Let's talk about payments >.<...

Oooo....have been hit by a slacking period in my sketch department. Since my last upload,my productivity is basically centred on 2 things: One, drawing works for my company's projects (all P n C so makes it all the more unbearable not being able to upload any of the drawings till long after)....Two, focusing on producing my group's book,comics and posters for the upcoming Comic Fiesta here in KL (also P n C till looonnggg after the event is over *doh!*) . Can't upload anything! *sob sob* So anyways, I scrambled thru' my old stuff again and found something to put into my blog, and also took time out during lunch hour to sketch something up to add along with it. *sigh* Well,here it is folks!

Recently I had one student from an art school (which I will not disclose), asked me a question about his/her fears of getting involved in projects that does not clarify the matter of payments due to the artist once he/she is done with the project. Being a student, he/she was adviced not to be so money-minded from the beginning when given the opportunity to work on any project,therefore was told that it is not wise to bring up the subject of payments before venturing into the project. Well, I say it doesn't hurt to enquire at the very start just to know where you stand. I've had many bitter experiences of being diddled by so-called clients locally or abroad that takes this sort of matter really lightly. Don't be naive enough to presume that the client will get back to you on payments if you don't bring up the matter,worse yet, never mention about payments at all at the very start during the discussions. Always agree on the fixed amount of due payments with your client before venturing into any project. Otherwise you'll end up working long hours till morning on a project that you thought your client will be grateful for,and will definitely promptly pay you when the deed is done. Extremely rare here,especially in Malaysia. Hard to find an honest pay master who's only aim is to cut expenses as much as possible. Yea yea, I'mma crabby ol' Grump (bear in mind it's you perpetrators who've made me turned to the dark side. You know who you are.) Anyways in this case, if you're a student, getting involved in various projects really helps to boost your background knowledge,giving you good working exposure etc. though the pay may be low at first. If payment is not in the cards,then at least you know from the beginning when you're enquiring and agreed to do it nontheless. Better than waiting till the end of the project and get slapped in the face,right? >.O