So for a while now, I’ve been commissioning artists, left to right, on any MLP reviews I’ve produced. I like supporting artists. I like the creative freedom on what style, detail, and any imaginative story they can offer within their pics. And honestly, it feels very rewarding as there’s a nice pic for the said review, and in return, supporting the said artist. For a while now, I’ve been meaning to make this entry, explaining the details based on my previous experiences. So in doing so, I’ve listed out a set of guidelines and pointers for future reference if you’re interested in sorting out a deal with me. I make it simple enough, but it’s always good to point out a few things to make any work in the process a smooth sailing.
-Yes, you get paid.-
I know that should be very obvious, but some people either think they’re doing this only voluntarily without pay, or they fear I’d be one of those content creators who think they’re entitled to free art via requests. Neither of those are fair for anyone. It's a waste of an artist’s time, especially if they make a strict living off of it, and it gives a bad name to content creators in general as it scares artists away. I like the idea of teaming up with various skills and fairing out on both ends.
Upon doing so, I look at the artist’s commission prices to get an understanding on how much I’ll have to pay. Occasionally there’ll be times when the payment is so big that I’ll have to pay in portions. Some artists are open to that, but that’s also a compromise on my end. So that’s a thing to keep in mind should that be the case.
-Contact me first before you get started!-
There were about two occasions in which I won’t name drop, but some people went and made pics, expecting them to be for a thumbnail without preparation of what my preferences were. One was an uneven size done in MS Paint during my reviewing of Season 4. At that time, I didn’t have the privilege of making custom thumbnails. The other was for an Equestria Girls movie that I did plan on reviewing, but couldn’t get around to. I had to inform them both that they couldn’t be accepted and yes I did feel bad about it. But this is because of being unprepared.
For the most part, I contact the artist first to see if they’re up for it, and they accept. Very rarely, if not ever, do I ever get messaged about anyone who’d be willing to pitch in. Regardless, communication and being kept posted is something I find very mandatory. This won’t be the last time I’ll mention that.
-Quality Matters-
I know that sounds like I’m being picky, but part of supporting artists involves showing some professional skills in making the thumbnail an eye catcher. Something that is done with a very rookie attempt, like using MS Paint or having a lot to be desired, will not work too well in presenting something in the public eye. There are times when I see what art one has, and I will turn it down if there is something I find off. I know that’s harsh, but practice more and develop your skills better. I’m aiming for those who have good skills and want to help them get more recognition since some make a living off of it.
-Share me a Work in Progress-
This once again sounds like a no brainer but some artists have made the art I commissioned and uploaded it without checking on me to see if I was satisfied with the idea and composition. It’s personally irritating and I can’t imagine what other clients feel when they’re commission is being rushed without any resemblance of how the pic is coming along. Preferably show me a sketch first of what the composition is. That way if there’s anything that I want changed, there won’t be too much of a hassle compared to having a fully colored art piece without keeping me updated. So once again, communication is very mandatory.
-Don’t rush or put two much work on yourself-
I keep myself as flexible as possible to what needs to be done. And I try not to go for too much of anything in a thumbnail piece I ask for. Primarily, I aim for my character having an interaction with whatever it is that I am reviewing. I can break down more detail so that the artist will get a better understanding.
With that being said, there was a mishap when someone who I commissioned was putting too much work on herself. The background was extremely detailed, and there were a handful of characters to work with. On top of that, there was little time before my video was out. So I simply told this artist to come to a compromise so that she wouldn’t overwork herself. And what she was aiming for would be overcrowded anyway.
-Don't worry about the titles-
Some artists will put the name of whatever it is that I am reviewing in the thumbnail, and personally I don’t accept it. I have a sampled thumbnail template where the title is already placed and where my channel logo is, that being in the lower left corner. Here is the sample to get the understanding.
If space is of any concern, I’m willing to give suggestions and compromises like I mentioned before.
-Provide a link when you’re finished-
Some artists show their skills on other social media branches outside of DeviantArt. Twitter and Tumblr are just to name a few. I normally preferred just DA, but considering the design no one likes, well… you get the picture. There were some cases where artists who I have commissioned didn’t want their work on their main art pages for some reason. But I also want any viewer to see the artwork up close as it shows the skill and style that may draw their interest. Some were okay with me, displaying them on my main page while at other times, I host the pic on an image sharing platform as an alternative.
Anyone who wants to see previous thumbnails as examples or so whereabouts, here is a link to an archived folder.
https://www.deviantart.com/goldenfoxda/favourites/78668427/mlp-thumbnails
I hope this was helpful and informative. If anyone has any questions, feel free to drop them in the comments and I’ll be answering them. All things considered, have a good day.