Being a freelance artist is probably the most thankless job to have as you need to deal with all kinds of customers every day, with most making absurd and unreasonable demands or ‘rewarding’ you with insults.
Read about this photographer who was asked to provide his services for free here:
Yesterday (June 8), an artist named Kazel Lim shared her encounter with a client who demanded that she provide a drawing to the meagre tune of RM10.
The client first approached Kazel by stating that he wished to surprise his girlfriend with a drawing of them as a birthday gift.
As they discussed the project’s details, the client said he was in a hurry and wanted the artwork to be done by the next day.
When Kazel told him that she could not do so, the client offered to pay extra for it to be expedited.
“I can add another RM10 to the existing RM10 fee, and I want it to be bigger and be more detailed.”
Realising that she was getting the short end of the stick, Kazel tried declining his offer politely, but this seems to anger him.
“You think this is funny? We’ve discussed about it for so long and now you’re turning me down?!
He also threatened to leave a negative review on her online business if she failed to meet his demands.
In response, Kazel sent him a drawing of two ‘stick persons’ enjoying the sunset by the beach, along with a sarcastic caption:
“Your drawing is done. It is free. Wish your girlfriend a happy birthday on my behalf!”
Read the full post here :
After Kazel shared her encounter on Facebook, the post quickly went viral and garnered 4,000 shares and 1,000 comments, most of which were directed towards the client.
“I really want to see this client’s face. RM10? The picture you sent him was worth more than RM10!”
“RM10? Tell him to photocopy their picture instead. It’s cheaper and he can use the remaining money to buy fake flowers for his girlfriend.”
Kazel later published another post explaining the grim situation artists face in Malaysia.
She explained that not only do the majority of Malaysians not appreciate art, but many artists have also disrupted the market by charging unreasonably low prices.
“I hope my colleagues in the industry would appreciate themselves more. Your efforts and artwork are definitely worth more than RM10 or RM20, so don’t sell yourself short!”
Read the post here:
Sources: FB/Kazel Lim
Editor: Raymond Chen
Proofreader: Sarah Yeoh
