Trying to make money as a freelance artist
TLDRA college student struggling to save money for moving out considers freelance digital art as a flexible side job. Despite initial lack of customers and low self-esteem about their art, they persist, lowering prices and eventually receiving a big order. After completing the work, they face issues with payment and unreasonable requests for exposure instead of payment. The artist also deals with inappropriate commission requests and the challenge of balancing their passion with their need for income.
Takeaways
- 🎨 A freelance artist struggles to balance college, driving lessons, and earning money for moving out.
- 💡 The artist decides to offer digital art commissions as a flexible side job.
- 📋 They initially set low prices for their work due to inexperience.
- 📈 Despite creating a commission sheet and posting online, there is a lack of immediate response.
- 🤔 The artist contemplates if the prices are too high or the quality of their art is not up to par.
- 💰 After lowering prices, they receive a large order but face issues with payment and customer expectations.
- 🔍 The artist sends progress updates and final work, strictly following a payment-first policy.
- 😤 They encounter a client who expects work for free in exchange for exposure.
- 😣 The artist, facing financial stress, reluctantly agrees to do the job for exposure.
- 🤑 A client offers a tip, which is a new and appreciated experience for the artist.
- 📚 As exams approach, the artist decides to prioritize studies over commission work.
Q & A
What is the main character trying to achieve by opening up for commissions?
-The main character is trying to save up money to move out while maintaining flexibility in their schedule to focus on their college work.
Why does the main character initially price their art lower?
-They price their art lower because they believe their art isn't that great and they are new to the commission business.
What is the main character's reaction when they don't receive any immediate responses to their commission sheet?
-They remain hopeful, understanding that it might take some time for people to see their commission sheet and for the algorithm to push it into people's timelines.
How does the main character adjust their pricing strategy after not getting any customers?
-They lower their prices further, thinking that maybe their prices were still too high or their art was not appealing enough.
What is the main character's experience with their first customer?
-Their first customer orders a sketch for $10, and after some back and forth, they agree on a price of $70 for a more detailed piece.
What issue arises after the main character completes the first commissioned piece?
-The customer does not want to pay for the unwatermarked version of the artwork, implying they do not want to pay for the work done.
How does the main character handle requests for work in exchange for exposure?
-They refuse to do work for free, even when offered exposure through a customer's large following.
What kind of request does the main character receive that makes them uncomfortable?
-They receive a request to draw an explicit and inappropriate scene involving a character and an ice cream, which they reluctantly accept for $50.
How does the main character feel about receiving a tip from a customer?
-They are surprised and appreciative, as it is their first time receiving a tip for their work.
What decision does the main character make regarding their commission work when exams approach?
-They decide to focus on studying for their exams, as they have not received any new customers and feel it is the better choice.
Outlines
🎨 Struggling Artist's Commission Journey
The paragraph revolves around the narrator's endeavor to earn money through digital art commissions while managing college and other responsibilities. Initially, they set up a commission sheet with modest pricing due to their self-perceived skill level. Despite their efforts, they face a lack of response, leading to a reevaluation of their pricing. Eventually, they receive a large order and complete it, but are met with an issue when the customer refuses to pay for the final, unwatermarked version. They also face a dilemma when asked to work for exposure instead of payment, leading to a period of no new customers and financial stress. The paragraph ends with the artist reluctantly accepting a controversial commission for financial necessity.
📚 Student's Dilemma: Art vs. Exams
This paragraph depicts the internal conflict of the narrator who is torn between focusing on their art commissions and preparing for upcoming exams. Despite the lack of success in their art endeavors, symbolized by the continuous notification sounds with no actual orders, the narrator decides to prioritize their studies. The paragraph ends with a notification sound, implying a potential art-related opportunity or distraction, but the narrator's reaction is left ambiguous.
Mindmap
Keywords
💡freelance artist
💡commissions
💡pricing
💡algorithm
💡progress pictures
💡unwatermarked version
💡exposure
💡scam
💡drawing montage
💡tips
💡content creation
Highlights
Balancing college and freelance work while seeking additional income.
The decision to pursue digital art as a side job for flexible hours.
Initial pricing strategy involves setting lower rates to attract customers.
The challenge of gaining visibility and customers online.
Adjusting prices in response to lack of interest from potential clients.
Receiving the first commission and setting clear terms for payment and progress updates.
The struggle of prioritizing between passion and financial needs.
Negotiating with a client who questions the pre-payment model.
Offering a discounted rate in exchange for exposure on social media.
The dilemma of working for free in exchange for exposure.
The emotional impact of not receiving payment for work completed.
The unexpected joy of receiving a tip for good work.
The internal conflict of taking on undesirable commissions for financial reasons.
The importance of focusing on studies over freelance work during exam periods.
The constant notifications of potential opportunities amidst a dry spell.