Dear Blabby (2019.3)
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| Author | Various |
|---|---|
| Genre | Advice, Editorial |
| Published | EF Issue 2019.3 |
Publication date | Summer 2019 |
| Media type | Digital |
| Pages | 11 |
| Website | caricature |
This anonymous advice column appeared in Exaggerated Features Issue 2019.4 and can be found on page 11.
Article Transcript
You have questions and Dear Blabby has answers! Welcome to another of our new features, “Dear Blabby.” If you have a question regarding anything related to the art or business of caricature, Dear Blabby will do the best to give you some sound, helpful advice. Look for the answers you seek in upcoming issues. Send your anonymous questions to efeditor.isca@gmail.com.
Dear Blabby,
I want to get more commissions but don’t know how. Most of the gigs I do are through agents so I can’t really hand out business cards. Do you have any advice on how to get started?
-Starving in Springfield
Well, dear reader, let’s start with your gigs, which you say are mostly through agents. Many gig artists don’t realize that commissions can solve two problems at once: they can provide a change of pace and a little income during stretches between gig work, and they can help make those lousy “but just one more” whiners shut up! Yes, even if the gig is through an agent. While bypassing the agent is a MAJOR faux pas, it is acceptable and even appreciated if you let those desperate folks know that the time is up for the party caricatures, but if they absolutely must have one, here’s the agent’s card so you can order a commission over email. Some agents have a spot on their card to write your name, so that the hopeful customer can request you. Many caricature agents will be happy to pass along the commission to you and just handle the back and forth (for a reasonable cut); while others (like entertainment agents who handle many performers) don’t like dealing with small potatoes like gift commissions and they might just directly send you the customer. It’s a win-win either way.
Now, how about gigs you work yourself, with no agent? Every caricature you draw is a calling card—and people keep them for years and years. Invest in a stamp that has your website, phone number, and snappy will-draw-commissions tagline and stamp all your gig paper. A small enough stamp might be subtle enough to put on the bottom front of the paper, or you can go bigger and just stamp the back. Some artists have custom plastic bags printed with their business info; it all depends on your preference and marketing budget.
Commissions are a slow-growing crop, so don’t expect to go from zero commissions to a hundred overnight. Social media, for instance, can take a lot of patience and repeated posts to cultivate a following, but it’s possible. Showcase commissions you have recently done, and use hashtags on Instagram like #commission, #commissionsopen, #giftideas or #artistforhire. I have had some success with folks who only ever saw my work on Instagram and messaged me that way—and a few of these have become repeat clients, since Instagram is a feeding ground for narcissists who cannot get enough images of themselves.
Also, when it comes to the type of commissions you do, don’t be afraid to push yourself out of your comfort zone. Plenty of artists see their market suddenly increase when they dedicate themselves to leveling up their ability to draw dogs, or cats, or babies. And again, post those and hashtag them like crazy: #babygift #dogmom #catsofinstagram, you name it. And what’s a good way to get better at particular types of commissions? Have a sale open to your Facebook friends and say you want to accomplish a goal of, say, 50 drawings that will push you (in a new style, new medium, or new approach) and offer a “limited edition” sale to friends & family.
Now go forth, and plant those commission seeds!
See Also
External Links
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