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Felix Comic Art Chat (4/29/20)
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Jason P
11:42
The thing I don’t get about the pricing complaints is the quality of work.  I’ve commissioned many artists, and NONE match the quality that consistently comes from Felix’s artists.  I never worry about being let down.  You always know you’re getting a stunning piece.  I’ve been burned by lower priced pieces before...not so with your artists.
Felix Lu
11:43
Thanks Jason. I vet every piece to make sure they meet our standards. There's some tweaking early on with some artists, but they figure it out quickly. Now, they measure themselves against each other...which is great for collectors. Because their pride is working for you.
Matthew Birdoff
11:43
greetings all
Pat L
11:43
Hey everyone! Same with a big shout out to Felix and his whole crew - digging all of these great commission opportunities and getting the chance to see all of this cool art!
Jeffrey
11:44
Curious how people try to maintain budget and collection size control. I've found I have way more than I need (which of course different from what I want ..)
Felix Lu
11:44
Jeffrey...if you get a chance, listen to the podcast on my site with Andy Robbins. We discuss this very topic. He's the best at it.
Matthew Birdoff
11:44
@felix is there a reason that all my comments are delayed to be reviewed by the moderator?
Felix Lu
11:45
It would be absolutely chaotic otherwise. I learned this from a baseball chat (which inspired this). Sorry!
Andy K
11:45
Based on your experience what type of commission subjects tend to get the best execution? The obvious ones (Stegman Venom or Tradd Surfer) or weird ones (Teddy Roosevelt playing the Tuba on a slip N slide?)
Felix Lu
11:46
It totally depends on the artist. Sometimes an artist who's known for one thing (say Stegman and Venom) might get tired of drawing that thing over and over again. In which case something totally different might spark some untapped creative energy. As always, though, there is a crapshoot element...no one knows until the art is done!
Jason K
11:47
Hey!
jmachinder
11:47
I think many people forget/ignore the long history of artists being punished for their kindness of doing cheap or free sketches only to see them immediately flipped on eBay.
Felix Lu
11:47
Or being used against them, as in the FB threads. You know, how an artist charges too much now, because he used to be free/cheap. Ridiculous.
Jason D
11:47
Felix- I agree with you that ultimately the market decides the price 100% but I do not always think it is a function of not being able to afford it. Speaking for myself I love Tradds work... and I have spent that much on sketches (Jim Lee) or more on published art.. but when making a decision on where to spend those dollars they don’t always look apples to apples. A good example is Skottie Young who also recently put a commission list out with somewhat aggressive asks.. another artist I like but I paid less for a published cover in the last 6 months then his commission ask. As a collector you have to see what I am speaking about? Or no?
Felix Lu
11:51
You're speaking of your own personal thought process and decision making. Which I don't disagree with...it's incongruous that an unpublished commission should cost more than published art. But that's what the market has decided in some cases. And we're really talking about two separate markets...published art collectors don't necessarily care about commissions, and vice-versa.

As for Skottie...his rates this time were the same as when I took his list last year. We had a long talk about it this year before he took his most recent list. We were SLAMMED last year. We instantly filled out his list, and could have taken many, many more. I had no doubt he'd fill out his list again this year at the same rates. I haven't checked, but he did, right?
Guest
11:51
Any chance of getting Yuko Shimizu to do commissions?
Felix Lu
11:51
She's just too busy right now. But as always, if anything changes, will announce via the newsletter.
Dan T
11:51
@Morgan Bingo on how to act.
Chris Revekant
11:52
Felix, you are great people and rep well.  Don’t let shitty collectors bring you down.  I got a FREE Liefeld years ago.  There is no way I would expect that now and know it.  Artists charge what they want and you can pay it or politely walk away.  I declined this week to one and there was no I’ll will.  If you can/want to pay it good on you
Felix Lu
11:53
Thank you, Chris. This hobby can make people emotional. I've seen it. I've been it. I get it. So I especially appreciate level-headed collectors.
Jason K
11:53
Personally, I think if I supported you coming up you must serve me for the rest of your life.
Felix Lu
11:53
That's pretty much the attitude.
jmachinder
11:53
Felix:  you made a great point about people who get a sketch below market and when they look to sell it, they obviously do so at the current market price.
Felix Lu
11:54
Yup. All the complaints about "greedy" artsts/reps/dealers...but when it comes to sell, they do everything they railed against. I have no sympathy for hypocrites. Only scorn.
SImon B
11:54
I think this is all just a big wake-up call to boycott FB. I'm 5 years out and still loving life and buying art...
Felix Lu
11:55
Simon, I am famously anti-FB. Against my better judgment, I get sucked in sometimes. That's my emotional reaction. Like I said, not perfect!
Pat L
11:55
I totally agree.  Commissions are so varied and there are options out there for people who want really expensive works of art versus quick sketches.  No need for the bitterness.
Felix Lu
11:57
Deep down, I think many are angry that reps like me make it harder for them to take advantage and exploit artists who are too nice for their own good. I'm so glad to be that guy.
Jason D
11:57
@frederic on Facebook in the sketch group
Cristian C
11:57
Hey Felix!
Felix Lu
11:57
Hey everyone...it's Cristian C...the maniac collector who is getting ALL of DKR #1 recreated...and who will be the next guest on the podcast!
Kevin C
11:57
Hey Felix! Read your email and totally agree with you! I'm in the FB group thread and saw that convo you're referring to.
Matthew Birdoff
11:57
I am also very frustrated at not being able to afford things I am unable to afford. :)
Felix Lu
11:58
Hang tight all, be right back.
12:05
Sorry all, had to step away for a sec.
Eranga D
12:05
@Felix most artists by nature are pretty humble can be a self-deprecating lot. A big part of your job (I'm assuming) is showing them what their work is worth. Is that difficult to do and is there pushback from them sometimes?
Felix Lu
12:08
Every guy wants to do well. Every guy wants to make fans happy. We try to find a happy medium. And it can go both ways, which I don't think a lot of people get...I've also had to explain to artists why their expectations may be too high. So my belief in the market setting values, can work in favor of collectors, too.
Mike
12:08
Hi Felix - first just wanted to say I completely agree with you getting the best prices for the artist and that whole exchange on Facebook was ridiculous. Getting the art isn't a right they should be happy the artist is getting paid and able to put out more art we could enjoy. Question though and minor pet peeve of mine. When you send out the list could you put the prices on the initial email? I always hesitate to email for prices because I know my budget might not afford a commission and I don't want to bother you.
Felix Lu
12:10
It's no bother at all. I'm asking you to ask. You're doing nothing wrong, so don't hesitate.

As to your question...it's just how I started doing it. And it worked. So due to my OCD, I like habit/routine and I stick with what works.

Like it or not, you're seeing other reps do the same now. If you ask them why they do it, the honest answer is because I do. So I'm sorry for that influence!
Rob E
12:10
@Eranga Devasurendra  I'll be honest, I wasn't entirely happy with the price reveal. Can't afford it? Fine, say it move on. It's just some of those people feel like they're owed something, even the guy who got something from Tradd for FREE like a decade ago.
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