How2-Ask artists you admire

Have you ever tried to talk to an artists you admire on DA and s/he ignores you?
Well, there's a few tips on how to talk to them and get more comments back...
I don't say this will always work, because some artists are just too busy, or too shy to talk back, but it will work better than if you just bluntly ask a question.

There are nice artists who will answer your question, so make them feel a bit special for doing you a favor.


Here's my tip on how to talk to some big name artists...




===== MOST IMPORTANTLY!

1. Research first, check their blogs for FAQ if you have a question such as...

Ex:
1. what pen/paper/program/medium did you use?

>>>(tools related, trust me, usually its on their FAQ)


2. Hi, you're good.... what do you recommend for a tablet?

>>>(Go to forums to ask that please, search forum for old threads on it, don't bother them with this.)


3. Hello, what brushes did you use, can you share it? Did you use Photoshop?

>>>(Don't ask so fast, search their gallery or use search engine, and they have the right not to share it, it's what they will earn a living with)


4. Can you check out my work? Please check my gallery~!

>>>(plain rude, especially if you have no relationship to the person, even if you aren't requesting for their art, you are requesting their time, upload a nice icon, perhaps they might take a look because your icon looks nice.)


5. How did you do this or that?

>>>(check if they have tutorials/blogs/news on that already.... usually they do.)




Famous artist's mind: Who the hell are you? I'm not obligated to answer that. (this is after 100 of these basic questions keep repeating themselves, so don't be one of them, you already have strike one on impression)



Finally, after the research, if some of your questions is still not answered, then you can consider sending them something.




=======


2. First, Tell them how you like their work, be specific: Praise them either on what you see they are passionate about, be sincere and specific, such as

Ex:
"I just love the way you illustrate all the details/emotions/ it really come through"
"I love your ______________ (a specific piece in their gallery)"


if you have nothing you can say about what you admire about them, don't talk to them.  

Most of the artists like seeing comments for more than 2 lines on their art, at least invest some time on them before you ask them to invest some time on you.


(After this you can either state your request/question or go to #3)







=====

The next point is not always required, because some artists like it personal, some prefer it short and sweet, but you can add it if you think it will help with the conversation:



3. Introduce yourself a little: Tell them your age, interest, what you aspire to become, what you like in common to their work.
Be modest with your tone, like...

Ex: Hello, I am <insert your name, age>(it helps if you mention your age, they will know who they are talking to.


I really like your work because _____________
and I aspire to be_________________
(You can add other juicy details, but make sure you aren't getting too long with it, busy people don't like long notes)




=====

4. After all of these, then finally state your request~~!




Ex: I have trouble with ______________ can you please help me? Any feedback will be appreciated, thank you!




=====

5. Then finally close with something like this...

"Thank you for reading my note/letter, I totally appreciate your time..."
"If you are busy I totally understand..."
"I would love to learn from you, I hope for a reply."





FINAL WORDS
This is just a tip, personalize the content in your own words will help, and try to double, triple check before you send, for grammar or typo.

And because I wrote this, don't write to me using it word for word, I will know you are being lazy. lol




Keep in mind their time cost money
Understand that if they reply you, it's them taking their time, and their time is usually pricey, the more famous they are, the more pricey their time is.


And know not all artists are equipped to teach, some of them might not be able to give you a good answer, don't take it personal, and don't think they are lazy or mean because they can't answer it the way you want it.



And know that if they fail to reply, wait a few days or 1 week before you ask again, don't act desperate for an answer, that just turn them off.

After all these, your words might still fall on death ear, simply because not all artists like to reply to their notes/comments/ etc

Don't take it personally, find the next big artist you want to talk to and try again.




Q: What do you consider as a big/famous artist?
A: Anyone whose work you like, and you look upto, and have more established career, or site traffic than you.


Q: What if I don't have anything smart to say other than "awesome" or "wow, cool!"

A: Use this: Words to use to describe art elements
and try to describe emotions you felt from the piece will help too.


Q: I thought the only way to get their attention was being a dick.

A: Not all attention is good, if you get a popular artist upset at you, they do have the power to call on a mob against you, and get you banned really quickly, though its at their own risk, they DO have that power.

Just treat them as humans, ok? Everyone wants to be treated nice. Maybe some of them rather have their little private corner, there are always those who will be nice and answer questions as well.


Lastly, EVERYONE deserves to be treated this way, so practice that polite manner. It can get you far.