(no subject)

[kooshinni.livejournal.com]

This isn't really a warning, more a question concerning a commissioner. Hope that's alright.
Has anyone recently recieved a commission from or sent a finished commission to Balloonpup (pop the balloon Pup, balloon)? Maybe in the past week or so. He's usually very quick with replies and payment, but I haven't recieved any sign of life after sending him a thumbnail preview of the finished piece. I'm usually hesitant when sending e-mail copies incase the person's gone on holiday or is just not available for some time - I'm always scared I'll sound annoying :P

Also, I'm new to the commissioning business and am not really sure what prices to set for my art (right now it's a standard price of $10-12 for pretty much anything), as well as how to deal with sending images without the risk of being ripped off. I'm still too unconfident to ask for payment upfront, but it seems the only way to be 100% sure you won't be ripped off or anything. Does any one have any tips, or maybe someone could tell me how they deal with this? Any help would be greatly appreciated, thank you in advance :)

Comments

[chlorophyta.livejournal.com]

I'm actually really impressed with some of your work! You seem to have a really solid color sense, and you -compose- your images, really thinking about what you're drawing and why. Based on what I saw there, I think you would be more than reasonable to ask for at least $50 for a full-background piece, and at least $20 for a simple character pic. Seriously! =)

[kooshinni.livejournal.com]

Thankies! :)
I've always been really low with prices because I never get much interest from other people. Seeing as $20 is often the average price among people, I went lower to grab people's attention, and was told that 'yeah, it's pretty reasonable'. Maybe I'll ask around again and rethink the prices.
Thanks for your input, though! :D

[gothwings.livejournal.com]

I'm in agreement with Nevar... remember, you should charge at least minimum wage to take into account the hours you've spent on a piece (prints obviously being cheaper as you can sell more). You do seem to be underselling yourself.

If you're worried about taking payment up front, ask for a non-refundable deposit (I ask for £5 up front) as this commits the person to the artwork without commiting them to too much cost. Personally I think you're good enough to ask for money up front.

I seriously can't believe you're only chargin $10-12 for your art. I charge at least £15 (about $30) for and equal pic!

[kooshinni.livejournal.com]

Thank you! :)
I always stayed low because I never got many commission requests or inquiries. But that might be because I'm new to this whole thing, heh.
Thanks for the tip. In the past I've considered asking 50% up front and 50% after the sketch is approved, but it seemed kind of weird asking for $5 since, for the client, it's not a lot to 'lose' before they see the sketch, so to say. I think I might try asking for payment (or at least, a considerable amount of it) up-front now, see what turns out. Maybe there's nothing to be unconfident about, heh.

[skulldog.livejournal.com]

Pup's a good guy, and I know a lot fo artists who have dealt with him with no problems. I'd say give it a little longer, and he should get back to you quick.

[pinkpuppybelly.livejournal.com]

I've never had any problems with Pop. I suspect something is up on his end. Wait it out for a few days.

[lemonfruitpie.livejournal.com]

:D totally agreed with Nevar, your work is worth more than just $10-12!

Ung, even if Balloonpup may be a good guy, I'd definately advise you to get paid before finishing the work. *twitch* This sounds way too similar to a commissioner I've been having problems with; she too, was very quick with her replies before I sent the finished piece via email, but then after that it's been near impossible to get her to contact me. It's been three months or so since I've finished the piece and she still hasn't paid me (apparently her mom sent a check and I never got it).

But anywyas; go back in the comm. and read some of the articles they have on commissioning, espeically Kaputotter's advice post. :) it's a great help. I suggest that you at least get paid after making an inital very rough sketch for the customer...that way, they know you're devoted to the work and will get excited about seeing the finished piece.

Whatever the case, good luck! And don't be afraid to ask for payment upfront, no matter how confident you feel. It's a business, and you're just trying to make sure you don't get ripped off. Good luck :D

[kooshinni.livejournal.com]

Pop's commissioned me before with no problems, so I'm not really worried about it being some sort of scam. Maybe the e-mail just didn't get through, it's happened before. Sorry about what happened to you, though :/
I've been suggested some of the guides before, I'll definitely go ahead and look into them.
Thanks for the tips! :D

[leswamp.livejournal.com]

I'm most comfortable with the half up front and half upon recieving the work because I've been jerked around rather a lot. Some artists I pay up front though, usually those who I've had good experiences with.

[weavermage.livejournal.com]

dear, your art is lovely and worth waaaay more than $10-12 :D
Maybe you can ask them to pay half price or a $15 deposit?
I have it worked so that we'll organise it and i'll send a sketch in, but they won't get a lineart view until half the total% payment and colours not sent until i'm payed. :D

[weavermage.livejournal.com]

and do I spy a Kinagaki in your gallery? You lovely person you. I'll have to remember to watch you when i next log on.