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I think more people could benefit from learning how to contact artists from a business perspective. I'm not referring to normal DMs asking questions. I'm talking about writing a professional email. Some of the stories I could tell lol (THREAD + TIPS
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I understand that the internet isn't real life, but a reflection of what we want others to perceive. At the same time, I always wonder how people can be so inept at contacting others in a professional manner. Nothing pompous, mind you, just writing a basic email with your needs.
Truth be told, there's no official class that talks about social media etiquette and it varies depending on the person. At the same time, I don't think it's wrong to ask for people to develop better communication skills to avoid mishaps and misunderstandings.
These are my tips:
1. State a greeting, but not as the ONLY response.
You have no idea how many emails I've seen in and outside of the art realm that don't do this. It's one thing to continue off a previous conversation. It's another not to make your intentions known AT ALL.
1. State a greeting, but not as the ONLY response.
You have no idea how many emails I've seen in and outside of the art realm that don't do this. It's one thing to continue off a previous conversation. It's another not to make your intentions known AT ALL.
I've gotten emails of people saying they want to talk to me. I don't mind depending on the circumstances, but many don't even state this in the initial email. In some cases, people don't even start with a greeting, they just ask on vague terms for me to do art for them.
Most of the time these emails are immediately deleted, not because having a conversation is a bad thing, but because of the effort. If you aren't even going to put in effort to make a concise email, why should I? Communication is a two-way street, not just assumptions.
If you send an email to anyone, understand who you are sending an email to and the circumstances surrounding it. Sending an email to your colleague is not the same as sending a funny message to your close friends/cousins on Discord.
I think due to the lines being blurred regarding home and work life, we have a new culture that's developing in regards to how we communicate with others. While I'm not against seeing this change, I do think it's important to maintain an effort to communicate concisely.
2. Only explain as much as you NEED to. I had several cases in which others:
-Revealed personal information to me without warning
-Didn't provide any details about their business prospects beyond requests
-If any details were revealed, they were sparse and unclear.
Don't do this.
-Revealed personal information to me without warning
-Didn't provide any details about their business prospects beyond requests
-If any details were revealed, they were sparse and unclear.
Don't do this.
In regards to personal information, unless it's needed for context, BE CAREFUL. This is the internet and it's not a safe place. You should not be telling random strangers your personal problems which can easily be turned against you.
A simple greeting + Your main point is all you need! You don't need to overthink it. Just consider what you want to receiver to understand the most. If that requires context, give it, but generally keeping your emails short and to the point is a good thing.
If you want to email someone regarding answering questions about something, discussing details a project you want to develop, just say it! Going around the issue just makes it harder to communicate your intentions as well as making proper judgements.
Sending an email without giving context is like going to McDonald's and asking for "just a burger" and saying nothing else. The cashier is going to obviously ask you what kind of burger you want, sides, determine the price, etc. Without context, you're just wasting time.
The best way to counter this would instead be giving proper context within the first the email. Instead of "I want your talents for a game idea" SAY " Hello! This is my pitch x...This is the role I want you to fulfill. What are your rates?" The latter gives much needed context!
3. RESEARCH.
Listen, I get it. Most people don't like reading long paragraphs of text. However, looking up information on what you want should be a must! You don't go looking for a job and not know what you're signing up for. You do a bit of research first to find answers!
Listen, I get it. Most people don't like reading long paragraphs of text. However, looking up information on what you want should be a must! You don't go looking for a job and not know what you're signing up for. You do a bit of research first to find answers!
In some cases, artists don't have a lot to find. That can be a deliberate choice, but I understand the frustration of not being able to contact someone. It's sucks. At the same time, if information is there, it's best to search a little bit before asking questions.
I had cases in which people asked about my commission status despite the fact my name has "commissions closed" as well as my profile description. It happens, but I feel knowing what you are looking for is important regardless of that to prevent misunderstandings.
Again, another comparison. Let's use finding an item. If you're looking for something specific, it's best to research where to find it. You don't go to a store and get mad when they don't sell something you never bothered to check (well some people do). Consider it the same.
If you don't know what you're looking for and can't find any additional information but an email address, that's the time. It's NOT when you can look at an artist's profile for various links. Again, communication is a two-way street so not having much information won't help.
4. Lastly, the internet is not real life, but you are still talking to a real person.
In this case, they are s STRANGER. Again, you don't need to be super formal, but you need to somewhat firm in your responses. What is the main point for contacting this person?
In this case, they are s STRANGER. Again, you don't need to be super formal, but you need to somewhat firm in your responses. What is the main point for contacting this person?
Unless you already had a friendly relationship with that person in the past, you probably shouldn't be treating every stranger like you do with your friends. Some people don't mind this, but I know others who do get uncomfortable because that's not the space to do that for them.
Emails aren't like Discord or Twitter in which that behavior is a bit more acceptable. For some people it might be, but would I talk on Discord the same way I do to my bosses? Absolutely not. Why? It's not the time nor place for that. Especially in terms of business.
This isn't me trying to be a hardass. I'm also not telling people to never have fun chatting to others, but you need to establish that relationship first. You can't just immediately expect people to jump on board the first time they meet you. That's not how it works.
If you are making a serious pitch, looking for information, contacting a professional for help, etc. there is some level of professionality that should be involved. Afterwards that might be different, but first impressions DO MATTER.
