I have mixed feelings on it. I have had transactions go fantastic between friends when I treat it like any other transaction and don't give a discount etc
Recently, I finished a large oil painting that was started two years ago. Because he was a friend, I significantly underchaged myself (we're talking 1/5th of what I should have asked for, even at my skill level) and only took half that upfront. I warned before taking money that due to my situation it would take at least a year (oils required me to work in a certain room in the apartment which was only free for long periods of time about once or twice a week) he understood. He knew I undercharged him and we agreed it would be without a deadline. It ended up going on for nearly two years and was a nightmare for several reasons: 1. I got MUCH better in the span of a year. It was insane. The composition and anatomy were unfixable in the painting at this point though making it misery to work on....I admit, I dragged my feet towards the end because I hated looking at it and I knew it was flexable. 2. I ended up paying out of pocket for materials, the deposit wasn't enough 3. I kept him updated etc, but after the year it was a bit strained when he visited. Most of it was my own anxiety, but it was driving me insane.
Lastly, when I finished the piece and gave it to him, he didn't pay me the second half. I was so embarrassed that it took longer to finish than I expected that I haven't asked him for the rest and I admit, it bothers me a little that he didn't offer it (and yes, he knew it was due on completion). Not a good experience at all.
That said, smaller commissions I am more than happy to take from friends. I do sometimes give a free commission for Christmas and haven't had issues with that yet. I don't offer discounts and find that has the psychological effect that I don't expect them to be lenient with me in return.
no subject
Recently, I finished a large oil painting that was started two years ago. Because he was a friend, I significantly underchaged myself (we're talking 1/5th of what I should have asked for, even at my skill level) and only took half that upfront. I warned before taking money that due to my situation it would take at least a year (oils required me to work in a certain room in the apartment which was only free for long periods of time about once or twice a week) he understood. He knew I undercharged him and we agreed it would be without a deadline. It ended up going on for nearly two years and was a nightmare for several reasons:
1. I got MUCH better in the span of a year. It was insane. The composition and anatomy were unfixable in the painting at this point though making it misery to work on....I admit, I dragged my feet towards the end because I hated looking at it and I knew it was flexable.
2. I ended up paying out of pocket for materials, the deposit wasn't enough
3. I kept him updated etc, but after the year it was a bit strained when he visited. Most of it was my own anxiety, but it was driving me insane.
Lastly, when I finished the piece and gave it to him, he didn't pay me the second half. I was so embarrassed that it took longer to finish than I expected that I haven't asked him for the rest and I admit, it bothers me a little that he didn't offer it (and yes, he knew it was due on completion). Not a good experience at all.
That said, smaller commissions I am more than happy to take from friends. I do sometimes give a free commission for Christmas and haven't had issues with that yet. I don't offer discounts and find that has the psychological effect that I don't expect them to be lenient with me in return.