Pet peeve #3, art wishlists

Hello internet! Thank you for all the birthday wishes, unfortunately those do not reduce my complete desire of being a grumpy butt about everything.

:bademoticon:

With everyone assuming that Christmas starts in November, we're gonna talk about a timely subject called wishlists. Now, this is a subject which I'm sure will split opinions, so let me make clear: THIS IS MY OPINION AND MY VIEW OF THINGS. You don't agree? Good on ya! But maybe it's a good thought experiment! Spoiler: I don't like it.

Since wishlists are such widespread thing on DA, I doubt many think twice about them, or really do them to be intentionally rude. But basically what wishlists are is the same thing as you begging for free art, and there's no way around it. Christmas is just a nice decorative excuse that people can slap on top of it. And you know what many artists really don't like doing? Free art on complete strangers or half-strangers! But some feel inclined to, 'cause it's Christmas, and I honestly feel so bad for them. If you really want art from someone, COMMISSION THEM. DON'T ASK FOR FREE ART. I really don't understand how this is completely glazed over, but you'd show so much more respect to the artist if you went to them "hey, I'd really love to commission a christmas picture from you, are your commissions open?"

But instead of this people just make a vague list, list all the popular artists who get buried in these wishlist journals of people drooling on about how they wish that maybe, just maybe that popular artist either trying to do a living or wanting to enjoy their hobby will stop and draw a thing for you.

Listen, if the popular artist (or hell, ANY artist, being popular or unpopular does not increase or decrease your worth as an artist) wants to draw for you, you don't have to ask. They'll do it if they have time and feel that you've deserved it. But mostly if they have time. Artists are human. Please respect them as humans, they are not free art machines.


Oh but if the artist has made a journal like "Hey I'd love to draw for people!" or something like that absolutely go shower them in attention and remember to thank them deeply!