The Folio: Should Artists Do Sketches For Free?

Free Comic Book Day was last week and across the country, fans and new readers alike gathered around their local shop. Long lines were full of eager people ready to meet and greet creators, take advantage of sales, and of course, to see if there’s free sketching from said creators and artists. The topic of free sketching has been a hot one as of late with eBay being known as a perfect outlet for flippers who took advantage of an artist’s generosity. So why do artists continue to do so? Should something like this be completely abandoned, or are there special occasions or circumstances that are acceptable to do so?

I’m not going to lie, when I started in the hobby eight years ago, yeah, I always asked if people were doing small doodles for free. It’s strictly a numbers game. If they weren’t and I couldn’t afford one, I’d at least buy something. I was fortunate enough (too fortunate in hindsight) to have gotten a Phil Noto, Brian Stelfreeze, and Mike Kunkel all for free within my first couple of months when I started my first sketchbook. I also managed to score some local indie talent like Rich Tomasso (Fantagraphics’ The Cavalier Mr. Thompson) and Joey Weiser (Oni Press’ Mermin) as well. Within my first year, I learned about the etiquette of actually asking for free sketches and how it’s not always smiled upon and rightfully so. That was when I was putting serious money behind my hobby and collection (with the occasional gift from friends accepted). For my Brian Stelfreeze, I gave him a character with that began with the letter “G”. We tossed around some options and he agreed on Gwen Stacy. For 30 minutes, I watched him create this image of Gwen in my book and he didn’t charge me a dime. I guess it was because he had a hint I wasn’t a flipper since it’s in my sketchbook. Or maybe he was just feeling generous that day. Regardless, it’s still a favorite in my collection, and I’m very grateful.

I know some artists have exclaimed on Twitter how they stopped doing it because it’s usually a quick doodle and not a fine representation of their work. At NYCC 2009, I have a sketch from a prominent DC artist that shall remain nameless as I was at the tail end of their line. So, I got a sketch of my favorite Bat-villain and they knocked it out, so to speak, in about a minute. They handed back my sketchbook, with a slight “ugh” expression on their face. “Now, this isn’t the best thing I’ve ever drawn,” they said, “but it’s also definitely not the worst.” I thanked them for their time and took back my book. Might not have the best sketch in the world, but I have something a funny anecdote to go along with it.

So what about sketching for events like FCBD or for kids? Is that still applicable? Because I personally have stood in line at a store for the sole purpose to get a sketch and maybe something I didn’t find at other stores that day, and head out to the next location. But should it be expected? Apparently in other parts of the world it is, Eryk Donovan, artist of Boom!’s Memetic explains. “I’m told that in Europe, especially France, asking for money for sketches is seen as selfish and rude, and it’s expected that you will draw for people for free, so if I was doing a con like that I’d follow the cultural conventions.” Outside of those provisions though? “Usually if it’s a kid, I’ll do free sketches because I see it as investing in our future as an industry, and it’s great making kids excited,” Donovan explains. “On days like FCBD, I love going to a shop and doing my best to do drawings for every kid attending. I’m also happy to do quick little doodles for people who buy something, like on the interior or cover of the book, but for the most part I don’t do free sketches.” Artist of Six-Gun Gorilla and the upcoming The Spire Jeff Stokely agrees with Donovan’s thoughts on sketching in his published books. “If I’m a creator or co-creator on a book, if you buy the book then you get a free sketch. Otherwise, I tend to charge. I’d say a free sketch with every TPB of The Spire is a fair incentive, wouldn’t you?”

Do other collectors feel the same and that sketching for free should be expected at smaller shows or even at all? Kim Howell has a vast Thor collection and just started an actual sketchbook instead of carrying around a portfolio of loose piece. “I always ask for sketches in my Thor book with the intent of paying the artist, since I like paying people for their work since they deserve it.” She mentions that some of her sketches have been for free and she, like myself, always feel grateful and appreciate it all that much more. “I have gotten some sketches for free and getting them is always a special feeling, like that time I burst into tears over Walt Simonson doing one for me or [Chris] Samnee putting a little doodle into my book I bought from him. If the artist has a donation jar or a tip jar, I’ll definitely put something into it.”

Some artists do sketch for free if the mood strikes them and there’s nothing wrong with that. I feel as though when those moments happen, it makes it seem more less than a commission and more of a gift of sorts. That being said, I don’t think I could ever sell anything that was gifted to me, and I’m always disappointed when I see quick sketches on eBay or floating around for sale. Not only did that person take up a space in a line that could have been limited instead of an actual fan or collector, but now that artist restricts their sketch policy even more. Thanks, jerks.

Collectors, what do you think of free sketches? Do you think it’s unfair for artists to provide them if people are just going to take advantage? Sound off in the comments below!