SPoRkS

Look at it. Its called a bearded reedling

Look at them. Theyre so spherical. So round. Why is your face in the middle of your body sir. I cannot believe this bird is real.

I imagine i could bounce one like a basketball and it would be perfectly fine.

Dog found singing and playing the piano while owners aren’t there 

WHEN SHALL WE THREE MEET AGAIN? IN THUNDER, LIGHTNING OR IN RAIN?

How to draw folds

Notes on how to draw folds back when I was teaching manga classes back in 2006. From the book “Drawing people” by Barbara Bradley.

http://www.amazon.com/Drawing-People-Portray-Clothed-Figure/dp/1581803591

This book has a very detailed description of 6 types of commonly seen folds and I think is one of the most educational resource on how to draw folds(Besides Vilppu and Bridgeman).

這是我以前教漫畫課程時給學生看的講義.來源是芭芭拉布莱德丽的”着装人物素描”«上海人民美术出版社出版».

“The Distance” by Cake “POP/STARS” by K/DA “Fist Bump” from Sonic Forces “My Sweet Escape” by Gwen Stefani “First Date” by Blink-182 “Still Alive” by Jonathan Coulton “Everybody Wants to Rule the World” by Tears For Fears “Chop Suey” by System Of A Down “Don’t Stop Me Now” by Queen “Smells Like Teen Spirit” by Nirvana “Boulevard of Broken Dreams” by Green Day “Stand Proud” from Jojo’s Bizarre Adventure “Party Rock Anthem” by LMFAO “Basket Case” by Green Day “Walk Like An Egyptian” by The Bangles “Accidentally In Love” by Counting Crows “London Bridge” by Fergie “Milkshake” by Kelis “Like a G6” by Far East Movement “You Don’t Know You’re Beautiful” by One Direction “Hey Ya” by Outkast “We Didn’t Start The Fire” by Billy Joel “Roundabout” by Yes “Bodies” by Drowning Pool “So What” by P!nk “Pumpkin Hill” from Sonic Adventure 2 “The Middle” by Jimmy Eat World “Fancy” by Iggy Azalea “Toxic” by Britney Spears “Sugar We’re Going Down” by Fall Out Boy Monkey Watch “Get Low” by Lil Jon “Walkin On The Sun” by Smash Mouth “All Star” by Smash Mouth Me plugging the Bandcamp link where you can download this

A nuclear reactor starting up

Hello! I’m Gabrielle Ragusi. I’ve been a freelance illustrator for years now and, as many other freelancers, I had to deal with difficult situations in the past - recent past. These situations come with the job (for everyone), but they can be easily avoided… if only I had known this sooner!

This post doesn’t paint a pretty picture of the one client, but know that I refer to a very small percentage of people (the clients I work with are actually great). 

Yet, the one client exists and these tips might help you face them.

When The One Client tries to screw you over.

From time to time, clients will try to have their way with unforeseeable requests and demands at work started and, quite often, at work done.

Solution: State your terms.

Before starting a project, even a sketch, I strongly suggest sending a contract or a simple Terms of Agreement document in which you state everything: commission process, revisions, payment method, ownership… This way they won’t be able to make up some half-ass excuse for their demands.

Also, you don’t have to be overly generous. If the client asks for extra revisions, ask for extra payment. The extra money will cover the extra time you spent on the project, so don’t feel guilty about it.

When The One Client sells bad ideas or asks for the wrong revisions.

Clients may know what they want, but they also might try to sell ideas that you know won’t work or ask for revisions that won’t make the project look any better. They won’t consciously bamboozle you, but the project has your name on it and judgement will come with the audience feedback.

Solution: You’re the artist in this project, so speak your mind. Giving your clients alternatives and your opinion helps the client know that you care about the project and that you know your stuff. You want the best for your client.

When The One Client wants you to work on spec.

Solution: Don’t.

On-spec work is a bad idea. If clients contact me, I take for granted they’ve seen my portfolio and know what I do, but if you’re just starting as a professional, my suggestion is to ask for a minimum upfront payment.

The power to say yes doesn’t always apply.

This isn’t about The One Client but about our own ‘Yes’, when inside we’re screaming ‘Hell no’, screwing us over. 

Yes is not always good. When in doubt, think about your lack of time, disinterest in the project and all those things that lead to bad results!

If you don’t have time to work on a new commission, say no. If the project isn’t your cup of tea, say no.

Also, not all clients are jerks, so if you explain you don’t have time to work on another project right now but they like your portfolio, it’s possible that they will contact you again in the future or ask for your time schedule.

(Don’t) Assume that clients know your art style.

This one is tricky and has a lot to do with the first stage of commissions and my personal experience. When clients contact me for the first time, most have seen my portfolio and know what I do. They contact me because of what I do and how I do it. When these clients say “I love your work”, I naturally assume they’ve seen my portfolio.

But when there are no signals that the person contacting me has seen my work, I can’t assume. This happened just a few weeks ago with a client who asked for my availability to illustrate a book after seeing an illustration of mine (the book was about faeries, my illustration had faeries). Problem is I assumed they knew my work, but they didn’t. What happened is that they asked me to work on spec, I said no and gave them a minimum quote for an initial sketch instead. Feedback received, I finally understood they hadn’t in fact seen my portfolio, although I’m not sure where they found my email address.

I don’t have a real solution to this kind of situation other than not assuming things. I guess it’s a matter of dealing with The One Client once again.

Payment fees are covered by the client, always.

If you receive payments through PayPal and similar services, I’m sure you know about the fees.

Unfortunately, I found the solution to this only a couple of years ago - looking back at all the money PayPal took from me in fees, I want to cry (living in Europe and working with clients based anywhere in the world, these fees vary, from 2,9% to 4,5% + small transfer fees). 

Now I send all invoices myself (I don’t let clients send money my way on their own) and I add a tax that covers PayPal or Stripe’s fees to the project’s quote: this is not money that ends up in my pocket, it’s money that PayPal takes, mind you.

My final advice is: be professional. 

The One Client will try your patience, but don’t lose your composure. Even in disagreement, be professional, offer your thoughts and compromise if necessary. If the project is successful, The One Client will be happy. You want your clients to be happy.

I hope you’ll find this post helpful!

Peace out,

Gabrielle