Commissioners, What do you want in a commission?

[ArtsyPride]

When you seek to commission art what are you mainly looking for?

• What style do you like more? Cartoon or Realism? Would you like the artist to have both styles available?
• How should communication go with the artist? Should they be friendly or straight to the point?
• Do you like to get updates with your commission or just want to see the finished piece?
• How do you feel when a commission is taking longer than expected?

I have no other questions to think of. Just trying to know the commissioners more so I can satisfy my consumers better in the future. ^w^
Thank you for reading, your response is well needed <3

 

[ArtsyPride]

When you seek to commission art what are you mainly looking for?

• What style do you like more? Cartoon or Realism? Would you like the artist to have both styles available?
• How should communication go with the artist? Should they be friendly or straight to the point?
• Do you like to get updates with your commission or just want to see the finished piece?
• How do you feel when a commission is taking longer than expected?

I have no other questions to think of. Just trying to know the commissioners more so I can satisfy my consumers better in the future. ^w^
Thank you for reading, your response is well needed <3

and if you have any other suggestions throw em at me!

 

[Gryffe]

> What style do you like more? Cartoon or Realism? Would you like the artist to have both styles available?

That's not something you should worry about on your end. I'm picking artists for their style, not because I like them personally (that's what patreon and ko-fi are for !). If I want something raw, energetic and that transmits violence and pain well, I'll take a look at ThwillArtz. If I want something more detailed, with a ton of nifty anatomical details, I'll see if Nyhgault has spots open. I'm not going to commission one to draw in the other's style - that would be stupid.

I understand the concern, but it really shows that you're looking at commissions from an artist's point of view, because a commissioner will never think in those terms

> How should communication go with the artist? Should they be friendly or straight to the point?

I think every indiviual is different, both of them. Some like to chit-chat, other don't. If you boil communication down though, there are some universal rules : courtesy, respect and efficiency, going both ways. Don't loose each other's time with constant back and forth because you can't make your point accross or your needs and desires clear enough. Not feeling like you're being judged (especially for kinky commissions...) helps speaking freely, hence the two first rules.

Everything else, you do you.

> Do you like to get updates with your commission or just want to see the finished piece?
> How do you feel when a commission is taking longer than expected?

Putting these two in the same basket. As a commissioner, I'm only really asking for two things :

1) That the artist holds their end of the bargain instead of running away with the money.
2) That the artwork delivered meets my requests.

There's no single answer - it's all a matter of context. Obviously I don't have the same expectations when I commission a student preparing their degree and using commissions as an outlet that supplement their income VS a freelancer that charges professional rates for their work.

Here are some general guidelines that should apply to everyone though the exact numbers are my own and can vary from client to client :

-A formal update every week is expected. Nothing fancy, just "I'm working on it, thanks for the patience !" is enough. It takes two minutes and it proves to me that you're still caring and haven't forgotten (because that can happen too !).

-If you're going to be absent for an extended period of time (family issues, heavier workload, etc...) I'm expecting a heads-up and a general time frame (it can be has vague "Oh, one or two months, probably !", but at least something).

-I'm patient, not an idiot. If you don't respond to any of my friendly reminders while still being active on social networks, churning out new artworks and opening new slot comissions while my own is still on the backburner, you can be sure your name is going to end up on all of the black lists someday and that your bank might call you soon.

In the end, it all boils down to transparency - even if it's a labor of love and trust and everyone in the furry community being friendly fluffy creatures that only want hugs... there's still a lot of money changing hands and I don't like it when my money is wasted.

 

[Tendo64]

• What style do you like more? Cartoon or Realism? Would you like the artist to have both styles available?

I personally prefer cartoony stuff. I've always been a hardcore animation enthusiast, from birth to now. That being said, I have an appreciation for realism as well--especially semi-realism. If I could afford it, I'd totally commission something of that style.

If you're asking this because you're wondering what to sell--sell both. If you have multiple styles, you'll draw in multiple crowds. Only if you're comfortable though, don't make yourself draw something that you don't enjoy.

• How should communication go with the artist? Should they be friendly or straight to the point?

I'd say a mix of both? If the commissioner makes a bit of smalltalk, I personally go along with it. But most times, I am straight to the point, but I try to come off as approachable and friendly.

• Do you like to get updates with your commission or just want to see the finished piece?

I really prefer getting updates. That way, in the sketch if something's off, it's easier for the artist to change it. It also reassures me the artist is working on my piece.

• How do you feel when a commission is taking longer than expected?

I'm gonna be honest, I get a little paranoid. A site I commonly used to commission art on somehow was FILLED with unprofessional artists. I kid you not, nine times out of ten, the artist just never finished my piece--this was a web-based game, so I was using virtual currency and sending it as a trade, which they would accept after delivery, and so thankfully they didn't run away with my money (because mind you I paid real money for said currency, as it was the only way it was obtained.) Still, I rarely actually got my art. Other times, I was full-on scammed. That site is no good--I'm currently trying to just get what I can with the last of my valuables and then I'm ditching it.

Anyway, I'm getting off-track. I do get a little anxious when a few months pass with no updates, but that's nobody's fault but my own--I worry a lot about things in general, anyway. As long as you keep your commissioner updated and accept when you're unable to squeeze the time in to finish a commission, you'll be fine. I like to update my commissioners every two weeks personally, but I'd say at least once a month works.

 

[TallmanClay]

• What style do you like more? Cartoon or Realism? Would you like the artist to have both styles available?
  • I like both.
• How should communication go with the artist? Should they be friendly or straight to the point?
  • I don't care as long as they sound capable. If I get emails and the person types like a little kid, it worries me.
• Do you like to get updates with your commission or just want to see the finished piece?
  • I actually don't like updates. But I think because I have yet to be burned so I'm more trusting. I'm not the kind of person to ask for changes so I like the surprise.
• How do you feel when a commission is taking longer than expected?
  • I don't think I've had one last longer than a month? I'd be worried though, and probably start post stalking like Gryffe mentioned.

 

[Kinare]

• What style do you like more? Cartoon or Realism? Would you like the artist to have both styles available?
  
  • I only go for realisim if I'm going to spend real money on it, but don't hate cartoony styles when I see people have them and have gotten them for fake currency before. I don't see any harm in having both styles available.

• How should communication go with the artist? Should they be friendly or straight to the point?
  
  • I like a mix of both. I don't like it to feel like it's all business and that they don't really care that I want their art, but I also need them to be direct about terms and what they expect from me. Seeing how they interact with customers has influenced my decisions, or if I get a hint from their post or website that they are extremely strict and inflexible it will scare me away.

• Do you like to get updates with your commission or just want to see the finished piece?
  
  • Definitely love updates, and I especially <3 the ones who are willing to try different things with me.

• How do you feel when a commission is taking longer than expected?
  
  • As long as the artist is open on why there is a delay and I didn't need it done at a certain date/time that was promised, then I wouldn't be upset. If I was promised a time and I needed it at that time, then I'd be pretty pissed and might cancel entirely and chargeback if any payments were made, but maybe I'd agree to a partial refund or some other compensation. If the artist just goes MIA even if I didn't need it by a set date, I'd give it maybe a month before charging back since we're talking real money here and there's only so long you can wait before a refund is still allowed via Paypal (but I don't know offhand how long that is).

 

[Freia the arctic fox]

I like a bit of a mature style. My fursona is a representation of what I look like in real life. I like artists that include things like long hair and I like if the body is very human like and mature. I'm very patient so I don't mind buying things that takes about a month or more as I want it to be perfect. I like when the artist ask if I want to change somethings. I can draw pretty well my self but I no longer have Photoshop and I'm not good with other programs but since I have some experience I'm kinda picky and I pretty much never buy commissions that cost less than 10Euro since I buy from artists that are on my own skill level or above.

I love art that includes some fun details like the things you get from YCH. It gives me new ideas that i use further in my own art like the hat that my character is wearing.

when it comes to style I usually prefer a cartoon style but I have one piece of art that have more details and look a little more realistic but that one is yiff art and I like that it is not too recognizable.

Communication is important and all artist I have bought from have been good at communicating and been good at asking questions. Questions are important since it's not always the buyer is too good at asking themselves if there is something that they want to change.

I don't need to get an update mostly because I'm good at asking the artist about the progress myself. They usually show me the finished product before asking me if I want to change anything. I feel very safe with YCH because then you already know sort of how the details will be.

As I said I do not mind if it takes long, I know that artist are often doing many commissions at one time and I don't think that it is a good idea to make them feel pressure because the art work will probably not be as good if they have to work in a hurry.

 

[Sir Thaikard]

On a similar vein, what do people look for in written commissions? It doesn't seem as popular as the drawn ones but I would think that would be because most people would prefer to write their own stories instead of have someone else do it.

 

[KimberVaile]

Ok, I'll bite.

I prefer a hybrid when possible. I usually prefer the proportions and anatomy be accurate when possible. Though, I tend not to prefer the ultra realistic art styles, I still like some vibrancy, color and tasteful exaggeration at times.
I prefer the artist do one thing good rather then two things passably, but that's just me.

Generally I prefer the artist not treat me like cattle, and have some form of social sophistication outside of. URG DO PORN? WHAT PORN YOU WANT? BE QUICK CAUSE URG HAVE MANY CUSTOMER.
You can at least pretend to be a normal human being, thanks.
As a side note, it's hilarious how many artists delude themselves into thinking the have the production chops of an established company and try to use canned corporate speak on you like you've just walked into a animation studio and you've just been granted the gift of god by having the chance to speak to them.

Yes, I like updates, because there are some details that on occasion, are misinterpreted or not included, or just choices in portraying the character that don't gel to well. So I like the chance to add my input before it becomes too late.

I would not mind if the commission is taking longer than expected if the artist communicated this to me.

Thought the topic was interesting so I decided I'd give some feedback since I commissioned quite a bit of art before. None of the feedback is directly aimed at you personally, ArtsyPride. It's just my general feelings towards commissioning, what I experienced, so on.

 

[CinnamonSkunk]

When you seek to commission art what are you mainly looking for?

• What style do you like more? Cartoon or Realism? Would you like the artist to have both styles available?
• How should communication go with the artist? Should they be friendly or straight to the point?
• Do you like to get updates with your commission or just want to see the finished piece?
• How do you feel when a commission is taking longer than expected?

I have no other questions to think of. Just trying to know the commissioners more so I can satisfy my consumers better in the future. ^w^
Thank you for reading, your response is well needed <3

Cartoon or realism: I go to different artists for different things! I have commissions over the years that vary wildly in style from different artists. Cartoony I tend to prefer the style like in my avatar - cutesy without the gross exaggeration of say, Ren & Stimpy cartoony. Realistic I tend to prefer more vivid and expressive/high fantasy than straight up super realistic.
How should communication go with the artist? Should they be friendly or straight to the point? It depends! If the artist and I have similar interests or they're enthusiastic about a particular commission idea, I like talking about it. But also it's weird if it's TOO friendly on either end, especially if you're commissioning NSFW unless you really know that person. I'd say - someone you know, commission a lot, have common interests etc - yeah sure! Otherwise? Noooopee. Just being professional goes a long way with helping establish that trust later, too.
Do you like to get updates with your commission or just want to see the finished piece? Also depends! For small things like sketches, chibis, icons etc I don't really care about approving it. That also is because of the lower price point and less time to finish, so the approval stage adds unnecessary wait times on both ends. For larger/more expensive pieces, it's a necessity. I would not be happy if I commissioned a $200 painted scene or something and didn't get to approve the sketch. That's a lot of time poured and money into a piece - I'm willing to take losses (ex wonky pose, wrong eye color, character drawn more like a different species) on small commissions, but NEVER on big ones.
How do you feel when a commission is taking longer than expected? Normally this does not bother me at all. I have had commissions that have taken 2 years (yes, really!) to complete due to life circumstances of the artist. But here's the trick: STAY IN CONTACT! An update once a month is SUPER appreciated if it's something getting delayed. As long as the artist stays in contact and provides logical reasons (long queues, moving, medical issues whatever) then it's fine. But a commission is a professional transaction where money is exchanged for a good, so you have to be respectful of customers and message them - not just posting a journal, but messaging and apologizing directly if need be for more absurd wait times. I have a commission right now where I'm pretty sure the artist ditched me but I wouldn't know either way because they said they'd start work "next week", then "oh sorry i have 2 ahead of you i meant next month" (a month goes by) "Oh sorry I meant like 6 months" when they could have just been honest the first time. I'd rather hear "This will take 4 months" than being strung along every coupla weeks. SIGH.

Anyways sorry for longpost! I've just been a commissioner for a very long time (I wanna say around 12 years) so I've seen a lot of good, bad & ugly as far as working with artists. But! that being said! I've only encountered 3 artists (out of the 100~ or so I've commissioned!) who have been rude enough I cancelled or straight up walked off with my money.

 

[Frank Gulotta]

Style-wise : Depends obviously, if I'm commissioning someone who does realism, I hope to get realism. Likewise for every other style
I like everyone to be friendly, but straight to the point, they're not mutually exclusive
I like updates, because I like them to surprise me but only in a good way. So better get a safety net for that
Longer time is fine, I do commissions myself and they cause me art block

 

[MaelstromEyre]

• What style do you like more? Cartoon or Realism? Would you like the artist to have both styles available?

• How should communication go with the artist? Should they be friendly or straight to the point?

• Do you like to get updates with your commission or just want to see the finished piece?

• How do you feel when a commission is taking longer than expected?

I like a blend, it really depends on the artist's style. I prefer more classic Disney style for cartoony - not a fan of anime. I've seen some really beautiful realistic art of other anthros and would consider getting some for myself.

Well, I'm a paying customer, so I'd like someone who is at least friendly and willing to chat about any details I might want in the art.

It's not like we have to be best buddies, but I like dealing with people who seem to care about what they're doing and making sure I like the progress, especially if it's going to take them a while or I am paying a decent amount of money. I DON'T like it when I pay, hear nothing, then suddenly they post the new art on their page, having never once asked me what I thought beforehand, and it just looks "wrong."

I know sometimes real life trips people up and a piece takes longer than they anticipated, but usually I'd like to at least have a general idea of turnaround, especially if there is some kind of delay. Just write me. Tell me it is going to be later than expected.

I had one YCH bought and paid for and the artist poof'd, never answered my contacts, but occasionally other work would show up on their FA page so I knew they were at least somewhat active. But they gave NO information about the art progress. This went on for months. I sent a final note stating that if I did not hear from them in a week, I would go to Paypal to request the refund. Still , no response. So, I went to Paypal with the complaint and they did refund my money. Maybe a week or two after that, the artist was posting they were open for commissions again after having some "busy stuff" happen. You know, if they had the decency to just write back ONCE, I would have been cool with it. But they lost the sale because they didn't seem to think it was important to contact their customers.