, I would say don't do it at all. No need to put yourself in that kind of position again just to try and please the audience.

I say maybe offer them in a stream so you can get them done right then and there?

you don't owe anyone anything

very grateful for what you've shared over the years

I hope you work something out you feel is satisfying though!

I'd suggest actually finishing the stuff you actually owe people. Doing freebies is just shafting them more, no?

with the level of work you put into some of the vore drawings, I say "NO"

Unless they are a high tier patreon supporter, then yes. Otherwise I say they should pay your commission fee for it. Just treat it as sketch, ink or color (or however you usually price yourself).

An occasional raffle (D) along with letting the fans pick an idea you have © might be nice if you just want have some ideas that you want to draw.

However, overall I think it would be better be sticking to commissions and completing them especially if they are a major income source for you.

As much as I love requests, I'd suggest C or E.
It's good when you compensate commissioners who have waited a loooooong time for stuff *cof*9*cof* by either doing some (!) requests for them (but first ya should finish their stuff ;3).

But besides that, maybe do more streams with lowerd prices, post more art in general and soooometimes you can do requests. When you feel like it and don't have an obligation.

The lowered prices make it a bit easier for you and others. You earn and don't work completely for free and others can snag slots for your delicious art.

You're one of the biggies in vore and there are a lot of people wanting to commission you.
Unluckily you have gained a bad rep for obvious reasons. And yet, people are willing to look over it since ya changed over the years. Maybe ya should interact a bit more and be a bit more active in the vore world. (If you so wish of course)

It's easy to destroy a reputation, but it's very hard to re-earn the trust. And some are even so stubborn that they will never forget and forgive. But those individuals are a lost cause.

You deserve our money! You do great work, and even though your prices are high by some people's standards, you state them openly, and you also state that you do take some time--like I said before, I don't mind waiting. As long as you don't forget about me, take as long as you need! C and D might be a good way to let people know you're still alive, and drum up some competition too--like how a lot of artists will hold YCH raffles or open up x amount of slots for a period.

You shouldn't feel obligated to do art for free--though I would like to suggest a possible consideration. For those who have paid and commissioned you previously, might not be a bad idea to occasionally post a brief journal stating as much, so people will know you're still thinking about them--just a suggestion, friend =3

You should never have to feel obligated to capitulate to others' demands. You're the artist, you're the one taking time out of your rl life to employ your talent for others' enjoyment. Commissioners know your terms and what commissioning you entails

Me personally, I'd only offer freebies to those I owe other art to already. If I owe someone for more than a few months, such as if I'm stuck on it inspiration-wise or have been staring at it too long and need a break from it, I always offer to draw them something different that inspires me a bit more for free, at least as an apology for the time the original is taking me.