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MintyStitch — why you shouldn't be doing commissions
Published: 2014-03-01 00:29:13 +0000 UTC; Views: 3507; Favourites: 30; Downloads: 0
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║ Journal ║
this seems to be the topic going around and it relates to me a lot and my current livelihood, so im going to post this here for posterity's sake, as well as to get some important points across.
for reference: i'm been doing commissions for six years now, consistently and rarely closing shop. i have fulfilled all orders (save for my current ones, obviously) and have had consistent customer satisfaction throughout that time. i have never had to refund customers because i could not fulfill their order, or because i messed up their order entirely. i have also fulfilled every art trade i have done, at least on my end (we'll get to this later).
i'm not exactly a buyer of commissions for the most part, at least when it comes to drawings. my money tends to go to fashion-related commissions (necklaces, wristcuffs, things like that). i do, however, know the plights of those customers.
many artists in this community and outside of it honestly have no experience or knowledge when it comes to doing customer service. i will say this to those artists now:
learn how to handle customer relations, or do not take commissions
close your commissions. close your art trades. close anything you are doing that requires someone to pay you, either via legal tender or through art.
i don't care that you "need" money. i don't care that you really really want some art. you can't handle the game. stop playing.
i'm astounded that some people on this site treat their customers so poorly by making them wait for more than half a year or more for their relatively small orders to be completed, or require them to act super pristine and perfect in order to satisfy the artist and not piss them off. if you have a lot of orders to do, you temporarily close your commissions. it's insulting to your patrons if you take more than you can handle, and thus push them back even more. how dare you expect them to wait even years for your work. there's having patience and then there's this.
not all customers will have a vast wealth of patience to even handle more than 2 months of wait time. don't tug them along. don't make up excuses as to why you haven't done your work that you have promised to do and are obligated to do.
customers aren't going to care in the end, especially when you're doing personal art for yourself that doesn't pertain to even working on any other owed art you need to do, let alone that particular customer's. if i see an artist at least consistently working on commissions for others, i can at least trust them to get to mine eventually, because they have a good work ethic. wasting your time doing adoptables for quick cash or doodling new characters for yourself is insulting to the people waiting on you, and says to them "you don't matter to me. i don't respect you enough to do the work you paid me to do."
compare this to non-artist jobs in customer service. if i ordered a meal at a restaurant, and wasn't served within an hour, i would be pissed! yet you expect your customers to wait for exorbitant amounts of time? don't be ridiculous.
as for the attitude thing, i'll make this clear: you're going to have to deal with a lot of shit when it comes to customer relationships. i've had customers that took weeks to give me references of their characters. i've had customers that just flat out did not know what they wanted, so they through money at me and hoped for the best. i've dealt with customers that barely had a grasp on english. these are common problems that happen, but you MUST still treat them with respect. they are offering to give you their hard-earned money for your work, so act like you deserve it.
recently i conversed with a person that complained about a potential customer being hesitant on buying from them, because they had a history of refunding orders after several months. the customer expressed that they would rather buy elsewhere than waste their time. "how dare they!" said the artist. "they wasted my time!" said the artist, completely ignoring the fact that it was them that instilled this fear into their customer(s).
if you have a history of doing this, why are you surprised that your customers would be concerned about this? did you believe they would just ignore your past behavior?
they are looking to invest their money in you, and if you aren't trustful, then they won't. it's astounding that this isn't understood by artists on this site, especially those who are over the age of 18.
this person also claimed that you could complain about customers that waste your time in the real world, such as work in food service or retail. i would like to see them get and keep a job in those sectors with this behavior, because that's asking to be fired on the spot.
as for art trades, i'm never doing them again. i've been repeatedly shucked for them and have gotten nothing in return. the last art trade i did was started almost half a year ago, and i've asked twice from the artist in question if they're even going to do it. they then said that that time frame is "normal". no, it isn't.
when i gave you my half within a week of agreeing to the trade, i expect at least a fraction of the same respect. instead you tugged me along for months on end, expecting me to be an unending pot of patience. you gave me excuses upon excuses, and honestly, they are weak. this happens all the time with others and it's just appalling.
I TRUSTED YOU AND YOU SHIT ALL OVER THAT TRUST. stop taking art trades and commissions because you obviously can't handle it at all. it's shameful.
and you claim that you are "failing school"? yet you spend a ton of time on this site doodling? give me a break and go fucking study. i can't even get a "refund" like a commission, because there's nothing to refund. simply abhorrent.
ugh.
in conclusion, i really advice anyone who's in the market for doing art trades or buying commissions to really take a step back and look into the artist and their work ethic. don't be naive with your purchases. you have the power to refuse these bad business runners your money, so do it.
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Comments: 44
Me with meps and such .lol.
Sometimes people do have logical "excuses" or reasons.
I wasnt doing any commissions or anything at all, but my computer broke right when
i had signed up for some mep parts. etc. I did not have another and could not afford a new one.
It took them months to fix, Luckily my dad had a spare. but not everyone get's that.
In the case of that event though it should be mentioned RIGHT AWAY what had happened.
I totally get this and i dont know why anyone would want to pressure themselves so much ...are they getting payed thousands of dollars to make them do this? I doubt it.
And treating customers shitty? yeah..that will get you good business. Good business right out the fucking door...
Now,sometimes it DOES take awhile to do hard good work , such as master master artwork,for some *ive seen some "Masters" who can do their work in under hours...
But not years or beyond months. Some do have jobs but still...I would only take one at a time if that's the case and explain. And it better be worth it hahaha...
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I entirely agree with you. Many people seem to think "Hey, people like my art, I can make money from this" without realizing that being a paid artist is 60% customer relations, responding to feedback, and making all your fans and clients feel appreciated. It is a customer service career. Entirely. I have been taking commissions consistently for a few years now, and of course there are difficult clients, but there is never any excuse to treat them poorly. It's very unfortunate, but quite a few of the artists I looked up to have disappointed me over the years simply on their behaviour, attitude, or untrustworthiness.
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This is a decent journal. This also applies to me but not as a customer, rather as an artists taking commissions. I've learned some lessons in the past about what types of commissions I can and can't handle, and even if I know how to do a type of art, should I offer a certain type of art as a commission in the first place depending on the experience. ex: being able to draw a background but whether or not you can draw it in a deadline.
For a while, ever since I had the chance to open commissions I only took certain types of sketch commissions because when I was a noob at selling art I used to accept doing work more than I can handle. 
To recap- don't take too much work if you're going to do commissions. Even if you've done a type of art that was outstanding before don't expect to do the same thing hundreds of times within a type limit, even if you think you can. Start small like with a sketch. And if you can't handle a sketch within a time limit, don't open commissions at all.
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I really just want to share and spread this all over DA, you are honestly such a gem. Any time I've sent you a commission request you were so grateful. I trust you as a vender, and I highly respect you on this site. I remember I requested something and you warned me that it might take a little longer to complete because you had a pretty high volume of commissions coming it, and yet you still had my commission done within the week. You are just Ugh. Amazing.
On another note, I know people who are complete jerks and make you read pages of information before you're even allowed to note them. Then constantly post journals about how their problems..THEN posts commission ads for quick money a day later. ijustcan't.
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aaaa that's very sweet of you to say ;_; i just try to treat my customers the way i'd want to be treated when i buy goods and services
and uuuugh yeah that can be annoying. i don't mind advertising commission journals again and again every so often (you get new watchers frequently so they might not have seen your commissions page, so why not?), but when they're super specific about how to ask for one it's eye-roll worthy imo. just keep it short and simple you know?
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I completely agree and you've definitely built an amazing reputation for yourself on this site. Your quality of work is amazing and 100% every time. Sometimes I see artists that are open for commissions but they're not consistent with the quality of their work and leave their customers disappointed. It's honestly unacceptable. Thank you for being one of the only people on this site that actually produces quality products, is organized, and doesn't take people's money while forgetting about their commission all together lol. There needs to be more people like you on this site. Not to mention it says a lot about your character and who you are as a person. FFFF you're just amazing haha I see many people advertise you on their pages and it's definitely well deserved.
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waaaaah you're too kind ;_;
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This is a very bold and honest journal, and I enjoyed reading it. Thanks for writing it!
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You madam have gotten yourself a watch! Nice to see an artist dedicated to their customer!
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I like this journal. Its not the normal whinging by artists bitching about how they undercharge by industry standards. Good job!
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woo hoo!
That is an issue within the community, so it's fair to call that out (as a lot of artists are indeed seen as just...art machines I guess? And customers will sometimes not value their art as much as they should?), but in this case I wanted to defend the customers more, because they are just as important uwu
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A very refreshing view on how artists doing commissions feel. It also gives vital information to those who considered buying a commission on how to watch out for potential "dead fish"
Well I keep an eye out for a few things when looking for a commissioner. One (a surefire way), the commissioner has to be well established - meaning others have commissioned that person before and there is sufficient customer satisfaction for there to be able to take more requests. That also involves extensive browsing through the folios to have an idea the length it takes, the artist's capabilities and, more importantly, whether the buyer liked what they paid for. Two, keep a sharp eye for factors that can affect the commissioner's work performance - Things like medical conditions be it physical or psychological (Carpal tunnel or post traumatic stress) , real life situations (Medical bills, rent, conscription) or even WHERE the artist lives (if you know the country the artist lives in has strict picture censoring guidelines, expect any of your erotically themed commissioned picture to be censored, as per the artist adhering to the code).
If you don't mind spending a little, and the option is available, commission the artist for a sketch first. Firstly, it gives you a good idea if it is to your liking. Second, it gives the artist you commissioned a good idea what to practice on should you decide to go further. The sketch is still considered yours, and you can commission the artist or others to color it (with the artist's permission, of course. Some prefer to complete their own sketches).
Oh, And it helps to be in good terms with your fellow artist, especially if you are planning to buy a few more commissions. Also, friends of the artist or the artists the artist recommends may be a good place to look if trying to find more artists to buy commissions from. Extra points if the artist knows the IRL because it gives you a good idea of their personality rather than being based on an online experience.
Hmmm.... my two cents for now.
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Rephrase: Keep an eye out for stuff like medical conditions affecting their performance. If they themselves notice their performance and feel down about it, do the right thing and support them, or give them a lot more ample time to sort things out. That's another reason why it's good to be in good terms with them. Your support will really mean something.
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those are some good points! although i kinda disagree with avoiding artists with medical conditions; that seems kinda harsh since those things cannot be helped. if they are comfortable enough to do commissions in the first place, then logically those medical conditions aren't as big of a factor. that's just me though.
as for the good standings thing, it makes me sort of wish that there was a feedback system on this site, similar to the one on etsy, or even ebay/amazon. i don't know how well this would be implemented, but it's something to think about! it would be good for attracting more customers too. i almost never buy from people on etsy that don't have at least 20-30 sales and a 5-star rating; having those qualities makes me feel more confident in my purchase.
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Yes, I was kind of questioning the medical thing (since the very first artist I commissioned has a few, but seems to be fine production wise), but there was something in that I want to get across I just could not explain it. But I'll give you an example. There was a talented artist (to be specific, #2, friend of #1, who is another talented artist. She wanted to start making MLP plushies, following in the footsteps of other great MLP doll makers in DA. She set up a commission list on dolls, made a few dolls, but overtime after making about ten or so dolls (some being huge dolls too!) her hands and wrists hurt. She had to call off the plushie queue due to such an injury and either refund the money or repay in art commissions once her hands healed. That action made her feel depressed and it affected her art for some time until she cheered up after a few downers going on with life and such. So she got better.
Oh hey! DA might have that system, but nobody's creative enough to try it. The critique system (a subscription perk) looks like it got the potential..... if only there is a way to remind the buyers to drop in the critique.... plus the artist has to have a subby. Bummer.
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customer relations is a MUST for doing any sort of interaction here in general, but i also think that alot of people's commission 'processes' are a bit off, aka 'have everyone pay up front the second you open and then prolong for months'.
in my case, yeah i'm reeeeeally slow and untimely with stuff, but thats why i ONLY take payment when i actually start working, so the actual delay is at most 1-2 weeks. i understand time and things get in the way, but it someone has paid you money to do something for them, not doing it is bad. that said, and this is something my family has told me when i encounter commission backups. 'UNLESS a customer has sent the payment or some form of it, it is NOT set in stone." meaning that if someone is waiting on a commission that was never paid for, just had a spot claimed, then an artist is not bound to it in the event something does come up, which as much as it sucks, can happen.
I also know that alot of people will do a half-and-half pay system where you pay X amount up front and X amount after a WIP is shown, it varies.
but yeah, stuff can come up, and admittedly i get distracted alot, as i predict alot of others do. I have an art trade that i need to work on thats a few months old, and i never get around to it because i get indecisive on what to actually draw, but i can say that its something people 'in general' need to work on, which comes from self-discipline, motivation, and staying professional about it.
Artists (my self included) need to learn more people skills, because it goes a LONG way, not just here, but everywhere else in life. Take responsibility, do good work if you have obligated to do so, and be polite about it, thats all anyone can ask for really.
nice journal
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i think that as long as you make it clear that there is going to be a delay, and give a time frame for when you can at least start, then there shouldn't be an issue when it comes to your customers. i have been frequently reminding my recent plush commissioners that I have 1-2 people ahead of them, and they seem to be fine with this and acknowledge that what they want inherently takes time to complete. i myself would not do what you're doing with your business, which is to take payment after you start, as that can be quite a risky thing to do. a customer might flake out on you or over-spend on other things and not have the money to pay you. but hey, that's your prerogative when it comes to that. i just wouldn't do so personally.
the half-pay system can work some of the time, really. i could only see it really working in a few ways: 1) when the commissioner wants physical goods of a canon character from a series or 2) a multi-part commission.
the first is what i do for plushes: if a person wants a character from the mlp show, then i will offer a payment plan. this way, if they end up not being able to pay upon completion, i can just sell off the plush to someone else. you can't really do that with an oc though; no one would want to buy someone's oc unless they are ridiculously popular (ex. flufflepuff).
the second is fairly obviously, where in if someone wants, say, 4 pictures, they could pay for 2 of them, and then the other 2 later on after the first 2 are complete.
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I came across this journal thanks to a friend, but had to say you make some really solid points. This is why I mainly commission friends. Anyway great journal and I hope anyone who reads this (that does the stuff said in your journal) will get a reality check. Nicely done. :3
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Really wish more people would say things like this :/ I know artists have been treated shit in the past but now this victim complex has gone way too far. To the point it's absolute insulting to anyone commissioning.
There really needs to be some equal respect for both people, and it's really gone far too much to the artist. |D Too many fans and friends backing them up too, rather than looking at it as something bad... not being honest. 8X
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THIS makes me so HAPPY. I have dealt with shit like that as a costumer and it's frustrating to no end!
as a person who does comissions I am doing my very best to deliver within a reasonable time and try to communicate with the customer so that their comission comes out right.
I have learned a great deal the last 6months....
like
DON'T comission someone who doesn't have a public to-do list
and don't even dare think about comission people that don't give you a WIP
or those who don't want to fix things in the art that THEY clearly missed. (aka giving the character in a blue shirt when it was really green in the given reference.)
or just flat out.... people that think they don't have to please the customer... that they think the CUSTOMER should be greatful that they get to comission THEM. basicly " Give me the money and hoe your's will be done within the near future. I'm far too busy for YOUR dumb picture."
thank you for writing this journal ; u ; now I don't feel so alone!
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totally; it's a big red flag for me if they refuse WIPs for whatever reason. and it's a HUGE pet peeve of mine when they dont follow a reference sheet for a character |: ugh
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yeah. made so many mistakes in the past now i am not buying shit from anyone unless they're really serious about the whole commission thing
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I 100% agree with you on this. You are absolutely right.
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I really hope I am not one of those horrid commissioners. I try my best to respond ASAP. I mean I do sometimes leave things up to the artist like positioning and background details. But I provide references as to what I like / dislike for when they ask.
I'd say out of the all the artists I've commissioned, %60 of them took more than two weeks to deliver after payment upfront. Don't get me wrong, I don't mind waiting that long if there is a line of other commissioners in front of me. But once it hits 3-4 week I get impatient and a bit aggravated.
I've been waiting on one since November of last year.
Little side note though, you are probably the most professional artist I have ever commissioned.
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oh no, you certainly are not!! i had a great time working with you, especially since i was nervous doing my first nsfw work.
there are times where i got a little annoyed by customers, but it was never really awful, and a lot of artists that claim to have "bad run-ins" seem to over-exaggerate a lot.
and yikes, you should contact that commissioner that you've been waiting on since november. that's a pretty long time!
also that's very nice of you to say that, thank you! u3u
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Wise words, even if long-winded (and I can certainly understand the reasons behind this length, they're legitimate). If a person seeks to offer commissions without being ready to, well, work on the commissions first and foremost if they get some, they should really reconsider things. Same for art trades and other deals. If someone offers a deal or a service, they should be ready to act upon their offer immediately and not waffle about for weeks or even months. I can understand legitimate reasons for not doing something quickly (say, tools of the trade broken or missing, having to suspend everything for studying or day job's sake or dealing with medical issues), but one should always care to maintain an ethic in these things, close commissions when they aren't up for them or are swamped with them 'till they are up again or are done with their backlog. And a good, strong, followed-upon ethic does an artist good in more ways than one; it also shows that they're dependable and can work with commissioners to would-be clients.
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exactly! like i can understand emergencies or whatever. that happens and it sucks. but at least inform your customers of these things.
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i've got too much to say for a stamp i guess haha.
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I can say a lot with so little. But this is why I gave up my desire to do commissions. And I really hate it when people make excuses or lies. One time, I wanted to do a point commission with someone but they declined because they said they were too busy with school, yet I see them posting new artwork daily with no interruption.
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yeah that seems to be a pretty frequent thing. the person who didn't do my art trade that claimed they were failing school said that they have a hard time deciding whether to do school work or refunding for commissions they dont want to do anymore. like really? you need to question which is more important??
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Anyone who needed confirmation on their priorities like that should not do commissions.
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Seeing this makes me smile so much for some reason.
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the callout is strong in this one
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I've found myself dealing with some pretty messed up commissioners in the past, and I guess it just makes me happy to see it being addressed on some level. I'm a pretty patient person, but I get pretty tired of waiting for commissions with no prior forewarning for wait times, or even an update to what's taking so long.
Hell, a good 70% of the current commissions I've paid for, I've gotten no type of feedback whatsoever. It really makes the desire to buy them dwindle... it's kinda sad really.
TL;DR: Thanks for posting this. Hopefully the someone who really needs to see this will... and maybe even some others will too :3
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that really sucks! i suggest requesting for some feedback, especially if you've been waiting for at least 3 months. looking at your owed section on your page, you definitely deserve some more respect from your commissioners. contact them and request a refund; you've been waiting long enough and your money deserves a better home.
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That's the thing. I kinda have. Only one of those certain few actually had a reason for the holdup, the other ones never once replied to my notes, even though they've been read.
I find it interesting how other accounts have seemingly dropped off of the face of the earth though. After the lack of responses, I just chalk it up to a bad commissioner, record em' and never let my or my friend's money or business be wasted on them.
Regardless of how much money or points I lost to them, I'm not even really upset anymore. I learn a lesson and they lose out on my generosity. Because not only do I tip for outstanding work, but I also keep notes to advertise and refer people to artists I find doing great work. So yeah. Karma does it's job in the end XD
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that sucks. i would recommend a paypal dispute for transactions done via that, but it's far too late to do so. i'm glad you at least have a sort of wall of shame going on though haha.
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Oh yeah... Revenge is best served subtly XDD
Anywhos, good luck with your commission issues. I really hope they can get settled better than mine :3
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