Main > Artwork
The thing about custom artwork (FAQ & rant)
Le Chuck:
I think Opt's prices are more than reasonable based on the quality of his work.
The cab fell through so his commission fell through FWIW. People that can't see the value of artistic effort frustrate me to no end as well.
Right on Opt!
mgb:
Unfortunately the whole idea of expecting five star meals at McDonald prices spills into most trades.
I have a side business doing security systems, cctv, etc. and people go and see these cheapy systems for sale at Costco. Then they call me and wonder why my price would be so high.
I get the same thing on arcade repairs too.
opt2not:
--- Quote from: Ond on May 24, 2013, 10:31:50 pm ---Long story short, I produced a draft release for a final fixed price i.e. not to exceed a quoted amount even with revisions and then heard nothing further from the customer. Nada. Nice one. It's why I generally prefer to do the occasional art gratis for members here just to give something back to the forum. I recently showed some artwork I did for a member here to a work mate who has another mate (in full time graphic design and drawing) to get an idea of what would be charged in the market place. The designer said he'd charge ~ $2000 for a similar effort!
--- End quote ---
Thanks for chiming in Ond!
One of the things I do before I start anything is collect a 50% non-refundable deposit at the beginning. I've been burnt like this a few times before, and it really sucks after spending all that time and effort. This deposit is for payment security and solidifying my time working on this, as well as showing a token of commitment to completion from my clients. A safety-net if you will. ;)
--- Quote from: Ond on May 24, 2013, 10:31:50 pm ---My drawing methods may differ from opt2not's, he hand draws the initial concept and then develops it from there. I generally generate objects from scratch using software and then digitally paint & texture over etc. Either way, it's a whole lot of work and time.
Whilst I have done some repro artwork on request for folks here, the bottom line is, fully custom drawn, original, commissioned artwork is just that, a one off, unique, with long term value well beyond the prices folk like opt2not charge.
--- End quote ---
:cheers: Kind words from a an amazing builder and artist! Thanks!
--- Quote from: shponglefan on May 24, 2013, 10:50:40 pm ---One thing I would comment on is the "fun" aspect of it. I went from things as a hobby to pro and found while things were fun as a hobby, they became much less so professionally. I think it's a combination of doing work for other people, doing it all the time, and taking money for it. Being subject to client deadlines and demands (and lord help you if you get an "endless revisionism"-type client), adds pressure and stress. And when you start doing the tasks over and over and over... it really does start to feel less enjoyable and more like work. And I don't know what it is about doing something for money, but that also seems to take away enjoyment. Something to do with the psychology of intrinsic vs extrinsic motivation perhaps?
--- End quote ---
I feel that way sometimes, but luckily with this type of artwork, most of my commissions were fairly open to my design. I mean, there is a bit of a vision that most people have, but on many occasions I've had a lot of freedom with how I interpret their vision. Which really keeps it fun, and less constrictive!
One thing the money aspect does for me, is it motivates me outside doing my fulltime job (with OT!) to come home and work on during my free-time. Without that carrot, I would probably lag a bit on the work time-line.
Great feedback! :applaud:
--- Quote from: Le Chuck on May 25, 2013, 10:08:31 am ---I think Opt's prices are more than reasonable based on the quality of his work.
The cab fell through so his commission fell through FWIW. People that can't see the value of artistic effort frustrate me to no end as well.
Right on Opt!
--- End quote ---
--- Quote from: mgb on May 25, 2013, 02:03:46 pm ---Unfortunately the whole idea of expecting five star meals at McDonald prices spills into most trades.
I have a side business doing security systems, cctv, etc. and people go and see these cheapy systems for sale at Costco. Then they call me and wonder why my price would be so high.
I get the same thing on arcade repairs too.
--- End quote ---
Cheers bros! This is something I combat all the time, but it's refreshing when I get people that approach me who really do understand the value of hard-work, and skills needed for something like this. And I do tend to give those people a bit extra, including consultation of their actual project build. When I do these types of commissions, I get down-right obsessed with them and really put all my soul into their work. It tends to be a lot of energy, but when I see the artwork applied to the cabinets, it really makes it all worth it!
:cheers:
SavannahLion:
--- Quote from: mgb on May 25, 2013, 09:56:16 am --- The thing is with a carpenter, they learn they're trade during 8 hour shifts and maybe some trade schooling
--- End quote ---
Just to nitpick and not to try and get off topic.
Only the :censored: ones learn their trade during 8-hour shifts. My father was a carpenter/foreman and worked for some big and famous names back in the day. The man had zero time to teach anything to anybody while on any job. If you wanted to work for him for good money, you were going to go to school for that trade, period.
Otherwise :cheers:
mgb:
--- Quote from: SavannahLion on May 28, 2013, 01:36:01 pm ---
--- Quote from: mgb on May 25, 2013, 09:56:16 am --- The thing is with a carpenter, they learn they're trade during 8 hour shifts and maybe some trade schooling
--- End quote ---
Just to nitpick and not to try and get off topic.
Only the :censored: ones learn their trade during 8-hour shifts. My father was a carpenter/foreman and worked for some big and famous names back in the day. The man had zero time to teach anything to anybody while on any job. If you wanted to work for him for good money, you were going to go to school for that trade, period.
Otherwise :cheers:
--- End quote ---
Yes, that is true. And to everything there is an exception.
In my trade, I'm always trying to learn more, whether during the work day or not.
But with art, it often seems like its a life calling almost.
It often seems like an artist starts as a child with this love for their art and it just grows and grows into a career and much more.
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