So, rarely do I discuss the annoying aspects of being a painter/illustrator or graphic designer that has work readily accessible on the inter-web, because nobody likes an artist that moans and groans...right? Well, my good friend Project Detonate got into the conversation today about being approached by shitty cry-core, emo bands, established clothing companies, non-existent clothing companies, vinyl toy brands, record labels or motorcycle companies wanting free design work so "You can get your name out there..brah" Here is a sample yet pretty accurate email composed by experiences we have both had:
"Like hey man, totally need some shirt designs for my band, we're a cry-core band from Nebraska, just go nuts, though we are in a tight budget, maybe you can do it for free, then when we get signed to vagrant records we can cut you a check, or take you on tour? whichever man let us know like totally into it, just totally let us know, toats? yeah its short for totally. so like toats! Oh yeah BTW, you will get full credit on our Myspace page and Facebook...we will also do a super gnarles Twitter Tweety Twat. I hope you are down, we are all in college so the budget is tight but we can totally hook you up with stickers and put you on the guest list."
The reason I am posting this conversation is this: I don't paint, design or draw for free. I would never have the nerve to walk into Taco Bell and ask for free Cinna-Twists with the promise of "A sweet Myspace bulletin" Unfortunately, we do not live in a world where "props" on your Facebook blog is gonna pay my mortgage.
Within the past year, I have been approached by clothing brands, record labels, toy companies, motorcycle brands, chip companies and "serious art collectors"....90% of them either wanted free work, heavily detailed work on a $40 budget or...I actually had one guy just contact me and ask me if I had any available free paintings.
Whenever I get commissioned for designs or a painting, I always go above and beyond and generally include fun little extras because I like and appreciate doing those things for people who help support me. So please, unless you are serious about hiring me, hold the smoke and mirrors for David Copperfield and the "internet fame" for that fat piece of shit Perez Hilton.
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2 comments:
Toats!? BWAH! First time hearing that. Never heard of cry core either. Good post. I received that thing you sent out and it looks good. Looking forward to it...
wow! people never cease to amaze me! but i hear ya man I'm in the same boat too.one of the downfalls of doing what we do!
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