Having considered myself an artists for about 12 years now, I've had my fair share of people come up to me and ask some pretty obnoxious questions. When you hear them over and over again, you start to wonder why people even bother asking artists questions like these. Is art such an elusive topic or are the Artists the real interest to society? Whatever the reason, people seem to love asking us fairly obvious or offensive questions. So, if you decide to talk to one of your artist friends while they're drawing, make sure none of the following end up being asked!
1. “ Did you draw that?”
Well, there’s a pencil/pen in my hand and a piece of paper in front of me. I am currently putting pressure onto said paper with said pencil/pen and WOW! A drawing came out of it. So, yes. I did.
2. “ I hope you don’t mind that I’m watching you?”
No, it’s fine. I love having one person hover over my shoulder and then another follow you to my other shoulder. Then, a group of people curious about what I’m doing. It doesn’t make me feel like a sideshow at all.
3. “ Is that those Japanese cartoons/anime?”
Just because that’s the norm of the millennial artists, does not mean it’s all Anime. Many of us did get into art because of it but are not “Anime Artists.”
4. “ Why are they bald?”
Perhaps I haven’t drawn the hair yet. Perhaps I don’t want them to have hair. Humans don’t have hair sometimes! Just look at Howie Mandel.
5. “ Why are they Naked?”
The same reason they don’t have hair. I haven’t drawn it yet. Or maybe they’re nudists.
6. “ Haha! They don’t have a peenie weenie/coochie.”
That’s because I’m drawing clothing over them. You don’t have to draw every single detail of the naked form before drawing clothing over it.
7. “ Can you draw me?”
Can you pay me?
8. “ Are you drawing -Name-?”
Unless they’re paying me, probably not.
9. “ Can you draw some things for my project?”
Please consult my commission information. You can see my prices there. Thank you.
10. “ Can you teach ME how to draw?”
I’m not trained to do so. I wouldn’t even know where to start. Please go ask an art teacher.
11. “ You want HOW much money for THAT?”
If you know anything about selling goods, you pay for the effort, time, and products the seller puts into their product. I am putting a lot of effort, skill, time and my own utensils to create your custom piece. So yes, I do want THAT much for this image.
12. “ You want to be an Artist? You're better off choosing a new career.”
Good luck to you too, Friend. I hope your life without beauty is more to your liking because you obviously don't think artists are at all important in this society. Much of the world is made up of an artist’s hard earned time and effort: Ads, Labels, Cartoons, Animated Movies, clothing, even the design of your phone. I hope you find your life easier without us.
