Writer's Guide 101 (Wattpad Edition)

LV. Why You Should Never Make Art For Free?

Art is not just saved for paintings, fanarts, photography and film. This also includes book covers that make each story pop. I have met a number of people on Wattpad who could make nice book covers for you.
They simply ask you to vote and comment which one you prefer. If you ask me if it's worth it, never do it for free.

Here are some of my thoughts.

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1) Time and effort.

A single art or cover requires a lot of communication, research, brainstorming and extra hours before you are able to create a final product. Even a simple design could take two to three days.
This is why I get pissed when someone requests for a design and kept asking if it's already done. If you really need it so badly, just do it yourself!

2) Both artists and graphic designers are important occupations, too.

You spent years studying the arts, worked in the industry and have enhanced your skills through time.
You also deserve to make a living to eat and receive credit for all of that hard work. If it weren't for creatives, you wouldn't even get to see these wonderful paintings and covers on your favorite books.

3) Each person has a unique design.

Everybody has their own creative process and taste. For instance, J.C. Leyendecker is known for his vintage illustrations while Rodrigo Corral is recognized for making the iconic book cover of "The Fault in Our Stars."
Let's say a vampire fantasy writer asked me to create a cover that's inspired by Twilight and surely enough, it's gonna be more expensive (estimated $500) considering how it's far from the artistic sci-fi genre I'm usually into (which can range from $200-400).

4) You know your value so people don't take advantage of you.

Just because you happen to be a family member, friend or old acquaintance of mine doesn't mean I could just do something for free.
   "But you did this to X before for free!" Maybe it's volunteer work like helping a kid out with a drawing for school or a task where I must send a sample of my work so I could get paid requests from other people.
"But don't you have a regular job so why do you still expect more money?" Sometimes, that one day job alone may not be enough.
"XYZ never asked me money but how come you're asking for $20?" Not everyone is the same and I am still allowed to make a living out of the profession I love.

5) "Exposure" doesn't pay the bills.

Thanks for the constant 'Likes', followers and shares on your platform but still I need compensation for all that hardwork I've put out for you.
While here you are enjoying Popeye's in the comforts of your mansion, I am here waiting to get paid for the cover art that I've made last week. In case you're a minor who doesn't own a card yet, you can simply turn to an adult who is able to pay for it.

6) You still get compensation in case the result doesn't meet expectations.

In case the design I've made was initially rejected, every revision would cost an additional $7. I also have no patience for rude behavior, vague descriptions and tomfoolery (e.g. "Yo! I want something, something right now" or "WTF this sucks man!").
   I can only entertain three rounds of revisions depending on the deadline. My advice is to provide a brief to help you with the design, colors and theme. You can also have the client pay after they're satisfied to avoid hassle.

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TIPS:

> It's best to ask people you actually know in real life to get more commissions or requests.

> In case you don't know anyone at all, you can join online communities or fandoms in hopes that some people would be interested to work with you.

> You should at least have a working e-mail (not your personal e-mail) or platform where clients can contact you.

> Try to be professional and make sure it's easy to work with you.

> It's alright to turn down a request if case you're not interested. Kindly tell the person what genres or style you cover.

> If ever someone like a relative or friend turns you down despite the reasonable price, it's their loss. Stand your ground.

> Always provide a neat price sheet, brief and invoice (receipt) for your client.

> Also, set up boundaries such as how you don't like NSFW or other hateful materials.