When is enough... enough?
Some of you may know that I do some screenshot manips for EQ2 (and the rare WoW one). I like to think they are fairly detailed and well done but thats a matter of opinion. I've got a sizable thread on the SOE official EQ2 forums and I get a fair amount of requests for artwork. Which no one seems to want to pay for. Which is ok, I refuse alot of requests for that very reason unless the subject matter interests me or if the work it for a good friend.
I had a differnt request reciently (unable to pay for the work... of course) but it was interesting enough that I entertained the possiblity. I made a charcter on their server and met them to take pics. We chatted about what they want and got busy taking some shots. I finished to the point of camping out and they completely changed their mind about what they wanted and we had to start the process all over again. WHICH got me to thinking...
1. It was agrivating.
2. Im not getting paid.
3. If they are annoying now, what's gonna happen when I finish? Will I be nitpicked to death over someone wanting to art direct?
The interest I had is completely gone at this point and I want to tell them nevermind before I get started. Which brings me to my new delima. Ive never backed out on an art piece before. I hate to say no, after I said yes but I really don't want to do this thing :(
I commission a small share of work from various people, and discuss as much as I can about the characters look, as well as personality before hand. I normally pay $20-30 for a piece, and have yet to be disappointed. By paying I expect to receive something that looks like other things the artist has done, and the ability to suggest small changes, but rarely find the need to make more than one suggestion.
I think some people have a completely unrealistic view on just what you guys can do, and sadly I'm seeing fewer and fewer people even taking on commission work these days.
Anything that makes something you love to do tedious, should be eliminated...imo.
Basically, they take what they are given unless they are willing to cough up for my time. Luckily most of my victims seem to like my ideas anyway and leave me to it.
I really wanted to say "fuck off" but instead I said it like this...
"You know, I've never done this before but I really don't think I'm going to be able to do this. These things take a significant chunk out of my personal time and I want to please you as well as myself. It's got to be fun or it's just a job and a job without compinsation in some form be it pleasure or monitary isnt much fun. I'm sorry to have wasted your time and wish you both the best of gaming experiances. "
Very nicely stated. I'm all for the "fuck off" response in those situations too.