So, story time!

A little under a week ago I was approached by an author who wanted to buy commercial rights to one of my images to use as a book cover for a series he was writing.

Now, I've never properly sold artwork for commercial use before (1)

And decided to ask the lovely folk in my art server for advice on how to go about it and what I should charge.

We all agreed that it should be one flat rate charge as it's not a high end publisher who has approached me, and that the rate should be (2)

2-3x the normal charge for the artwork as they'll be making money from it. (This is apparently very normal for artists to do, and I was very happy and excited that that's how it goes normally!)

So, I pitched the idea to the guy who instantly told me the price was too high. (3)

He then said he wished he could work with me but needed a day to think about it, even after I said I was willing to negotiate with him about the price.

He then asked me if I could paint something specific for his books and, after I explained that was bot a problem but (4)

The price would be the same as it is being sold for commercial use, he told me he needed a day to think on it.

Ladies and gents, in the time this happened, a lot of red flags came up and I would like to share what I experienced so that people don't get their hopes (5)

Dashed when they're ghosted completely by someone making these enquiries.

1. If someone is serious about hiring you, they will have a budget in mind and will be open to negotiation if your prices are too high for them- though don't go too low, you're worth what you charge (6)

Especially if your work is making someone else money.

2. Professionals will email you and not write in text speech on social media platforms like Instagram (yes, this is how I was approached)

3. This person apparently tried buying the digital download from one of (7)

The print sites i had the image on and only had canvas prints of... and has only approached me after not being able to get the digital pdf. Please be careful what you put up for sale and make sure you make it very clear it's not for commercial reuse if you don't want it to be.(8)

4. Do your research on the individuals who approach you. The guy that approached me never once credited the artists who did his previous book covers, even in the written credits and thanks inside his books. You deserveeverybitofcreditforYOURWORK!(9)

If you've gotten this far on my little rant, thank you for reading. You guys are worth so much more than some people will try to take you for.

If you're unsure about something or someone, turn to your peers. They'll give you their advice and help you see things you may miss.

Just going to add a polite note:

While I get i am new to selling commercially, I know others are not, and those are the people I turned to. They have been in the art industry longer than I have and know what they're on with. I would not have turned to them otherwise

(Cont)

Don't think for a second that just because we're in a discord server together helping each other out and supporting each other that they are any less professionally part of the industry and running their own business.