That must really stink, sorry you have to go through that!!! You could try taking commissions through google forms, and having the first page be your TOS, that way it's right in front of your commissioner's faces. You could also make sure they check a lil box or something, so that way they've read it, and know what they're ordering 100%.

to add to this, I'd say make your Dos and Donts at the top of your list, if you do decide to make a google form, that way it's the very first thing people will see. Once you've reached the capacity for commissions, you can go through them, check them all, and if any don't follow your TOS, kindly ask the commissioner to either choose a different theme, or to forfeit their commission, and open the form back up, until slots are filled once more!

Yeah, I think organization has a lot to do with it. I need a visual overhaul on my TOS so I may scooch my list up to the top. It's hard trying to decide what's most important because I also do need people to know some of the technical information before they agree to it so I can avoid other issues down the line. It's worth a shot though, I'll mess with it and see how it looks.

If there's anything I can help with, I'd be glad to!!! I hope things start looking up for you soon. <3

If you have any experience with setting up google forms, specifically with gathering the information and putting it into a spreadsheet I need help with that. I've tried it in the past and it was an absolute disaster. I never wanted to use it again o_e

Sure!! I'm pretty good with spreadsheets and stuff like excel. I have to work like 11 hours tomorrow lol, but I'll be completely free monday to help!

But that would also make things difficult for ignorant people like me that don't know how to do all that document stuff, I would still like a comm. I do like to read all the stuff an artist does and doesn't do. I don't want to get on an artist bad side since I need to like the art enough to want a comm. It's only my opinion on the subject though. Possibly do what some artists I saw doing and limiting how many you take based off what they want, the reject the ones that are overboard. Not wanting to draw the things you didn't like makes sense since its why you don't really draw them. I'd honestly say that it's not bad sticking to what you like since its what made you the artist you are now.

Google forms would actually help make the process of going through commission requests much easier for artists. Especially when it comes to things they don't want to draw!
And Google forms are super easy! It's typically just answering questions about what you're looking to get, and usually you can have a copy of the form emailed to you so you can refer to it while communicating with the artist =)

Ah ok, then that could be ok. I'm ignorant to these kinds of things so that explanation changed my opinion a bit, thank you.

No worries at all!

I do actually want a comm from the artist too but I'm missing a reference sheet and the most important part, money

I've definitely tried google forms and had a horrible time collecting information and it turned out to be MORE work than just handing people my form. However I don't think I set it up correctly so perhaps I just need to try it again. I think they're very professional looking and easy for people to use and understand, plus I can easily translate it across different media (FA, Twitter, DA, Discord etc.)

I'm sorry to hear that!! I haven't tried to personally set them up though I've been strongly considering because I keep getting inquiries through notes even if I'm closed/inquiries and then ghosted and it's just exhausting!
I really like how professional they look, too!

These things happen in weird surges, don't they?

I'd say, maybe pick one thing slightly outside your comfort zone each month and try drawing it. Maybe just for yourself, maybe as a limited edition auction. You might find something you like, you might discover you really hate it, you might find it stirred up no strong emotional reaction at all.

I agree with the top comment! I feel like google forms tend to go a lot easier and avoid questions you prefer not to hear, and as for backing yourself in a creative corner, I'd say save the different things you want to try out for personal or experimental art? maybe open another google form for experimental commissions where people can ask for those different things?

But i totally get how your feeling, when I get asked to draw big muscular men and grainy characters, I'm confused cause its nothing like my art?

Ironically I love drawing muscly men but never get asked to draw them X3 - so again, it's a balance where the gallery shows a lot but doesn't show everything. I want to leave windows of opportunity for people to bring me something unique that perhaps I don't do all the time. You're right though, despite me having spent a lot of time and energy into building a gallery that I'm proud of, that I find aesthetically pleasing, I still get way off course inquiries for subjects I just have never and will never draw. Maybe it's obvious to me but I could do a better job communicating that.

That’s the thing about a lot of artists, sometimes when I look at their gallery and sees nothing related to what I want to commission for (I.e. avians, thiccs), it’s really easy to assume that they don’t draw those things. In reality, some actually don’t mind drawing said themes, it’s just that nobody commissions them for it. And I get it, commissioning someone who only draw skinny girls to draw a big muscular men is weird, since you have no clue how it’ll be because there’s no examples in their gallery.
So it’s really important to have at least an example for everything you’d like to draw to show what u can do :>

Yeah, I agree with the general theme of the responses here so far. put up a VERY clear cut list of 'will' and 'WILL NOT', along with a note about how rude and inconsiderate it is to badger artists to go outside their comfort zone. Hell, I'd even give a warning up front about not even having a three strikes rule concerning said behavior. Hopefully clearly established acceptable material rules will deal with things like this for you.

It's not like anyone has badgered me about it, but in 1 day I've gotten the same question 3 times so I was like??? Have you ever seen said [subject] in my gallery? Where are people getting this idea that I draw [insert subject]? I don't mention the name because I don't want to inadvertently kink shame, because that's not the issue.

If it's different people asking for the same thing, they may be in contact and all decided to hit you up at once for their shared subject matter. If it's just the same person on different accounts, that's a touch on the odd side, but not unheard of on the 'net. Still, to head off any undue stress that may come your way in the future, I'd still put up a clear cut list of acceptable and unacceptable subject matter on your commissions info, backed by a 'no means NO!' bit in your info as well. You're still gonna get the occasional question regarding that material, primarily because people just can't be bothered to read on occasion, but at least you'll be able to refer them to your list and stop that conversation from getting annoying / troublesome. 2020's been a damn weird year, and if there's a way to shield against more stress, I humbly suggest implementing it.

I DO have a list on my TOS. I always have. :']

Then you're up against the annoying / troublesome aspect of the issue. Sorry I missed that on your page. I have zero budget so I don't really look too closely at commission info. If it were me I'd simply refer them to your acceptable material list and gently nudge them toward getting that particular work done elsewhere. If they continue to bug you after that you can always look at taking more steps to mitigate that behavior.

You may want to just ignore them, because there may be some people who are intentionally asking for things like that just to bother you. There are people out there who get pleasure from harassing other people.

I think this is a bad idea though. I tend to give people the benefit of the doubt and it sounds like the artist does too (that's the impression I get). Plus if you aren't careful and shoot them down and tell them off, then that could come back to bit you in the butt. This is the internet after all, and with that territory comes the rumor mill and word spreads like wildfire online. Especially in niche communities like this fandom.

If they are repeat users who have not stopped asking each time, then that would be understandable. Spotted didn't mention that however so going by what they are saying I am guessing these are first time users asking.

I think in this fandom there's a very fine line between trying to be of service to people, offering them a friendly experience, and trying to help them get their idea together, and then just people who try to take advantage or really can't take a hint. I've experienced both, but you're right it can absolutely come back to bite you because furries talk. Everyone knows everyone so I try very very hard to make the experience of getting a commission as easy and clear as possible. Though recently, as you can tell from this rant, it has come at a bit of a personal expense since I keep having to repeat myself like a broken record. It does indicate to me that something is wrong and a lot of it has to simply do with my organization. People can't read my mind, I have to do my best to SHOW people what it is that I want. I'm not surprised that my TOS gets ignored, but I'm still annoyed by it. To your other comment, yes, finding that balance between diversifying my work and cultivating the audience I want to work for is very difficult.

I try to be logical and rational in the way I think, I am glad that it wasn't taken as being dismissive. As it can (and has online in the past) been taken that way.

Thank you for being a level headed person Spotted. ^_^

She clearly states what she will and wont do, if they are ignoring that and asking anyway then it is not rude for her to ignore them in return.

It's like people going into a public pool and running around when there is signs all over saying "No Running"

I agree with the top comment, but I also think finding that balance of what you feel comfortable drawing vs preventing creative stagnation can be difficult.

From the jobs I've worked in my life, I've learned that diversifying your work experience and/or portfolio usually leads to a better future. While those jobs were more traditional jobs (retail, service, driving related jobs), some elements of them can be allied to non-traditional such as being a artist.

However that's the hard part of the balance, figuring out what elements to bring over and what to leave out. I know that's a bit vague but hopefully something I've said helps. ^_^

I hope you would just say you aren't interested. I often get stressed out asking for things because I'm afraid the artist will freak out. I like to think it doesn't hurt to ask and I'll just be told no if the artist doesn't like it. It doesn't bother me if I have to come up with another idea or negotiate a bit.
I can't speak for others but I only like commissioning things the artist is inspired to do. It comes out best that way.

The way I see it, it's never harmful to ask a question. It's ok to ask and be curious. Asking questions is a neutral experience and should receive a neutral response because it indicates to me that something isn't clear or I haven't done my best to communicate the information as best as I can. Of course, I can't cover absolutely everything, and what I want to draw does depend greatly on my mood. However, I do also list out what I want in my TOS and my frustration comes from when I have to spend the next few hours negotiating an idea with the client in question. It's partially a waste of my time, because I like to move quickly and the more time I spend negotiating a commission idea, the more it stresses me out.

I understand. If that's the case, then I think you should restrict what you say you will draw more on your TOS. It may feel limiting but I think it is for the better to be honest with yourself and your customers about what you will draw. If that's all the same themes, then oh well! Besides, you can always change what you want to draw later.
As a buyer, I interpret anything not listed as "will not draw" as something you are willing to do. I guess if you want to save time, then be more direct about what you will not draw. If you are just going to decline a commission anyways, you could save time by adding to your "will not draw" list. You may feel like it's limiting, butbitnis no more limiting than not listing it and saying 'no' on an individual basis, which just takes longer. It also sets expectations for the customer better. People will be less likely to get excited to buy from you thinking you will be happy to draw what they want only to be turned down.

I'd love to commission you again soon. Your favorite things to draw are my favorites too! I want to ask for my super soft sweetheart Lily in super lovely feminine clothes and accessories, the way you draw so many of your characters! Lots of flowy pleats, with ribbons and bows and flowers~ If I can do two characters together I'd like us both in a wholesome and romantic setting. I hope you will enjoy it when I manage to get some money together.

Considering that your profile says clear and loud that commissions are closed now and you will never do requests....... Sorry those people are beyond hope. The question about what you like and don't like to draw is pointless in the first place when you don't draw commissions anyway. My conclusion: They don't read anything or it is not clear enough on Twitter.
o-Kemono made a nice guide about that topic recently. https://www.furaffinity.net/view/37792834/

It's not so much a freebie request so much as it is an inquiry. If people are begging for art, I just flat out ignore them. However this is more me having to spend a lot of energy and effort explaining to people what it is I like to draw, even when to me I feel like it's loud and clear. However also being careful not to paint myself into a creative corner by ONLY drawing certain subjects.

That's why FA sucks a lot. Anyone can comment and anyone can message with little to no precautions to avoid it.
I hope you feel better soon, I know those sorts of things suck hardcore. I can't guarantee that there won't be more from creeps, but I can guarantee that you have no business interacting with those sorts of people if you don't want to. Rando's are unworthy of attention when they come at you with some displeasant shit.

It's more like having to repeat myself with the answers to questions that I think are pretty obvious. Like, look at my gallery a bit to see what I'm really good at drawing, or notice things about my work that you like that you can then request yourself. Actually READ my TOS where I have a 'want, will, won't' list right there for you to help you find something we both like and we can work in harmony much better that way.

Ah, very true. Well, people who don’t do the proper research beforehand often set themself up for disappointment. It’s not your fault, don’t worry.

One thing I’ve seen some artists do is have their do/don’t lists on their front page, right where it’s visible to anyone before they even look at their commission information. That might help cut down on some people asking for things that make you uncomfortable.

I’m going to have to move it up for sure

You don’t have to date anything that makes you remotely uncomfortable, even if you need to make the coins from it. Your mind won’t be happy. You can turn them down and offer another example you are happy with or itching to draw.

Be good to yourself.

Oh trust me, I won’t. I just get tired when I sound like a broken record telling people what I’m ok with doing, when the list is right there

You could try doing something similar to what has on their website?
It lists what they love, like, then dont like right at the top of the commissions list
Makes it easier when looking to see if they would be willing to do a commission I have an idea for! ^u^
Another friend of mine has it listed right on the profile
And personally I have it listed here: https://www.furaffinity.net/journal/9158439/
Which is linked directly on my TOS, and my TOS has been my featured journal on my profile since I made an FA so no one can say they havent seen it, cuz then they are just being ignorant
Hopefully one of these ideas helps!

Yeah my list is in my TOS more towards the middle/bottom so perhaps it’s just a matter of moving it around

In regards to getting backed in a corner, you could do what I've seen some artists do, and say "I'm not interested in drawing <subject> for a little while, and will not accept commissions for it until then" or "I really want to draw <subject> right now, and I'm opening some slots specifically for that".

Yeah I might have to do that for a while

If it violates your ToS, you've full right to refuse it. If you're worried you're drawing the same stuff over an over.
Try branching out into something you want. Art is your outlet and income. You control it, my dear artist

I don’t think it’s enough for folks to be penalized for asking a question. I won’t take those commissions either way, I just don’t know how to make it more clear

I'm afraid some folks really don't read. I suffer that issue daily at my job site.
We've in bold white letters on dark tinted windows. "Please wear a mask and have ID ready for picking up a package. Yet, they leave them in the their vehicles.

We've another door that states "Employee entrance, only" and people still barge in there and demand service.

My advice my dear, is to politely refuse, and if they're persistent as painful as it seems turning down the money. Block them. For your sanity.

As someone who just had his initial commission idea rejected by you(politely and professionally, of course):

[Anxiety intensifies]

I REALLY hope I wasn't "that guy" to you. D:

No of course not! Sometimes I have to reject commissions simply from a time standpoint. Like either you sent in a commission form later than others or I just didn't feel comfy with the idea this time. Sometimes it can even come down to character design if I prefer one design over another. It really depends but I don't hold it against people.

I think it's okay to just copy and paste your TOS as a response and say nothing else to those requests! You made it clear, and it's okay to say no.