Just found this article on Bleeding Cool.
I'm really kind of bummed out, because fixed pricing would have made obtaining a sketch affordable; and I missed my opportunity to get a sketch at Mid Ohio Con last year.
It's nice that he'll still offer it on ebay for folks that can afford it, and that's the problem for me. As a collector I can't afford the high prices Mr. Hughes work will inevitably command on the site where there's more money than sense.
When I went to the Pittsburgh show I spotted an Ethan Van Sciver sketch there at a booth that I saw him drawing at Mid Ohio Con, marked up to $400.
Flippers continue to ruin it for the rest of us. That's the way the cookie crumbles.
Full Version: Adam Hughes stops convention requests at the con.
I think anything more than $25 per sketch is too pricey... but that's just me.
I bet Spazzy is glad she got her sketch from him at C2E2.
Holy crap! I posted about this in my thread. I figured eventually Hughes would get pissed and just stop doing con sketches altogether. I mean why bother? If he can sell his own sketches for thousands of dollars instead of a couple of hundred bucks, why wouldn't he?
Makes me really mad that I've been out of work so I couldn't even afford to get one of his cheaper con sketches. Now that they'll be going for WAY more than his usual fee I'll probably never own an Adam Hughes.
It's unfortunate.
It would be nice if artists could just view this as another form of work for hire. Sure there's still going to be jerks that buy and resell your work, but ignoring those bad apples; you're penalizing the fans who would be willing to pay you for a custom illustration by cutting them off.
This is why I enjoy Ethan Van Sciver. He acknowledges there are jerks out there, but he still makes an effort to service his fans with custom sketches.
This is also me being selfish. I would love to get a sketch from Mr. Hughes, but given how much his work goes for on eBay versus what I make annually it's just not possible.
On the other hand, it does open a window of opportunity for Rob Granito.
It would be nice if artists could just view this as another form of work for hire. Sure there's still going to be jerks that buy and resell your work, but ignoring those bad apples; you're penalizing the fans who would be willing to pay you for a custom illustration by cutting them off.
This is why I enjoy Ethan Van Sciver. He acknowledges there are jerks out there, but he still makes an effort to service his fans with custom sketches.
This is also me being selfish. I would love to get a sketch from Mr. Hughes, but given how much his work goes for on eBay versus what I make annually it's just not possible.
On the other hand, it does open a window of opportunity for Rob Granito.
I can only hope that he'll change his mind after a period of time. Honestly giving this guy the ability to say that he got the LAST commission Con -sketch he did is just another feather in his cap.
I can understand his frustration as well though. To have put all that work into something that the buyer didn't even enjoy... well except for the money that he made on it. It could get depressing.
I hope, that with time and good buyers and an out pouring from the fans, that he'll start doing them again.
I like that they said that they understand when people have to sell them after a time, when life gets in the way. What this guy did was pretty crappy and disrespectful to Adam. He's a really great guy, I got a chance to talk to him for a second and for much longer to Allison at C2E2. I didn't want to bug him because he was drawing for someone and to me someone was paying him for his time, I just wanted to say I loved his stuff.
I can understand his frustration as well though. To have put all that work into something that the buyer didn't even enjoy... well except for the money that he made on it. It could get depressing.
I hope, that with time and good buyers and an out pouring from the fans, that he'll start doing them again.
I like that they said that they understand when people have to sell them after a time, when life gets in the way. What this guy did was pretty crappy and disrespectful to Adam. He's a really great guy, I got a chance to talk to him for a second and for much longer to Allison at C2E2. I didn't want to bug him because he was drawing for someone and to me someone was paying him for his time, I just wanted to say I loved his stuff.
Yeah, it sucks that you can't ask Hughes to draw your favorite character anymore.
Thanks a lot jerks.
Thanks a lot jerks.
I think Hughes is the jerk in this case -- I refer back to my stance on swiping and plagiarism -- if someone else finds a way to profit off of my work, good for them! There's no sense in whining about what someone did with the work once they bought it -- they paid the price you charged and now it belongs to them, fair and square! If they choose to wipe their behinds with it in effigy, its THEIR business and NOT the artist's.
I try to put myself in his shoes. I work for 2 weeks on a scarf and sell it for a competitive and fair price, then turn around and see the person that I've just told it to sell it for twice what I charged them. It happening once in a while, not so horrible. It happening more and more frequently, it would make you want to stop doing it.
He's seeing a problem and attempting to correct it. It's an extreme reaction but I don't think he's being such an jerk about it. He offers those sketches at a lower price because they're at the con. I can understand him getting mad at this guy pulling the heart strings of Allison to get his sketch and then selling it right away.
I wonder how the auctions will work. Will he put the auction up before the con then draw them AT the con so you could still request a specific character or if he'll just draw what he wants and sell them after the con?
He's seeing a problem and attempting to correct it. It's an extreme reaction but I don't think he's being such an jerk about it. He offers those sketches at a lower price because they're at the con. I can understand him getting mad at this guy pulling the heart strings of Allison to get his sketch and then selling it right away.
I wonder how the auctions will work. Will he put the auction up before the con then draw them AT the con so you could still request a specific character or if he'll just draw what he wants and sell them after the con?
QUOTE (MasonEasley @ May 3 2011, 11:47 PM) 
Yeah, it sucks that you can't ask Hughes to draw your favorite character anymore.
Thanks a lot jerks.
Thanks a lot jerks.
I completely get this as well, but you know what? I'm not joking around here, a lot of the neat unique non-Wonder Woman, Catwoman, and soon to be Zatanna work I see out of Hughes is from fan convention sketches.
It's not like he has a large current body of work outside of covers. I'm not complaining, but I don't buy comics for the covers. If he's on a book I'm reading doing covers, great - if not I'll wait for Cover Run Vol.2.
As a fan it rubs me the wrong way. It would be nice if artists that object would just try to feel out the fans a bit more. If someone comes up to you with a sketchbook filled with gorgeous artwork from various industry icons, there's a pretty good chance that if you add an illustration to that book you won't be seeing it on eBay any time soon.
As someone that can make some marks on a page, I can see why it would be frustrating. You want to make the most money off your art that you can. Though to be fair you have to temper making the most money versus having a satisfied fan base.
Maybe now he'll have the time to finish All-Star Wonder Woman?
I'd rather get a FR3D-L4NG sketch than a Adam Hughes sketch anyway. The more fame an artist gets, the more it goes to their head, and at a certain point they go back to their amateur roots and think that their art is worth thousands of dollars per page. I don't care how famous you are, I don't think sketches are or should be worth that much. It's a sketch, not a large "original" oil painting.
There are some really good pin-up artists that charge far less for sketches, and they continue to charge less knowing that there is a chance someone would profit off of it, but it doesn't make them charge more or stop, they do it for the fans. You'll always have jerks on the internet who'll do things like this, but you won't always have fans if you don't treat them right.
There are some really good pin-up artists that charge far less for sketches, and they continue to charge less knowing that there is a chance someone would profit off of it, but it doesn't make them charge more or stop, they do it for the fans. You'll always have jerks on the internet who'll do things like this, but you won't always have fans if you don't treat them right.
QUOTE (wwi3313 @ May 3 2011, 11:55 PM)
I think Hughes is the jerk in this case -- I refer back to my stance on swiping and plagiarism -- if someone else finds a way to profit off of my work, good for them! There's no sense in whining about what someone did with the work once they bought it -- they paid the price you charged and now it belongs to them, fair and square! If they choose to wipe their behinds with it in effigy, its THEIR business and NOT the artist's.
Yeah, but Hughes is taking the flipper's method and taking his artwork to ebay himself and cutting out the middleman altogether. He figures (probably correctly) that he can make 5x as much money putting up 2 sketches on Ebay than doing 5 sketches at shows. Heck, the sketches for ebay are probably going to look a lot better to boot.
Its shrewd business sense, and I honestly can't be angry about it.
QUOTE (Tim Tilley @ May 4 2011, 06:52 AM)
I'd rather get a FR3D-L4NG sketch than a Adam Hughes sketch anyway. The more fame an artist gets, the more it goes to their head, and at a certain point they go back to their amateur roots and think that their art is worth thousands of dollars per page. I don't care how famous you are, I don't think sketches are or should be worth that much. It's a sketch, not a large "original" oil painting.
There are some really good pin-up artists that charge far less for sketches, and they continue to charge less knowing that there is a chance someone would profit off of it, but it doesn't make them charge more or stop, they do it for the fans. You'll always have jerks on the internet who'll do things like this, but you won't always have fans if you don't treat them right.
There are some really good pin-up artists that charge far less for sketches, and they continue to charge less knowing that there is a chance someone would profit off of it, but it doesn't make them charge more or stop, they do it for the fans. You'll always have jerks on the internet who'll do things like this, but you won't always have fans if you don't treat them right.
EXACTLY! Being miffed that you didn't get "top dollar" for your work is just being GREEDY! Hughes charges what he does because he knows he's at the cap mark that a "general fan" could afford -- (I would NEVER pay that much for a convention sketch! Cover...maybe? Convention sketch -- hecks no!) and on top of that, I believe more often than not he's not in a position where he needs to make back his table for the weekend at these shows, so where is he actually losing? If its a matter of the time spent -- DRAW FASTER! But don't complain about this business you've CHOSEN to be in because you don't feel you're getting your due! Either charge the big dollars you think you deserve or SHUT UP!
QUOTE (wwi3313 @ May 4 2011, 05:15 AM)
EXACTLY! Being miffed that you didn't get "top dollar" for your work is just being GREEDY! Hughes charges what he does because he knows he's at the cap mark that a "general fan" could afford -- (I would NEVER pay that much for a convention sketch! Cover...maybe? Convention sketch -- hecks no!) and on top of that, I believe more often than not he's not in a position where he needs to make back his table for the weekend at these shows, so where is he actually losing? If its a matter of the time spent -- DRAW FASTER! But don't complain about this business you've CHOSEN to be in because you don't feel you're getting your due! Either charge the big dollars you think you deserve or SHUT UP!
There is a very, very easy solution to this that Adam needs to employ. MAke each sketch individual, such as 'To wwi3313, all the best, AH!' and that solves the problem. (Btw, I just used wwi3313's name here, because it was the name of the last post, not out of any grievance or implying they are a scalper. I know they are not).
Guys like Barry Kitson, to name a few, do it all the time, and by doing so, it makes the resale value for the sketch considerably lower and harder for scalpers to pass on, yet allows the sketch to remain at it's regular price. Kitson, in a sign of his infinite coolness, will provide a sketch for free, because someone has cued up to get an original piece of artwork.
Request a commission though, and one has to pay for it ie No dedication, and it will cost ya. He could teach Adam Hughes a thing or two on how to handle fans.
Put the sketch requester's name on the actual drawing, and there you go. Problem solved.
Adam Hughes should rethink his strategy.
And I would also pay for a Fred Lang original, with my name on it, rather than paying an enormous amount for a page that I have no plans on selling sans name.
If that last line sounds like I am dissing Fred Lang's art, I assure you all, I am not, but I am saying that I would not sell something by an artist after either paying for it or being lucky enough to get a free drawing.
QUOTE (wwi3313 @ May 4 2011, 08:15 AM)
EXACTLY! Being miffed that you didn't get "top dollar" for your work is just being GREEDY! Hughes charges what he does because he knows he's at the cap mark that a "general fan" could afford -- (I would NEVER pay that much for a convention sketch! Cover...maybe? Convention sketch -- hecks no!) and on top of that, I believe more often than not he's not in a position where he needs to make back his table for the weekend at these shows, so where is he actually losing? If its a matter of the time spent -- DRAW FASTER! But don't complain about this business you've CHOSEN to be in because you don't feel you're getting your due! Either charge the big dollars you think you deserve or SHUT UP!
Have you seen what his work goes for on ebay? He put up a rejected cover pic of Green Lantern and it went for over a grand. The entire piece looked less finished than his convention sketches. Also his sketch cards routinely go for 400-500 bucks a pop. Again, this is Hughes himself putting the work on ebay, no one else. He even started the bids at $0.99.
Hughes was being NICE by charging people what he charged at shows. That's why he's a bit ticked off about the whole thing. He was providing a service and someone was taking advantage of it.
In the end, the people who are paying those huge ebay rates are going to still be there, and are probably going to be paying more since they know when and where to find Hughes' original works. The ones who lose in this are the fans who don't have fat wallets, and won't be able to afford those original Adam Hughes pieces.
Why would anyone pay thousands of dollars for a sketch anyway? There are fools who will charge less than fifty bucks.
QUOTE (MasonEasley @ May 4 2011, 08:52 AM)
Have you seen what his work goes for on ebay? He put up a rejected cover pic of Green Lantern and it went for over a grand. The entire piece looked less finished than his convention sketches. Also his sketch cards routinely go for 400-500 bucks a pop. Again, this is Hughes himself putting the work on ebay, no one else. He even started the bids at $0.99.
Hughes was being NICE by charging people what he charged at shows. That's why he's a bit ticked off about the whole thing. He was providing a service and someone was taking advantage of it.
In the end, the people who are paying those huge ebay rates are going to still be there, and are probably going to be paying more since they know when and where to find Hughes' original works. The ones who lose in this are the fans who don't have fat wallets, and won't be able to afford those original Adam Hughes pieces.
Hughes was being NICE by charging people what he charged at shows. That's why he's a bit ticked off about the whole thing. He was providing a service and someone was taking advantage of it.
In the end, the people who are paying those huge ebay rates are going to still be there, and are probably going to be paying more since they know when and where to find Hughes' original works. The ones who lose in this are the fans who don't have fat wallets, and won't be able to afford those original Adam Hughes pieces.
Excuse my French, but $@!# being NICE! Being nice is dumping a bunch of unsold/rejected stuff for free for fans to pillage thru. That's NICE! Charging me, essentially RENT isn't. And if I do drop that, I don't wanna hear ANY COMPLAINTS if after I've shelled out my dough, that I turn around and sell it for more than I bought it. Call me a solider of fortune, but when I've bought it, its mine -- NOT HIS! That's the beast of WFH -- but Hughes already rubbed me wrong with his gripe about that ICONIC Jean Grey/Emma Frost piece he did a few years back -- he ACTUALLY complained that Marvel let Wizard use it (or rather his lack of getting paid for Wizard's use of it) -- he wanted to double-dip! He sold the piece to Marvel and then he wants in on what they did with it -- that's all kinds of SHEISTY!!!
But Cougar is 100% CORRECT, which just proves Hughes is being a bit of an @$$hole here. Sign it to the guy in question -- DONE DEAL! But instead, we have to hear about how this other guy is so bad for making his purchase an investment? Can't get behind that one...
QUOTE (Moemoxy @ May 4 2011, 09:05 AM)
Why would anyone pay thousands of dollars for a sketch anyway? There are fools who will charge less than fifty bucks.
Its not really a sketch. Its a commission.
QUOTE (wwi3313 @ May 4 2011, 09:56 AM)
Excuse my French, but $@!# being NICE! Being nice is dumping a bunch of unsold/rejected stuff for free for fans to pillage thru. That's NICE! Charging me, essentially RENT isn't. And if I do drop that, I don't wanna hear ANY COMPLAINTS if after I've shelled out my dough, that I turn around and sell it for more than I bought it. Call me a solider of fortune, but when I've bought it, its mine -- NOT HIS! That's the beast of WFH -- but Hughes already rubbed me wrong with his gripe about that ICONIC Jean Grey/Emma Frost piece he did a few years back -- he ACTUALLY complained that Marvel let Wizard use it (or rather his lack of getting paid for Wizard's use of it) -- he wanted to double-dip! He sold the piece to Marvel and then he wants in on what they did with it -- that's all kinds of SHEISTY!!!
Well you're not his target audience. His target audience is people who can afford to pay hundreds of dollars for original comic artwork. It just so happens that his work is clearly worth a lot more than that, and he's known that for quite some time. He's selling you something at far below market value, He's making it just for you, and he's working hard to make it look awesome. Sure he can put your name on it, but I've seen those up on ebay as well, and people still pay thousands of dollars for it, even if their name isn't on it.
Hughes isn't griping that he has to draw sketches for people. Hughes is griping because people were taking advantage of him. That's a fair gripe to make. Now you could make the argument that he simply realized that he could make more money selling stuff via ebay than via conventions and is using this incident as an excuse, but you can't fault him for that either. That's simply being a good businessman.
Market forces are driving all of this, and Hughes simply decided to hop in the driver's seat.
QUOTE (wwi3313 @ May 4 2011, 06:56 AM)
But Cougar is 100% CORRECT, which just proves Hughes is being a bit of an @$$hole here. Sign it to the guy in question -- DONE DEAL! But instead, we have to hear about how this other guy is so bad for making his purchase an investment? Can't get behind that one...
Wow, wwi3313, I have never had someone say I was 100% correct, about anything, before...*sniff*
Excuse me, I think I've got something in my eye...*sniff*
It's not just artists who sometimes charge more than they should, writers do it as well. Bendis, and even Neil Gaiman. However, at least Gaiman donates to charities.
"As anyone who’s read the FAQ (which was written in 2002, thus the Clinton reference) or has been reading this blog for a while knows, if you want to hire me to come and talk somewhere, and people do, I’m expensive. Not just a bit pricy. Really expensive." That said, he also does free work as well, and that's why I like the guy so much, he actually treats his fans well. "In fact most of the talks and appearances I do are for free." Source: http://journal.neilgaiman.com/2010/05/poli...-in-teacup.html
Where as with Hughes, from what I can gather from his Mid-Ohio appearance as well as various blogs, youtube videos, etc. is that he comes off as an egotistical jerk. If you're home is paid for, you can afford new clothes, food and other necessities, and you are debt free... there is no need to be charging hundreds of dollars for commission work, let alone sketches.
Between paying rent money for a single mono-chromatic sketch from Hughes, and getting a FREE sketch from Jim Lee, guess which one I'm standing in line for? Heck, I think Jim Lee's work is a billion times better than Hughes, and Jim will not only do it for free, but he'll pose for pictures and videos, and not ask for ANYTHING in return.
I wish Adam the best of luck but I will never buy any of his work for a long as I live... at least not for anything over $50. Our economy is in a bad spot, we're not all millionaires, heck some people aren't even thousandaires, treating your fans with respect goes a very long way. Charging as much as he does is almost disrespectful in some ways, it's just flat out greed. I would understand if the proceeds or a portion thereof went to charities but they don't.
People are losing their homes, and living out on the streets... for what he charges for art, that could feed a family of four for a day. If I ever get to be in a similar situation, you better believe that I'll be more humble and give back to the fans that gave me my success in the first place.
"As anyone who’s read the FAQ (which was written in 2002, thus the Clinton reference) or has been reading this blog for a while knows, if you want to hire me to come and talk somewhere, and people do, I’m expensive. Not just a bit pricy. Really expensive." That said, he also does free work as well, and that's why I like the guy so much, he actually treats his fans well. "In fact most of the talks and appearances I do are for free." Source: http://journal.neilgaiman.com/2010/05/poli...-in-teacup.html
Where as with Hughes, from what I can gather from his Mid-Ohio appearance as well as various blogs, youtube videos, etc. is that he comes off as an egotistical jerk. If you're home is paid for, you can afford new clothes, food and other necessities, and you are debt free... there is no need to be charging hundreds of dollars for commission work, let alone sketches.
Between paying rent money for a single mono-chromatic sketch from Hughes, and getting a FREE sketch from Jim Lee, guess which one I'm standing in line for? Heck, I think Jim Lee's work is a billion times better than Hughes, and Jim will not only do it for free, but he'll pose for pictures and videos, and not ask for ANYTHING in return.
I wish Adam the best of luck but I will never buy any of his work for a long as I live... at least not for anything over $50. Our economy is in a bad spot, we're not all millionaires, heck some people aren't even thousandaires, treating your fans with respect goes a very long way. Charging as much as he does is almost disrespectful in some ways, it's just flat out greed. I would understand if the proceeds or a portion thereof went to charities but they don't.
People are losing their homes, and living out on the streets... for what he charges for art, that could feed a family of four for a day. If I ever get to be in a similar situation, you better believe that I'll be more humble and give back to the fans that gave me my success in the first place.
Since it's turning into an argument about him not getting enough money, I'll kind of prove that it's not about the money for him.
At C2E2 for the first couple of hours of each day he would do actual 5 minute sketches for free! That's right FREE! He kept none of the money all he asked was for a $5 minimum donation to a charity that I can't remember the name of off the top of my head, but I know Spazzy would because that's how she got her Hughes.
It's NOT about the MONEY for him, it's about the fact that he's done low cost commissions at cons so FANS can afford to own one and this guy managed to tug the right heart strings to make sure he got one instead of one of the 50+ other people who were on the list.
It's NOT about the fact that HE didn't get the money, he's upset that instead of that time on that commission going to someone who'd wanted one for YEARS it went to some douche bag who turned around and sold it for a profit. It's NOT about the money, it's about the intent. The guy LIED to him, to Allison to get them to choose him off the list and instead of it going to a fan it went to ebay.
Yes, he could sign it to the person, but not everyone wants a dedication on their ART WORK. If they're putting it on a wall with other art pieces they might not want "TO SPAZZY, LOVE AH!" on the corner.
At C2E2 for the first couple of hours of each day he would do actual 5 minute sketches for free! That's right FREE! He kept none of the money all he asked was for a $5 minimum donation to a charity that I can't remember the name of off the top of my head, but I know Spazzy would because that's how she got her Hughes.
It's NOT about the MONEY for him, it's about the fact that he's done low cost commissions at cons so FANS can afford to own one and this guy managed to tug the right heart strings to make sure he got one instead of one of the 50+ other people who were on the list.
It's NOT about the fact that HE didn't get the money, he's upset that instead of that time on that commission going to someone who'd wanted one for YEARS it went to some douche bag who turned around and sold it for a profit. It's NOT about the money, it's about the intent. The guy LIED to him, to Allison to get them to choose him off the list and instead of it going to a fan it went to ebay.
Yes, he could sign it to the person, but not everyone wants a dedication on their ART WORK. If they're putting it on a wall with other art pieces they might not want "TO SPAZZY, LOVE AH!" on the corner.
QUOTE (SapphireGypsy @ May 4 2011, 11:56 AM)
Since it's turning into an argument about him not getting enough money, I'll kind of prove that it's not about the money for him.
At C2E2 for the first couple of hours of each day he would do actual 5 minute sketches for free! That's right FREE! He kept none of the money all he asked was for a $5 minimum donation to a charity that I can't remember the name of off the top of my head, but I know Spazzy would because that's how she got her Hughes.
It's NOT about the MONEY for him, it's about the fact that he's done low cost commissions at cons so FANS can afford to own one and this guy managed to tug the right heart strings to make sure he got one instead of one of the 50+ other people who were on the list.
It's NOT about the fact that HE didn't get the money, he's upset that instead of that time on that commission going to someone who'd wanted one for YEARS it went to some douche bag who turned around and sold it for a profit. It's NOT about the money, it's about the intent. The guy LIED to him, to Allison to get them to choose him off the list and instead of it going to a fan it went to ebay.
Yes, he could sign it to the person, but not everyone wants a dedication on their ART WORK. If they're putting it on a wall with other art pieces they might not want "TO SPAZZY, LOVE AH!" on the corner.
At C2E2 for the first couple of hours of each day he would do actual 5 minute sketches for free! That's right FREE! He kept none of the money all he asked was for a $5 minimum donation to a charity that I can't remember the name of off the top of my head, but I know Spazzy would because that's how she got her Hughes.
It's NOT about the MONEY for him, it's about the fact that he's done low cost commissions at cons so FANS can afford to own one and this guy managed to tug the right heart strings to make sure he got one instead of one of the 50+ other people who were on the list.
It's NOT about the fact that HE didn't get the money, he's upset that instead of that time on that commission going to someone who'd wanted one for YEARS it went to some douche bag who turned around and sold it for a profit. It's NOT about the money, it's about the intent. The guy LIED to him, to Allison to get them to choose him off the list and instead of it going to a fan it went to ebay.
Yes, he could sign it to the person, but not everyone wants a dedication on their ART WORK. If they're putting it on a wall with other art pieces they might not want "TO SPAZZY, LOVE AH!" on the corner.
Agreed. If it were about the money, Hughes would be charging thousands of dollars for his work at shows. Obviously people think the work is worth that much because its being sold on ebay for that much.
QUOTE (Tim Tilley @ May 4 2011, 11:56 AM)
Where as with Hughes, from what I can gather from his Mid-Ohio appearance as well as various blogs, youtube videos, etc. is that he comes off as an egotistical jerk. If you're home is paid for, you can afford new clothes, food and other necessities, and you are debt free... there is no need to be charging hundreds of dollars for commission work, let alone sketches.
Between paying rent money for a single mono-chromatic sketch from Hughes, and getting a FREE sketch from Jim Lee, guess which one I'm standing in line for? Heck, I think Jim Lee's work is a billion times better than Hughes, and Jim will not only do it for free, but he'll pose for pictures and videos, and not ask for ANYTHING in return.
Between paying rent money for a single mono-chromatic sketch from Hughes, and getting a FREE sketch from Jim Lee, guess which one I'm standing in line for? Heck, I think Jim Lee's work is a billion times better than Hughes, and Jim will not only do it for free, but he'll pose for pictures and videos, and not ask for ANYTHING in return.
Let's not be silly now. You're judging the man by videos off the Internet and not personal interaction? Not cool.
I was at Mid Ohio Con last year and spoke with him and his wife, and he's a difficult cat to read (I think he just has a very straight delivery without giving you a tell); but he was open to all my questions about technique and he didn't seem to be put upon or bothered by me just buzzing around being a fan asking questions at his table. Dare I say, there was a discussion had.
On the other hand there was also another popular artist there who stopped doing fan sketches years ago, is also popular for drawing pretty ladies, and his table was practically empty. That artist really didn't seem to be interested in chatting with his fans. I witnessed him shushing along fans, until a retailer came up and then there was a conversation struck up about how his books were selling in the guy's shop.
Jim Lee sounds like a real gift to comic fans. The guy is insanely popular and from everything I've read, seen, heard he's also a super nice guy.
Let's not forget how fans can be weenies either. When I was at the Pittsburgh show, I watched two guys get FREE sketches from Phil Jiminez. Just sitting there, watching him draw, and every so often trying to give Phil some direction or advice on how to draw their FREE sketch. They weren't friendly, they weren't talking to Phil about what books he enjoyed working on, they were being socially awkward and somewhat greedy. Both times Phil piped in, "Let me draw. You'll get something cool."
I think the bottom line here is be nice to your heroes and your heroes will be nice to you.
As a cartoonist, I think it would be pretty awesome to sell an illustration for $200+ a pop at a convention. I think it's something we all strive toward, and realistically most cartoonists work without insurance packages or any other sort of employer benefits; so making as much money as possible is key to comfortable living. If you don't believe me, go take a look at how much health and dental insurance would cost you out of pocket.
At the end of the day, we're not entitled to custom art from our heroes. No matter what price they set.
That's my rational stance, my fanboy stance is still "WAHHHH! I want my own Adam Hughes sketch."
EDIT: Editing this to include quote tags for Alison's comments.
I apologize for passing full judgment based on a handful of videos, but I think I can have the right to pass judgment based on his/their actions, or partially at least.
I'm not sure if it's more of Alison making the complaints, or Adam, but what I can do is comment on what I read, which were supposedly quoted from her comments via the yahoo group.
No personal offense is meant or directed to Mason, Saph or Greg but ... How can he be upset for someone doing something that is not only commonly known to happen but EXPECTED to happen? That's the thing with doing art for someone and SELLING it, you take the risk of the person re-selling it. It's going to happen at least 30% if not 50% of the time. He/They chose to "sell" a sketch to this guy, it WAS their choice, they had to have known there was a chance of him selling it on eBAY and that goes for ALL of their fans who "wanted" one for years. The fact is he sold the art for money he received in return, he should not be complaining about that. You don't hear the other millions of artists complaining about it happening, at least not to the degree Adam has.
Are you sure it's not about the money?, because it sure sounds like it based on that quote. If he wasn't wanting more money for his art, he'd offer to sale them on his website, for $5 a piece and then donate the money earned to charity. Yet, this isn't what's happening. To me this is the "If I can't have her, no one will!" attitude. One person sales his five to fifteen minutes worth of work for a profit, and that's why he is upset. It's because the person made a profit that upset him. So it really is about the money, otherwise this situation wouldn't have been a problem for him, much less a big deal.
Alison basically said that ALL of his sketches end up on eBAY, which isn't true at all, just because a handful of them do end up there doesn't mean that they ALL end up there. It's an unfair justification.
Yeah, no duh. Which is what I don't understand. If this was all about ONE of the other fans whom really wanted one but, didn't get one because they opted to give this guy one; then why stop doing sketches and thus preventing those caring fans from having a chance to get said art? Basically they are saying that from here on out the fans don't matter, and NO one will get a sketch now. Instead he would rather reap more profit by selling the art himself. ... which brings me back to why I do think it's all about the money. Why is he saying no more than $300-$400 for those sketches? If it wasn't about money or making a profit, he wouldn't and shouldn't even put said art up on eBAY. After all, it's only fair that if con goers can't obtain a sketch, neither should the people who buy art on eBAY.
First off, that's a piss poor attitude to say that you hope the guy chokes. Secondly, I'm going back to what I said before. He SOLD the art, and they CHOSE to give him said art... the choice was theirs to make and they made it. Punishing everyone else for their poor decision making isn't fair to the very fans they claim to care about. He or they could have told the guy no, apologized for it and then offer to put him in the "list," but they didn't. They have no right to be upset for his actions. If they need to blame anyone, it's themselves.
Via Bleeding Cool: "Some art buyers asked about the rights of a commissioner to sell the work they’d gained. Alison clarified further."
Her response:
BAM! She summed it up and admitted it right there... She admits that she thinks that selling art is the "owner's" prerogative. Again, it's a con sketch, not an Alex Ross hand painted cover that he spent weeks on, it was a five to fifteen minute sketch... SKETCH. It's not even like it was a cover illustration, or interior comic pages, no... it was sketch. I think they are blowing this situation out of proportion. They claim to care about the fans and then shun them flat out, which is childish.
You can't blame the whole world's actions for one person's mistake... when they were the ones who allowed it to happen. If the guy wasn't on the list to get one, then she /Adam should not have allowed him to get one, plain and simple.
I'm sorry but, "... buy this sketch that is severely underpriced," If that is the case then they should be charging what they think they deserve for the art, and not complain when no one buys any, or give them away for FREE because they really do "care" about their fans.
So with sketch cards they draw them knowing that they are drawing them so that people can buy cases, break them, re-sell the cards and try and at least make their money back, how is that different than the sketches? It seems to me that if they know people will sell the cards to gain profit--and they still do them, they can't complain when someone does the same thing with sketch. It is after all the same concept. Once more, it is common it happens ALL the time.
Finally, he doesn't own any of the rights to any of the characters he draws and yet charges money for them. Isn't that technically illegal, yeah everyone does it but to me how can he complain about someone selling some art of his that he sold, when he himself doesn't even own the rights to profit off the sales of those characters!
He is no better than any other artist out there, but based on their actions and the things they have been quoted as saying, it sure seems like they have an attitude problem. Please note that I am not saying it's true, just that it appears that they do. Treat your fans with respect and dignity, don't complain about the trouble makers and you will go far. Once you start mistreating them, prepare for a loss of reputation.
Am I being judgmental, perhaps a tiny bit, but I usually base my judgment on people's actions. Actions speak louder than words, and these actions are screaming.
I apologize for passing full judgment based on a handful of videos, but I think I can have the right to pass judgment based on his/their actions, or partially at least.
I'm not sure if it's more of Alison making the complaints, or Adam, but what I can do is comment on what I read, which were supposedly quoted from her comments via the yahoo group.
QUOTE
Here’s how things will work going forward. Adam was only able to get 3 sketches done this past weekend- and was was for the S.O.B. that turned around and eBayed it. So now Adam will eBay one sketch per convention day. If its a 2-day show, there will be 2 auctions. 3-day show, there will be three auctions. No more $200 and $400 sketches. Sorry. But if Adam has to kill himself drawing so that some lying slime ball can go home and make a profit off of his hard work, then forget
it.
it.
No personal offense is meant or directed to Mason, Saph or Greg but ... How can he be upset for someone doing something that is not only commonly known to happen but EXPECTED to happen? That's the thing with doing art for someone and SELLING it, you take the risk of the person re-selling it. It's going to happen at least 30% if not 50% of the time. He/They chose to "sell" a sketch to this guy, it WAS their choice, they had to have known there was a chance of him selling it on eBAY and that goes for ALL of their fans who "wanted" one for years. The fact is he sold the art for money he received in return, he should not be complaining about that. You don't hear the other millions of artists complaining about it happening, at least not to the degree Adam has.
QUOTE
Adam will eBay one sketch per convention day. No more $200 and $400 sketches.
Are you sure it's not about the money?, because it sure sounds like it based on that quote. If he wasn't wanting more money for his art, he'd offer to sale them on his website, for $5 a piece and then donate the money earned to charity. Yet, this isn't what's happening. To me this is the "If I can't have her, no one will!" attitude. One person sales his five to fifteen minutes worth of work for a profit, and that's why he is upset. It's because the person made a profit that upset him. So it really is about the money, otherwise this situation wouldn't have been a problem for him, much less a big deal.
QUOTE
QUOTE
So the compromise is if eBay is where they will end up, then eBay is where they will start.
Alison basically said that ALL of his sketches end up on eBAY, which isn't true at all, just because a handful of them do end up there doesn't mean that they ALL end up there. It's an unfair justification.
QUOTE
I’m sorry for all those people to whom we said "everyone gets one sooner or later", because now that probably won’t be the case.
Yeah, no duh. Which is what I don't understand. If this was all about ONE of the other fans whom really wanted one but, didn't get one because they opted to give this guy one; then why stop doing sketches and thus preventing those caring fans from having a chance to get said art? Basically they are saying that from here on out the fans don't matter, and NO one will get a sketch now. Instead he would rather reap more profit by selling the art himself. ... which brings me back to why I do think it's all about the money. Why is he saying no more than $300-$400 for those sketches? If it wasn't about money or making a profit, he wouldn't and shouldn't even put said art up on eBAY. After all, it's only fair that if con goers can't obtain a sketch, neither should the people who buy art on eBAY.
QUOTE
What bothers me most is how annoyingly persistent the guy was. He lingered, hovered, and made all sorts of stories up about how much he really wanted his sketch. Essentially, he lied and he lied a lot, at the expense of real fans. Adam could have spent that time drawing for someone on the list that really DID want the sketch. I hope this guy chokes.
First off, that's a piss poor attitude to say that you hope the guy chokes. Secondly, I'm going back to what I said before. He SOLD the art, and they CHOSE to give him said art... the choice was theirs to make and they made it. Punishing everyone else for their poor decision making isn't fair to the very fans they claim to care about. He or they could have told the guy no, apologized for it and then offer to put him in the "list," but they didn't. They have no right to be upset for his actions. If they need to blame anyone, it's themselves.
Via Bleeding Cool: "Some art buyers asked about the rights of a commissioner to sell the work they’d gained. Alison clarified further."
Her response:
QUOTE
I have always said selling art is the owner’s perogative. However, to set out to buy one of these pieces with the sole intention of selling it- that’s “flipping” and not “life happening”. A member of the Yahoo group here is selling his Black Queen sketch that he won as an guaranteed ebay Auction last year or the year before- life happens: he is getting married and wants to surprise his bride to be with an amazing honeymoon trip. Heck- I myself have had to sell art in the past to make my rent. But I didn’t say to myself “If I buy this sketch that is severely underpriced, I could take it home and sell it and pay my rent for four months."
BAM! She summed it up and admitted it right there... She admits that she thinks that selling art is the "owner's" prerogative. Again, it's a con sketch, not an Alex Ross hand painted cover that he spent weeks on, it was a five to fifteen minute sketch... SKETCH. It's not even like it was a cover illustration, or interior comic pages, no... it was sketch. I think they are blowing this situation out of proportion. They claim to care about the fans and then shun them flat out, which is childish.
You can't blame the whole world's actions for one person's mistake... when they were the ones who allowed it to happen. If the guy wasn't on the list to get one, then she /Adam should not have allowed him to get one, plain and simple.
I'm sorry but, "... buy this sketch that is severely underpriced," If that is the case then they should be charging what they think they deserve for the art, and not complain when no one buys any, or give them away for FREE because they really do "care" about their fans.
QUOTE
As for sketch cards: when we draw sketch cards, we know we are drawing them so that people can buy cases, break them, re-sell the cards and try and at least make their money back, and at best make a killing. We go into the deal knowing that- even Adam. When Adam does sketch cards, we know that a very small percentage of people actually keep their pulls. And knowing it, he chooses to still do sketch cards. That’s his choice. If people in line said “I’m going to buy this drawing to flip it” then Adam could make an educated decision about doing the drawing. But this is deceitful, where as sketch cards are all about trading and selling, and almost always have been.
So with sketch cards they draw them knowing that they are drawing them so that people can buy cases, break them, re-sell the cards and try and at least make their money back, how is that different than the sketches? It seems to me that if they know people will sell the cards to gain profit--and they still do them, they can't complain when someone does the same thing with sketch. It is after all the same concept. Once more, it is common it happens ALL the time.
Finally, he doesn't own any of the rights to any of the characters he draws and yet charges money for them. Isn't that technically illegal, yeah everyone does it but to me how can he complain about someone selling some art of his that he sold, when he himself doesn't even own the rights to profit off the sales of those characters!
He is no better than any other artist out there, but based on their actions and the things they have been quoted as saying, it sure seems like they have an attitude problem. Please note that I am not saying it's true, just that it appears that they do. Treat your fans with respect and dignity, don't complain about the trouble makers and you will go far. Once you start mistreating them, prepare for a loss of reputation.
Am I being judgmental, perhaps a tiny bit, but I usually base my judgment on people's actions. Actions speak louder than words, and these actions are screaming.
QUOTE (MasonEasley @ May 4 2011, 10:11 AM)
Well you're not his target audience. His target audience is people who can afford to pay hundreds of dollars for original comic artwork. It just so happens that his work is clearly worth a lot more than that, and he's known that for quite some time. He's selling you something at far below market value, He's making it just for you, and he's working hard to make it look awesome. Sure he can put your name on it, but I've seen those up on ebay as well, and people still pay thousands of dollars for it, even if their name isn't on it.
Hughes isn't griping that he has to draw sketches for people. Hughes is griping because people were taking advantage of him. That's a fair gripe to make. Now you could make the argument that he simply realized that he could make more money selling stuff via ebay than via conventions and is using this incident as an excuse, but you can't fault him for that either. That's simply being a good businessman.
Market forces are driving all of this, and Hughes simply decided to hop in the driver's seat.
Hughes isn't griping that he has to draw sketches for people. Hughes is griping because people were taking advantage of him. That's a fair gripe to make. Now you could make the argument that he simply realized that he could make more money selling stuff via ebay than via conventions and is using this incident as an excuse, but you can't fault him for that either. That's simply being a good businessman.
Market forces are driving all of this, and Hughes simply decided to hop in the driver's seat.
There is NO SET market value on artwork. It's based solely on aesthetic consideration and what's set by the artist themselves -- that's why multi-year pieces can be sold at the same amount or even trumped by seemingly random splashes of paint against a canvas. This is CERTAINLY a matter of him being greedy -- what artist doesn't want the value in his work to grow? People flip objects for profit all the time -- doing something to make the work more valuable -- in this case, you get to circumvent having to have been at the show AND hoping to have been one of the few he selected to do work for. Its no different than an art dealer, who instead of holding on to the piece FOR the artist has already invested their own money to buy it outright. Hell -- that's how the comic book market works -- shops buy books at a set price and turn around sell it for what they choose.
Amazing Fantasy #15 weighs in at around $120,000 or so (give or take the auction action). Cover price was $0.12. Markup of about 1 million %.
Quite a bit overpriced, eh?
I wonder how much of that "overage" goes to Stan Lee or Marvel Comics?
Yes. I am being facetious.
Quite a bit overpriced, eh?
I wonder how much of that "overage" goes to Stan Lee or Marvel Comics?
Yes. I am being facetious.
But to play my own devil's advocate. Adam Hughes can do whatever he wants. His hands. His art. His call.
QUOTE (ChadStrohl @ May 4 2011, 03:34 PM)
Amazing Fantasy #15 weighs in at around $120,000 or so (give or take the auction action). Cover price was $0.12. Markup of about 1 million %.
Quite a bit overpriced, eh?
I wonder how much of that "overage" goes to Stan Lee or Marvel Comics?
Yes. I am being facetious. ;)
But to play my own devil's advocate. Adam Hughes can do whatever he wants. His hands. His art. His call.
Quite a bit overpriced, eh?
I wonder how much of that "overage" goes to Stan Lee or Marvel Comics?
Yes. I am being facetious. ;)
But to play my own devil's advocate. Adam Hughes can do whatever he wants. His hands. His art. His call.
None of the money from the sales of AF #15 go to Stan or Ditko, because they already earned their income from it.
By that I mean, Steve was paid for his time doing the art, and Stan for his time as writer/editor, the comic itself was
purchased, once that happened, the new owner can do what they want with it, even set it on fire if they please.
As for for Adam doing as he pleases, sure... I agree with that. He has the right to do what he wants with the art,
I just don't agree with the fact that he truly cares about the fans, than he does making a "larger" profit off of the art.
I also think he is unfairly "crying" over spilled milk in this situation.
Just to quote him on Twitter: "THAT is why I'm so mad: these sketches should go to people who WANT them, not middle-men making an unearned buck along the way."
My response is that, if that was truly his opinion and that he really cares about the people who want them, that he wouldn't cease doing con sketches. He should just forget about it, move on and continue doing what he has been doing all along.
"It's not brainless, it's malicious. Paying $400 for a sketch WITH THE INTENT make a 300-500% profit drives me insane."
He is angry because someone paid him $400 for a sketch, one that he spent less than an hour on. At this exact time, that's more than I have made all year and for some that $400 is a month's worth of rent or food on their table... how can he be upset? He sold the art for $400 ... I think the guy who bought it (even if he was "flipping" it) had EVERY right to sell it. The guy paid for the art, it should be his to do as he pleases. Yes, it's sad that a single "other" fan missed out on this but Adam profited big time on that single sketch alone, which is no different than what he is accusing that guy of.
That's like a serial killer telling a mass murderer that killing is wrong.
A quick edit to post this: http://www.bleedingcool.com/2011/05/04/j-s...nows-the-risks/
See that's how it's done. JSC knew the guy was a flipping it but opted to do it anyway, and CONTINUES to do sketches for fans at cons.
QUOTE (wwi3313 @ May 4 2011, 03:05 PM)
There is NO SET market value on artwork. It's based solely on aesthetic consideration and what's set by the artist themselves -- that's why multi-year pieces can be sold at the same amount or even trumped by seemingly random splashes of paint against a canvas. This is CERTAINLY a matter of him being greedy -- what artist doesn't want the value in his work to grow? People flip objects for profit all the time -- doing something to make the work more valuable -- in this case, you get to circumvent having to have been at the show AND hoping to have been one of the few he selected to do work for. Its no different than an art dealer, who instead of holding on to the piece FOR the artist has already invested their own money to buy it outright. Hell -- that's how the comic book market works -- shops buy books at a set price and turn around sell it for what they choose.
If I'm selling you artwork for $300 that I KNOW I can sell on ebay for well over a grand, then yes I'm selling you something below market value.
Again, I don't see how this is him being greedy when he's just putting his artwork through ebay instead of doing convention sketches. The ebay auctions will lighten his work load, make him more money, and probably increase the worth of his product. Keep in mind, this is HIS product to do with as he wishes. Its like saying Steve Jobs doesn't have a right to sell IPads for $400 because we want IPads for $50.
QUOTE (Tim Tilley @ May 4 2011, 03:53 PM)
None of the money from the sales of AF #15 go to Stan or Ditko, because they already earned their income from it.
By that I mean, Steve was paid for his time doing the art, and Stan for his time as writer/editor, the comic itself was
purchased, once that happened, the new owner can do what they want with it, even set it on fire if they please.
As for for Adam doing as he pleases, sure... I agree with that. He has the right to do what he wants with the art,
I just don't agree with the fact that he truly cares about the fans, than he does making a "larger" profit off of the art.
I also think he is unfairly "crying" over spilled milk in this situation.
Just to quote him on Twitter: "THAT is why I'm so mad: these sketches should go to people who WANT them, not middle-men making an unearned buck along the way."
My response is that, if that was truly his opinion and that he really cares about the people who want them, that he wouldn't cease doing con sketches. He should just forget about it, move on and continue doing what he has been doing all along.
"It's not brainless, it's malicious. Paying $400 for a sketch WITH THE INTENT make a 300-500% profit drives me insane."
He is angry because someone paid him $400 for a sketch, one that he spent less than an hour on. At this exact time, that's more than I have made all year and for some that $400 is a month's worth of rent or food on their table... how can he be upset? He sold the art for $400 ... I think the guy who bought it (even if he was "flipping" it) had EVERY right to sell it. The guy paid for the art, it should be his to do as he pleases. Yes, it's sad that a single "other" fan missed out on this but Adam profited big time on that single sketch alone, which is no different than what he is accusing that guy of.
That's like a serial killer telling a mass murderer that killing is wrong.
A quick edit to post this: http://www.bleedingcool.com/2011/05/04/j-s...nows-the-risks/
See that's how it's done. JSC knew the guy was a flipping it but opted to do it anyway, and CONTINUES to do sketches for fans at cons.
By that I mean, Steve was paid for his time doing the art, and Stan for his time as writer/editor, the comic itself was
purchased, once that happened, the new owner can do what they want with it, even set it on fire if they please.
As for for Adam doing as he pleases, sure... I agree with that. He has the right to do what he wants with the art,
I just don't agree with the fact that he truly cares about the fans, than he does making a "larger" profit off of the art.
I also think he is unfairly "crying" over spilled milk in this situation.
Just to quote him on Twitter: "THAT is why I'm so mad: these sketches should go to people who WANT them, not middle-men making an unearned buck along the way."
My response is that, if that was truly his opinion and that he really cares about the people who want them, that he wouldn't cease doing con sketches. He should just forget about it, move on and continue doing what he has been doing all along.
"It's not brainless, it's malicious. Paying $400 for a sketch WITH THE INTENT make a 300-500% profit drives me insane."
He is angry because someone paid him $400 for a sketch, one that he spent less than an hour on. At this exact time, that's more than I have made all year and for some that $400 is a month's worth of rent or food on their table... how can he be upset? He sold the art for $400 ... I think the guy who bought it (even if he was "flipping" it) had EVERY right to sell it. The guy paid for the art, it should be his to do as he pleases. Yes, it's sad that a single "other" fan missed out on this but Adam profited big time on that single sketch alone, which is no different than what he is accusing that guy of.
That's like a serial killer telling a mass murderer that killing is wrong.
A quick edit to post this: http://www.bleedingcool.com/2011/05/04/j-s...nows-the-risks/
See that's how it's done. JSC knew the guy was a flipping it but opted to do it anyway, and CONTINUES to do sketches for fans at cons.
I just wanted to add that another JSC sketch is going for a decent sum on ebay;
http://cgi.ebay.com/Storm-X-Men-J-SCOTT-CA...532779757905116
$500 for a head shot sketch is simply obscene.
To play Devil's advocate, JSC's sketches aren't nearly as intricate or involved as Hughes'.
Allison's comments;
After reading this, I completely agree. I've been stuck behind tables at shows drawing commissions for people, and it is very hurtful when you don't get it done. I couldn't imagine that feeling amplified by a factor that Hughes deals with. I'm glad he unloaded this burden upon himself. Maybe I'll actually get to shake his hand and get a picture with him.
QUOTE
Adam and I agreed that it was time to stop the sketch list. After attending the Boston Comic Con this past weekend where Adam was only able to get 3 sketches done, we came home to learn that one of those sketches was within hours of it being drawn, put on eBay. The person that got the sketch told us elaborate lies about how much the piece meant to him, how long he’d been trying to get one, and all the usual, in order to make a profit off of Adam. The worst part for us is not that we won’t make the $3000+ that the sketch sells for on eBay (and I wish that was an exaggeration) but that some fan who really DID want a sketch, and there were many that had been on our list for years, was denied the chance to take one home so that this person could instead make a profit at their loss.
Is this the sole reason for our decision? No. I have been saying for a long time that this day was coming, and to be honest, I thought we’d have had to stop the list long before now. As it became harder and harder for Adam to get drawings done, and as the lists grew longer and longer, the stress increased. At every show, people want books signed, they want to have a personal few minutes talking with Adam, they want a photo with him, to shake his hand, to ask him what he thought of the latest comic book movie. On the professional end, editors and fellow artists want a few minutes, and show promoters want him to do panels and signings. All of these things don’t allow for very much time to draw. When Adam does finally sit down to draw, the list of requests is as much as 50 people long. When you look over that list and know that at best you might get 5 accomplished, the idea of disappointing so very many people can be really difficult to deal with.
Now take all of that, and add the possibility of one of those few drawings you do finish being collected and then re-sold by someone that doesn’t care how hard you work or how much other fans really wanted the opportunity to be the one that took it home, and its just enough stress to help you decide that it is really no long worth it.
Going forward: there will still be art. Adam and I are discussing how we can have an eBay sketch winner for each day of the show, and how we can limit it to one per person per event. I’m hoping that with the tremendous strain of trying to draw at each show alleviated, Adam will be able to consider sketching from home. These drawings could then fill a portfolio that we could bring to events that fans could shop from. And maybe we can finally go ahead and start listing auctions for overseas fans; something we’ve always wanted to be able to do, and time and stress have never really allowed for.
I know many of you are disappointed. Please try and understand, Adam has been doing this for more than 20 years, at a rate of 10 – 12 conventions a year. We wanted to make everyone happy, and there comes a point where that pressure is simply too much, and you have to admit to yourself that it is an impossible task. Even knowing that, we still tried our best for as long as we could. I want to thank everyone that has posted, emailed, and tweeted their support. It really means a great deal to us. I look forward to the rest of the convention year, and the opportunities it will now present us. Hopefully with this stress lifted from his shoulders, Adam can do more panels, tutorials, portfolio reviews and generally spend more time with you guys, his fans.
You all have my gratitude for being so cool about this;
Is this the sole reason for our decision? No. I have been saying for a long time that this day was coming, and to be honest, I thought we’d have had to stop the list long before now. As it became harder and harder for Adam to get drawings done, and as the lists grew longer and longer, the stress increased. At every show, people want books signed, they want to have a personal few minutes talking with Adam, they want a photo with him, to shake his hand, to ask him what he thought of the latest comic book movie. On the professional end, editors and fellow artists want a few minutes, and show promoters want him to do panels and signings. All of these things don’t allow for very much time to draw. When Adam does finally sit down to draw, the list of requests is as much as 50 people long. When you look over that list and know that at best you might get 5 accomplished, the idea of disappointing so very many people can be really difficult to deal with.
Now take all of that, and add the possibility of one of those few drawings you do finish being collected and then re-sold by someone that doesn’t care how hard you work or how much other fans really wanted the opportunity to be the one that took it home, and its just enough stress to help you decide that it is really no long worth it.
Going forward: there will still be art. Adam and I are discussing how we can have an eBay sketch winner for each day of the show, and how we can limit it to one per person per event. I’m hoping that with the tremendous strain of trying to draw at each show alleviated, Adam will be able to consider sketching from home. These drawings could then fill a portfolio that we could bring to events that fans could shop from. And maybe we can finally go ahead and start listing auctions for overseas fans; something we’ve always wanted to be able to do, and time and stress have never really allowed for.
I know many of you are disappointed. Please try and understand, Adam has been doing this for more than 20 years, at a rate of 10 – 12 conventions a year. We wanted to make everyone happy, and there comes a point where that pressure is simply too much, and you have to admit to yourself that it is an impossible task. Even knowing that, we still tried our best for as long as we could. I want to thank everyone that has posted, emailed, and tweeted their support. It really means a great deal to us. I look forward to the rest of the convention year, and the opportunities it will now present us. Hopefully with this stress lifted from his shoulders, Adam can do more panels, tutorials, portfolio reviews and generally spend more time with you guys, his fans.
You all have my gratitude for being so cool about this;
After reading this, I completely agree. I've been stuck behind tables at shows drawing commissions for people, and it is very hurtful when you don't get it done. I couldn't imagine that feeling amplified by a factor that Hughes deals with. I'm glad he unloaded this burden upon himself. Maybe I'll actually get to shake his hand and get a picture with him.
Here's another solution. Take the list of names and charge an extra $6 for Shipping, and he can do them at home, and mail them out flat rate. It's not like he's going to lose out on earning his money, time or investment back. If your name isn't on the list, have it added, and you'll be in queue for another time.
"JSC's sketches aren't nearly as intricate or involved as Hughes." True, but maybe that's because he'd rather do quick ones to make sure everyone gets one, rather than a select special few?
"JSC's sketches aren't nearly as intricate or involved as Hughes." True, but maybe that's because he'd rather do quick ones to make sure everyone gets one, rather than a select special few?
QUOTE (MasonEasley @ May 4 2011, 04:54 PM)
Allison's comments;
After reading this, I completely agree. I've been stuck behind tables at shows drawing commissions for people, and it is very hurtful when you don't get it done. I couldn't imagine that feeling amplified by a factor that Hughes deals with. I'm glad he unloaded this burden upon himself. Maybe I'll actually get to shake his hand and get a picture with him.
After reading this, I completely agree. I've been stuck behind tables at shows drawing commissions for people, and it is very hurtful when you don't get it done. I couldn't imagine that feeling amplified by a factor that Hughes deals with. I'm glad he unloaded this burden upon himself. Maybe I'll actually get to shake his hand and get a picture with him.
Are you serious, Mason?! No one forced Hughes to do shows - and since he's not doing pages on a monthly title, he can't take the time to do these commission sketches? If he's getting $400 a pop for them, that's a pretty kick ass living. This is namby-pamby crying, dude! Plain and simple! If he wanted to make sure that fans of his work could have them, then he'd do them -- FOR FREE! Chastising the guy who saw an opportunity and took it is total hypocrisy and BS!
The man is a shark! He gets $3K for his work, regularly -- do you cry foul for the folks who have busted that out when they could've gotten it for $400? Not at all! So how do you complain (or side with him) when someone simply turns the table?
They're not Sketches! I wish I had the link to Spazzy's Cover Run sketch he did for her. It is what I consider a sketch. These are the same type of detail that you see on the Dodson's con "sketches". To me a sketch is something that takes you less than 10 minutes. When he says he's worked on it all day, that's WHY he's only doing 1 per day it's not a mere sketch in my eyes any more.
If it were about the money then he'd be charging what Stephane Roux does.... know what a commission from HIM goes for???? $3000!!!! That's not a typo... THREE THOUSAND DOLLARS, and he does mostly covers too.
I think that a lot of Allison's comments are HER feelings on it. I've met Adam, he's a very quite man. I can't see him being this openly angry about it, but Allison, from my talking to her, seems like the protective type. She's seen the effect this has had on him and stood up.
I guess I don't see how, as an artist, you can continually say "Well screw him. If they make more money off him selling it to them then his loss." I can't believe that you've honestly put yourself in their shoes. Someone buys something from you, which you've put a fair price on and then makes $300 off YOUR work and it happens over and over again you're not going to get mad???
I'm sorry, there's no convincing me that he's a jerk. I think the guy that sold the piece is a slime ball and I DO hope he chokes. (not to death) Because of HIM I may never get my affordable Hughes piece.
That said, I'm done wasting my "breath".
If it were about the money then he'd be charging what Stephane Roux does.... know what a commission from HIM goes for???? $3000!!!! That's not a typo... THREE THOUSAND DOLLARS, and he does mostly covers too.
I think that a lot of Allison's comments are HER feelings on it. I've met Adam, he's a very quite man. I can't see him being this openly angry about it, but Allison, from my talking to her, seems like the protective type. She's seen the effect this has had on him and stood up.
I guess I don't see how, as an artist, you can continually say "Well screw him. If they make more money off him selling it to them then his loss." I can't believe that you've honestly put yourself in their shoes. Someone buys something from you, which you've put a fair price on and then makes $300 off YOUR work and it happens over and over again you're not going to get mad???
I'm sorry, there's no convincing me that he's a jerk. I think the guy that sold the piece is a slime ball and I DO hope he chokes. (not to death) Because of HIM I may never get my affordable Hughes piece.
That said, I'm done wasting my "breath".
QUOTE (wwi3313 @ May 4 2011, 06:02 PM)
Are you serious, Mason?! No one forced Hughes to do shows - and since he's not doing pages on a monthly title, he can't take the time to do these commission sketches? If he's getting $400 a pop for them, that's a pretty kick ass living. This is namby-pamby crying, dude! Plain and simple! If he wanted to make sure that fans of his work could have them, then he'd do them -- FOR FREE! Chastising the guy who saw an opportunity and took it is total hypocrisy and BS!
The man is a shark! He gets $3K for his work, regularly -- do you cry foul for the folks who have busted that out when they could've gotten it for $400? Not at all! So how do you complain (or side with him) when someone simply turns the table?
The man is a shark! He gets $3K for his work, regularly -- do you cry foul for the folks who have busted that out when they could've gotten it for $400? Not at all! So how do you complain (or side with him) when someone simply turns the table?
Let me make sure I'm understanding you here; If I produce a sketch for someone, and get paid $50 for it, and then that guy flips it on ebay and makes $500 for it, how am *I* a shark if I decide to stop doing convention sketches and try to make as much money as possible through ebay?
QUOTE (Tim Tilley @ May 4 2011, 05:49 PM)
Here's another solution. Take the list of names and charge an extra $6 for Shipping, and he can do them at home, and mail them out flat rate. It's not like he's going to lose out on earning his money, time or investment back. If your name isn't on the list, have it added, and you'll be in queue for another time.
"JSC's sketches aren't nearly as intricate or involved as Hughes." True, but maybe that's because he'd rather do quick ones to make sure everyone gets one, rather than a select special few?
"JSC's sketches aren't nearly as intricate or involved as Hughes." True, but maybe that's because he'd rather do quick ones to make sure everyone gets one, rather than a select special few?
Frankly, JSC's sketches don't take nearly as much time as Hughes, so I can understand why he really doesn't care what someone does with it. If I could get someone to pay me $100 for a head shot that took me a few minutes to do, I wouldn't care what they did with it either.
BTW, I'm not knocking JSC at all. Man's a beast, and he's a big influence on my work.
QUOTE (Tim Tilley @ May 4 2011, 08:56 AM)
It's not just artists who sometimes charge more than they should, writers do it as well. Bendis, and even Neil Gaiman. However, at least Gaiman donates to charities.
"As anyone who’s read the FAQ (which was written in 2002, thus the Clinton reference) or has been reading this blog for a while knows, if you want to hire me to come and talk somewhere, and people do, I’m expensive. Not just a bit pricy. Really expensive." That said, he also does free work as well, and that's why I like the guy so much, he actually treats his fans well. "In fact most of the talks and appearances I do are for free." Source: http://journal.neilgaiman.com/2010/05/poli...-in-teacup.html
Where as with Hughes, from what I can gather from his Mid-Ohio appearance as well as various blogs, youtube videos, etc. is that he comes off as an egotistical jerk. If you're home is paid for, you can afford new clothes, food and other necessities, and you are debt free... there is no need to be charging hundreds of dollars for commission work, let alone sketches.
Between paying rent money for a single mono-chromatic sketch from Hughes, and getting a FREE sketch from Jim Lee, guess which one I'm standing in line for? Heck, I think Jim Lee's work is a billion times better than Hughes, and Jim will not only do it for free, but he'll pose for pictures and videos, and not ask for ANYTHING in return.
I wish Adam the best of luck but I will never buy any of his work for a long as I live... at least not for anything over $50. Our economy is in a bad spot, we're not all millionaires, heck some people aren't even thousandaires, treating your fans with respect goes a very long way. Charging as much as he does is almost disrespectful in some ways, it's just flat out greed. I would understand if the proceeds or a portion thereof went to charities but they don't.
People are losing their homes, and living out on the streets... for what he charges for art, that could feed a family of four for a day. If I ever get to be in a similar situation, you better believe that I'll be more humble and give back to the fans that gave me my success in the first place.
"As anyone who’s read the FAQ (which was written in 2002, thus the Clinton reference) or has been reading this blog for a while knows, if you want to hire me to come and talk somewhere, and people do, I’m expensive. Not just a bit pricy. Really expensive." That said, he also does free work as well, and that's why I like the guy so much, he actually treats his fans well. "In fact most of the talks and appearances I do are for free." Source: http://journal.neilgaiman.com/2010/05/poli...-in-teacup.html
Where as with Hughes, from what I can gather from his Mid-Ohio appearance as well as various blogs, youtube videos, etc. is that he comes off as an egotistical jerk. If you're home is paid for, you can afford new clothes, food and other necessities, and you are debt free... there is no need to be charging hundreds of dollars for commission work, let alone sketches.
Between paying rent money for a single mono-chromatic sketch from Hughes, and getting a FREE sketch from Jim Lee, guess which one I'm standing in line for? Heck, I think Jim Lee's work is a billion times better than Hughes, and Jim will not only do it for free, but he'll pose for pictures and videos, and not ask for ANYTHING in return.
I wish Adam the best of luck but I will never buy any of his work for a long as I live... at least not for anything over $50. Our economy is in a bad spot, we're not all millionaires, heck some people aren't even thousandaires, treating your fans with respect goes a very long way. Charging as much as he does is almost disrespectful in some ways, it's just flat out greed. I would understand if the proceeds or a portion thereof went to charities but they don't.
People are losing their homes, and living out on the streets... for what he charges for art, that could feed a family of four for a day. If I ever get to be in a similar situation, you better believe that I'll be more humble and give back to the fans that gave me my success in the first place.
Don't forget to stand in line for a Barry Kitson piece also, he gives art away for free. It is all personalised, and the payment is standing in line to wait. (I know quite few other artists will draw a piece for nothing, but if one is busy or cannot hang around, they will take the clients name, and simply ask the client to cover the shipping costs. Hey, that's not a problem to many fans, who will gladly cover shipping. Still a free sketch.) Kitson will often colour it, or do an inkwash on the sketch. All for nothing, the price is your time. And I have seen those pictures, like some guy uploaded a sketchbook he had, full of different comic book artist sketches that he collects, and while they are really cool as he flicks through them (video on youtube) when he gets to the Kitson piece, a WW2 styled Capt America, it is mindglowing. Pencilled, then inked, then inkwashed, all in a few hours, all in the same day, just so he could give the book back to the guy at the end of the day. Massive respect to the dude.
I've heard stories of Jim Lee being on his way out of a con, and a fan asks if he would give them a sketch. If there is only one person there, he often will. Again, massive respect.
If one disagrees with Hughes method, then don't ask for a sketch. If this keeps happening, and too many people do not wish to buy a sketch for a couple hundred bucks, then he may get the message. He could have gone with the simple answer, personalise it, but instead he took the harder (on the consumer) answer and upped his prices. In this time of a recession, other artists have taken the kinder, more approachable route. They are obviously grateful for the job. Plus they are faster, too.
AH does not understand the business relationship between artist and customer.
QUOTE (SapphireGypsy @ May 4 2011, 06:22 PM)
They're not Sketches! I wish I had the link to Spazzy's Cover Run sketch he did for her. It is what I consider a sketch. These are the same type of detail that you see on the Dodson's con "sketches". To me a sketch is something that takes you less than 10 minutes. When he says he's worked on it all day, that's WHY he's only doing 1 per day it's not a mere sketch in my eyes any more.
If it were about the money then he'd be charging what Stephane Roux does.... know what a commission from HIM goes for???? $3000!!!! That's not a typo... THREE THOUSAND DOLLARS, and he does mostly covers too.
I think that a lot of Allison's comments are HER feelings on it. I've met Adam, he's a very quite man. I can't see him being this openly angry about it, but Allison, from my talking to her, seems like the protective type. She's seen the effect this has had on him and stood up.
I guess I don't see how, as an artist, you can continually say "Well screw him. If they make more money off him selling it to them then his loss." I can't believe that you've honestly put yourself in their shoes. Someone buys something from you, which you've put a fair price on and then makes $300 off YOUR work and it happens over and over again you're not going to get mad???
I'm sorry, there's no convincing me that he's a jerk. I think the guy that sold the piece is a slime ball and I DO hope he chokes. (not to death) Because of HIM I may never get my affordable Hughes piece.
That said, I'm done wasting my "breath".
If it were about the money then he'd be charging what Stephane Roux does.... know what a commission from HIM goes for???? $3000!!!! That's not a typo... THREE THOUSAND DOLLARS, and he does mostly covers too.
I think that a lot of Allison's comments are HER feelings on it. I've met Adam, he's a very quite man. I can't see him being this openly angry about it, but Allison, from my talking to her, seems like the protective type. She's seen the effect this has had on him and stood up.
I guess I don't see how, as an artist, you can continually say "Well screw him. If they make more money off him selling it to them then his loss." I can't believe that you've honestly put yourself in their shoes. Someone buys something from you, which you've put a fair price on and then makes $300 off YOUR work and it happens over and over again you're not going to get mad???
I'm sorry, there's no convincing me that he's a jerk. I think the guy that sold the piece is a slime ball and I DO hope he chokes. (not to death) Because of HIM I may never get my affordable Hughes piece.
That said, I'm done wasting my "breath".
Pretty good call on Adam and Allison. He's quiet and sometimes hard-to-read, but talented and I like him. I like Allison as well, and she is protective (and talented in her own right). And his sketches are usually more than just quick sketches, but more detailed pieces.
A big part of it was the guy weaseled his way into getting a sketch that was supposedly for him, which he then flipped. Is the idea of reselling original art wrong? No (usually). The method of getting the piece is what's suspect.
QUOTE (Bill Nichols @ May 4 2011, 04:30 PM)
Pretty good call on Adam and Allison. He's quiet and sometimes hard-to-read, but talented and I like him. I like Allison as well, and she is protective (and talented in her own right). And his sketches are usually more than just quick sketches, but more detailed pieces.
A big part of it was the guy weaseled his way into getting a sketch that was supposedly for him, which he then flipped. Is the idea of reselling original art wrong? No (usually). The method of getting the piece is what's suspect.
A big part of it was the guy weaseled his way into getting a sketch that was supposedly for him, which he then flipped. Is the idea of reselling original art wrong? No (usually). The method of getting the piece is what's suspect.
I find his reaction, and the excuse given, to be a massive overreaction.
What I worry about, also, is if other artists may follow suit. If so, it would it would be terribly dissappointing, to say the least.
I doubt it'll come to that. In the future there may be some reticemce about the subject, but will it throw it all out of whack and ruin things for everything. No, although artists may look at how they might handle a similar situation, on the front and back end...
QUOTE (SapphireGypsy @ May 4 2011, 06:22 PM)
They're not Sketches! I wish I had the link to Spazzy's Cover Run sketch he did for her. It is what I consider a sketch. These are the same type of detail that you see on the Dodson's con "sketches". To me a sketch is something that takes you less than 10 minutes. When he says he's worked on it all day, that's WHY he's only doing 1 per day it's not a mere sketch in my eyes any more.
If it were about the money then he'd be charging what Stephane Roux does.... know what a commission from HIM goes for???? $3000!!!! That's not a typo... THREE THOUSAND DOLLARS, and he does mostly covers too.
I think that a lot of Allison's comments are HER feelings on it. I've met Adam, he's a very quite man. I can't see him being this openly angry about it, but Allison, from my talking to her, seems like the protective type. She's seen the effect this has had on him and stood up.
I guess I don't see how, as an artist, you can continually say "Well screw him. If they make more money off him selling it to them then his loss." I can't believe that you've honestly put yourself in their shoes. Someone buys something from you, which you've put a fair price on and then makes $300 off YOUR work and it happens over and over again you're not going to get mad???
I'm sorry, there's no convincing me that he's a jerk. I think the guy that sold the piece is a slime ball and I DO hope he chokes. (not to death) Because of HIM I may never get my affordable Hughes piece.
That said, I'm done wasting my "breath".
If it were about the money then he'd be charging what Stephane Roux does.... know what a commission from HIM goes for???? $3000!!!! That's not a typo... THREE THOUSAND DOLLARS, and he does mostly covers too.
I think that a lot of Allison's comments are HER feelings on it. I've met Adam, he's a very quite man. I can't see him being this openly angry about it, but Allison, from my talking to her, seems like the protective type. She's seen the effect this has had on him and stood up.
I guess I don't see how, as an artist, you can continually say "Well screw him. If they make more money off him selling it to them then his loss." I can't believe that you've honestly put yourself in their shoes. Someone buys something from you, which you've put a fair price on and then makes $300 off YOUR work and it happens over and over again you're not going to get mad???
I'm sorry, there's no convincing me that he's a jerk. I think the guy that sold the piece is a slime ball and I DO hope he chokes. (not to death) Because of HIM I may never get my affordable Hughes piece.
That said, I'm done wasting my "breath".
I should clarify by saying that I was stating *some* of the art discussed, some are not Sketches--and I agree with that. When I speak of his sketches, I am talking about the ones he spends less than 20 minutes on, not the ones he spends hours on. Also, there is a difference between commission pieces, actual comic work, and con sketches. What Spazzy had was in-between what I call a sketch and a commission piece.
If people pay Stephane Roux does $3,000 for a single piece of work, that is not only sad but stupid. No one should charge that much for comic art, save for classic interior work from artists whom are no longer amongst the living.
Having taken some time to think it over, it does seem that Allison's comments are mostly her own feelings and not necessarily of his own. 've met Adam once and yeah, he is rather quiet but it does seem like some of those comments might be something he would say.
If someone makes $300 off my work and it happens over and over again... no, I will not get mad, because I sold it to them, once money is exchanged, the art is theirs to do with as they please. You would be surprised to know that I give more of my time away for free than that of making money from the work I do. I have given away full blown art pieces, not just comic art, or sketches but full illustrations. Even as a graphic designer, or with my coloring work... there have been more time spent working for free. What makes me made is that when it comes to paid work, that I spend 12 hours a day on a page and only make $10 off of it, where as some people charge that much per minute.
I do not recall flat out calling him a jerk, just that it comes off that way and that I disagree with their decision as well as the reasoning behind that decision.
"I think the guy that sold the piece is a slime ball and I DO hope he chokes. (not to death) Because of HIM I may never get my affordable Hughes piece."
Actually, it's Alison's fault that you may never get your affordable Hughes piece. It's their decision to do this, they don't have to go that route, but they
are opting for it. The better solution is to personalize the pieces, and offer to do them at home when he can and mail them out.
Anyway, I apologize for upsetting you so much and for striking a nerve. You didn't waste your breath, you had something to say, and you said it... it's not a waste.
QUOTE (MasonEasley @ May 4 2011, 06:37 PM)
Frankly, JSC's sketches don't take nearly as much time as Hughes, so I can understand why he really doesn't care what someone does with it. If I could get someone to pay me $100 for a head shot that took me a few minutes to do, I wouldn't care what they did with it either. :P
BTW, I'm not knocking JSC at all. Man's a beast, and he's a big influence on my work.
BTW, I'm not knocking JSC at all. Man's a beast, and he's a big influence on my work.
My guess is that JSC, knows that people are selling his work and that's why his sketches are more simpler and done quickly. I wasn't trying to knock Adam's work, he is a fantastic artist (I just think that Jim Lee is better) but my main argument was that if it really was about the fans, selling his work on ebay for as much as he is charging, isn't the answer to the solution.
QUOTE (Bill Nichols @ May 4 2011, 08:11 PM)
I doubt it'll come to that. In the future there may be some reticemce about the subject, but will it throw it all out of whack and ruin things for everything. No, although artists may look at how they might handle a similar situation, on the front and back end...
If it does come to that, it just means more commission work at shows for lesser known artists.
That's fine by me.
QUOTE (MasonEasley @ May 4 2011, 09:30 PM)
If it does come to that, it just means more commission work at shows for lesser known artists.
That's fine by me.
That's fine by me.
Very good point, Mason.
QUOTE (MasonEasley @ May 4 2011, 06:31 PM)
Let me make sure I'm understanding you here; If I produce a sketch for someone, and get paid $50 for it, and then that guy flips it on ebay and makes $500 for it, how am *I* a shark if I decide to stop doing convention sketches and try to make as much money as possible through ebay?
I'd say that you're a shark because you're chasing bait! YOU decided that your work was only worth $50 and it was only because someone else saw more value in it that you've realigned your strategy! Because someone else was smarter about your work than you were, you want to switch get top dollar? The truth of the matter is YOU NEVER WILL!!! You'll never get as much money for your work as the last guy who owns it, nor should you try to...
QUOTE (Tim Tilley @ May 4 2011, 02:54 PM)
Are you sure it's not about the money?, because it sure sounds like it based on that quote. If he wasn't wanting more money for his art, he'd offer to sale them on his website, for $5 a piece and then donate the money earned to charity. Yet, this isn't what's happening. To me this is the "If I can't have her, no one will!" attitude. One person sales his five to fifteen minutes worth of work for a profit, and that's why he is upset. It's because the person made a profit that upset him. So it really is about the money, otherwise this situation wouldn't have been a problem for him, much less a big deal.
Edit: sapphire beat me to the punch, sorry I was at work and just posted this when I got home.
Apologies Tim, I'm not coming after you. Just wanted to point out AH puts hours of work into his con sketches. It's not 15 minutes and in most cases his con sketches are just a few steps away from being a full blown cover illustration. At least the four I saw him pump out over the three days I was at Mid Ohio Con were (Lady Thor, Gwen Stacy, Little Mermaid, Kitty Pryde).
I think, I don't know, that maybe the reason he takes so much time is because he's a perfectionist to some extent.
Like Bill said, this is just more money for other artists. Now I can get my Marquis commission from an artist I've been wanting to get for two years now. Heck yeah! Marquis!
QUOTE (wwi3313 @ May 3 2011, 05:55 PM)
I think Hughes is the jerk in this case -- I refer back to my stance on swiping and plagiarism -- if someone else finds a way to profit off of my work, good for them! There's no sense in whining about what someone did with the work once they bought it -- they paid the price you charged and now it belongs to them, fair and square! If they choose to wipe their behinds with it in effigy, its THEIR business and NOT the artist's.
I disagree that Hughes is the jerk in this case. What, he's a jerk for working his ass off for years and years to get as good as he is, and people who did not do the honest work themselves are profiting off of him in an unethical and immoral manner where acquiring his sketches were a means to a financial end, not for the true purpose, where the owner of the sketch is acquiring it because they want own an exclusive piece of art that Hughes did for them, and he's mad, so he changes his mind about doing it? That makes him a jerk? I disagree. I say good for him!
Speaking for myself, since I can't draw, I've given many personalized pieces of knitting and embroidery to friends and acquaintances. I personally would be hurt if the piece I did that I spent 30 hours embroidering for Tim Seeley ended up on ebay. It was hard work, it was a piece I did specifically for him and to know that he didn't value it enough to keep it, it would hurt me.
I guess that's why I can kind of understand where they're coming from. It's frustrating to hear people calling him a jerk for wanting to make sure that they'll go to people who would appreciate them. On top of that Spazzy was telling me Allison has some health problems so I don't even begrudge them getting the extra money. If someone is going to pay it why shouldn't it be going to the person doing the work as opposed to someone taking advantage of them trying to be reasonable.
I like Stephane Roux work, but if I have $3000 to spend on a piece of art it's NOT going to be one of his. I'd rather own an Alex Ross.
I'm just upset that one of the artists who's work was at a possible price I could afford might have been taken out of my hands because of this incident. I can only hope that with time the sting of this will abate and they'll go back to doing them again.
I learned long ago that some arguments on the internet are not worth getting angry over, when I find myself getting too emotional over a discussion I just bow out. It's easier than allowing it to affect my internet free life. We totally ranted about this on the show though.
I guess that's why I can kind of understand where they're coming from. It's frustrating to hear people calling him a jerk for wanting to make sure that they'll go to people who would appreciate them. On top of that Spazzy was telling me Allison has some health problems so I don't even begrudge them getting the extra money. If someone is going to pay it why shouldn't it be going to the person doing the work as opposed to someone taking advantage of them trying to be reasonable.
I like Stephane Roux work, but if I have $3000 to spend on a piece of art it's NOT going to be one of his. I'd rather own an Alex Ross.
I'm just upset that one of the artists who's work was at a possible price I could afford might have been taken out of my hands because of this incident. I can only hope that with time the sting of this will abate and they'll go back to doing them again.
I learned long ago that some arguments on the internet are not worth getting angry over, when I find myself getting too emotional over a discussion I just bow out. It's easier than allowing it to affect my internet free life.
We totally ranted about this on the show though.
QUOTE (Carl Shinyama @ May 4 2011, 11:49 PM)
I disagree that Hughes is the jerk in this case. What, he's a jerk for working his ass off for years and years to get as good as he is, and people who did not do the honest work themselves are profiting off of him in an unethical and immoral manner where acquiring his sketches were a means to a financial end, not for the true purpose, where the owner of the sketch is acquiring it because they want own an exclusive piece of art that Hughes did for them, and he's mad, so he changes his mind about doing it? That makes him a jerk? I disagree. I say good for him!
Carly, I'm not understanding what you're calling unethical or immoral, can you clarify? And the reason I ask is because I don't see anything different than any other transaction where a person buys an object and then turns around and sells it for more. Its the way business works in EVERY WAY.
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