Did you opt out of the AI trawling yet? You have to do it to each of your sideblogs individually as well

I did, thank you! Though I'll be honest, I do think some of my beloved fellow artists (understandably) focus on the wrong points of the matter. Personally, I'd rather continue sharing my work no matter what. I know it has a chance of getting used for AI slop, but that's everywhere. Who knows, it could be like NFTs and eventually most people realize what little substance it has, and therefore what little worth. My main concern is artistic industries and jobs getting even worse for artists as employers try to use said AI slop to take away what meager rights and wages we have to begin with.

TLDR i'm anti ai because it's basically junk, but it by itself does little more than annoy me. it's the concept that it could be used to hurt livelihoods that's my concern. An AI tech bro/supporter wouldn't be a good client for me in the first place, so I'm not really worried about losing their attention, so to speak. It's not the kind of person I think would be getting anything meaningful out of my art to begin with.

hey man the anti-AI stuff you reblog is rly. Reactionary idk how else to put it. It’s a mixed bag. AI has been used in art for a LONG time, it’s not as new as ppl think it is. It’s used a lot in animation especially. Obviously there is a difference between AI as a tool and AI as a replacement for artists/writers, but nearly every single instance of them attempting this has been catastrophically bad. (Doesnt stop the dumbass studios like Disney and Pixar to keep trying it tho, bc they value short term profit over any actual value) For AI being used in a professional setting, it’s imperative the distinction be made between tool or replacement. Machines, despite how efficient they have become, are managed by humans. Letting them run without a person actually operating it that knows what they’re trying to do is always a bad idea.

However, using AI generated pics for like. Personal use? Let’s say you aren’t a good artist, or as many have pointed out, can’t be an artist due to disability (none of that inspiration porn abt painting w your mouth some ppl can’t do that either.) and you’d like a picture of your Tabletop game character or OC or something, and you do not have the money to spare for a commission from the artist you like. Doesn’t mean you can’t pay for one later on, as a human will take the finer details you want and bring them to life, but if you’re looking for like. A placeholder? And you aren’t planning on selling it or some shit, then ppl shouldnt get on your case. Except every anti-AI bro now hears “AI” and flies into a frothing rage, saying it’s “never ok”. Nobody should care of somebody made a meme using AI or tried to make something just for themselves or friends. It becomes an issue when it’s being marketed as a “replacement” for artists.

Tldr: AI is a useful tool, the tech bros that got a hold of ot do not represent the entire scope of it. If it is used as a tool or personal use, it’s not an issue. It only becomes one when it is used as an explicit replacement for writers/artists.

i agree with the first paragraph, though im a little insulted you'd assume my knowledge and opinions on AI image generation were so shallow and uninformed as to have to explain it to me- but you lost me after that

first off, i wanna make it clear that basically no one thinks you're some sort of amoral monster for having used or even enjoyed what AI image generation and art can give you. most people genuinely don't understand the intricacies of its ethics and effects, and while ignorance like that is annoying, it's something most people who do get it understand and forgive with a sorta... exasperation. most of the time. now, maybe you're not coming from a place of good faith, i can't say, but i choose to think you are

i don't have the chops, time, or particular desire to explain what exactly is wrong with AI art generation (there's a lot in way too many directions), so i'll just give you a link to get you started (it's not a long read, just some basic critiques to jump from) and some admittedly harsh sounding (but well meant) advice that pertains to your particular use of AI:

you dont always get what you want. you're not entitled, for any reason, to the fruits of stolen (and popular AI datasets have been proven to unequivocally be stolen) artistic labor, especially if that theft is impacting the livelihoods of independent artists. (and don't give me "what about other generic media piracy" because that's its own can of worms and you know it. i won't hear it). it's not the end of the world that you have, but it's just not ethical to generate that art knowing it's based off stolen work- if it was all consensually given data it'd be different- and sometimes behaving ethically means you dont get what you want. tough shit. plenty of people can't or won't draw for all sorts of reasons, and none of those reasons suddenly make it ok for them to take other people's art

to be clear, if all the datasets used to train AI were ethically sourced- bought, donated, or taken from free use material- this wouldn't be an issue. i mean there would still totally be issues with casual generative AI, but this particular issue would be moot. the issue with AI art isn't the AI, it's what the AI's being fed. every time you engage with it gets smarter, and better, and more efficient at chewing up its stolen foods and spitting out a knockoff. the issue is what it's being fed and you are putting tokens in the little treat machine at its petting zoo enclosure

you want a placeholder? you got picrew. doll dress up games. hell, pester your friends for doodles. save up. or even just learn to handle not getting it at all- just pick something else

hi nikoco11! i’ve been following you for a while now and i love your art so much :DD

i was wondering if i could get your advice on something, and you don’t have to respond but i wanted to come to you because you are one of my biggest art inspirations!

i’ve wanted to make an art account for a while now but my nerves have held me back. what are some things you wish you knew when first starting to post your art online? and what do you wish you could’ve told yourself when you started?

i really hope i can work up the courage someday to post my art but idk :// thank you! have a nice day!!

- snail 🐌

hi there!!! first of all TYYYY :D i appreciate it !!

the biggest thing i wish i had known is that u will make many mutuals, and some of them will be bad people for u, and it’s totally ok to block and unfollow them!!

i was rlly young when i started posted (12? 13) and i got kinda stuck in following + being in group chats with people who had more followers than me bc i was intimidated by them. i would get rlly scared to distance myself bc i liked their art but i didn’t know what they would do if i stopped talking to them

spoilers: if u block the internet people, they stop existing and it’s totally okay!! TLDR: just because someone’s art is good doesn’t mean they r good to be around for u and that’s alright 👍👍👍

some other things:

- if u post on instagram, set story replies to people u follow only

- don’t make a tellonym/curious cat etc. ppl will use this to bring u down for no reason!!!

- u can post whatever makes u happy, fanart will bring u more attention but ppl will be less prone to sticking around if u change what u draw, so just go crazy w it!!

- don’t worry abt algorithm stuff when ur starting out, post at any time and any amount and any niche topic u want!!

- it is almost always better to open commissions on ur own terms than to reply to the random DMs you’ll get asking to “draw a picture for me? i can pay?” bc these r often scams OR just a headache to deal with

- u don’t owe ur account art, don’t get scared if u haven’t posted in a week or a month or a year!! value ur health and happiness over anything

THIS IS ALL I CAK THINKNOF RN!! I HOPE IT HELPS :3

hey do you have a layout of the apartment that eren and reader share in "nice"? or maybe just random pictures that remind you of it? i really wanna see if i've been imagining it right

Here is my attempt at making a floorplan for their apartment and it was harder than I thought 😭😭 don’t ask me about dimensions or scale bc <2 just know that... it’s unreasonably big and the total cost of the whole thing is like $65 million which doesn’t even include the furniture or art they’ve put in since living there. Anyway, this is the general layout of the first floor, intended to look something like the Van der Woodsen’s apartment in Gossip Girl so you can also look at that! Might do the second floor later, but all that’s really up there is Eren and OC’s bedrooms (they’ll probably renovate Eren’s sooner or later) and ensuite, another balcony, and a smaller office. 

Basically, it’s very kinda open concept space design whatever you call it. Anyway, here are some fun facts about their apartment/living arrangement!

Eren designed the majority of the apartment. It came with a lot of furniture, but he switched them out and played a big part in the renovation.

Remember, the original plan was for Eren to live in his childhood apartment (now Carla’s apartment) when Carla moved to Paris full-time; he bought this one for the two of you to live in, and it was a surprise present. He doesn’t have the knack for making clothes like his mom, but he does have a knack for designing, and he’s pretty good at interior design. 

It’s mentioned in the fic, but the elevator opens up into their apartment because it’s the penthouse. No, not just anybody can come up, you have to scan a card or be on their list to get let up by the doorman. 

There is nothing in that storage closet but packages that they keep forgetting to open lmfaooo. Maybe a few extra winter coats and random shit. 

Those statues are actually relatively new. They were a gift from Mitchell (Carla’s husband) for their wedding; he had them commissioned from an artist friend he knew in Paris. They aren’t of you and Eren (that would be a little creepy), but they represent each other. 

Eren keeps buying art just because it matches the decor and he knows that art is like a status symbol or whatever. He doesn’t know what it means, but if he likes it (or if you mention you likes it), he buys it. 

That kitchen is a dream which is funny because Eren can barely cook. Mikasa can tho, so thank fuck for her. Eren can and has fit into that pantry. 

All the plants are fake because Eren has allergies. Also because he does not have a green thumb. You guys periodically change them out for the season, and the only time a real plant is in the apartment is during Christmas. 

Armin burned himself trying to use the fireplace once and hasn’t even stepped foot near it since; he doesn’t even sit on the twin chairs near it, only the sectional because he’s a big baby. 

Coffee table #1 is the more functional one; it’s where they sit and eat, lounge, drink wine, use their laptops, so there’s usually a bunch of stuff on it. Coffee table #2 is more for show; it’s made of glass has books on it, and a candle, too. 

Whenever you fall asleep on the daybed, Eren always carries you upstairs. Similarly, he knows you’re prone to napping on the daybed, so (before getting married), whenever he felt that you were working too hard/too long on schoolwork, he would tell you work there, just bc he knew you would fall asleep. 

There isn’t a symbol for it, but there is a big set of sliding doors that can close the dining room, but it’s always open (they usually eat at the bar anyway). They always host Thanksgiving dinner at their house, but they don’t throw a lot of formal parties otherwise. They do have their friends over a bit, and they randomly show up sometimes, so they keep the extra seating around. 

Eren loves the pool, and he loves dragging you into it. The outdoor grill legitimately only gets used by Connie whenever he has a grilling kick in the middle of the summer, what the fuck does Eren know about grilling other than it seems sick to have one. 

The outdoor “bar” doesn’t actually have alcohol stocked in it. The terrace is pretty secure, no drunk person could accidentally just fall off of it, but you still don’t like the idea of having drinks accessible out there. It’s mostly sodas and fruit juices. Occasionally you and Eren sit outside with a glass of champagne or two, but nothing more than that. 

The guest bedroom hardly gets used because your guests are obsessed with the sectional, so they usually fall asleep there. The only people who like the bed are Mikasa, Reiner, and Sasha. 

The atelier was, obviously, designed with Carla in mind. She does have her own apartment in the city, but Eren put this one in for her anyway (way before the events of NICE happened; which only goes to show that even though Eren is mad at his mom for her marriages, he never hated her and always sought to take care of her). It doubles as a fitting room and powder room of sorts. 

Eren has never used the first floor bathroom. 

The art at the end of the hallway was done by Jean, and was originally a gift for your birthday, but offered to pay him and value you it like real, expensive art. Eren claims that was a waste of money. You just have to point to any random object in the house to humble him about “wasting money.” 

Long-Needed Progress Update (7-2021)

Hi so I know I haven’t been active here in a long while, though I wanna just let yall know that I’m actually the busiest I’ve ever been as a creator, and kinda just wanna fill you in on a few crops of stuff I’ve been working for the last several months.

The short of it is that... yeah, I’ve found lots of work in comics and stuff, and I finally have a decent cashflow starting out doing commissions :D The sad news is that it’s taking up so much of my schedule that I don’t really have a lotta time to devote to my personal projects again. Perhaps once I eventually stabilize in finding a better series of gigs I’ll be able to pursue them more again, but in the meantime, works like this are my present occupation.

Further explanation of my whereabouts way below beyond Keep Reading if you wanna get into specifics

I’m not really sure if I can get around the explanation for what’s going on by mincing words, but the reason I won’t be directly linking any of the full comics I’ve been working on here is because it’s all dem le w ds. Maybe yall have already guessed that, I’m legitimately unsure of how well these screencaps are obfuscating this haha

My last announcement post before this mentioned that I was approached for a couple of busy drawing job offers, and I chose not to mention this at the time, but they were very upfront with me that the jobs were adult-oriented in nature, but they legitimately liked my art, thought my style would be a good fit, and offered me the best rate.

Following the initial batch, I actually ended up getting some buzz under my alternate pen name and have since capitalized on that by doing my own freelance commissions, and I’ve been doing like 3 big comics per month for varying clients over the last while. Not the greatest or steadiest of work, but it’s still honest work, I’ve made a lot of new friends and cohorts in this scene, and my profile there has actually grown pretty significantly.

But yeah, lewds. And not only that, but a kinda niche k ink that I’m pretty sure folks that might really really alienate a lot of followers, hence why I wanna keep this private. You may or may not have guessed what it is; please keep it to yourself.

I individually am NOT ashamed of doing lewd content. I have confusions of the work given that I’m ace as well as how the community is pretty damn easygoing and professional in spite of it being taboo, but I’m able to capitalize on my strengths can they be reinforced (I can still tell what “sexy” looks like lol) and people respond to it. Heck, a lot of folks really positively respond to my WRITING, which is great because I like writing comedy and character interactions.

but yeah, the reason why I’ve been keeping this on the down-low isn’t merely because this site is kinda bad for it, but also it is a pretty alienating topic and I don’t want my work to necessarily paint me in a crude, unapproachable, unsavory light. To me, it’s just a hustle I’m new to and am finding new success in that I’m ever grateful for, but I legitimately don’t wanna scare you off as like “ugh, so Nines went to the dark side now, gross.” I hope you please understand I legitimately do value and kinda need the financial backing right now -- “real” jobs here are still very terrible, kinda dangerous, and I need income right now bc we got a lotta bills to pay off (btw getting a dentist or a normal checkup within a reasonable insurance rate is a horrific slog)

Anyways, if you actually WANT to know my alt N SFW Twitter where I’m most active now, you can DM me, but I kindly request to keep the knowledge of that alias with this one private, because again: niche funk. I hope you understand :)

thank you all very much

I just want to know how you feel about supporting other fanfic writers. on tumblr theres such a huge emphasis put on reblogging fellow creator’s work to boost them. I understand how important that is but as a fairly big blog, do you feel that it is a responsibility on your shoulders to boost others? I ask u this not bc I want you to do anything, but bc I’m in the same position and I’m feeling very pressured to reblog all my mutual’s content. I’m torn between the whole “it’s my blog” view (aka I just want to log on, post and disappear. that’s all I want to do) and also “I have a debt to repay” bc I know how many people supported me when I started out. that being said...I didn’t expect it, and I still don’t expect interaction from anyone. whether some chooses to rb or like my content has never been a concern for me, but I know interaction is a HUGE thing for many writers here. idk I feel disingenuous for reblogging and hyping them up when I’m really not in the headspace for it...and i feel like I’m putting on some kind of front to my followers like I’m a slimy salesman. this might not make ANY sense hope, completely understand hahahah. if u do want to reply I would prefer this ask not to be posted publicly but yeah you’re under no obligation ofc! (2/2)

honestly i think this is a really good question that a lot of people try to navigate — and i would answer privately but because it’s an anon i can’t! however!

i think this is a great discussion to have because you raise a lot of really good points here and you’re not the first person to ask me about this!

it’s been an interesting culture shift — i have been writing on tumblr for well over four years now, so i’ve watched the algorithm slowly begin to kill written mediums steadily. with this, a lot of people started talking about the like to reblog difference and how to “properly support writers on tumblr”.

for me, interactions are interactions — seeing comments or reblogged comments are particularly lovely because it means someone enjoyed your work enough to take the time to talk to you about. same with asks about certain works! it’s incredibly lovely to see these things, read them, and interact with readers. for some, likes operate the same way. some people are just shy. maybe they don’t have time to send a whole literary analysis on the metaphor you used in paragraph eight. and that’s okay!

i think the tumblr obsession with notes and “boosting” fics has gotten a bit out of hand, and in my experience, i’ve noticed a few of the blogs behind these popular posts can be a bit fame-hungry. in reality, being popular on tumblr has little value, really. no money, a good amount of hate, but gain a strong community if you do it right that can be wonderful! that’s the best part - but sometimes these small writers push for a bit of virtue signaling in that you aren’t “supporting writers” if you don’t reblog to gain this. every other post is something about writing floppping, or how people on their tag list need to interact or they’ll be removed.

(yes, seriously i have gotten into beef with someone over this exact practice, just ask lauren.)

this is why i personally don’t like getting messages about “you should read (this fic) by (this writer)” and i get them a lot. it’s a weird feeling because they’re often without explanation, random, and on anon. it feels a lot like trying to game free exposure to 13k followers. i have set a standard where i don’t do fic recs, so i ignore these messages. and that’s just how i roll!

if you really want to support writers on tumblr, donate to their ko-fi’s. commission a writing piece. send them $5 on paypal. we really do this stuff for free. some people may want to be paid in “exposure” (i.e. reblogs) but those reblogs aren’t paying my bills so i dunno what they’re on about. to each their own, but paying for a coffee is the ultimate thank you.

personally, i operate from a standpoint of enjoyment. if i really enjoy a fic, i reblog it. like i’m talking jaw-hits-the floor really love it! i feel it’s important to be mindful if you’re going to do fic recs that you don’t reblog everything. unless you’re a blog specifically meant for that, or you run it that way!

again, everything i’m saying here is my personal take and my personal way of running my blog.

i have been doing this for a long time, with some mediocre success, and truly the worst writer’s block came when i worried about notes. i felt like i wasn’t creating content that was worth it. in reality, i was creating content i enjoyed, but the pressure of seeing those triple digit notes was putting a damper on my style.

giving content creators the thanks they deserve is important, but don’t feel as though it needs to be your full time job. small things go a long way, and a lot of us are immensely grateful for the tiniest of things.

i hope this helps you figure out how you wanna navigate this tricky landscape.

Not sure if my ask went through the first time or not (thanks tumblr), so I'll send it again to be sure. How do you think Lurien got his spot on the spire and as a dreamer? Do you also have some fun/not so serious headcanons you wanna share?

it didn't go through the first time! thank you for sending it again tho!! :D

i will put the spire / dreamer talk in another post, but here r some misc hcs:

-> leading from the above, but! once lurien discovered aster works with engraving (through a gift, small leather 'belt' sort of thing to keep up a few of his cloaks) he allowed them to make a simple pattern upon his prostheses as well.

- i think lurien n dryya should be friends. something abt their personalities works well i feel

- lurien's telescope was crafted by monomon! she also crafted the draft of his current arm prostheses based on his input and what she gathered from his old ones (with some updates to make movement easier). while he rarely uses his old ones these days, they hold a Lot of sentimental value, and are one of the few items he doesn't allow aster to touch more than need be.

- honestly i feel like lurien's similar to me in that he realized he was gay and then was like ok! cool! [proceeds to do nothing with this for the next few years bc he has other stuff to worry abt]

- lurien has a surprising balance between practicing scenery and people, tho he still prefers scenery... it changes often, even in small ways, and he enjoys being able to capture the life of the moment. besides, on a technical level there are often more details in there anyway to mess with even when they're small, whereas w masks it does begin to feel a bit repetitive every once in a while unless he draws details within their shell as well. but. regardless, there aren't many who'd feel comfortable with removing their masks for him to try to paint, and he's not the sort to paint himself. the three statues are enough to sate his ego thank you.

-> when he was younger he'd take commissions to earn smth extra lmao

- lurien's not great with hallownest's typical nails, but enjoys wielding long, lightweight weapons. while he's no competition for dryya, hegemol still occasionally spars with him to pass the time away when she's busy.

- okay. okay. bear with me. lurien's laugh right... usually one of those soft, reserved ones where you'd cover the lower half of your face and it doesn't last long, but the amusement stays, but when he's comfortable w you it becomes really. bright? he will still tend to cover his face or tilt his head downward depending on the situation, but it's a lot clearer and while it's not loud there is a lot more emotional weight to it that he allows himself to express and i ;-;

- wow i'm gay. it's okay he is too. while there was a period of time when aster didn't live in the capital (for various reasons), sometimes, esp around the 'new year' once they were used to each other, they would spend some extra time outside of work hours. the first few times were by aster's nervous request because the stagways had closed and they wouldn't want to bother them, and a few after were lurien's hesitant offer. bro they are close friends they just want to spend time w each other when aster really has no obligation to work.

-> i've said this before but i think it'd be funny if aster occasionally debated their pay / mentioned offhand that dang lurien's going to fire them oh no oh woes whatever shall they do with lurien and while he's mortified bc I Would Not Do That To You, they're just. bestie (... mestie? mastie? watchie??? girl help) it's fine i'm well-off with the money i've already got i'm doing this work bc i like it (and i like you, but you didn't hear th--

late night real talk

It’s 3:40AM and I have stuff to say (it’s mostly positive, dw)

I received payment for another commission recently, and I’m almost at $2KCAD!!! I have about another $2K in my bank account, and my student loans that I have to repay are around $5K+

I feel like I’m actually getting closer to being able to pay off my student loans! It doesn’t seem like a hopeless nightmare anymore! I’m a NEET with no income asides from commissions, and my parents sure as fuck aren’t gonna help me out bc fuck them, I don’t want to be indebted any more than necessary to them, so I’m really happy with how things are going so far! My social anxiety is severe as fuck, so trying to get a job is... not something I can see happening any time soon. So being able to make money by offering my services is extremely uplifting for me.

I’ve... had my general art commissions closed for over two, three, maybe four(?) years now due to extreme burnout and lack of confidence. And even though my confidence is better now than it was before, I still suffer from burnout.

I offer a few special art commissions here and there, but for the most part, I haven’t been able to get money from art commissions for the longest time. It stressed me out because I need to pay off my student loans, and every single cent that I receive from others, whether by commissions or donations, is going straight to paying them off. I haven’t bought a single thing for myself except for a new drawing tablet, but that was so that I can continue working on commissions.

But even then, I still couldn’t because motivation was abyssmal and depression dragged me down.

I wasn’t certain if I’d be able to get much money with writing commissions since most people who buy commissions value digital art over any other art form, but(!!!) I was able to do it!!! People liked my writing and paid me for it!! Some people have been even kind enough to give me tips!!!

And, and, and!!! I also started recently offering up my services for custom HTML code layouts on Toyhouse. Again, I wasn’t sure if I’d get much interest, but it’s been going pretty well!

I just find it ironic that the stuff that I thought wouldn’t get as much interest ended up being where I got most of my income.

Idk, but it just feels... extremely rewarding. And maybe I’m just petty, but it makes me feel good about myself that I’m able to get this money on my own while my parents think all I do is laze around the house, so it kind of makes me want to go “IN YOUR FACE”

...Yeah.

I’m still working through current commissions which have been delayed due to another one of my depressive episodes, and I have some more clients who are interested on a waitlist. I plan on opening up more commissions (like customs and maybe Twitch emojis(?) as well as YCHs) hopefully soon, but I’m trying to be mindful of not taking on too much and overwhelming myself.

Idk, I guess I’m just full of love right now for all of my clients who have supported me. I know I say it a lot, but I really do mean it when I say that I wouldn’t have gotten this far without the support of those online. I have little to no support IRL save for maybe one or two people, so the fact that I’m still here today is thanks to everybody online who’s helped support and encourage me through all my ups and downs.

Aight, I should probably sleep before I get too sentimental. G’night ♥

Why did you start your entire counter-argument as a strawman to the things I said? Basically nothing you ranted about in the first paragraph was anything I said. I’ve paid 100 for an outfit, I gotten pants, and shirt, and a vest for about 100, which was my base line for this. Mind everyone, these were pretty basic, so no special pockets, extra requested adjustments, or whatever  These were also just bought as in stock items, for a 65cm doll. That’s a basic outfit for me. Socks, is something I make myself, and shoes are a separate expense. “100 or more” actually means that I’d pay 200, or 300 if it is elaborate enough, or if I personally commissioned something the artist would have to adjust their patterns for, or buy special fabric for. I’d probably pay more, but I also got a personal cut-off point for how much money I’d spend on some doll clothes. So I wouldn’t go over my own price to begin with, and make that clear also. (I’d honestly even buy my own fabric, and send it to them, if I wanted something specific.) I’m just not gonna throw the shirt/pants/vest set for 100usd, into the same category as a 300usd ballgown. That’s not how good marketing functions. And most people will not immediately go out of their way to buy the most expensive item/commission, and might be more inclined to go for a lower price range when buying stuff.

Mod: The rest is under the cut ❤️

“so maybe you’d toss me an extra $20 if you were really impressed” Did I say that? No. Did I say how much more I’d pay? No. Did I say I’d pay extra “after” I got the item/once it’s done? No. (Being able to be “Impressed” implies to me that the garment is in a state where it’s at a later stage.) Have I ever given a tip for a commissioned item/added some extra money as a bonus gift? Yeah. But that was outside the purchase, and was a nicety. It’s in the same sense, as when I send someone something they bought from me, I like to add in some candies, or small gifts, as a surprise. Yes, that’s different. In  your assumption I’d underpay, and then throw in “20usd” for being “impressed”. While I’d give a small bonus, no matter what. No need to impress me. I also wouldn’t commission you, tbh. “but that means that to you, my labor at a base rate isn’t even worth a third of what the state says is ok to pay entry level workers,” Where did you even get that from? Seriously. You were the one who claimed that the “more” from “100bucks or more” means only just 20bucks “if you were impressed”. That’s 100% you assuming something, and not even giving me the benefit of the doubt. I know some people undersell their work, but I in commissions, normally ask multiple times to give me the right numbers, after the 5th time I’ve asked, or more, I can’t exactly force them. If I ask for the right numbers, I mean it. If I did want something super specific commissioned, I’d immediately tell the maker to give me the right numbers, to avoid any kind of monetary grief. If I later noticed that I feel like I underpaid, or if I noticed that the entire project became more expensive, I’d ask them for a new value, or to not go as elaborate if it’s gonna cost them more time/money. And ask them to inform me when the cost of making becomes too much. Also, if it’s a finished item, or something they make on order, but isn’t specially commissioned, so I don’t speak to them, I’ll pay what their shop says. If you wanna blame me for not “paying what they deserve” you also have to demonise everyone who buys from these people, and I guess, also blame them for not putting up the “right” prices. You should, from the beginning, state what your prices are, if someone isn’t willing to pay the full price, is it even worth working for them? If their only complaint is that “It’s too expensive” then that’s a customer you should seriously skip, because you’ll probably waste more on them, than earn, in the end. “And you expect the work of a master tailor for that?” Damn, that must have been a parallel universe confession of mine you found, because I’m pretty sure I never said that, nor was there anything which could have implied that. Correct me if I’m wrong though. If I wanted a Master tailor, I probably wouldn’t start on instagram, since if I wanna commission a master tailor, I’d prefer to be able to go to them Irl. I also wouldn’t go to a master tailor for doll clothes, but that’s a different topic.   What I want is, simply, what was advertised, and what I paid for. I also literally specified that there are people who DON’T have the skills, and have prices which don’t match the final product. Or are you putting yourself, and Master tailors in the category, where I specifically mentioned: “where the person can’t sew straight, or symmetrical.” And noted the difference as: “You wouldn’t pay the same for a cake from a 5 star baker, and a store cake ” I doubt anyone would do that. “but the sellers who can come close to the company’s low prices—the ones you’re complaining about selling low quality clothes—are deliberately selling far under the value of what their labor would be worth if they were more experienced so they can make back some of the expense of learning the trade” So, this one, after reading it several times, because it genuinely confuses me, I don’t really get what it’s saying. What I got from this is:

It either sounds like some people are skilled enough, but just choose to create bad quality items. Since they won’t be compensated for their work anyway. (Which really isn’t a good way to advertise ones work. If that’s the case. Idk)

nd option, (and in context of what I said.) People who got little skill, since they just started learning, are undervaluing items, which are beginner level quality, but which, if we factor in stuff they had to buy to start in the hobby/trade to begin with, should either be in a similar price-point, or the same/more than what a doll company asks for their clothing, because the company is only able to ask for such a low price because of several different factors to begin with.  Even though their quality is very notably below what the company sell their clothes for.

Neither of these options, (which I got out of that, I could be wrong), sound good to me. I think the latter is more accurate, with the former interpretation, I pulled in what I got from the first parts of the rant. If someone is a beginner, they will obviously have more expenses in the beginning, because they will have to buy basic tools, and materials. But the bulk buying to begin, is often a one time bulk-investment. What I mean is that one doesn’t need to buy a sewing machine, new needles, chalk, or even bigger amounts of fabrics/thread, each time, but just the necessities missing at that point. And yeah, they’ll also use a lot of those materials, trial and error, and learning. But even if they have these expenses, they’re expenses for being beginners, that’s not something the customer should compensate for. The customer should compensate for the material, and time used, and for the actual skill the artist has used on the item they purchased. And should of course pay fairly for that. I’ll pay for what was made, and the time/skill used, and the materials, I’m not gonna pay for any side projects, or anything that isn’t directly related to my order. (Again, that’s what I get from the 2nd option. That they gain experience from making their own projects, while working on something for a customer) That’d be like going to the hairdresser, asking for a trim, and having to pay extra because my hairdresser decided to dye their own hair blue. I mean, all in all it’s a pretty weird argument. (If someone got something different, or could explain what was actually meant, if I got it seriously wrong, please do, because I’m honestly, seriously not sure I understood the argument.) I actually meant the people who overvalue the skills they don’t really have. You can literally find people who ask for the same prices as some of the more known, and skilled artists, but their products don’t hold up. If I can pay 50usd for a wig from a well known artist, who’s got a reputation for good wigs, and has done them for 5 years, I’m not gonna pay 50usd for a wig from someone who started making wigs 2 weeks ago. You aren’t even just paying for materials, time, skill, you’re also paying for the name of the artist. Which is why more popular artist might have higher prices, than unknown ones. It’s like how Guxxi could sell the same white t-shirt you get at a H'n’M, for a 1000% price inflation, bc people just care about the little label saying “Guxxi”.   (Yes, I censored the names) Even if companies can buy in bulk, most the clothes they make are also still handmade, and I’d be 100% willing to pay that for a handmade outfit, and to wait the weeks, and even months some companies take. Just like how I do with the dolls they make. Also, in that same vein, if you’re saying they’re underpaid, and undervalued. Most of them work for the respective doll-manufacturing companies, does that mean people should stop buying dolls also? Because if they’re not treating their tailors right, does that extend to their doll-makers? Are we supporting undervaluing/underpaying workers? That’s just what it sounds like. Did you mean something different? Seriously, this just came across as a little weird. Like, I can’t really think of many actual companies who make doll-clothes, who aren’t also directly tied to the doll making companies. And independent creators, and artists aren’t really companies to me. Also, in many of the doll manufacturing countries, the prices for raw materials is often below what we have to pay to begin with. Even if bulk buying cuts of a significant amount, a even bigger amount is just cut off by virtue of the materials being generally cheaper, or because they might get is straight from the producer, instead of going to a fabric/sewing supply shop, like most of us would have to. Plus, and I think this is important to note, if it’s their business, and taxes work the same way in these countries, as they do in some European countries, or the US (I assume), they can just write up material cost as business expense, which removes some of the taxes on the materials, which makes it even cheaper, something most small time commissioners might not do/can’t do, for whatever reason. So a regular artist would have to pay: full price for materials + markup from fabric stores + taxes for material + the time spent getting themselves noticed/improving, (which is a personal expense). Which might make it more expensive at large, comparatively. Finally, you used the price of 40usd for the materials, but I feel like this is pretty barebones, in terms of “what is the money used for”. What size is the doll? 30cm? 40-50? 60-70? What materials are you using? Cotton, polyester, wool, silk??? Does this focus on fabrics you own? New fabrics, specially bought for that outfit? If I was being pedantic: What counts into your price of 40usd raw materials? Did you add laces, and special fabrics? Does that factor in having to buy/make new patterns? If yes, how much would NOT making/getting a new pattern remove from the price? (I know free patterns exist, I like those) What length does the dress have? The petticoat? Are they floor length? Knee? One option will use different amounts of material. That’s just the basic material, not time, or effort invested. Just the materials. And I’m just gonna guess you’re gonna think “Why should I have given that detail, I was just making a quick point.” Since you already bothered to make a “submit long confession”, adding a quick note of how big the doll, and maybe what materials you’re even counting in, to make your point more understandable, would have been useful. Especially since you did spend the time creating a strawman, using those to argue with my points from the original confession, instead of taking the exact words I said. Just saying. So yeah, would be nice to have a base point to know what those 40usd are used for, because I don’t own any fabrics that’d reach a 40usd price point in raw materials for doll clothes, and I got some pretty expensive ones in my stash. Unless you’re seriously counting the price of buying a metre of fabric and using that as a price point, even if you don’t need to use all of it. In your case, as you said: A dress and petticoat and socks. (I assume the socks aren’t the same material?) So would you ask the price of 1m of fabric you bought, even if only 50cm were to be used? You buy 1x1.5m, and only use half of that 1m, so 0.5x1.5m. ????? I did some math based on fabric stores in my country, where I went with 1.5m of fabric each, with prices for normal mono-colour cotton being around 8usd pr metre, and a patterned red-white-polka dot fabric at 10 pr m. This is on the cheaper side, while the more expensive fabrics run from 15usd for mono-colours, to maybe 25usdh for pattern fabrics. But like I said, or asked, how much would you actually need of that 1m of mono and/or pattern fabric? Do you need a full metre of each to make a dress for a 30cm doll? Or even a 65cm? I actually did an entire run down of the prices, based on my country’s prices from the stores, but kinda realised that unless I put in the shop name, and link, it would seem like I’m just pulling random numbers, and I don’t want to put anything out that could identify me to people who know me. : P Final words. Yeah, I did take offence to your accusations, an strawmanning of what I said. While I did lack some context, I didn’t wanna make a long confession just to add “Oh btw, my price point of an outfit, was a set of in-stock items I paid 100usd for (excluding shipping).” and “Oh btw, when I said ”or more“ I mean I’d pay up to 300usd, since that’s my personal expense cut-off line for clothes. And I don’t wanna put items for 100usd in the same category as something for 300usd, and most in-stock stuff I buy is in that lower range to begin with, at least when it comes to single items.” Meanwhile you basically just tried to give yourself the biggest area to “call me out” on, and pretended my words were much worse for some reason. Also, as you can see, I also didn’t really get some of your points, but I did specifically state at those points, that I didn’t get what you meant, and that I set up my interpretation of what you said, in order to talk about it. Just so it doesn’t appear like I’m ignoring them. Difference is I made sure that it’s obvious that I’m not sure what you said, vs you just making it sound like your interpretation is what I meant. I personally have experienced a lot of this bullshit, of having my words twisted in order for people to justify treating me badly irl, so this is why I’m writing this half baked essay. Also, before someone wonders why I have sewing supplies, but still buy stuff, which is normal I know, but if someone wonders. I can’t focus for long times, and my hands are bad at holding still. I’m also not allowed to use the sewing machine, so I’m trying to get my own. For anyone annoyed at the length. It’s also pretty annoying to be accused based on strawmen where I  “rip off” beginner tailors, and demand “the works of master tailors” for the “4.5”. For the Mod, sorry for the length.

~Anonymous

i like venting and ranting here bc i feel less bad since i can put it under a cut and we all can move along and act like i’m okay

yeah ive accepted that i like being niche too much to ever be a successful artist

i have absolutely no ill will toward artists who can post a sketch or a wip and get more engagement than i ever would in a finished illustration, but i’m also not gonna pretend that it doesnt hurt with the idea that someone else’s sketches have more value towards other people than something i spent hours and weeks over

i know i should make more original content but im a small artist already but WHO PAYS for original content anymore

i’m not ready to publish my own stories for comics

i feel like im mediocre at best because my ass has been drawing for over a decade and i still have trouble with anatomy

i have trouble getting commissions

i know im better off than i was last year in terms of financial gains and engagement but i’m fucking TIRED and i want to quit but the only reason that i’m not gonna do it is because i have way too much fun doing whatever i want

but i’m also over it

i just wanna find a job that’s SOMEWHAT art related and treats me well but i can still do fuck all with my own stuff because if i’m not gonna get major bank anyway i might as well do whatever i want