How do you keep from being used?I?

Question

I like to paint and draw, and i guess i do it pretty well because people are always asking if they can look at my work and asking me to draw something for them. One of my friends gets jealous (but not crazy jealous) sometimes and will complain at me about how she can't draw and everyone is always going to me because of it. Usually i tell her to stop saying that because she can draw, and is very good at it, people have just never seen her drawings so they don't know about it, but the last time she complained i told a nagging truth of mine. The good thing about people not really knowing about her talent is that they try to get to know her, and whenever we're at girl's camp she get's a knickname for her personallity. the only thing that people know about me is my art, they never are really interested in ME.Then they are always using me for it, no matter if i tell them i really don't want to draw write now, they keep bugging and act as if i'm being a jerk if they don't get it in a hour.

Answer 1

The best way to handle your "friend" is to ask her for some of her finished pieces & add them to your portfolio. When people view them & comment on how much they like them, just refer them to HER & she can experience some of the pain that you are going through in regards to being taken for granted by people who lack talent & tact! If you notice the current price tags on original one-of-a kind works of art, then you can understand why people try to get something for nothing when they like your work. Some people think it is a boost to the self esteem of the artist when they request your work & as an artistic person I understand this "mentality", yet people need to wise up in regards to talented people because we are ONLY HUMAN! We get tired just like anyone else & just because your work makes them happy is no reason for you to give yourself away! You must learn to say NO in a way that will make you strong inside, rather than leave you feeling weak & angry. This may sound strange, but you are experiencing something that will make you stronger as an Artist as time goes on! These well-meaning people are draining you. You have a GIFT & it is time that you stood up for yourself. You could just tell people that you no longer have the time to GIVE your talent away because you are building a PORTFOLIO for your future & you must keep your work in order to show your talents to future employers & teachers. If they like something & you fell like sharing it, tell them that you would be glad to give them a copy & ask them for the money to make these copies. They will understand & gladly pay $1.00 minimum for your time & trouble to do this & if they refuse, then you are well rid of these types of people! Only give to the people that you hold close to your heart, as others will expect too much for nothing & use your work as their own for a profit & for recognition in the art community. Learn to guard your work as if it was money in the bank, because it is! Also remember that artists need "down-time" & most do not perform well under pressure, so you can tell this to people who want it NOW. All good things take time & you must find a way to get these people to respect your personal space unless you want to spend the rest of life hiding from them! Your art is a gift & you must not let other people get away with demands that will end up costing YOU in the longrun. Follow your heart & use your head. Good Luck! Additional info...another way of dealing with people who want it NOW & FREE is to tell them how much the supplies cost & if you wish to share your talents with them, then they must purchase the needed supplies or give you the money to buy thenm yourself. Tell them to go to an Art Supply Store & they will see what the current prices are. Just one good Art Pencil will set you back $3-$8.00!!! This works for me & now when someone wants my "free" services, they know that I will gladly do it if they give me the needed supplies & the needed space, because they know that I won't put up with their demands because I don't have to! & neither do you or any other artistically gifted individuals!

Answer 2

I would tell my friend and everyone else to get bent. If people only like you for drawing things, then why do you care what they think. Tell them to leave you alone. If they are true friends, they will not bug you about it. Your friend has issues. She doesn't seem like a good friend either. She is only concerned about herself and how she feels. If she was a true friend, she would be understanding and listen to how you feel. You can't pick your family, but you can pick your friends. I just wish I could pick my family. lol!

Answer 3

If you LIKE drawing for others, go ahead.. but if you're tired of it... you really dont have to. And as a friend once told me.. people will see your personality no matter what. And if they don't, THEY are the ones who aren't worth it, not you. Before you draw for them, TELL them -- "ok, you want me to draw for you, fine... but I take about htis long and I can't be hurried up or I just stop drawing. So.. b4 I start, tell me if you REALLY want me to draw. and if your willing to wait coz if u aren't then I can't draw for you." And if your not feeling upto it, TELL them.. its about time you got yrself heard kid!

Answer 4

you have a unique talent and people are simply amazed by it tell em to chill or you can't do your best work if you don't wanta draw right then tell them that is what you do to relax and when your bored lets just have some fun now

Answer 5

tell people to go eat themselves. if you keep giving people what they want you're art won't be as fun anymore. and if people keep bugging you just know that you've got something they want...haha to them.

Answer 6

draw faster then

Answer 7

Too long to read,sorry.