| Posted: 14 January 2013 at 10:52pm | IP Logged | 6
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A couple of other healthy hints:
-Ignore me at cons and in real life. I prefer to be left alone. It's best for everyone involved. At least according to Paul.
-Know your limits. Both financially and physically. Don't feel like you have to keep up with "big spenders" and don't fell like something is "worth it" only because there are 5 guys behind you willing to pay. If it doesn't jive with you for whatever reason, walk away. Physically- know when to take a break, and know how much you can carry around with you. Art can be a pain to carry around a con if you don't have a nice bag or portfolio to put it in...
-Know what you want, and know how to get it. Do research on artists, either by asking collectors or asking the artist before the con. Nothing drives us crazy like a "Wild Card"- an artist that no one in "our group" has met before that can't be contacted. When we have no idea if an artist is even sketching, or how much they charge- it makes planning a pain.
-Know what you're getting. This one burns us all the time. So you know an artist is drawing, and you know how much they're charging. Do you know what you'll get for that price? Size? Technique? It's no fun to say "I paid that much for this?" Buyer's remorse sucks.
-Don't buy something just because you feel the need to buy something. Another one that gets us. I'm at a convention- I need to get sketches. Well, if all the artists you really like are booked or don't show- don't settle just because you have a pocket full of cash. Sketches are too expensive. Save your money, or possibly find a cheap unknown and make their day by getting a $25 sketch. Again, buyer's remorse sucks.
-Don't let an artist say "I couldn't finish it. I'll mail it to you" unless you know damn well they're good for it. Even then, get a receipt from the artist that says you paid, and for how much. Nothing's worse than an artist flaking on you and not sending you the drawing. Even worse, they do the drawing and forget you already paid. If you're going to take the risk, at least back it up with some proof you gave them money.
-Don't turn down the chance to watch the artist draw your sketch. This kills me all the time, as I'm a guest or set up at shows, so I need to be back at my table. But man, there's nothing cooler than watching an artist go at it. Ask an artist when they think they might do your sketch, and tell them it's because you'd like to watch. So many artists are used to taking a list and then everyone leaves...
It's a shame that conventions have changed so much that so much thought has to go into booking and buying sketches. Personally, I love shows that have artists that I grew up reading. Many of those artists are more "old school" in that they draw very nice, quicker sketches that are properly priced (for my budget at least). Many of these folks don't attract the dealers or flippers or crazy fans, so it's much more laid back and enjoyable. Plus, you get to chat, which is great. Many newer, younger artists are the same.
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