Hi there, A_B! I've got a little quandary, and I could use some advice. I am a fursuit maker, and recently I've decided that I would like to only take on new projects with natural colors. I've always leaned towards realism, but after some introspection I've decided to focus on that exclusively. I have several reasons: fur selection is better for realistic colors in the styles of furs I use, I don't connect as well with non-natural colored projects and feel that I could do better with realistic colors, limited availability which makes me want to choose projects that will make me grow more/push my limits more/be more enjoyable for me, and last but not least personal preference. I know it will lose me potential sales, but this is a risk I'm willing to take.
My problem lies with how to communicate this to all potential commissioners in a way that will get through to them without coming off as a dick. I mean, I could just say, "no", but I try to be friendly and approachable to a fault. I just don't want to have to go through this whole spiel every time, and I'm not sure it warrants adding to my TOS.
I imagine it the same as a digital/traditional artist deciding they're not comfortable with x, y, and z subjects, so how do you all declare what you are and are not willing to do?
My problem lies with how to communicate this to all potential commissioners in a way that will get through to them without coming off as a dick. I mean, I could just say, "no", but I try to be friendly and approachable to a fault. I just don't want to have to go through this whole spiel every time, and I'm not sure it warrants adding to my TOS.
I imagine it the same as a digital/traditional artist deciding they're not comfortable with x, y, and z subjects, so how do you all declare what you are and are not willing to do?
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I'm not saying it should be brought up as like a barrier to customers or made out to be a bad thing, just advertise yourself as a maker who specializes in "natural colouration/markings" like it's your niche.
Thanks <3
IF you are worried about sounding like a jerk, respond in a way that makes it sound like you are taking the blame:
"Sorry, I do not make toony costumes, I do not think my skills are acceptable enough to accomplish what you are after"
"I am sorry, I have a limited stock of fur and I prefer to work with natural colors only. Your electric blue fox is really cute, but I do not think I could do him justice."
I think your wording in this post is quite easy to understand, and it makes sense to me. You're looking out for your client's best interest and getting the best value for their money. I think it's a very respectable thing for you to do, and props for realizing your "limits" (I use this term loosely, heh).
I'd go with "I specialize in realistic costumes made with natural fur colors and as such I am not currently accepting orders for cartoon animals or similar". I don't think you need to justify yourself unless someone specifically asks why, as they may have some alternate idea that interests you more.
For sure put it in your TOS. I can't think of a reason not to XD
"I'm so glad you're interested in commissioning me, that means a lot! Unfortunately right now I'm not doing any more cartoony type characters because I'm really trying to focus on realism so I can progress my art in a direction I want to go and get better and better and turn our higher quality products. I can refer you to some friends/associates/otherfursuitmakers who specialise in making cartoony characters, though- why not try joecifur, media or midori? (Links included in names in referred email)".
Add it to your TOS in case someone wants to press the matter, but I don't think it should be a huge problem telling people honestly why you don't want to do whatever.
Not to say you can't have limits, but as I have a character that is basically all realistic and natural coloured but with a streak of purple mane, does that disqualify her or not?
Of course the 2nd question is then "What is a realistic/natural pattern." Three stripes on the arm is not a pattern found anywhere but stripes ARE realistic so..
I'm not trying to be contrary lol but just be aware that people will email you with questions like that so examples of what you like and what you don't like would be helpful! ^^
There are a lot of people willing to adjust their character in order to make it fit what an artist likes to do or does best, so specific guidelines for them are good - even if that guideline is just "if you wonder if you qualify then email me with a reference".
ie, "i'm a wee bit vanilla, and so i'm really not comfortable doing adult art. sorry!"
in your case maybe something like "i've begun to focus mainly on projects in realistic colours, and am not taking non-realism colour schemed commissions at this time. sorry!"
Make it part of your "brand". If you make ad banners, business cards, there can be mention of your preferred style on there, like "Fenrirs Child: Quality Realistic Costumes". If you do the branding stage well, people will think about you when they want realism. Also this sounds silly, but maybe avoid overly flashy/neon colors in your advertising/web design/etc.
Another thing that helps when you have to turn people down is to apologize that you couldn't help them, and refer them to a few makers you trust (or, if you don't know other maker's work enough to recommend anyone, point them towards fursuitmakerreviews on FA). That personal touch of the referral softens the blow and makes it sound like you do genuinely want to help.
Edited at 2012-09-18 04:39 am (UTC)
Everybody else has given you solid advice about how to handle this and a few people have mentioned giving referrals already. I was thinking, if possible, I'd recommend making friends/talking with someone you know who is the opposite and *doesn't* like doing realistic suits and have a referral system running that benefits the both of you.
I love you guys here, I learn so much <3
You can have the post preceded by a bit where you explain that you only do naturally colored suits because you have a better selection of materials and connect better with the work, resulting in a better end product. You don't want to sell your customers short, and that's nothing but admirable.