Words of advice from one artist to another :3

I often get asked how to draw things, or where you go to get noticed etc
So, I figured I'd make a blog :3
Please note that I'm no specialist in any way, but that these are tips to get you where you want.

* How much are my art worth?
- You need to step back and try look at your art from an objective perspective. Although you might be very proud of a piece, the buyer might not see it that way.
Please also note that friends and family most likely will give you a little more credit then you deserve xD But they just love you!
Try asking someone that you don't normally talk to, or a forum.
If you don't know, an auction is a good option.

* Is my art good enough to sell?
- I like to think there's a buyer out there for everything.
It all comes down to how much you are asking for it.
Think of your crowd (the people you're selling to), what age, gender and interests they have.
On Mara, there is mostly girls, and many around 14-19 years.
Aka would whatever they like appeal more to them, and get you more buyers.

* How do I get better?
- Practice, practice, practice!
You do not get anything for free in life.. and by practice I also mean exploring.. try draw something new, a new style, a new animal or a different type of human/mythical creature etc.. challenge yourself!
Are you good with humans? then practice expressions.
Are you best with mammals? then there is 100 different ways to shade and draw fur.

* How do I get "noticed" ?
- Within Mara there are limitations.. there is GF(graphics forum) and then blogs/other forums.. outside of Mara, at for example deviant-art, the market is much much bigger..
You have first of all to make a portfolio somewhere, that you can link to if someone asks.
Also you should put yourself out there, trough forums and contests!

* How does commissioning work?
- Commissions is when your client asks you to draw a piece from reference or description.
It can be a movie star/celeb or an OC(original character that they have bought or created themselves).
Both parts should agree on payment BEFORE you even start thinking about doing it.
If it's a piece that takes long time to make, like a very detailed portrait I would recommend to ask for half the payment in advance (like half way), just to be sure.
Also the buyer should be able to ask for both previous examples, and to see the sketch or agree on a pose etc

* I can't seem to be able to draw ___ properly..
- ALWAYS use a reference!
If you're drawing a dog, Google for a picture of that dog, or more dogs in different poses.
Draw the pose first! Before you do any details..
When the body proportion looks good, then add details and fur etc.
Note how the light hits the fur, note how the light hits the eyes, note if the fur/hair is wavy or straight etc..
Also note eye/eyebrow shape, skin/fur tone and make a palette in advance.
And try keep to one style.. a realistic looking wolf with cartoon feet wont go far xD

* How do I act around people that are mailing me/contacting me?
- Be nice and polite! Everyone you meet is a possible client or a possible link to a client.
No one wanna work with a grumpy artist xD
Also be professional, and try answering the mail in somewhat the same "tone" as they are writing.
Meaning, if they don't use emotions, you don't either.
(this is more for outside of Mara, in here we can all smile can't we? )

* People say I didn't draw this piece, how can I prove them wrong?
- For big contests and also for advanced commissioning WIPs (work in progress) are required.
That means that you have to save your drawing at 2-3 stages before it's finished,
and send that with the finished drawing.
Example:
http://www.gathering.org/tg13/files/content/images/creative/wip-example500.jpg
Also a portfolio of other similar drawings can be a great proof ^^

* What's the price range on mara?
- It depends on size and quality of the graphic.
Small graphics/adopts are around 5 - 50k depending on quality.
And then there's the one of a kind adopts, who will be around 100 - 450k
Auctions Should start around 50k for big adopts and 15k for small ones,
with an auto around 4-5 times as big.
Graphics that take more time, and commissions should go from 250k and up.
Portraits and other stuff that takes 2-3 hours or more should be over 1m.
Note: These are just mere guidelines.


Feel free to add more questions to my list :3

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