I don't draw for free, even if I draw for fun

[raudf]

*sigh* It boils down to, "Not thinking how much time, effort and materials goes into any project." Or if they do, they figure since it's not time they are spending, then it's not worth anything.

Doesn't matter what field/hobby/job you're in, someone will ask for freebies because, "it will get you business." Uh, why would I want to work on a freebie that might get me more work, when I can work on ones that will be paying now and will get me the same, if not more, exposure?

Even in SL, I don't work for free and any freebies, I do for my shop, not for individuals.

[SkullBash]

I also used to draw/photoshop as a hobby during school, and so I think it's perfectly acceptable to name and stick with your price, even if it comes off as rude. Tough shit for the customer - if they get pissed then that their problem only. I concur 100% with the poster that mentioned that your time should not be given to someone who clearly does not respect it. Business is concluded and you don't owe them a damn thing except a "Thank you, goodbye".

[EricKei]

Charge what your work and time are worth to you, period. In fact, pricing a bit above that can easily keep the freebie-hunters away. Next time you do a comparable project, do the math and figure out what you'd need to charge to make a reasonable amount per hour (at least beat minimum wage, this stuff sounds HARD to do!), and add 50% to that "labor" cost. If you really want to land a project from someone who seems honest, that leaves you wiggle room to let them bargain you down from +50% to maybe +30%.

And, as other crafters/webbers/writers/etc have found out the hard way: even if it's for family or your bestest friend ever, GET IT ALL IN WRITING AND SIGNED! Get the materials cost up front (make this part nonrefundable once the project has begun - IN WRITING), at the very least, and a reasonable chunk of the labor cost. Worst case scenario, you've lost some time and have mats to use in the future.

[SourRobot]

When determining your hourly rate, remember you're charging for the price of a skilled service: minimum wage is NOT appropriate!

I am going to use this quote the next time I get some cheapo who wants something done from me for free. I hate that people don't take artists seriously.

[fireheart]

And you'll find that everyone who has practical skills will get hounded for free work. It reminds me when a computer savvy guy complained that everyone wanted free works done on their computer, and ended with 'No one asks a carpenter to work for free, so why should I?' The carpenter in the room laughed - The kid assumed wrong.

my boyfriend has helped my parents out on a couple of occasions and has been paid in bottles of scotch . Because he's spending time with me anyway, he's not taking time out himself for free work :P

On top of that, a friend of mine who was my go-to for computer advice once replaced the fan in my PC. He cut me a deal on that: if I could give him the space and part, he would install the fan for free. I wound up buying the fan from a parts store in the city and he did it the next day.

[Seshat]

Coming back o this thread after a long time away.

I actually am doing a piece for someone for free.

She's a myotherapist - a muscle therapist. Speaking very roughly, she's a specialised masseur: but that's like comparing a physiotherapist to a fitness instructor at a gym.

Her work is not (yet) covered under Medicare; our government health insurance. So at full price, it's inaccessible to many, many disabled people.

For people who are vouched for as being in financial stress (such as my family), she provides her work at a minimal rate. She might cut even, she might not, I don't know and haven't asked.

Her partner has just had a baby. I'm doing her a painting for their baby's room.


SOME people deserve to get my skilled work for free. Not many, but some. She's one of them.

[Kristev]

On the other hand, I've found barter agreements can be useful. I trade my fortune-telling for another kind of service or so - minds out of the gutter! I am not that kind of freak.

[EricKei]

I am not that kind of freak.

It's cool.

So, uh... What kinda freak are you, exactly? *runs*

[Mystic]

SOME people deserve to get my skilled work for free. Not many, but some. She's one of them.

Hopefully she returns the favour eventually with a free massage. Myofascial massage is amazing.

[Seshat]

She gives me a SERIOUS price reduction - ie, zero labour cost - every week, and has done so for nearly a year. I figure that counts.

[Reyneth]

Reminds me when I started knitting. People would start asking me if I could make this and make that. When they found out how much time a HAT can take.. and how much I'd be asking for it (because with those people-forget even just asking for the price of the yarn) well they complain.

I had someone at work kinda ask me just yesterday when I was working on my current pair of socks.

My standard reply now is "only if you're a blood relative and I still charge" (for commissions). She did understand I offered to direct her towards lessons but got the standard "I just don't have time." If she wasn't nice and if it wasn't my workplace, I might have shot back asking her why she though I'd have the time to make something for her when I didn't even know her name.

[protege]

Wait, he wanted you to put together a kit like that, and offered you a $20...when was not even providing the kit itself?

Yep, he had some nuts to make that offer. But, he hasn't been in my workshop since then. He'd go insane with what's in there now. Namely the Bugatti EB100 (Same car he wanted me to build years ago. I'd built up that kit, and bought a second one.) under construction. Nearly everything is out-of-production or hard-to-find. Others, are cars that I've added my own touches to--Chevy V8 into a Datsun 510, for example, Not your taste? What about a Ford Sierra that's been converted into the US-market Merkur XR4Ti? Just finding some of those kits is a pain, not to mention expensive.

[Argabarga]

Yep, he had some nuts to make that offer. But, he hasn't been in my workshop since then. He'd go insane with what's in there now. Namely the Bugatti EB100 (Same car he wanted me to build years ago. I'd built up that kit, and bought a second one.) under construction. Nearly everything is out-of-production or hard-to-find. Others, are cars that I've added my own touches to--Chevy V8 into a Datsun 510, for example, Not your taste? What about a Ford Sierra that's been converted into the US-market Merkur XR4Ti? Just finding some of those kits is a pain, not to mention expensive.

Hope you never have to shop at the hobby store around here, they consider a 69' Mercury Cougar Eliminator kit to be pushing the boundaries of "exotic"

[Kisa]

I am also curious; can the Op give me a link to a website with his/her artwork? I am curious now

I've been meaning to put together a page or get a DeviantART account, but haven't been able to find the time. Besides, my art is 45% special effects makeup, 45% drawing, 8% painting, and 2% misc. My makeup work is seen as grotesque to many (I'm a girl who likes gore lol). I'd be iffy about posting it :P If I do ever get around to it, I'll be sure to post the link

There are a few pictures of mine somewhere in this thread if you are curious.

[Amanita]

I see a lot of neat stuff on DeviantArt, I think you would be okay!