'Choosing beggars' and the best way to say 'no'
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I had my first person who tried to demand/guilt me into free work today! It was both awful and hilarious.
Even literally saying 'sorry, but no' they kept on guilty guilt guilting and trying different angles (apparently people like me are the reason the world is a bad place according to them
)What's your go-to shutdown phrase to politely decline an offer? What's your favourite way to say 'no, full-friggin'-stop' with a smile on your face?
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@Braden-Hallett oh dang that sucks im sorry.
Personally i really like being petty to people that treat artists that way. But I am also really aware of the fact they WANT you to have a reaction. So i do not feed them anymore.
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I say:
"Wow, you must come from a parallel universe where artists work for free! Tell me more about this universe! Do men give birth, do horses ride us, and are pandas hideous creatures? Do tell!"
Not really. I've never had this problem, but I'd probably just ignore. People with this kind of mindset can't be reasoned with. It's like they really do come from a parallel universe.
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@Braden-Hallett Well geeze
Surely he didn't think that was a good way of getting you to do it. Wow...
I've had people curse me out after I said no, but no one who actually tried to argue with me and try to get me to do it lol.. So I don't know about a go-to phrase. Maybe I'd go with the classic "You are being very rude. Please stop, I won't answer to that." I mean you don't have to keep engaging with him if he's being such an ass. A good old block also does wonders. -
This situation sucks. I've been guilt-tripped but never had people been rude to me that much yet.
My go-to response is the old 'You wouldn't ask a doctor, a plumber, or an electrician to work for free (unless you're helping people in the slums or something charitable). You also wouldn't say to a builder "Do this job for free and if I'm happy with it I'll use you for future jobs", and other such rubbish comments that are used on artists. I politely try to educate them to see illustration as a valued skill worth paying for, and if that doesn't work I insult them about whatever work they do, haha kidding.
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You can start by coughing then put your hand on your forehead and ask them how to tell if you have a fever. Beyond that - I get this all the time with my goat grazing business. People act like it's some huge favor to allow me to clean up years of neglect on their property. Sometimes I say, sure, I'll bring my goats over for free if you'll paint my house for free. Or, When you go for a trail ride at the park do you invoice the livery stable for exercising their horse? Or, if all I wanted to do is break even, I'd sell the goats and get a hammock. Throw out a few zingers then sneeze and say, I really think I'm coming down with something.
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I haven't had anyone guilt trip me, but I usually just say sorry that my plate is too full and I can't take anymore work on.
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Sure dude! Here ya go,
Don’t let the bastards get you down.
Lisa Burvant
www.lisaburvant.com
Instagram & Twitter & SVS: @burvantill -
@Braden-Hallett lol! You have got to share the whole message. My usual turnoff is when they state their budget. It usually goes something like, “Will you illustrate my book for 100 bucks?” Lol
I live in the Philippines but I can’t even live for a month on that budget. -
@Braden-Hallett I think I would go with @carlianne's advice. I can not imagine they can keep bugg you if you tell them you do not have time for their whatever project. If they still trying, then just ignore them.
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Hi @Braden-Hallett, your work demands top dollar!
As a suggestion, maybe you can say that you would love to provide a piece for free, but you are booked solid on paid work.
Either way, treat it as a compliment that someone is willing to beg for your art! Kudos brotha!
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@burvantill I agree with this being the best way. You still deliver a free drawing
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@burvantill Haha YES!! "Ok, here's what's available at that price point."
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lol thanks everyone!
What I'm hearing is mostly 'don't be so polite'
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@burvantill I just laughed out loud at this! Thank you for making my day.
And... @Braden-Hallett your work is brilliant and you deserve to be paid for it! -
In seriousness, I find that "I'm sorry, that's just not possible" and leave it at that closes the door pretty well. It isn't rude, but it doesn't leave any room for argument. If they come back after that, they are just wasting your time. Don't respond further to their nonsense. People like that aren't worth your time. They will never value your talents.
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@Braden-Hallett said in 'Choosing beggars' and the best way to say 'no':
What I'm hearing is mostly 'don't be so polite'
It's probably difficult for you, being Canadian and all.
Lisa Burvant
www.lisaburvant.com
Instagram & Twitter & SVS: @burvantill -
@burvantill That pic is hilarious. With my luck he would still make a mint off of it and not give me any credit.
Also rudeness is against @Braden-Hallett 's religion. -
@burvantill said in 'Choosing beggars' and the best way to say 'no':
It's probably difficult for you, being Canadian and all.
IT'S SO HARD
(I was going for the smiley face, but you know what, I'm gonna leave the dog. )It's more that you never if if the bridge you just burned is gonna be one you need to cross in the future, so it's better to burn no bridges if possible
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@chrisaakins said in 'Choosing beggars' and the best way to say 'no':
Also rudeness is against @Braden-Hallett 's religion.
lol, I say! LOL!
