A few thoughts about requests

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I've just had my first try at taking requests a few days ago, probably  because I need a reason to procrastinate working on all those awesome contests that I have been listing mourkhayn.deviantart.com/art/U… :D

The 10 slots I opened filled up in the blink of an eye...
As expected, I ended up with a large majority of OC requests, with the addition and a few cheeky requests, such as working on a commercial project for free (well, I guess it is fair game to try and nab what you can). Most people were considerate and provided references and ideas about what they wanted. Some others just provided a reference and a single sentence asking if I could draw the character in the picture. In a couple of cases, people actually directed me to a project website, with clear indication of what they were looking for.

Even though offering free stuff can seem quite counter-productive for an artist who's trying to get hired on commissions, I think taking requests is a good thing for quite a few different reasons :
1- It forces me to get out of my comfort zone and try something different. It's pretty much the same as contests, with a difference of focus. Where contests tend to give freedom on the subject (within the borders of the theme of the contest, that it), people who request art usually impose a subject. And limitations can foster creativity in a powerful way.

2- It helps me get in touch with a part of the community that I don't know. On deviantArt, it often feels like you can't throw a rock without hitting someone who's got half a dozen OCs to talk about. And yet, I don't know much about this particular community because I tend to look up to pros and people looking to commission an artist. It's interesting to explore this population.

3- It forces me to apply what I learn instead of indefinitely postponing the decision to actually work on a polished drawing under the excuse of needing to learn more stuff/practice more. There is only one way to improve : get your face in front of a problem and get cracking.  

4- It helps building a portfolio and gives a bit of exposure. If someone was happy about your work, there is a good chance that they will talk about it around themselves. That means packing training and advertising in the single act of working on the request, which is quite effective in terms of how to make the best use of time.

5- Someone will (hopefully) get a nice suprise when I finish the request. :D

There are probably other benefits and quite a few shortcomings associated with taking requests. I know that, so far, the two that I have completed have been great opportunities to experiment with styles and ideas and to get inspiration for personnal work. Not to say that I will keep taking requests but I'm pretty sure that they can be a great way to keep motivated when the commissions are not coming in.

What do you think about taking requests?
Have you done it or plan to do it?
What would be your main reasons (not) to do it?
Have you found it helped you improve your art/get more exposure?  
Feel free to share your thoughts and experiences in the comments.
© 2013 - 2024 Mourkhayn
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