Won't Work For Free....

A fellow artist friend and I had a short discussion today about being asked to do commissions, specific pieces of art for free or next to nothing.

This topic always infuriates me.

Why is it that people think that artists just sit around waiting for someone to ask to paint their kids/husbands/wives/dogs/even house or car (yes, been asked to do these before) for free? Why would anyone want to closely and intently study each wrinkle, shadow, hair, skin shades, lip contours, etc of strangers?

A lot of people want original art. I actually believe that even if I wasn't an artist, I'd be impressed with anyone who invited me over to their place with an extensive collection of art in their home. And who doesn't want an oil painting of their baby daughter over the mantel? I don't know of anyone who would turn that down! But do they want to actually pay for it? Nope...they usually want it for free.

Granted, it is usually the ignorant folks who balk at the prices. Usually these people are expecting quotes of under $50.00 for a 16 x 20 original painting. Do they even consider the fact that $50.00 doesn't even cover the costs to do that painting? Canvas alone in that size could be between $15-$30 dollars. Tubes of paint alone (depending on the quality) can run to about $10.00 a pop. Now, let's add in hours of intense concentration, skill (that not everyone can do), time away from our kids, our spouses, or even painting what we'd like to paint instead.

If you want to spend $50.00 for art...go get a cheapo print from Target. But you ain't getting your ugly mug done for that price.

So, as artists, what do we do? How do we avoid this issue? We can't completely. We will often be offended with offers of "I'll accept a painting of yours to hang over my tv. I got like 15 friends that come over every Friday to play Sims on the 'ol PS2 and it'll be great exposure for you." or even the faithful, "You should sketch out my next tattoo for me. I want a celtic cross with twisty vines and thorns. Isn't that idea kick-ass?"

I am often approached for commissions. The best outcomes are those that allow me to use my artistic license with very few guidelines except maybe "a mermaid" or "a tree" or "whatever you want, just use a lot of blues". But then there are also the ones that have a specific photograph to remake. I have learned through trial and error and talking to other artists....Tell the client how much it's going to cost them before you put one drop of paint to canvas!

There are differing opinions on this with different artists I have spoken to. Some take the chance, do the painting and then tell the client how much (way risky). I have seen artists who quote it ahead of time, paint the entire painting of so-and-so's grandma and then get stuck with a painting and no compensation for hours spent and materials used. Others (and myself included on this) give a quote and require at least half to get started. I have also heard of artists who require the full amount upfront.

Another way that I'll give away my art is by trade. An equivalent piece that I'm interested in by another artist, this other artist is equally interested in a piece of mine. We trade...(best trade experience ever? Group Exhibit at Bistro Bethem, I met artist Nicholas Candela. He called and inquired about one of mine in the show, I had been eyeballing one of his all two months the show was up. We met up at the end of the show and traded! I love this piece to this day "Mayday!Mayday!Mayday!" by Nicholas Candela).

So, if you want some art....reach down in your pocket and pay for it. You wouldn't expect a plumber to fix your pipes for free just because you assume they must enjoy their jobs. You wouldn't ask your babysitter, "Do you like kids?" and if they say yes, refuse to pay. Why get a piece of history, art for your home that will probably start many a conversation, maybe be passed down to your kids, etc and refuse to pay the artist who slaved over it? If you want to pay a compliment to an artist, it isn't "wow, you're pretty good. You should paint my hamster for me to put in the living room....for free." Believe me, that's not a compliment...it's offensive. Cold hard cash is an awesome way to show your local artist that you love them!