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I’d like to send out a reminder to the internet.
As artists, we enjoy sharing our work and creating content to be loved.
But buying artwork or offering support. Does not give you the right to demand an exclusive relationship (that includes friendship) with that artist.
As artists, we enjoy sharing our work and creating content to be loved.
But buying artwork or offering support. Does not give you the right to demand an exclusive relationship (that includes friendship) with that artist.
It can be very hard as a content creative, to know when to draw up boundaries with people.
I love talking to people, I love talking about my work...
But you should never feel ‘bad’ about adding distance or removing someone from private profiles.
I love talking to people, I love talking about my work...
But you should never feel ‘bad’ about adding distance or removing someone from private profiles.
It’s your right to decide what details you’re happy to share with people.
Buying your artwork or donating money, does not give them exclusive rights to you.
Any normal person wouldn’t feel offended if you felt like you needed to step back.
Buying your artwork or donating money, does not give them exclusive rights to you.
Any normal person wouldn’t feel offended if you felt like you needed to step back.
One major warning sign, is when people use your job (in this case art) as a way to gain control.
They might be patient and kind only whilst an exclusive relationship with you is safe.
But as soon as they sense a change. Suddenly there are problems with your work.
They might be patient and kind only whilst an exclusive relationship with you is safe.
But as soon as they sense a change. Suddenly there are problems with your work.
Which is why contracts are so important.
Plus any normal person, internet friend or not. Will usually understand if you don’t share information with them.
If they start to show issues. Refund and block. People should respect your privacy.
Plus any normal person, internet friend or not. Will usually understand if you don’t share information with them.
If they start to show issues. Refund and block. People should respect your privacy.
I felt a little silly 
in feeling the need to share this.
I was surprised at how volatile a situation got and how entitled this person felt towards my feelings and friendship.
in feeling the need to share this. I was surprised at how volatile a situation got and how entitled this person felt towards my feelings and friendship.
I was also surprised at how pressured I felt, in needing to offer this person attention just because they’d bought artwork.
Some people buy artwork because they like the person behind it. That’s completely fine...
But you shouldn’t ever feel extra pressure to interact.
Some people buy artwork because they like the person behind it. That’s completely fine...
But you shouldn’t ever feel extra pressure to interact.
If you’re reading this thread and feeling worried that you’re in a similar situation...don’t ever feel scared to end that contact.
But if you owe them art or an outstanding commission. Make sure you refund before blocking and make it clear that you wish to end contact.
But if you owe them art or an outstanding commission. Make sure you refund before blocking and make it clear that you wish to end contact.
They might then go to their social media profiles and as a last ditch attempt to keep a relationship. They may try to sour your name and screw events to make them feel better.
Let them do that. As long as they have their money and outstanding art. You don’t owe them anything.
Let them do that. As long as they have their money and outstanding art. You don’t owe them anything.
If you’re worried about future customers. Use this as a learning point for setting contracts and boundaries.
Put future clients at ease by having a legally binding contract. You’ll also feel better knowing that you have something in writing.
Good clients will NOT be put off.
Put future clients at ease by having a legally binding contract. You’ll also feel better knowing that you have something in writing.
Good clients will NOT be put off.
Dealing with difficult people is always going to be a problem with artists. We don’t have a boss or a HR department to refer to. We are what we are.
But I’d rather have lies spread about me online, over me feeling pressured everyday to be with a harmful individual.
But I’d rather have lies spread about me online, over me feeling pressured everyday to be with a harmful individual.
If people come to you and are are concerned about how you’ll complete a commission or deliver artwork.
(Because there are sadly scammers out there.)
Simply send them your contract, explain the process.
Always the do the right thing for you. It will pay off.
(Because there are sadly scammers out there.)
Simply send them your contract, explain the process.
Always the do the right thing for you. It will pay off.
Artists are pressured to become more like celebrities. But with that comes a whole new responsibility and pressure to cast an image that you want to be viewed.
The artists of days before social media, probably didn’t feel this type of social pressure...
The artists of days before social media, probably didn’t feel this type of social pressure...
But all fundamentals remain the same.
It doesn’t matter what that other person feels. Or what they ‘intended’ their actions to be perceived by you.
If you feel uncomfortable, pressured or unhappy. You do what’s safe and comfortable for you.
It doesn’t matter what that other person feels. Or what they ‘intended’ their actions to be perceived by you.
If you feel uncomfortable, pressured or unhappy. You do what’s safe and comfortable for you.
