FINALY SOMEONE DOES THIS!!! I’m not an artist, I can’t art, and I wanna learn how to draw, but I have best friends who draw amazingly! And I see their struggles when it comes to clients! I will definitely show them this video it will definitely put a smile on their face! Thank you so much for making this video! Artists of all kinds deserve massive respect! And this video is a massive form of respect to them! ❤️❤️❤️
One thing that helps with my comissions a lot was making a google docs document with all the details. Poses, descriptions, other info, ref sheets or other references and sharing this doc with the artist in comment mode. That way the artist have everything in one place and have the option to directly make comments on the parts of the commission that causes confusion.
To be fair on the 3rd Bad Idea: Some Pony has a sense of worried and anxiety about their commission. For example: What if the artist is a tracing artwork or worst Scammer. it's just thought of it that all, But question. Do your friends have the same feeling as I had?
If you're worried about an artist's track record regarding tracing or scamming, the best thing you can do as a potential client is to do your research. See what other clients they have had and ask them about their experience with the artist, this way you have at least some idea of what your experience may be like. It may not be a guarantee as we are all human, but you will at least have some idea of what you're getting into.
Maybe look at their commissions folder (assuming the artist isn't just starting out commissions-wise). But given the track record of the "Bad Idea" OC established earlier in the video...
Thanks for the advice. I've heard so many stories about the don'ts of commissioning, so it's nice to have the full spectrum on how to avoid those situations.
What a Happy coincidence. I'm actually working on possibly commissioning a few of my favorite artists for some art pieces right now. This advice could definitely come in handy.
Speaking from experience of being a client, this entire video is a good source for advice on what sort of standards and etiquette there are for this type of interaction. To clients: always try to be respectful and polite.
I actually was thinking of asking for a commission for my OC and this was very helpful. Though I was wondering if you'll have commissions open soon. I know they take time but I hope they'll open up by Christmas. I would love to pay any amount of money for one of your pieces of art. You've helped me out as an artist and you always make me try new things. Whenever I see one of your art pieces of something I always have an issue of drawing (fireworks and wings for example) you always make me study what I am doing right and wrong. I even gotten some help drawing fireworks better with some brushes and boy did they look a lot better. I don't know the differences of shading till today, so thanks for teaching me something new! Stay awesome and we'll see you next time!! Thanks again!!!
Having just bought my first commission ever in my life about a month ago, this was really informative for any future commissions I may consider getting!
Thank you for doing these. I learn a lot by watching them and they are always so entertaining as well as informative. I still will watch the Entitled Fans video to this day on occasion.
This is REALLY good! I have been wanting to commission a few artists for something related to my channel. But I have a hard time to decide on what I want and WHO is the best to commission to. Watching this video managed to ease my worry on hiring the artist OR giving said artist a hard time.
Thank you Bliss for making this video it helps me a lot as a fellow artist to know how to let people know about my commissions. You did an amazing job on this video 😊
Can agree with all of this and confirm that if ya thoroughly read everything and go in prepared, it'll be a breeze and an enjoyable experience. I commissioned Bliss a while back for a puppet, and included everything that needed to be known in my *very first message.* One of the smoothest commission experiences I've had. This video is, of course, applicable toward any artist you're commissioning. Be thorough, straight-forward, polite, and patient, and it's all smooth sailing.
My system of doing a commission: 1. I gather as much detail and info as I can about someone's commission. How many characters they want me to draw. What kind of background they want. What kind of characters I'm drawing and the situation they're in so that I can better capture them in my art. What the character looks like. What kind of coloring they want done. And so on. References are highly encouraged. I also, within this time, will calculate the price of the final product and ask them if it's within their budget. 2. I will check and confirm if what my client is requesting of me is something actually within my capabilities of drawing or if I am comfortable with it. If they want me to draw something super mecha or NSFW (or feels within that zone to me), I will turn it down since I am uncomfortable drawing such things or is simply not within my ranged of skill. I should also probably be somewhat familiar with any media they want me to draw so that I'm not making any mistakes (I've been request I think 2 times to draw a character from the show Kill La Kill which I do not watch but am at least somewhat familiar with). 3. Once I get all the information I need, I will draw up a sketch to make sure that the drawing is actually within my range as well as give my client an idea of what the final product will look like. Once I finish the sketch, I will show it to them and make sure if it is to their approval. If there's anything thy want me to change or adjust, or if they simply changed their mind once they actually see it drawn down, they can inform me if what I draw is to their standards. If I do need to change anything, I can quickly go back and make the necessary adjustments before showing it to them again. 4. Once I finish the commission and have the approval of the client, I will clarify if they wanted the sketch to be done in simple line art, have a base coloring, or if it is shaded. I will then calculate the cost of the product again as a reminder of the price. When they confirm that they are okay with the price and are ready to pay, I will have them send me the money via PayPal and begin working on their commission as soon as I can once I confirm the transfer. This is to ensure that my client is able to pay and I don't get cheated out of my time and energy, while also ensuring them that I have the motivation to complete their commission since I am now paid to do so. If there is a hold on the payment, I will also hold on finishing their commission until they are finally able to pay me. Though, if I have the time and I know the client well enough, I will begin working a little bit on their commission and hold off on posting it on the occasion that I finish it before they can pay me until I finally receive my payment. 5. Once payment is confirmed and transferred to me, I begin cleaning up the sketch and working on the line art. This process is one of the most time consuming, so it does take me a while. However, I do make certain to keep my client up to date on the process. Like if I'm close to finishing or if I finish it, I will check in with my client to let them know how things are going. 6. Once the line art is complete and they wanted me to do color, I will inform my client that I am beginning the coloring process. This is luckily one of the easier steps for me, so it should take long for me. Still, like with the line art stage, I will keep my client up to date on the commission whether they ask me about it themselves or if I feel the need to let them know myself. Once I finish the coloring stage, I will once again check in with my client to let them know of my progress. 7. If they wanted a shaded product, I will let my client know that I am beginning that stage and warn them that this process does take me arguably the longest time. I tend to check in with my client a bit more regularly during this stage to let them know of parts of the shading I've completed and how much is left, mostly because it generally takes me so long and I want them to know how things are going. This also tends to be the point where the client is most excited to see the final product. That luckily gives me an extra boost to get their commission done as soon as I can so that they can finally see their commission completed. 8. Once the commission is done (and I have payment), I will post my work for them in DeviantArt. The description will come with who the commission was for, and sometimes a description of what is happening in there was so form of a story. The client then thanks me for my work and enjoys their commission. They have my permission to post their commission on their accounts so long as they give proper credit to me as the artist who made it.
I haven't had to much trouble when it comes to people commissioning me. Most of the time they give me clear vision of what they want. But it was funny to see in the video when it comes to the " hey " Part. My gosh have I been hit up with just a simple "hey" A lot XD
A great reminder of these advices. Something that i must learn in the old way and experience. Sure hard, but i am happy for i could learn to do it. Well made with the examples and explanations. Not only it makes things easier, it even can be very fun to order a commission. :)
Thank you for this. I just started the process of commissioning cover art for an upcoming story for the first time. Without this video I would have been clueless about the etiquette involved. With it, the process is running smoothly and I feel very positive that the result will be incredible.
So it's like how you tell your tattoo artist on the tattoo you want and how it should look like in design before it's even done. Plus it's a nice animanics bit with the good idea and bad idea, nice touch
I relate a LOT to the "Bad Idea" example LOL. I don't take it as insulting, far from it in fact. I find it hilarious that my cat-brain would do something eerily similar to the example given, IF I knew how to set up everything so I can purchase stuff online. Thank the One Above All that you made a great info vid describing the process of commissioning art pieces.
One thing I'd like to add for prospective clients, and I apologize if anyone has brought this up before in the comments. If you tell the artist that they have free reign on the pose or concept for the commission, PLEASE understand what that means. If you know for certain that you may be picky with what you want depicted or how you want it depicted, then DO NOT give the artist "free reign." The term means exactly what it says on the tin: free reign, and it's a major inconvenience for an artist to be told that they had freedom on the pose/concept, only to be told "well I actually want this" after the sketch has already been done, and could incur a fee depending on the artist.
Loved the video Bliss, but I think a 4th and vital step should have been included as well, the step of "Product Recieved Etiquette." One thing I've seen a lot in my work is a mix of either total happiness over the final product, or complete dislike of the piece and they request several changes or may even ask for the entire commission to be redone. I know something like this can be outlined in the artists policy, but proper etiquette for this is a good idea to line out too since some customers don't always know how to act towards the artist after the commission is completed.
Thank you so much for the line on bad/good ideas for commisioners an commissionets (Takin em). I'm still sorta new to the whole commission stuff an needed this vid to always come back to for info I need. ^.^
Nicely made video Lighting Bliss, Happy to know I didn't fall into the bad idea categories when I got my commission from you for a pony avatar. also, I laughed at the Draconiqus design, you used for the bad idea segments. I think even Discord would have looked at them and asked, "I'm not this goofy looking, am I?" lol
I don't commission as much as I used to. But one additional tip that is useful and most of the time it will improve the quality of the commission: "Allow the artist to contribute with the commission in their own way." For some artist is frustrating having to receive "orders" from others. When the artist makes the commission "their work" they usually work it with more enthusiast and the end result is more satisfactory for both customer and artist.
Majority of what you said is what well mannered and decently acceptable people would call "Common Sense" Your asking/ paying someone to go out of their way to make art for you for a profit, you need to treat them like a person not a copy machine. You lack this skill, you don't deserve to ask for art from anyone. Good on ya Bliss ^^
Hey there mate, I hope you're doing well. Gotta say I miss your content, but I understand GW's Age of Demonetization hit you pretty hard. Just know that when(if) you're ready to post content again, I'm gonna slam the like button before I can even skip the ads.
Every time I watch the bad idea character act indecisively, it reminds me more and more of that SpongeBob episode where Patrick doesn't know what he wants to order and instead just stands there saying "Uhhhh" 😂
I've kinda always wanted a art piece by Lightning Bliss but I never knew the right way to do it. I don't want to be annoying about it. but now that i know the dos and don'ts of how to commision art. I really appreciate this video. Thank you Lightning Bliss. (PS I love the videos of Prance you are in.)
I need this tutorial i order a shirt machine to imprint my draws on shirts cups and head caps,this tutorial will help me to planing a price list and guidelines of my future commissions thanks blitz 😍
I usually ask to make sure they have slots open for commissions. Sometimes I see if we can discuss prices of different types they offer such as full body, head shots, ect. The artist are very nice about it all.
I've been thinking lately about asking if you could make my own OC, even though Friendship Is Magic ended years ago. However, I'm still coming up with the rough sketches and colors to go with it. Though I have decided on a name and backstory.
Have you thought about reviewing anymore G5 shows? Because I seen a MLP tell your tale short of Sunny’s struggle with the alicorn. Thought since you still have your struggles, it be interesting to compare. Like Sunny cast pink glitter a lot, had you had done something constant when you first got the magic?
I always make sure to ask how long might the commission take. I don't like to give deadlines, so I always make sure to tell the artist to take their time. I'm almost never in a rush.
The same can be said for commissioning someone to write a fanfic. Something similar to the number 3 bad idea happened to me. I don't accept money for writing fics as then I feel obligated to put out chapters of a specific word count at a certain date and that would feel too much like work, I prefer to write for fun and as a means of catharsis. A person had asked me to write a mlp/jla crossover fic. I was like, "Hell yeah! Two things I enjoy magical, technicolor talking ponies and comic book superheroes!" Every two days the person kept PMing me wanting to know when I was going to release the next chapter. I told them to be patient as I was also working on other stories. For context, when I reach a point in a story where I'm not sure where to take it next, I put on the back burner of my mind to let it simmer while I work on at least a couple of paragraphs of another story. For weeks and weeks this person kept bugging me when I was going to release the next chapter every couple of days. It wound up completely killing the muse I had for that story and I marked it as cancelled. I had written less than 6 chapters into a story that I had intended to be somewhere between 15-20 chapters long.
Thanks for the advice miss Bliss. I like your videos. I’m also thinking about making my own stories about my own My Little Pony original characters. Anyways I hope you have a good day.
This is a great message to those artists out there though I'm not an artists, I understand where u are going with this. I hope u have a good day and stay cool ok
I think sometimes the issue that I've either seen or heard of is an individual either not providing enough or any reference material on the what they want, or just being borderline basic and leaving out a ton of important details. For someone like me who can write in great detail, this really has never been an issue for me, however I did find this video to be very informal for the future. I myself am not set up to do any kind of commissioned work, however I have been requested before to make stuff for folks, so I do understand the feeling. I'm definitely going to come back to rewatch this at some point, because I think I might have some future projects that are gonna likely require commissioning people for some tasks that I can't do due to inexperience or lack experience at all, or I just don't know how to do.
>messaging an artist by saying "hi". I get people doing that to me all the time on discord. The conversation usually goes like this, and goes nowhere fast. them: hi me: hello them: how are you? me: great. you? That's the end... Don't get me wrong, it's good to show care, but if you got nothing else to say, consider you may have pulled me away from something important just to say "hi". lol
On the subject of that third point, there's a little thing that's beyond the artist's control called "life". A funeral for a loved one may occur, or you end up catching the sick and have to be a bed jockey for a few days. That's never a good time for those who commission a drawing from you to constantly ask "Is it ready yet?".
oh man am old enough to be able to say, last commission i got from an artist i mailed them a money order lol. to be fair he lived in south america and i had to confirm if he wanted the payment in US $ or something else. guess thats also a good thing to confirm when commissioning an artist, make sure of price if they list their rates in a currency different then the one you are used to.
This was really helpful. I'm always cautious with how I approach people, what with being on the spectrum. But this definitely helps a lot. Have an awesome day :D
Cookies!! A very informative video. One would think most of this information is common sense, but it's always good to know where the lines are drawn. Pun totally intended! 😁
It's a great video as always. I have been thinking about doing commissions (either being the artist or the customer) but I always have second thoughts; my art work's not that good to warrant any money, I'm worried about what the customers would want (ChipFlake told me everything), and I don't even know how to take and get money through the internet (same thing when it comes to patreon).
Some really good points were made here and both this and the entitled one made alot of sence. I am glad someone touches on this subject as i herd the stories and have seen it happen. Nice work bliss. /)(\
This is a good topic from what I have seen, though looking there is another point that I do not know if you covered in a different video - if it was I might not seen it or it has slipped - but there is another one that is is probably a do and don't to commission that is another one. Comissioning an artist through the payment of "Exposure". Something that is something you never ask of an artist unless something they are offering to do through some circumstances and boundaries they specifically state and set.
I could have done that yes, but because I've stated repeatedly "check the artist's policies" when it comes to payment methods, I felt that was not needed and also because if anyone is ignorant enough to think that's okay to pay artist's with "exposure" likely deserves the backlash they get for doing so.
@@lightning-bliss That is fair, and would agree that if people try it with the artist they do deserve backlash they get. It was just something that came to mind knowing a couple artist and just another of those fun issues I am aware of and have seen happen.
I agree to these terms. Although, do you think it’s okay to ask the commissioner to “let their imagination flow”? I like to see what their artistic styles look like and what they’re capable and comfortable working with or on.
I can't draw either. But I do have a idea for a OC for the mlp universe. I wonder if Bliss would like to help me out to bring him to life. I just need links to where I can get things started.
This was very informative. Thanks for sharing this Video so people have an idea of the Do’s and Don’ts of commissioning an artist for an art piece. Keep up the good work Bliss 👏👍😁👍❤️🎥🍿🍍🥥🍻🇺🇸✨☀️🌙✨🍵🍰✅🙏.
The good idea / bad idea skit oh hello childhood my dearest friend x3 This was very helpful blissy I guess my question is How is the best way to advertise that I'm open for commissions better? I know I pinned my list on Twitter even added commissions open on my account but eh 😅
Isn't Etiquette is pronounced Et-ih-ket? The Q is pronounced like a K because the words based on the same word in French? Or is this one of those weird words with multiple pronunciations?
I used to draw. In fact people loved my art so much that they wanted to pay me to do something for them. I kinda got out of it when I was a preteen or teenager so I don't have the confidence to get back into art. I want to have a OC especially a Kirin being that's the closest creature in the MLP Universe that is the closest to how I am in my personality. Yes I do have a explosive temper so I want to be a creature that closely resembles it but I don't have the confidence of designing my OC being I haven't done art in ages.
Writing, cooking, video editing, audio editing, drawing, painting, digital artwork, animation, even singing or song writing or creating music, is all considered a form of artwork. So yes.
I was actually a little afraid to watch this video due to me remembering being quite young a long time and wanted an art piece from you, but since I didn't fully understand at the time I was afraid after wasting your time you'd hate me or something ^^; , then again I doubt you remember my old DA username anyway
- sighs - I swear some poneys never learn and yeah I know several friends who tried to hire and did not pay for their art ... one of which got scam .. also please remember bliss advice
FINALY SOMEONE DOES THIS!!! I’m not an artist, I can’t art, and I wanna learn how to draw, but I have best friends who draw amazingly! And I see their struggles when it comes to clients! I will definitely show them this video it will definitely put a smile on their face! Thank you so much for making this video! Artists of all kinds deserve massive respect! And this video is a massive form of respect to them! ❤️❤️❤️
One thing that helps with my comissions a lot was making a google docs document with all the details. Poses, descriptions, other info, ref sheets or other references and sharing this doc with the artist in comment mode. That way the artist have everything in one place and have the option to directly make comments on the parts of the commission that causes confusion.
To be fair on the 3rd Bad Idea: Some Pony has a sense of worried and anxiety about their commission. For example: What if the artist is a tracing artwork or worst Scammer. it's just thought of it that all, But question. Do your friends have the same feeling as I had?
If you're worried about an artist's track record regarding tracing or scamming, the best thing you can do as a potential client is to do your research. See what other clients they have had and ask them about their experience with the artist, this way you have at least some idea of what your experience may be like. It may not be a guarantee as we are all human, but you will at least have some idea of what you're getting into.
Maybe look at their commissions folder (assuming the artist isn't just starting out commissions-wise). But given the track record of the "Bad Idea" OC established earlier in the video...
that or worried the pay site they use will mess up, I've seen people complain and show evidence of sites like paypal screwing them
@@Leostar-Regalius Yeah, but those incidents happen so infrequently that it's almost a non-issue.
Thanks for the advice. I've heard so many stories about the don'ts of commissioning, so it's nice to have the full spectrum on how to avoid those situations.
I was considering getting a comission done, so, this is actually very helpful information. Thanks.
What a Happy coincidence. I'm actually working on possibly commissioning a few of my favorite artists for some art pieces right now. This advice could definitely come in handy.
Speaking from experience of being a client, this entire video is a good source for advice on what sort of standards and etiquette there are for this type of interaction.
To clients: always try to be respectful and polite.
I actually was thinking of asking for a commission for my OC and this was very helpful. Though I was wondering if you'll have commissions open soon. I know they take time but I hope they'll open up by Christmas. I would love to pay any amount of money for one of your pieces of art.
You've helped me out as an artist and you always make me try new things. Whenever I see one of your art pieces of something I always have an issue of drawing (fireworks and wings for example) you always make me study what I am doing right and wrong. I even gotten some help drawing fireworks better with some brushes and boy did they look a lot better. I don't know the differences of shading till today, so thanks for teaching me something new!
Stay awesome and we'll see you next time!! Thanks again!!!
Having just bought my first commission ever in my life about a month ago, this was really informative for any future commissions I may consider getting!
Thank you for doing these. I learn a lot by watching them and they are always so entertaining as well as informative. I still will watch the Entitled Fans video to this day on occasion.
This is REALLY good! I have been wanting to commission a few artists for something related to my channel. But I have a hard time to decide on what I want and WHO is the best to commission to. Watching this video managed to ease my worry on hiring the artist OR giving said artist a hard time.
Thank you Bliss for making this video it helps me a lot as a fellow artist to know how to let people know about my commissions. You did an amazing job on this video 😊
Can agree with all of this and confirm that if ya thoroughly read everything and go in prepared, it'll be a breeze and an enjoyable experience. I commissioned Bliss a while back for a puppet, and included everything that needed to be known in my *very first message.* One of the smoothest commission experiences I've had. This video is, of course, applicable toward any artist you're commissioning. Be thorough, straight-forward, polite, and patient, and it's all smooth sailing.
This is very helpful both for artists and commissioners. Great job! :)
This is very informative and helpful. Please always respect your artists and do the right thing.
My system of doing a commission:
1. I gather as much detail and info as I can about someone's commission. How many characters they want me to draw. What kind of background they want. What kind of characters I'm drawing and the situation they're in so that I can better capture them in my art. What the character looks like. What kind of coloring they want done. And so on. References are highly encouraged. I also, within this time, will calculate the price of the final product and ask them if it's within their budget.
2. I will check and confirm if what my client is requesting of me is something actually within my capabilities of drawing or if I am comfortable with it. If they want me to draw something super mecha or NSFW (or feels within that zone to me), I will turn it down since I am uncomfortable drawing such things or is simply not within my ranged of skill. I should also probably be somewhat familiar with any media they want me to draw so that I'm not making any mistakes (I've been request I think 2 times to draw a character from the show Kill La Kill which I do not watch but am at least somewhat familiar with).
3. Once I get all the information I need, I will draw up a sketch to make sure that the drawing is actually within my range as well as give my client an idea of what the final product will look like. Once I finish the sketch, I will show it to them and make sure if it is to their approval. If there's anything thy want me to change or adjust, or if they simply changed their mind once they actually see it drawn down, they can inform me if what I draw is to their standards. If I do need to change anything, I can quickly go back and make the necessary adjustments before showing it to them again.
4. Once I finish the commission and have the approval of the client, I will clarify if they wanted the sketch to be done in simple line art, have a base coloring, or if it is shaded. I will then calculate the cost of the product again as a reminder of the price. When they confirm that they are okay with the price and are ready to pay, I will have them send me the money via PayPal and begin working on their commission as soon as I can once I confirm the transfer. This is to ensure that my client is able to pay and I don't get cheated out of my time and energy, while also ensuring them that I have the motivation to complete their commission since I am now paid to do so. If there is a hold on the payment, I will also hold on finishing their commission until they are finally able to pay me. Though, if I have the time and I know the client well enough, I will begin working a little bit on their commission and hold off on posting it on the occasion that I finish it before they can pay me until I finally receive my payment.
5. Once payment is confirmed and transferred to me, I begin cleaning up the sketch and working on the line art. This process is one of the most time consuming, so it does take me a while. However, I do make certain to keep my client up to date on the process. Like if I'm close to finishing or if I finish it, I will check in with my client to let them know how things are going.
6. Once the line art is complete and they wanted me to do color, I will inform my client that I am beginning the coloring process. This is luckily one of the easier steps for me, so it should take long for me. Still, like with the line art stage, I will keep my client up to date on the commission whether they ask me about it themselves or if I feel the need to let them know myself. Once I finish the coloring stage, I will once again check in with my client to let them know of my progress.
7. If they wanted a shaded product, I will let my client know that I am beginning that stage and warn them that this process does take me arguably the longest time. I tend to check in with my client a bit more regularly during this stage to let them know of parts of the shading I've completed and how much is left, mostly because it generally takes me so long and I want them to know how things are going. This also tends to be the point where the client is most excited to see the final product. That luckily gives me an extra boost to get their commission done as soon as I can so that they can finally see their commission completed.
8. Once the commission is done (and I have payment), I will post my work for them in DeviantArt. The description will come with who the commission was for, and sometimes a description of what is happening in there was so form of a story. The client then thanks me for my work and enjoys their commission. They have my permission to post their commission on their accounts so long as they give proper credit to me as the artist who made it.
This is all really informative. I enjoyed learning this without the added pressure for both artist and client. Well done 👍🏻
That was amazing I appreciate that you took so much time out of your day to make this for us
Honestly, this is helpful for me since I am working on setting up my own commission work
I haven't had to much trouble when it comes to people commissioning me. Most of the time they give me clear vision of what they want. But it was funny to see in the video when it comes to the " hey " Part. My gosh have I been hit up with just a simple "hey" A lot XD
I love this. Honestly I feel like this should be seen by anyone wanting to do a commission before requesting it
A great reminder of these advices. Something that i must learn in the old way and experience. Sure hard, but i am happy for i could learn to do it. Well made with the examples and explanations. Not only it makes things easier, it even can be very fun to order a commission. :)
Thank you for this. I just started the process of commissioning cover art for an upcoming story for the first time. Without this video I would have been clueless about the etiquette involved. With it, the process is running smoothly and I feel very positive that the result will be incredible.
So it's like how you tell your tattoo artist on the tattoo you want and how it should look like in design before it's even done. Plus it's a nice animanics bit with the good idea and bad idea, nice touch
I relate a LOT to the "Bad Idea" example LOL. I don't take it as insulting, far from it in fact. I find it hilarious that my cat-brain would do something eerily similar to the example given, IF I knew how to set up everything so I can purchase stuff online. Thank the One Above All that you made a great info vid describing the process of commissioning art pieces.
Your videos help me to deal with my depression so thanks
One thing I'd like to add for prospective clients, and I apologize if anyone has brought this up before in the comments.
If you tell the artist that they have free reign on the pose or concept for the commission, PLEASE understand what that means. If you know for certain that you may be picky with what you want depicted or how you want it depicted, then DO NOT give the artist "free reign." The term means exactly what it says on the tin: free reign, and it's a major inconvenience for an artist to be told that they had freedom on the pose/concept, only to be told "well I actually want this" after the sketch has already been done, and could incur a fee depending on the artist.
Loved the video Bliss, but I think a 4th and vital step should have been included as well, the step of "Product Recieved Etiquette." One thing I've seen a lot in my work is a mix of either total happiness over the final product, or complete dislike of the piece and they request several changes or may even ask for the entire commission to be redone. I know something like this can be outlined in the artists policy, but proper etiquette for this is a good idea to line out too since some customers don't always know how to act towards the artist after the commission is completed.
Thank you! We've been wanting to ask these questions for a long time
0:48 hey that’s my commission on the very left! I still appreciate that you were able to do that one for me
Thank you so much for the line on bad/good ideas for commisioners an commissionets (Takin em). I'm still sorta new to the whole commission stuff an needed this vid to always come back to for info I need. ^.^
Nicely made video Lighting Bliss, Happy to know I didn't fall into the bad idea categories when I got my commission from you for a pony avatar.
also, I laughed at the Draconiqus design, you used for the bad idea segments. I think even Discord would have looked at them and asked, "I'm not this goofy looking, am I?" lol
I don't commission as much as I used to. But one additional tip that is useful and most of the time it will improve the quality of the commission: "Allow the artist to contribute with the commission in their own way." For some artist is frustrating having to receive "orders" from others. When the artist makes the commission "their work" they usually work it with more enthusiast and the end result is more satisfactory for both customer and artist.
Majority of what you said is what well mannered and decently acceptable people would call "Common Sense"
Your asking/ paying someone to go out of their way to make art for you for a profit, you need to treat them like a person not a copy machine.
You lack this skill, you don't deserve to ask for art from anyone.
Good on ya Bliss ^^
Hey there mate, I hope you're doing well.
Gotta say I miss your content, but I understand GW's Age of Demonetization hit you pretty hard.
Just know that when(if) you're ready to post content again, I'm gonna slam the like button before I can even skip the ads.
OMG That Draconequus has a name? Loppy?
Loco
@@riotnexus8982 ?
Yes! I gave it a name XD
I don't know what magic you did to have this happen but this came up as I was thinking about having a commission, very much a helpful thing
Every time I watch the bad idea character act indecisively, it reminds me more and more of that SpongeBob episode where Patrick doesn't know what he wants to order and instead just stands there saying "Uhhhh" 😂
I've kinda always wanted a art piece by Lightning Bliss but I never knew the right way to do it. I don't want to be annoying about it. but now that i know the dos and don'ts of how to commision art. I really appreciate this video. Thank you Lightning Bliss. (PS I love the videos of Prance you are in.)
It is really basic information, but that is also why it is so important.
this helps a lot thank you lighting bliss you're awesome!
I like Spirit's manners
I need this tutorial i order a shirt machine to imprint my draws on shirts cups and head caps,this tutorial will help me to planing a price list and guidelines of my future commissions thanks blitz 😍
I usually ask to make sure they have slots open for commissions. Sometimes I see if we can discuss prices of different types they offer such as full body, head shots, ect. The artist are very nice about it all.
I've been thinking lately about asking if you could make my own OC, even though Friendship Is Magic ended years ago. However, I'm still coming up with the rough sketches and colors to go with it. Though I have decided on a name and backstory.
Wow this is amazing to know thanks bliss
Have you thought about reviewing anymore G5 shows? Because I seen a MLP tell your tale short of Sunny’s struggle with the alicorn. Thought since you still have your struggles, it be interesting to compare. Like Sunny cast pink glitter a lot, had you had done something constant when you first got the magic?
Ooh! This helped me too because I hope to get a commission. Or maybe do them.
This helpt a lot for me because I’m up and coming artist that is starting my business. Also I love your work keep it up!
I always make sure to ask how long might the commission take. I don't like to give deadlines, so I always make sure to tell the artist to take their time. I'm almost never in a rush.
The same can be said for commissioning someone to write a fanfic.
Something similar to the number 3 bad idea happened to me. I don't accept money for writing fics as then I feel obligated to put out chapters of a specific word count at a certain date and that would feel too much like work, I prefer to write for fun and as a means of catharsis. A person had asked me to write a mlp/jla crossover fic. I was like, "Hell yeah! Two things I enjoy magical, technicolor talking ponies and comic book superheroes!" Every two days the person kept PMing me wanting to know when I was going to release the next chapter. I told them to be patient as I was also working on other stories. For context, when I reach a point in a story where I'm not sure where to take it next, I put on the back burner of my mind to let it simmer while I work on at least a couple of paragraphs of another story. For weeks and weeks this person kept bugging me when I was going to release the next chapter every couple of days. It wound up completely killing the muse I had for that story and I marked it as cancelled. I had written less than 6 chapters into a story that I had intended to be somewhere between 15-20 chapters long.
Thanks for the advice miss Bliss. I like your videos. I’m also thinking about making my own stories about my own My Little Pony original characters. Anyways I hope you have a good day.
I am taking all the notes. This was an amazing video and very informative
This is a great message to those artists out there though I'm not an artists, I understand where u are
going with this. I hope u have a good day and stay cool ok
I think sometimes the issue that I've either seen or heard of is an individual either not providing enough or any reference material on the what they want, or just being borderline basic and leaving out a ton of important details. For someone like me who can write in great detail, this really has never been an issue for me, however I did find this video to be very informal for the future. I myself am not set up to do any kind of commissioned work, however I have been requested before to make stuff for folks, so I do understand the feeling. I'm definitely going to come back to rewatch this at some point, because I think I might have some future projects that are gonna likely require commissioning people for some tasks that I can't do due to inexperience or lack experience at all, or I just don't know how to do.
I think this works for VA commissions as well...right???
I'm glad to know all these things. I'll certainly bear all of this in mind should I ever commission anyone. ^^
>messaging an artist by saying "hi".
I get people doing that to me all the time on discord. The conversation usually goes like this, and goes nowhere fast.
them: hi
me: hello
them: how are you?
me: great. you?
That's the end... Don't get me wrong, it's good to show care, but if you got nothing else to say, consider you may have pulled me away from something important just to say "hi". lol
Very well put together I enjoyed it
On the subject of that third point, there's a little thing that's beyond the artist's control called "life". A funeral for a loved one may occur, or you end up catching the sick and have to be a bed jockey for a few days. That's never a good time for those who commission a drawing from you to constantly ask "Is it ready yet?".
oh man am old enough to be able to say, last commission i got from an artist i mailed them a money order lol. to be fair he lived in south america and i had to confirm if he wanted the payment in US $ or something else.
guess thats also a good thing to confirm when commissioning an artist, make sure of price if they list their rates in a currency different then the one you are used to.
This was really helpful. I'm always cautious with how I approach people, what with being on the spectrum. But this definitely helps a lot. Have an awesome day :D
I liked the "good idea, bad idea" bit from animaniacs.
Sounds like the '"bad idea" customer is going to be 86'ed soon.
Cookies!!
A very informative video. One would think most of this information is common sense, but it's always good to know where the lines are drawn. Pun totally intended! 😁
This video is very helpful. Thanks lighting bliss
Awesome,amazing,epic,wonderful,Excellent Video Lightning Bliss,have a nice Weekend and the week a head in August.
Good Animanics Jokes.
Thank you Lightning bliss
It's a great video as always. I have been thinking about doing commissions (either being the artist or the customer) but I always have second thoughts; my art work's not that good to warrant any money, I'm worried about what the customers would want (ChipFlake told me everything), and I don't even know how to take and get money through the internet (same thing when it comes to patreon).
Baby steps, do the research, know what payment methods you want, and then start out small. You don't know till you try. Good luck ^^
@@lightning-bliss Thanks :) !!
Some really good points were made here and both this and the entitled one made alot of sence.
I am glad someone touches on this subject as i herd the stories and have seen it happen.
Nice work bliss.
/)(\
This is a good topic from what I have seen, though looking there is another point that I do not know if you covered in a different video - if it was I might not seen it or it has slipped - but there is another one that is is probably a do and don't to commission that is another one. Comissioning an artist through the payment of "Exposure". Something that is something you never ask of an artist unless something they are offering to do through some circumstances and boundaries they specifically state and set.
I could have done that yes, but because I've stated repeatedly "check the artist's policies" when it comes to payment methods, I felt that was not needed and also because if anyone is ignorant enough to think that's okay to pay artist's with "exposure" likely deserves the backlash they get for doing so.
@@lightning-bliss That is fair, and would agree that if people try it with the artist they do deserve backlash they get. It was just something that came to mind knowing a couple artist and just another of those fun issues I am aware of and have seen happen.
@@Insane_Scorpio I hear ya. I'm no stranger to it sadly. Not as often anymore thankfully. I wish your friends the best.
Thank you for the helpful advise. I hope you have excellent day to.^^
I totally agree 100 percent
I agree to these terms.
Although, do you think it’s okay to ask the commissioner to “let their imagination flow”?
I like to see what their artistic styles look like and what they’re capable and comfortable working with or on.
I can't draw either. But I do have a idea for a OC for the mlp universe. I wonder if Bliss would like to help me out to bring him to life. I just need links to where I can get things started.
This was very informative. Thanks for sharing this Video so people have an idea of the Do’s and Don’ts of commissioning an artist for an art piece. Keep up the good work Bliss 👏👍😁👍❤️🎥🍿🍍🥥🍻🇺🇸✨☀️🌙✨🍵🍰✅🙏.
3:38 "Something cool!" 😂
Ha lightning bliss I love that I think you are the bes RUclips
The good idea / bad idea skit oh hello childhood my dearest friend x3
This was very helpful blissy I guess my question is
How is the best way to advertise that I'm open for commissions better?
I know I pinned my list on Twitter even added commissions open on my account
but eh 😅
Keep trying, it takes a while to build up a reputation and brand. The more you get the more you expand as you go. Good luck!
@@lightning-bliss Thankyooou ❤
Isn't Etiquette is pronounced Et-ih-ket? The Q is pronounced like a K because the words based on the same word in French? Or is this one of those weird words with multiple pronunciations?
I used to draw. In fact people loved my art so much that they wanted to pay me to do something for them. I kinda got out of it when I was a preteen or teenager so I don't have the confidence to get back into art. I want to have a OC especially a Kirin being that's the closest creature in the MLP Universe that is the closest to how I am in my personality. Yes I do have a explosive temper so I want to be a creature that closely resembles it but I don't have the confidence of designing my OC being I haven't done art in ages.
Hi bliss I hope you are happy but I making a painting of you as eg for my niece who a fan of yours
Who are the other youTubers or are they’re ur other ocs?
A bit of a weird question, I know but...in your opinion, Blissy; would/could/should writers also be seen as artists as well
Writing, cooking, video editing, audio editing, drawing, painting, digital artwork, animation, even singing or song writing or creating music, is all considered a form of artwork. So yes.
very helpful information
At 2:33
Who or what else is this?
Some kind of hybrid between PRINCESS LUNA and DISCORD?
Or what?
She's a Whatever! or Loppy ^^
featuring Spirit the deer
I was actually a little afraid to watch this video due to me remembering being quite young a long time and wanted an art piece from you, but since I didn't fully understand at the time I was afraid after wasting your time you'd hate me or something ^^; , then again I doubt you remember my old DA username anyway
i know the biggest joke in the art community, "i pay you in exposure"
I been curious on how people do there commission but payments are still confusing I’m sorry my curiosity got the better of me
Why 🧐does that dreconequus look like Luna and discord had a baby
Where was this video 2 years and 7 months ago?
I've been interested in commissioning you, but I have no money right now and I'm paranoid of money sites like paypal and stuff
Thats the old saying "Patience is a viture"
Lightning Bliss I found Disney soon Is releasing Hocus Pocus 2 your Harpy demon friend will enjoy.
Anyone else think the design for Bad Idea is cute?
Hola amiga, I have a question, and if... Can you do a series of... Zombies?
Nope XD
@@lightning-bliss
Oh :(
But hey at least i'm glat to see you i really like your vídeo
Amiga,
Me encanta 👍👍👍
Where can I find the artist
Why do I get the feeling that Loppy is gonna be a permanent character?
Ngl, this is good to know tho!
- sighs - I swear some poneys never learn and yeah I know several friends who tried to hire and did not pay for their art ... one of which got scam .. also please remember bliss advice
cool