“Just curious–do you get annoyed, or do you appreciate it when someone makes a change/suggestion to an already completed painting?”
A friend and my most regular commenter asked me the question above.
Here is my reply:
“I am happy to do whatever the customer requests, as long as I have the ability and it doesn’t mess with the scene’s believability.”
She responded:
“That’s very kind (and flexible) of you. I can only speak for the audio arts, but I have seen situations where we took an arrangement and made a few cuts and lyric changes, and the arranger became incensed that we DARE change his precious arrangement.
I like your policy better!”
And I replied:
“I am very practical about the need for flexibility if I want to stay in business. I am here to serve the customer, not to serve my own art. If I was a hobbyist instead of a professional, I would probably have a different view. And I do put my foot down when it comes to logo design, because Design-By-Committee is how we got a camel when we needed a horse.”
Here’s my guess about the difference between my approach and what my friend/commenter experienced: I, the original artist, get to make the changes; my friend’s experience was that her music department was making changes on someone else’s piece.
I recently heard an interview with an artist who said she likes commissions because she can charge more for them. Really? Should I be doing that?
Better commission me soon before I decide to raise my prices.
8 Comments
There is always what I hope a painting or pencil drawing will evoke, something wonderous and a bit of awe in a person when they see the finished product. Something that makes it special to their heart. But I don’t always share if I think it needs a bit of something. Or if I agree with something. I do not want to change their feelings on the art. The adage 0f “the eyes of the beholder” applies, yet, I know you are soooooo doing what the customer wants. You are far more patient and giving than I. But then, you are the professional and I the mere mortal:). Hugs
Melissa, please, please, ALWAYS tell me if you see any way I can improve any painting or drawing!
I LOVE the oil painting on today’s blog!!! What a great choice for an example of working with clients with their requests!!
You are/were diplomatic and delightful!!!
Cynthia and Stanley
Aw shucks, thank you Cynthia and Stanley! I thoroughly enjoyed working with you and on your painting.
I think you nailed it when you said the difference is that your friend changed an artist’s creation, as opposed to you changing your own creation. But when the artist is given suggestions, but he rejects them, and the song is unusable as he wrote it . . . do you fix it and use it, or honor his opinion then discard it and move on to another piece?
Such is the dilemma when it comes to any kind of artistic work, whether audio or visual. Criticizing a work is like criticizing the artist’s baby; both are his creations, after all!
Sharon, isn’t life full of decisions and choices? Makes me want to take a nap.
The colored flowers are a lovely addition to the graphite. Kinda a feminine touch.
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