Internal fydbac

The subject of my price range comes up…surprisingly rarely. Publicly that is. I have a feeling there are some who silently share the same sentiment as those who have voiced the opinion that my pro work is steep, so I thought it best to address the topic publicly.

So, why do I charge what I do? First you must know: commissioning, freelance, isn’t a game for me. 

It’s not a hobby.

It’s not a side gig.

It’s my LIFE. It’s how I pay my bills, it’s how I eat, It’s how I can get what I need and (once in a while) what I want. Freelance is my bread and butter. If you haven’t noticed by now, that’s why I approach it as a business. 

Around 2006, was when I first started seeking freelance work. Thanks to clients (individuals and companies alike), and friends, I’ve learned a lot about my business. The most important lesson I learned was how important it is to charge my worth; not to short change myself. I could go on and on with all the topics that can be discussed about this, but I’ll limit it to my reasons for how I price my Pro services:

In the beginning, I charged based on the hours I thought the piece would take. Not wanting to scare a person off, and wanting to be fair for myself as well, ended up with me charging much less than what I really should. Basically, I would end up settling on the least amount I would theoretically accept. It was only while I was working on a said piece, that I would realize I would of charged more. I found it unprofessional to try and ask for more, so I never even hinted my realization to the client.

Weary of that, I decided to try offering flat-rates.

It’s been a couple of years now, and I must say, Flat-rates work for me. I base it on what I would charge for a mid-point type commission: detailed, but not quite super realistic. That way, I’m able to feel secure in my fairness to the client and myself. True, someone may request something less than what mid-range my flat-rates are based, but I must stay consistent in business practice to maintain balance.

Let’s say a person wanted a character illustration: My flat-rates are generally for clothed characters, but the person wanted a nude piece. If I alter the price, then I’d have to alter the price for each and everyone that comes after them. If I did that, there’ll be no point in having a flat-rate. In a sense, it’ll be like breaking a promise. And like a promise, if it was so easy to break my business ethics, then it wouldn’t be worth very much in the long run. So, the person wants a nude character, but my flat-rates are geared towards clothed characters; I have to do a bit extra to make up for it. If they just want lines, then throw in some free monotone shading. If they want flat color, then throw in some simple shading in there on the house. And if it STILL doesn’t seem to make it “fair” for my moral side, then chop it up for a win towards my business side. In the end, I am confined to the clients’ directions.

So, why do I charge what I do for my Pro freelance? Because it’s how I balance overall fairness between my client and myself, along side the worth of my morals and business ethics: If I’m 100% business, I’d have to sacrifice my personal artistic integrity, and if 100% without a business side, then I’d be destitute. Hence, I compromise. I handle my business model the way I believe is best for me and my client; How another artist may run their own services is none of my concern.

I’m beyond grateful I managed to build a style that folks are willing to pay for; but I will not allow myself to cheapen my worth to satisfy those who don’t believe I’m worth it. To each their own, but maybe someday…my work will brainwash those unbelievers into believers.  Until then, please keep the “I wouldn’t pay that much”-type comments to yourself: It’s rude to both my client and myself.

You can discuss whatever you wish, this post is just to share a bit of how I consider one of my services. I’m not trying to say my methods should adapted by every artist. It’s best for ME, and that’s all that counts; again I say, to each their own.

(Source: fav.me)

I love art tests, more often than not, they’re fun and freeing! Some, I know I could of done better on, while I know I truly put my all in most. BUT, can’t they pay a motherfucker for their time!?  At one time, one of my first ever company clients, said he hated art tests, said they were a scam since they were basically free work. At the time, I didn’t really see what he meant. But now…I know he’s right. Because a couple I’ve done DID feel like I was just being used.

So on top of all the shit we are put through to land a job (without a hook-up), we have to watch out for those who just take advantage of those trying to get a damn foot in the door. Even then, it’s not like I can really do anything to protect myself. If it happens, I will never know till it’s too late (or unless the company asks for more time than an art test should be, like a fully polished illustration).

Cause the moment you ask some kind of suspicious question, it’ll be no problem for them to toss your ass, and hop on the next artist in the endless line just outside their door. For every 2 Artist “fighting” the system, there’re 10 assholes who would more than happy be a quiet little pawns, and 1 Artist who’s fighting the system the right way, by manipulating the system (and to do that, you have to pretend to be a pawn.).

How to fail and Art-test:

Art test #11 (or #12) within the last 2.5 years: Fucking. Failed.

The first art test I have no doubt I fucked up on. And mostly my fault. By the time ‘take 4’ of the art test was asked for, I was lost to my internal pity party.

I know I have a good grasp on Anatomy and Dynamics. Looking at my work, they did too since they contacted me. So the following are really just steps on how to fuck up an opportunity… fydbac style, yay! (note, I feel it would be unprofessional to be specific on exactly which company and share the main work I did. But sharing HOW I fucked up…now that’s for public sharing! Don’t question my logic.)

Test started as ONE objective. But turned to 3 or 4 by the time I was given up on.

Step 1: Initial  text (v.1) was about designing a mecha suit, and an arm device. Both were meant as an upgrade to the reference design provided.

Step 2: When they ask to see something concerning v.1, I translated it as ‘ We would like to see it in more our production sketch style” So v.2 was made in their production style and proportions.

Step 3:  Find out my translation was wrong. They wanted to see the human anatomy. So that night, I did v.3. The human anatomy, a semi-sketch.

Step 4: v.3 too sketchy, “feel free to take your time”, they replied. By this point, I know something went wrong. I was too overzealous. That should have been a sign that I was thinking too much. I didn’t heed that sign.

Step 5: v.4 (the one you see above). Though what I sent in, was worse than the one you see now. This is where they give-up on you.

Step 6: Obsess over anatomy, “I know anatomy, done it so many damn times, how could I fuck up on something so simple!?”, says my artist ego and pride.

Lesson: More like a reminder. Don’t let repeated mis-understandings (failures), coupled with the already present sense of being inadequate at not finding a position, effect your work.

I’ve been under similar stress before, and it didn’t effect my quality. But I think…my streak was bound to stumble. After 11 tests, 2.5 years…this was my first realized stumbled. And over an aspect I had so much confidence in: anatomy.

This experience reminded me of a couple of things: 1, always keep cool and relaxed; get the job done, and keep the over-thinking to a minimal. 2. It was about time I revisit anatomy anyway. I always knew I’m not 100% perfect, but know I’m at least advanced enough for a job. If I was as bad as some comments made me feel, I know for a fact I would have far less art tests offers. Especially from the big name companies.

I’m pretty sure I won’t hear from the company who was Art-test #11 again. But just in-case you see this…. Look at the above comparison.

You know that shit isn’t reaching a damn soul, right? Maybe even the biggest bullshit aspect of applying for jobs in this day and age.  The only way you’ll get a decent chance, is if you have a direct email to an actual person (gamesutra, cghub, and conceptart.org is really good for that. Love them) OR the company is small enough that their jobs@blank.com DOES get seen by an actual person.

It’s like everyone knows it’s bullshit, but just have it up to stop people from calling or emailing them about a job. And from all the professionals I’ve met in my long search, they say online applications are a crock of shit too. You need a direct email.

The fact that they exist doesn’t really piss me off; it’s when someone actually try and advise me to fill one out. I had someone do that to me just a few weeks ago (A person who worked at the company I was inquiring) at a networking function. It’s like, you really fucking think I don’t know about your online application? And do you honestly fucking believe I DON’T KNOW it’s bullshit!? Why the fuck did they think I was talking to them in the first goddamn place!? If they didn’t want to help me out by becoming a hook-up for at least a damn interview, then just fucking tell me. Seriously, I’d have MAD respect if they would’ve just came out and said that. But no, they had to feed me some obvious bullshit. Granted it wasn’t one of my most smoothest moments in bringing it up, but damn man…at least be honest.

And of course, the online applications only lead to bullshit replies.

See all that? BULLSHIT. Most likely, they’re looking for something specific, like not just a concept artist, but specifically for a certain style. So most are wasting their damn time by applying for a position that isn’t looking for their style in the first place.

More often than not, you ain’t getting shit but that bullshit automated reply. I loathe those replies! I really rather not get anything. Cause when I see that a company has replied, a part of me, no matter how many times I’ve seen the damn thing, is thinking “maybe this time they’re replying to me like I exist, and want to see what I can do for them!”.  But no. It’s:

“Thank you for your interest in blah blah. We’ve reviewed your resume and are impressed with all you’ve accomplished, but unfortunately, we don’t have any positions to match your skill, or the position as already been filled.

We’ll keep your resume on file for the next 6 months in case a position comes up where we think you will be most suited.

Good luck!”

I didn’t even need to copy and paste that shit! Fuck that reply, fuck their BULLSHIT ‘good luck’! I don’t need their damn copy and paste sympathy! I need a fucking job!