Communicating with Artists

Ever had an artist blow up in your face over something you did not understand? Here is a guide to effective communication with artists. This guide is specifically for people asking for permission to use art in something like a stillness/graphic challenge community, Powerpoint, or paper. Please note that if you are asking to use art for professional purposes, it is very likely you will be told no - but do not be afraid to ask anyway.

Communicating with Artists

1. Humility, humility, humility. As in all situations when you're asking for something, you must be humble when asking to use a piece of art. Keep in mind that you do not have a right to use the art for any reason. You are asking for a favor - and for some artists, this will be a pretty big favor. The more polite and humble you are, the more likely you are to receive a kind answer - even if the answer ends up being "no."
   
2. Show you are a fan. Tell the artist what you like about his or her work. Be sure to let them know that you respect them and their art - this is not just a piece of work from a hotel for you, and you are going to handle the art like an adult. Start with a compliment, end with a compliment.
   
3. Let them know that you know they're doing you a favor. You can do this with phrases like: "I would really appreciate it if..." or "I totally understand if you say no, but..."
4. Tell them exactly what you want to do - and be truthful about it! Lying is a big no-no. If you lie, you deserve for the artist to send you hate mail. Beyond that, tell the artist clearly what you are going to do with the art in your first message. Do not leave a vague question for the artist to follow up on - the artist very likely will not take the bait. Do not make him or her chase you down. If you are asking for permission to post or use the picture elsewhere, give the artist a link to the blog/site where you plan on putting up the picture.
   
5. Be prepared for a "no," and accept it graciously. Remember, you are asking for a huge favor. You will not build up your reputation as a trustworthy fan if you throw a fit when you are told "no," or if you take the art anyway. You are dealing with the artist's baby. You do not have a right to the art.

Have more suggestions to add, artists? Leave a comment!

Looking for a specific subject? Find the topics under Labels on the sidebar, or look here for a complete directory.