Years
I have heard it all over the years, but a recent enquiry has made me think that sharing the more bizarre requests I get would make an entertaining post.
Some may think I’m mad writing a post, seemingly complaining, about some of the more crazy enquiries I have received over the years. But I like to think it actually shows people that I am a professional and have a lot of integrity in what I do.
Oh dear, what can the matter be?
The early contact with a new client is important. Like many illustrators I get enquiries from lots of people who have never commissioned an illustrator before and so don’t really understand what is involved. And why should they? So I try my best to be as helpful as I possible, even though I know from years of experience that it doesn’t always lead to a commission. At least I’ve passed on some knowledge.
Charity?
However, there will always be some enquiries that leave you feeling exasperated! Bald patches often appear on your head, where you’ve torn clumps of hair out in frustration! The ones where the enquirer seems to have got the illustrator confused with their local homeless shelter charity. The ones who want you to do artwork for free and worse, don’t tell you this straight away. Yep, this bombshell gets dropped after you have spent some time communicating with them. So, folks, please be kind to an illustrator and don’t do this. An illustrator is for life and not just for Christmas. Most of us are hard working with bills to pay and cat food to buy. Please handle us with care. Here are some examples of the kind of emails I sometimes get:
“When you’ve delivered the final artwork and I’ve paid you, can I have my money back, please?”
“When I looked up free illustrators, the website that recommended you said illustrators willing to work for free. Are you still willing to do that?”
May I just add here that as far as I am aware I do not appear anywhere offering to do free art. My cat would never forgive me if his supply of treats stopped.
Thief! Thief! My artwork’s in that handbag!
My worst experience ever was when the artwork I created for a client was actually stolen. Worse, they insulted me thoroughly and then stole the artwork. Shocking stuff! I needed at least three strong cups of tea and lots of chocolate cake after that one!
A philosopher would say…
A lot of you may now be thinking, why on earth is she working as a freelance illustrator? Well, the short answer is that despite the (thankfully rare) occasions where I am metaphorically biffed on the nose, I am passionate about Illustration, and particularly enjoy narrative illustration. And despite (or maybe because of) the more bizarre enquiries, I do get genuine, exciting and creative commissions to work on.
So having said all that, I am very approachable (truly) and do help newbies a lot. You can ask me as many questions as you like, right here.
