hi there! I know I've sent you an ask before but I wanted to know if you have any tips or anything on how to actually get people to buy commissions or support you monetarily. I've had commissions open for a bit now and I know I'm probably just impatient but I'm getting a bit discouraged. I really want to make a career out of a hobby I love, but I'm still in high school
thank you :)
@cr3ntist Hey there, I've been sitting on this ask for an embarrassingly long time, so I want to apologize. It's a really good question, so that's why I procrastinated for so long. I wanted to make sure I'm giving a good and honest answer. Under the cut:
I myself am no small business freelance superstar, in truth, I'm still trying to figure out how to get people to *support me monetarily*. I can give advice on how to get commissions, but as for the other part... maybe not quite, not yet. I've still got some growing to do on that front.
My advice is pretty typical, but it's the truth - just keep drawing, draw what makes you happy, and advertise that you do commissions whenever you can or feel like it. It's mostly about continuing to draw, and sharing what you make, so that more and more people see what you do. Don't feel like you need to draw a specific thing or fit into a mold. People who like the same sort of thing/fandom/art style, etc, will find your artwork, and they'll commission you to draw something that you'll also like. And when you do get commissioned, be sure to share it and say it's a commission, so long as the commissioner is comfortable with it. That way people are reminded of the fact that they could get something like that from you.
Something I heard a long time ago, (I think it was in a "how to get commissions" guide on deviantart??) which goes hand in hand with what I just said: if you're struggling to get commissioned, you can just draw something, whatever you like, and say it was a commission. Either don't specify the commissioner, or say it was for anonymous, or for a friend, etc. Just commission yourself, essentially. And share it online, so people will see what you do.
And another thing I'll say: even when I'm charging a pretty penny for a commission, (I could never afford what I'm charging for commissions :'D I'm so poor) I find that a lot of the time, it's all in good fun. I've made friends with the people who commission me, and even when it's a sort of goods/service transaction, people are still doing this for fun. So there's a lot to be said for just having a good time on the internet and drawing things, fanart, for fun. Just go with it! Avoid getting to serious about curating what you do, to fit some sort of social media manager role. Having fun and being your gosh darn self is a great way to make friends and connect with like minded individuals. And these are the people who will eventually say, hey, I want you to draw me something! And they'll be willing to pay for it too, cuz they like what you do and respect you as an artist!
I hope this helps. Please send another ask (or a dm... I'd probably respond faster that way) if you have any questions!
AAAHHHH ok so i’m that person who asked for your tumblr in an ao3 comment because i wanted to share fanart and i DONT HAVE ANY YET UNFORTUNATELY but i maybe will soon…
anyways i. have been scrolling through your blog for the past hour and i, am so in love with your tuvok/t’pel family headcanons and shit… our brains work the SAME WAY and i’m going insane and i love your stuff so much..
anyways.. that was sort of a very disjointed ask but the brain worms!! they are working!! and i’m gonna try to work on some fanart for your wonderful fics today…. have a good rest of your day/night hehe 💚
AAAAA IT'S YOU~!!!! THANK YOU SO MUCH~!!! Your comments always make me smile and I'm so glad someone else also has an interest in this ship (well, people like - believe in this ship since they're canonically married but I mean like actually interested in content for them)
As I've said feel NO pressure to make any fanart or anything, just leaving such nice comments is more than enough~!!
Here's a headcanon for your trouble: (I always think people who submit asks are brave bc it personally makes me nervous)
T'Pel is more adventurous than Tuvok and more willing to try out things that are alien to her so their first date was a double date with Mark and Janeway at Mark’s behest (Tuvok initially began to refuse because Vulcans don't typically go on 'dates' unless trying to court one another for marriage but T'Pel agreed). Picturing Tuvok becoming competitive about a game that gives you prizes and T'Pel, face impassive, carrying the largest teddy bear they have (bigger than her)
"For the children," they intone.
Sorry, one more headcanon: Before Tuvok left to become part of Starfleet again T'Pel privately kissed him on the lips because she didn't want his ""first"" kiss to be taken by an alien during some sort of Starfleet shenanigans (of which she is familiar)
i’ve been getting back into invader zim - esp zadr - recently and i’ve gotta say you’re the reason for it. your iz stuff is SO good. you capture the original energy while bringing such style to it. your designs of the characters are so good, and looking at your art is so inspiring and honestly makes me want to get back into traditional. speaking of - your pencil work is PHENOMENAL!!! All this to say you inspire me a lot and i love seeing your iz and zadr stuff. have a lovely day :3
OUGGHHHHHGHGHH goodness gracious that is so kind... thank you so much. :') It really means a lot to hear that! I know it is silly, because it's just a nostalgic childhood show, and in the grand scheme of things - considering the impact my zim drawings have on the trajectory of my career as an artist - it's not making many waves. But it's surprising how it's turned into this outlet of creative experimentation for me. It's kind of made me stop and ask myself what kind of art I really like creating. And of course I love sharing the stuff I make with everyone here. And I'm really happy I could be a source of inspiration for you!!
NAME LORE!! ive been asked this many a time but I love saying it anyway. it's just crazy + dentist! with a 3 in there for interest and because "crentist" was taken. people think it's a reference to the office and, while I do love that show, it is not.
there are 3 characters that are the so called "crazy dentists" that represent me: Orin Scrivello from Little Shop of Horrors, Dr. Loboto from Psychonauts, and Dr. Habit from Smile for Me.
"Ashton," Fearne started, "do you think Orym wants to be stuck here for the rest of his life?"
There was a pause. "No," Ashton answered. "Nobody fuckin' does."
"And if he doesn't clean things up like Starfleet wants him to, do you think he's going to get promoted out of here?" Fearne continued, steepling her hands underneath her chin.
Ashton hated it when Fearne made good points. "No," they repeated, and they slumped over the bar. "Fuck."
