In all walks of life people want stuff for free. Ask any lawyer, builder, accountant, medical professional, shrink, journo... who often encounter people who want free advice. Substitute 'advice' for 'art' and we can include the profession that suffers the most from this phenomena. I bet each and every one of you have given your art away for free.
Well, stop it!
You don't show your work on here for nothing. You do it for the helpful feedback, the learning curve, and to gain support. It takes hours of work to produce a piece, then hours more submitting it to lots of groups and writing journals about it. So for the love of god will you guys stop offering free commissions! And stop asking artists for freebies too.
You don't have to be ready to go pro and earn actual money to put a value on your work. Nor do you need money to ask for a commission. You do need - the barter system.
If you're currently advertising freebies for inspiration or to challenge yourself, great! But please add that you would like your client (that's what your mates become when they take up your offer of a commission) to do something in return, depending on what they can offer. Everyone can put the piece on their page and write a journal with a link to the piece and the artist. It really isn't too much to ask and should be a requirement.
Getting into the mindset of making these barter transactions will serve you well when the times comes to start charging actual money. You will have learned to insist that others understand the value of your work; not to mention your need to pay the bills.
When approaching an artist to ask for a commission, consider what you're prepared to pay in return. If it's not cash, then what else might you be able to offer that is of value to them? If you're not sure, ask. Talk about it. Barter. But, please, don't assume the flattery of wanting a piece from them is enough for the artist to want to put their time and skill into creating something, just for you.
I have a challenge that I hope you will all take part in. Whether you are offering, or seeking, commissions for cash/points. Or have recently offered your art and asked for nothing in return (I know who you are!). Or maybe you have no money and would like a commission? I want you to post the details here.
Do it like this:
- I would like - Post details of what you're looking for and relevant links.
- I am offering - Post what ya got to give in return with relevant links.
With enough support/interest, we will start listing these on our page regularly.
If you're thinking about opening commissions for the first time, or are unsure of how to go about this whole bartering thing, note me for a kick in the right direction.
You guys rock! Skin by Immerot
