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People Kept Asking This Artist To Draw Them For Free, So He Decided To Teach Them A Lesson
You don’t walk into a pizza place and demand a free meal because you’ve heard good things about it. And you certainly don’t storm into a football stadium demanding a free ticket because you’re a fan of the team. Then why would you contact an artist for free art only because you’ve checked out his Instagram account? Well, maybe you wouldn’t, but there are plenty of people who do. In fact, Jon Arton from Birmingham, England has received so many free drawing requests, and he started trolling the ones that dare to make them.
“I’ve always done pencil drawings since I was a kid,” Jon told Bored Panda. “I love art, and it’s all I’ve ever wanted to do.”
The artist has been getting requests for free drawings since he was a kid, too. “I’d spend my time in class doodling insulting images of the teachers. It got me in trouble a few times but was worth it for making people laugh.”
Surprisingly, even though Jon’s art career has progressed way beyond those highly offensive yet super cool drawings, at least a couple of people still ask him for free illustrations every week. “It can be a bit irritating,” he said. “I take it as a compliment, and most people are a bit unaware of how much time can go into a piece of art. I thought a silly doodle might be the best comeback to that and hopefully make people laugh.”
“Art isn’t really seen as a job/career but more of a hobby which you enjoy, so people assume you would be happy to do it for a little bit of ‘exposure.'”
“I wish I could fulfill drawing ideas for free,” Jon added. “It is something I have done for giveaways to my followers online or for charity. Sadly, I have to fund my expensive pencil habit.”
Scroll down to check out his savage responses to the annoying messages and tell us what you think about them in the comments.
Jon Arton from Birmingham, England has put in a crazy amount of time and effort to become an amazing artist
Image credits: jonarton
But not all respect that, and some people have the audacity to ask him for free drawings
Image credits: jonarton
Little do they know, they’ve messaged the wrong guy
What do you think ?
Troux 6 years ago
"It will me THE WORLD to me" Not worth a single penny but definitely THE WHOLE WORLD.
Amazon QT 6 years ago
Hilarious Sam Roush, I might try getting my groceries each week that way as well. 👍🏻
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Kjorn 6 years ago
damn... i understand get a piece of art cost money. but i won't blame the artist for asking for money for... it's his job!!!! if you call a plumber you don't expect the job done for free right?
Emily Aldan 6 years ago
I work in an attorney's office. People often call for free advice, consultations, and representation.
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Jaguarundi 6 years ago
WHY will people happily unspeakable amounts of money for some piece of plastic, trendy trinket (fidget spinner comes to mind) or some other shiny object and balk at the reasonable price for a piece of art? These same people would never work their job for free, why do they expect someone, with genuine talent, use their time and materials for THEM for free? I cannot fathom the ignorance and arrogance these people display in asking for their free custom portraits. I'm simply disgusted by these morons.
Manolito Calcagno 5 years ago (edited)
Those types of people need to suffer unspeakable abuse in prison. Just a heads up, people shouldn't be offended what I say. Those types of people really p**s me off, that's why
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Parmeisan 6 years ago
Yeah, I would have paid for that one! Maybe not a *lot*, I'm kind of cheap and I'm sure it didn't take him long, but like $5. $10 if it was done on nicer paper and inked and signed.
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Steph Harrison 6 years ago
It amazes me just how much people undervalue the amount of effort required to create a piece of art. My last commission was of someone's dog, just over A4 size. Took 15 hours to paint plus £10 worth of supplies. At a rate of £8 an hour that piece should have sold for £130, I sold it for £30 which equates to £1 an hour. Don't expect someone to do work for you if you're not willing to reimburse them for their time, especially someone who you do not know and has no reason to do you any favours.
r3dd3v1lL 6 years ago
Did someone just censore cleavage? Jesus, society is going downhill faster than a professional skier getting chased by a wild animal.
Mangoes'nRum 6 years ago
I know! I thought it was weird as well, but in the caricature, there're three dots drawn in the cleavage. The OP may have blurred out some sort of identifiable mark - piercings or moles maybe?
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Rachelle 6 years ago
As an artist there is nothing worse than people who don't value your time as a monetary commodity. Forget that we're literally putting piece of ourselves into the artwork, we're also expending a LOT of time, blood, sweat & tears. Would you ask someone to paint your house for free? Expect a plumber to fix your toilet for free? No? THINK before you ask. Dumb shits.
Manolito Calcagno 5 years ago
AND, this may sound harsh, but if those types of people were forced to eat s**t (literally), I would have absolutely no sympathy whatsoever. Sorry, just frustrates me that much
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We Were On A Break! 6 years ago
I was reallllllly hoping to see the people reply to their drawing! It would have been so satisfying
Amazon QT 6 years ago
Pretty sure some, if not all were “f*ck off” or “f*ck you” as their response to his actuate FREE drawings... they might be worth something someday. LOL
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Denise Melek 6 years ago
I feel so lucky, i´m a photographer, people even offer me a sixpack or self baked cake for a 1 to 2 day company shooting. Which would normally cost at least 1500€, but hey, who wouldnt do without rent, if you get a self baked cake from someone you were in the same class with 20 years ago.
Irene McIver 6 years ago
I'll do a photoshoot in exchange for a home-baked cake, but you get what you pay for: I wouldn't expect a cake to buy high end professional services.
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Unlikely 6 years ago
I never had so much fun xD I looove his responses. People are so dense, it's amazing... His little doodles are so cute, I'd be happy to have one of those ;) And if the prices for an A4 piece are real, it's an amazing deal. People really need to understand that even if artist love creating art, it's still work and they invest time and materials (and in some cases sanity xD) in it, so stop asking people for free drawings. You don't ask your boss to give you free money, you don't ask the supermarket to give you free food...
phil blanque 6 years ago
Ha...Great post. If it wouldn't be annoying, I would ask him for a free picture. Even his "bad" drawings are great! You can't hide talent behind a ball-point pen.
Sergio Bicerra Descalzi 6 years ago
I hate when people ask for free stuff just because they don't consider art as a form of work, like photography
Manyin Tom 6 years ago
Exactly, They think "You just press a button on the camera" it doesn't cost u anything. Yea if its THAT easy. go take ur own photos
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Elizabeth Molloy 6 years ago
£150 for an A4 is very reasonable, especially considering his talent. People are morons.
Naomi Armitage 6 years ago
If I had money, I'd pay it. Maybe he'll do one for me for free? *sarcasm*
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Jill Stevenson 6 years ago
seriously can't believe there are so many folks that asked him to draw a pic for them for free. Ridiculous.
Misterscooter 6 years ago
The dog drawing is the best one. I hope he is having some fun with this. And, once again, people are dumb.
egracec 6 years ago
I can identify with this to a certain extent. I'm a florist and I can't count the number of times I've been asked to make a huge arrangement but the customer only wants to spend 30 bucks. Creative things aren't just the sum of the supplies and hours worked, it's the inherent creativity of the person making it for you, something that you can't fake.
Wendy Melkert 6 years ago
okay now I am tempted to make a twitter just so I can contact him and ask him for a troll pic like one of the above XD i'd love to see what he'd make of my "stack o cats"
Amazon QT 6 years ago
Hell I’ll draw you like that, LOL just to see if I can.
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Vonskippy 6 years ago
Society is doomed. People that stupid shouldn't be allowed within 10 meters of any type of technology. Oh and could you mow my yard, for free, with your own equipment, and get it done today? Hello? You haven't started yet - I can tell because I don't hear the law mower engine noise.
Beverley Saindon 6 years ago
OMGAAAWD, so funny! I draw portraits as hobby but also have my barber/hairdresser licence. You would not believe how many expected freebies, especially my BFF whole family, yet she still insisted I pay for her to babysit!!!! Now how do you do same reply as Jon? Cut a hole in the back of their head? LOL!!! And then, when I went back to school at 35 & got honours as computer tech, well again freebies as well as our artist here, & to paint their windows like mine for Xmas!!!! Free computer tech? Give them a virus? LOL!!!
Liesa Yopp 6 years ago
Good for you! Your talent is a precious commodity i'd gladly pay hundreds of dollars for. As a fellow artist I feel your pain. Its so disheartening that folks don't respect the arts as real professions. They will pay without thinking twice for things like Mechanics, Repairmen etc but anything they assume is easy or soft (like programming and graphic designing, etc.) They get all offended and say you charge to much.
Manolito Calcagno 5 years ago
I really want those types of people to ask an artist that, but unaware that the artist just got out of prison, if you know what I mean
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Nostalgic Hyena 6 years ago
I'm an artist and I too get irritated when the first thing someone says when they learn that is "Oh, can you draw me?". I can't even really draw humans that well..
Robert Kienbaum III 6 years ago
I have a friend that's a tattooist and he gets asked all the time for freebies and cheapies. People should be glad he doesn't have this sense of humour! LOL
SweetMamaP 6 years ago
These "freebies" are not only obnoxious but talk about vain. The girls asking seem to think "I'm so hot that he'll want to draw me because well, look at me, who wouldn't want to capture all this fineness?" Love the doodle of the dog the best!
Irene McIver 6 years ago
The ones wanting portraits of themselves are even cheekier than asking for one of Michael Jackson: if he did choose to draw a professional quality portrait of MJ at least he could potentially make money from selling prints (though of course some people would rather print out a low-res copy from the internet than pay the artist for a quality print).
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Red Pantone 6 years ago
I'm a designer, clearly the 90% of my friends are too or even artists. This is a top #1 issue for all of us, people always want to get things cheap or free. The worst part, if you ask me, is when friends or family ask you the same and get offended when we try to charge
Janine Randall 6 years ago
Truly cannot believe that so many people expected him to draw them for free! Unfortunately, I doubt any of the people asking this gentleman for a free drawing ever did anything in their lives that they didn't expect payment for, but it's OK to demand it from someone else! Excellent actual pics and awesome responses to idiots who expect everyone to go along with their idiot plans!
Heidi Matsumoto 6 years ago
How can you make someone exert so much time, skills, effort etc for free? OMG these idiots! I am extremely disgusted by these shameless creatures.
Malcontent 6 years ago
Some people really are that r******d, or cheap, or both I guess. As the Joker once said: "When you're good at something, never do it for free".
phil blanque 6 years ago
If it would not be annoying, I would ask for a free drawing. Even his "bad" drawings are great. You cannot hide talent behind a ball-point pen!
Tracey Hyde 6 years ago
This is totally ridiculous for all these idiots to have the crude uneducated audacity to ask this guy for free artwork, really? And you're to ignorant to even understand what's wrong with that? F****** morons
Brandon Pilcher 6 years ago
Served those guys right! Though personally I would simply ask them to pay for it.
Whitney-Blair Beals 6 years ago
I can't believe people are ok asking for a pretty famous artist for a free drawing. Like I would never.
Carol Emory 6 years ago
My niece is an artist. Her most infuriating thing is companies that conduct contests to "find their new logo" because they don't want to shell out for a professional artist to do it. Whomever wins gets peanuts compared to what a professionally trained artist makes and the company has it in the contest rules that the art is the sole property of the company and, therefore, the company doesn't have to pay royalties or copyright fees to the artist in order to use it.
Adele Maestranzi 6 years ago
I've been a graphic designer since the mid 80s, and every now and then get asked to design something "for the experience".
Lisa Tennant 6 years ago
I love the quote by Jon about how people don't think of art as a career. I stopped doing all commissions quite a while ago unless it is illustration for a publication or marketing. Now if people see my work in my home and love a piece, I get pressured by them to either give it to them or sell it for next to nothing. Creating art is something personal and satisfying, yes. But, it's also creating unique one-of-a-kind product particular to a theme, message, subject and style. If you like it, great, if not I don't really care. Artist's who seriously do it for a living, it is a career. Now my son is going through school to become an artist. He has a unique vision and I believe he can do this. So, to the collectors, interior designers, etc., thank you. To everyone else, you can order a print online.
Jolijn Njamin-Geurts van Kessel 6 years ago
I'll never understand why people expect an artist to do things for free? You get payed for your job, you pay your hairdresser, you pay your plumber, you pay for your groceries etc. It's not a hobby for these people, it's their JOB, their way to make a living and pay the bills.
Chris Shelley 6 years ago
While there are many people here rightly saying how disgusting it is asking for free art I wonder how many here have listened to music on YouTube without a thought of paying anything for it, there’s no difference between what the people asking for free art are doing, the writing, recording and publishing of music is painfully expensive, I have friends in the music industry who’s music is put online by some member of the public sharing their CD and the artists don’t get anything for it, I don’t see any difference between the two
Amazon QT 6 years ago
I buy all my music, being an artist myself, I don’t like taking from another artist.
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Diane Mackereth 6 years ago
You're an awesome artist, love your sense of humor! I can't see why people would want you to waste your talent on doing free pictures of them. Some people just don't get it. It's like Vincent van Gogh giving his art away. The profile of the man you did is awesome! You are so blessed with you gift
Tonya M. Sturgis 6 years ago
Folks Always wanting something for nothing!He's very talented...he doesn't just sit around doing freebies...hilarious.
Robin Brown 6 years ago
Wow, He's not only a fantastic artist...but a fabulous comedian!! <3 😂
Michelle Dodson 6 years ago
God, people are stupid. I am a bookkeeper & I work freelance. I actually had a woman try to argue with me over my $25 per hour fee. "But you said you work freelance!" F*****g idiot.
Nicole Holt 6 years ago
The audacity of some of the people, expecting a free drawing AND expecting it quickly. Seriously? The price isn't really all that expensive for a hand-drawn picture that size. Come on, people!
Isla Reyne 6 years ago
I love this guy. That whistling one was hilarious. Does anyone notice that all of the people requesting free stuff looked to be all very young? Entitlement much?
Dian Parama Kosala 6 years ago
i need to see their response after you give them Free drawing.. hahahaha
Ross Carter 6 years ago
I find it amusing and ironic that the word 'cleavage' is in itself censorship. Look it up!
Wil Vanderheijden 6 years ago
If even the cleavage is blurred than I wonder what p0rnfaces the people have that are asking for free drawings.
ZeitCycloneTangram 4 years ago
Art class always be asking me to draw for free, might take a few tips from this guy
Karen Dixon 4 years ago
I love this article so much! I am an artist an get asked this every time i show a picture, and when i won't do something for free I'm only in it for the money. I may copy this response style, if you don't mind!
Lolo Caty 4 years ago
The most stupid thing I've been asked for is a 3d model of some geometry figure my mother (teaching technology in high school) gave as a homework to this boy. It needed the 4 views from the 4 sides too. I studied architecture and my uncle kept bragging about it and told this boy i would do it. So i said okay I'll just give you the solution in a sketch and he can draw it carefully. Then this little a**hole said he could find the solution himself, he needed the finished drawing, which normally would have taken me like 2 or 3 hours, not to mention i had a 3 month old baby and didn't have the right equipment at home. (I practically wouldn't do it even if they payed me 10× the amount of money i ask, imagine for free) he also suggested to bring me sheets, rulers and all it needed in my in-laws house. After i made it really clear i would not make anything other than the sketch my uncle and the boy said: fine coz we just wanted to see what your mother would rate your own work.
Lolo Caty 4 years ago
And I'm like 100% sure he couldn't solve it himself as I would often help my mom rating the homeworks and I knew what he could do.
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Weaver Ste 5 years ago
Not gonna lie but i liked the drawings that took the p**s and would have kept the one if he did me lol and im serious
prevent the toast 5 years ago
why would you want someone to draw a photo of a famous person. legit just hang up the photo.
Diane Dempsey 5 years ago
Hilarious and offensive at the same time. Clearly this artist has mastered his craft and deserves more respect than these people are offering. What an insult to ask for something so precious to be given away for free. Good for you, I got a laugh out of your great attitude. I will remember this... I am sure it will come in handy.
Ebrahim Allie 6 years ago
These people claim to be fans and followers...who needs fans like those.
Julienne Niih 6 years ago
Savage bro... I think I should be doing that to all the people who always ask for free drawing from me. Just met my role model 😍😍😁😁😁😁😁😁😎😎😎🤩🤩🤩🤩
Malcolm Durham 6 years ago
It's great to create awareness of this issue. How about those of us that support the move against exploitation here (in UK?) each contribute £10 and Jon can create and display a picture that sends the message?
Gemma Lees 6 years ago
I'm self employed and part of that is poetry and crafts, (specifically layered card posters and decorations and plush felt figures), the amount of people who see my intellectual property and time as meaningless and worthless is astounding!
Risa Lovee 6 years ago
These are so hilarious! XD To be honest, I wanted to see the responses after he gave them the 'free' drawings. Also, I hate how girls take pictures these days. Duck face, dog filters... -_-
Sarjana Lastname 6 years ago
common people have some fakin psychosis, it comes clearly out when is about art.
Sarjana Lastname 6 years ago
faking looting,some persons steal art from your home, or exhibition. then are those who you visit and they tell you that very much like your picture, what is not from me. this also " i loved your street art scramble, over there plapla" what is not mine. Art cause some fakin psychosis to outsiders my examples are always out from art scene, common people,out of their heads.
Jenny Smith 6 years ago
Ahaha, very funny))) Damn, I love this site, I really like to sit here and spend a lot of time. It prevents me from working, but I can’t help myself)))) And I work here https://escortinrotterdam.info ;)
Dan Ambrecht 6 years ago
Artists and musicians are constantly asked for free work because they'll get "lots of exposure". I've never been able to purchase a damned thing with "exposure".
Jack Urquhart 6 years ago
frightening. really. i'm surprised they are wearing pants. must have had some help
Cheryl Cooney 6 years ago
The only freebie I did was for a friend of over 30 yrs. Her health is failing, and she wanted a portrait of her son, who died of brain cancer. She was willing to pay - I turned down the money. Everyone else? Pay up!
Remo Fiore 6 years ago
The man is a genius... hahahahaha Top class replies to each and every one.
Deborah Bennett Besl 6 years ago
These are awesome. I cant believe people expect some much for free. talk about and entitled society.
Roger Ganoza 6 years ago
So many selfish millennials out there that think talent is offered for free and can be exploited as they please. Geez...
Luisa Pelizzari 6 years ago
The BEST!! Why anyone would want a beautiful artwork of themselves with a snapchat filter on their face is beyond me. Almost as much as why they would expect a free portrait. Such entitlement! Bravo Jon Arton, bloody hilarious!!!!
Luisa Pelizzari 6 years ago
The BEST! And by the way, why anyone would want a beautiful artwork of themselves with a snapchat filter on their face is beyond comprehension to me, almost as much as asking for it for free!! BRAVO Jon Arton....Hilarious :-)
Joseph de Nicola 6 years ago
Please draw me with people. I'm very lonely and have no friends, but I'd like a picture drawn of me surrounded by cool people. New-Text-D...243395.jpg 
Miklos Legrady 6 years ago (edited)
In a lifetime of painting and drawing, everyone I met respected my work and no one ever asked for free work. I seriously question this entire article, I believe it to be fiction, not fact.
Ron Santos 6 years ago
I want a "free" one in his/her free style. That would actually be worth real money. Then I would commission a real one at his/her going rate.
Ina Šantaraitė 6 years ago (edited)
I know the feeling. I usually draw for myself or to make someone i care about smile. And I remember when it was first year of collage and we had to draw something that makes us happy so i drew my dog. Everyone was amazed that I drew it so good in jus about 10 or 15 min. And there was one other time when i was drawing something for my friend and after that atleast half of my classmates started to ask me to draw them or something beautiful for them. I said ok, but each one of you will give me from 1 to 5 euros by your own descision how well I did on that drawing. And it worked like magic. None of them wanted a drawing that isn't free. :D But really come on people even if those who draw enjoy it it doesn't mean that it doesn't cost their time or some kind of resources, it doesn't rain pencils and erasers for them. So to avoid uncomfortable situations just think before asking for a free drawing, would you do it for free yourself or would you dare to ask any other person doing his job to do it for free.
Ina Šantaraitė 6 years ago
Ha ha I kind of know the feeling. I usually just draw for myself or to make someone i care about smile. And there 's always people who see my drawings and start saying things like oh could you draw me, you draw so good. And I remember when I came to collage first year and was drawing a drawing for one guy and girls from my class saw it and started asking to draw them or something for them. I said ok, but you will give me from 1 to 5 euros by your own descision how good I've done it. And it worked like magic, none of them wanted a drawing that isn't free :D
Nicklas Linder 6 years ago
People: "So what do you work with?" Artist: "I'm an artist." People: "Oh, but how do you make money, is what I wanted to know." Artist: "Well, because of cheap a-holes like you I have to work five other jobs just to pay my bills!!!" People: "Cool. Keep it up, dreams are hard to make true." Artist: "$(&&/$-&?!@;&/&/$;&()!!!!!"
Cheri Hickman 6 years ago
This is a hoot! I can't believe that people have the nerve to ask a professional who gets paid for his work to do it for them for free. I'm sure whatever they do to earn a living they would be MORE THAN HAPPY to do for everyone free! Shaking my head....what a bunch of useless losers!
Vicki Chrisman-Breitmayer 6 years ago
I cannot believe that people ask him to do it for free!!!?? These people are too stupid to even be embarrassed!
My dog is my co pilot. 6 years ago
I think that's it's so wrong that people have the audacity to ask anyone let alone such a talented artist to do anything for free. Even an A4 sized portrait would talk a lot of time and effort. I doubt any of them would give the same amount of time and effort for free as part of a job. You can tell by his level of work he takes Jon puts his heart and soul into his work and that level of work and dedication should be paid for. He deserves every penny he gets and then some.
Miss Spelled 6 years ago
I haven't laughed this hard in a long time! These people have the ESBF Syndrome. Most millennials have this condition. Everything Should Be Free Syndrome. Surprise, Surprise, little ones, you have to pay for s**t. Still laughing.....
Up All Night 6 years ago
It's not true. I've heard these "will you do it for free" stories for more than two decades now. I even knew someone (old person!) who, upon seeing a desired object, expressed that it "should be free" for him, because it was related to his hobby and he would value it more than those morons who pay for it.
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Biana Weatherford 6 years ago
Can I just send him $10 because I want to encourage him to keep up the sass??? LOL!
GlynisLailann 6 years ago
The artist's pen scratchings are good. I wouldn't have even done that.
Rebecah Ozuna 6 years ago
Actually, i made trades when i used to draw; it was a time ago and i quit because people didn't wanted to give anything as payment. I only draw for myself and if i manage to fix my broken house, i'll decor it with my own pics.
Robin Brown 6 years ago
Wow, He's not only a fantastic artist...but a fabulous comedian!! <3 😂
Mary Olmstead 6 years ago
Those simple drawings with his name on it might be a collector's item someday, sad but probably true.
Carol Riley 6 years ago
Oh my so brilliant ....and so funny I laughed so much ..I hope they got it
Rit 6 years ago
I'm an illustrator and graphic designer myself and this happens to me all the time! I don't get how some people think artist should work hours and hours for total strangers for free. Would they ever ask a plumber to fix their toilet for free? Would they ever go to a restaurant and expect to get a free meal? Like "I know, you usually take money for a steak, but could you make an exception this time?" I even reject requests from my friends and family when they ask for something that's too time-consuming or something I just don't want to do. And the worst part is, that some artists do it, accept or even support this kind of behavior and sell their work below value. I just love this artists reaction. <3
Josee Johnstun 6 years ago
He handled it exactly as he should have! Those kids are ridiculous expecting it for free and then being rude when he wants more for his work! This was awesome! Two thumbs up!
Joel Emmett 6 years ago
"Hey, can you work for me -- for free? Say, two hours a day, or more? Then, maybe you can pay me for the privilege, too? That'd be great." -- Mark Zuckerberg
Maria Cristiana 5 years ago
Honestly I wouldnt ask for 150 for a drawing on A4. I do drawings on A3 and I only price it with $50. 150 is a lot for something so small.
Miklos Legrady 6 years ago
I have never heard anyone say I love your drawing, can I have a free one? That sounds bogus. In a lifetime of drawing and painting, people I've met always recognized the effort that went into the work. I seriously question this entire article, I believe it to be fiction, not fact.
minerva15 6 years ago
What's with the censored clevage? I know it's gross, but is it necessary?
Dian Ella Lillie 6 years ago
I would propose that it is neither gross nor necessary...
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Aunt Messy 6 years ago
The fact that they even asked is insulting, though. I wonder if they thought I'd hand over my car to them just because they think it's cool.
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Troux 6 years ago
"It will me THE WORLD to me" Not worth a single penny but definitely THE WHOLE WORLD.
Amazon QT 6 years ago
Hilarious Sam Roush, I might try getting my groceries each week that way as well. 👍🏻
Load More Replies... Kjorn 6 years ago
damn... i understand get a piece of art cost money. but i won't blame the artist for asking for money for... it's his job!!!! if you call a plumber you don't expect the job done for free right?
Emily Aldan 6 years ago
I work in an attorney's office. People often call for free advice, consultations, and representation.
Load More Replies... Jaguarundi 6 years ago
WHY will people happily unspeakable amounts of money for some piece of plastic, trendy trinket (fidget spinner comes to mind) or some other shiny object and balk at the reasonable price for a piece of art? These same people would never work their job for free, why do they expect someone, with genuine talent, use their time and materials for THEM for free? I cannot fathom the ignorance and arrogance these people display in asking for their free custom portraits. I'm simply disgusted by these morons.
Manolito Calcagno 5 years ago (edited)
Those types of people need to suffer unspeakable abuse in prison. Just a heads up, people shouldn't be offended what I say. Those types of people really p**s me off, that's why
Load More Replies... Parmeisan 6 years ago
Yeah, I would have paid for that one! Maybe not a *lot*, I'm kind of cheap and I'm sure it didn't take him long, but like $5. $10 if it was done on nicer paper and inked and signed.
Load More Replies... Steph Harrison 6 years ago
It amazes me just how much people undervalue the amount of effort required to create a piece of art. My last commission was of someone's dog, just over A4 size. Took 15 hours to paint plus £10 worth of supplies. At a rate of £8 an hour that piece should have sold for £130, I sold it for £30 which equates to £1 an hour. Don't expect someone to do work for you if you're not willing to reimburse them for their time, especially someone who you do not know and has no reason to do you any favours.
r3dd3v1lL 6 years ago
Did someone just censore cleavage? Jesus, society is going downhill faster than a professional skier getting chased by a wild animal.
Mangoes'nRum 6 years ago
I know! I thought it was weird as well, but in the caricature, there're three dots drawn in the cleavage. The OP may have blurred out some sort of identifiable mark - piercings or moles maybe?
Load More Replies... Rachelle 6 years ago
As an artist there is nothing worse than people who don't value your time as a monetary commodity. Forget that we're literally putting piece of ourselves into the artwork, we're also expending a LOT of time, blood, sweat & tears. Would you ask someone to paint your house for free? Expect a plumber to fix your toilet for free? No? THINK before you ask. Dumb shits.
Manolito Calcagno 5 years ago
AND, this may sound harsh, but if those types of people were forced to eat s**t (literally), I would have absolutely no sympathy whatsoever. Sorry, just frustrates me that much
Load More Replies... We Were On A Break! 6 years ago
I was reallllllly hoping to see the people reply to their drawing! It would have been so satisfying
Amazon QT 6 years ago
Pretty sure some, if not all were “f*ck off” or “f*ck you” as their response to his actuate FREE drawings... they might be worth something someday. LOL
Load More Replies... Denise Melek 6 years ago
I feel so lucky, i´m a photographer, people even offer me a sixpack or self baked cake for a 1 to 2 day company shooting. Which would normally cost at least 1500€, but hey, who wouldnt do without rent, if you get a self baked cake from someone you were in the same class with 20 years ago.
Irene McIver 6 years ago
I'll do a photoshoot in exchange for a home-baked cake, but you get what you pay for: I wouldn't expect a cake to buy high end professional services.
Load More Replies... Unlikely 6 years ago
I never had so much fun xD I looove his responses. People are so dense, it's amazing... His little doodles are so cute, I'd be happy to have one of those ;) And if the prices for an A4 piece are real, it's an amazing deal. People really need to understand that even if artist love creating art, it's still work and they invest time and materials (and in some cases sanity xD) in it, so stop asking people for free drawings. You don't ask your boss to give you free money, you don't ask the supermarket to give you free food...
phil blanque 6 years ago
Ha...Great post. If it wouldn't be annoying, I would ask him for a free picture. Even his "bad" drawings are great! You can't hide talent behind a ball-point pen.
Sergio Bicerra Descalzi 6 years ago
I hate when people ask for free stuff just because they don't consider art as a form of work, like photography
Manyin Tom 6 years ago
Exactly, They think "You just press a button on the camera" it doesn't cost u anything. Yea if its THAT easy. go take ur own photos
Load More Replies... Elizabeth Molloy 6 years ago
£150 for an A4 is very reasonable, especially considering his talent. People are morons.
Naomi Armitage 6 years ago
If I had money, I'd pay it. Maybe he'll do one for me for free? *sarcasm*
Load More Replies... Jill Stevenson 6 years ago
seriously can't believe there are so many folks that asked him to draw a pic for them for free. Ridiculous.
Misterscooter 6 years ago
The dog drawing is the best one. I hope he is having some fun with this. And, once again, people are dumb.
egracec 6 years ago
I can identify with this to a certain extent. I'm a florist and I can't count the number of times I've been asked to make a huge arrangement but the customer only wants to spend 30 bucks. Creative things aren't just the sum of the supplies and hours worked, it's the inherent creativity of the person making it for you, something that you can't fake.
Wendy Melkert 6 years ago
okay now I am tempted to make a twitter just so I can contact him and ask him for a troll pic like one of the above XD i'd love to see what he'd make of my "stack o cats"
Amazon QT 6 years ago
Hell I’ll draw you like that, LOL just to see if I can.
Load More Replies... Vonskippy 6 years ago
Society is doomed. People that stupid shouldn't be allowed within 10 meters of any type of technology. Oh and could you mow my yard, for free, with your own equipment, and get it done today? Hello? You haven't started yet - I can tell because I don't hear the law mower engine noise.
Beverley Saindon 6 years ago
OMGAAAWD, so funny! I draw portraits as hobby but also have my barber/hairdresser licence. You would not believe how many expected freebies, especially my BFF whole family, yet she still insisted I pay for her to babysit!!!! Now how do you do same reply as Jon? Cut a hole in the back of their head? LOL!!! And then, when I went back to school at 35 & got honours as computer tech, well again freebies as well as our artist here, & to paint their windows like mine for Xmas!!!! Free computer tech? Give them a virus? LOL!!!
Liesa Yopp 6 years ago
Good for you! Your talent is a precious commodity i'd gladly pay hundreds of dollars for. As a fellow artist I feel your pain. Its so disheartening that folks don't respect the arts as real professions. They will pay without thinking twice for things like Mechanics, Repairmen etc but anything they assume is easy or soft (like programming and graphic designing, etc.) They get all offended and say you charge to much.
Manolito Calcagno 5 years ago
I really want those types of people to ask an artist that, but unaware that the artist just got out of prison, if you know what I mean
Load More Replies... Nostalgic Hyena 6 years ago
I'm an artist and I too get irritated when the first thing someone says when they learn that is "Oh, can you draw me?". I can't even really draw humans that well..
Robert Kienbaum III 6 years ago
I have a friend that's a tattooist and he gets asked all the time for freebies and cheapies. People should be glad he doesn't have this sense of humour! LOL
SweetMamaP 6 years ago
These "freebies" are not only obnoxious but talk about vain. The girls asking seem to think "I'm so hot that he'll want to draw me because well, look at me, who wouldn't want to capture all this fineness?" Love the doodle of the dog the best!
Irene McIver 6 years ago
The ones wanting portraits of themselves are even cheekier than asking for one of Michael Jackson: if he did choose to draw a professional quality portrait of MJ at least he could potentially make money from selling prints (though of course some people would rather print out a low-res copy from the internet than pay the artist for a quality print).
Load More Replies... Red Pantone 6 years ago
I'm a designer, clearly the 90% of my friends are too or even artists. This is a top #1 issue for all of us, people always want to get things cheap or free. The worst part, if you ask me, is when friends or family ask you the same and get offended when we try to charge
Janine Randall 6 years ago
Truly cannot believe that so many people expected him to draw them for free! Unfortunately, I doubt any of the people asking this gentleman for a free drawing ever did anything in their lives that they didn't expect payment for, but it's OK to demand it from someone else! Excellent actual pics and awesome responses to idiots who expect everyone to go along with their idiot plans!
Heidi Matsumoto 6 years ago
How can you make someone exert so much time, skills, effort etc for free? OMG these idiots! I am extremely disgusted by these shameless creatures.
Malcontent 6 years ago
Some people really are that r******d, or cheap, or both I guess. As the Joker once said: "When you're good at something, never do it for free".
phil blanque 6 years ago
If it would not be annoying, I would ask for a free drawing. Even his "bad" drawings are great. You cannot hide talent behind a ball-point pen!
Tracey Hyde 6 years ago
This is totally ridiculous for all these idiots to have the crude uneducated audacity to ask this guy for free artwork, really? And you're to ignorant to even understand what's wrong with that? F****** morons
Brandon Pilcher 6 years ago
Served those guys right! Though personally I would simply ask them to pay for it.
Whitney-Blair Beals 6 years ago
I can't believe people are ok asking for a pretty famous artist for a free drawing. Like I would never.
Carol Emory 6 years ago
My niece is an artist. Her most infuriating thing is companies that conduct contests to "find their new logo" because they don't want to shell out for a professional artist to do it. Whomever wins gets peanuts compared to what a professionally trained artist makes and the company has it in the contest rules that the art is the sole property of the company and, therefore, the company doesn't have to pay royalties or copyright fees to the artist in order to use it.
Adele Maestranzi 6 years ago
I've been a graphic designer since the mid 80s, and every now and then get asked to design something "for the experience".
Lisa Tennant 6 years ago
I love the quote by Jon about how people don't think of art as a career. I stopped doing all commissions quite a while ago unless it is illustration for a publication or marketing. Now if people see my work in my home and love a piece, I get pressured by them to either give it to them or sell it for next to nothing. Creating art is something personal and satisfying, yes. But, it's also creating unique one-of-a-kind product particular to a theme, message, subject and style. If you like it, great, if not I don't really care. Artist's who seriously do it for a living, it is a career. Now my son is going through school to become an artist. He has a unique vision and I believe he can do this. So, to the collectors, interior designers, etc., thank you. To everyone else, you can order a print online.
Jolijn Njamin-Geurts van Kessel 6 years ago
I'll never understand why people expect an artist to do things for free? You get payed for your job, you pay your hairdresser, you pay your plumber, you pay for your groceries etc. It's not a hobby for these people, it's their JOB, their way to make a living and pay the bills.
Chris Shelley 6 years ago
While there are many people here rightly saying how disgusting it is asking for free art I wonder how many here have listened to music on YouTube without a thought of paying anything for it, there’s no difference between what the people asking for free art are doing, the writing, recording and publishing of music is painfully expensive, I have friends in the music industry who’s music is put online by some member of the public sharing their CD and the artists don’t get anything for it, I don’t see any difference between the two
Amazon QT 6 years ago
I buy all my music, being an artist myself, I don’t like taking from another artist.
Load More Replies... Diane Mackereth 6 years ago
You're an awesome artist, love your sense of humor! I can't see why people would want you to waste your talent on doing free pictures of them. Some people just don't get it. It's like Vincent van Gogh giving his art away. The profile of the man you did is awesome! You are so blessed with you gift
Tonya M. Sturgis 6 years ago
Folks Always wanting something for nothing!He's very talented...he doesn't just sit around doing freebies...hilarious.
Robin Brown 6 years ago
Wow, He's not only a fantastic artist...but a fabulous comedian!! <3 😂
Michelle Dodson 6 years ago
God, people are stupid. I am a bookkeeper & I work freelance. I actually had a woman try to argue with me over my $25 per hour fee. "But you said you work freelance!" F*****g idiot.
Nicole Holt 6 years ago
The audacity of some of the people, expecting a free drawing AND expecting it quickly. Seriously? The price isn't really all that expensive for a hand-drawn picture that size. Come on, people!
Isla Reyne 6 years ago
I love this guy. That whistling one was hilarious. Does anyone notice that all of the people requesting free stuff looked to be all very young? Entitlement much?
Dian Parama Kosala 6 years ago
i need to see their response after you give them Free drawing.. hahahaha
Ross Carter 6 years ago
I find it amusing and ironic that the word 'cleavage' is in itself censorship. Look it up!
Wil Vanderheijden 6 years ago
If even the cleavage is blurred than I wonder what p0rnfaces the people have that are asking for free drawings.
ZeitCycloneTangram 4 years ago
Art class always be asking me to draw for free, might take a few tips from this guy
Karen Dixon 4 years ago
I love this article so much! I am an artist an get asked this every time i show a picture, and when i won't do something for free I'm only in it for the money. I may copy this response style, if you don't mind!
Lolo Caty 4 years ago
The most stupid thing I've been asked for is a 3d model of some geometry figure my mother (teaching technology in high school) gave as a homework to this boy. It needed the 4 views from the 4 sides too. I studied architecture and my uncle kept bragging about it and told this boy i would do it. So i said okay I'll just give you the solution in a sketch and he can draw it carefully. Then this little a**hole said he could find the solution himself, he needed the finished drawing, which normally would have taken me like 2 or 3 hours, not to mention i had a 3 month old baby and didn't have the right equipment at home. (I practically wouldn't do it even if they payed me 10× the amount of money i ask, imagine for free) he also suggested to bring me sheets, rulers and all it needed in my in-laws house. After i made it really clear i would not make anything other than the sketch my uncle and the boy said: fine coz we just wanted to see what your mother would rate your own work.
Lolo Caty 4 years ago
And I'm like 100% sure he couldn't solve it himself as I would often help my mom rating the homeworks and I knew what he could do.
Load More Replies... Weaver Ste 5 years ago
Not gonna lie but i liked the drawings that took the p**s and would have kept the one if he did me lol and im serious
prevent the toast 5 years ago
why would you want someone to draw a photo of a famous person. legit just hang up the photo.
Diane Dempsey 5 years ago
Hilarious and offensive at the same time. Clearly this artist has mastered his craft and deserves more respect than these people are offering. What an insult to ask for something so precious to be given away for free. Good for you, I got a laugh out of your great attitude. I will remember this... I am sure it will come in handy.
Ebrahim Allie 6 years ago
These people claim to be fans and followers...who needs fans like those.
Julienne Niih 6 years ago
Savage bro... I think I should be doing that to all the people who always ask for free drawing from me. Just met my role model 😍😍😁😁😁😁😁😁😎😎😎🤩🤩🤩🤩
Malcolm Durham 6 years ago
It's great to create awareness of this issue. How about those of us that support the move against exploitation here (in UK?) each contribute £10 and Jon can create and display a picture that sends the message?
Gemma Lees 6 years ago
I'm self employed and part of that is poetry and crafts, (specifically layered card posters and decorations and plush felt figures), the amount of people who see my intellectual property and time as meaningless and worthless is astounding!
Risa Lovee 6 years ago
These are so hilarious! XD To be honest, I wanted to see the responses after he gave them the 'free' drawings. Also, I hate how girls take pictures these days. Duck face, dog filters... -_-
Sarjana Lastname 6 years ago
common people have some fakin psychosis, it comes clearly out when is about art.
Sarjana Lastname 6 years ago
faking looting,some persons steal art from your home, or exhibition. then are those who you visit and they tell you that very much like your picture, what is not from me. this also " i loved your street art scramble, over there plapla" what is not mine. Art cause some fakin psychosis to outsiders my examples are always out from art scene, common people,out of their heads.
Jenny Smith 6 years ago
Ahaha, very funny))) Damn, I love this site, I really like to sit here and spend a lot of time. It prevents me from working, but I can’t help myself)))) And I work here https://escortinrotterdam.info ;)
Dan Ambrecht 6 years ago
Artists and musicians are constantly asked for free work because they'll get "lots of exposure". I've never been able to purchase a damned thing with "exposure".
Jack Urquhart 6 years ago
frightening. really. i'm surprised they are wearing pants. must have had some help
Cheryl Cooney 6 years ago
The only freebie I did was for a friend of over 30 yrs. Her health is failing, and she wanted a portrait of her son, who died of brain cancer. She was willing to pay - I turned down the money. Everyone else? Pay up!
Remo Fiore 6 years ago
The man is a genius... hahahahaha Top class replies to each and every one.
Deborah Bennett Besl 6 years ago
These are awesome. I cant believe people expect some much for free. talk about and entitled society.
Roger Ganoza 6 years ago
So many selfish millennials out there that think talent is offered for free and can be exploited as they please. Geez...
Luisa Pelizzari 6 years ago
The BEST!! Why anyone would want a beautiful artwork of themselves with a snapchat filter on their face is beyond me. Almost as much as why they would expect a free portrait. Such entitlement! Bravo Jon Arton, bloody hilarious!!!!
Luisa Pelizzari 6 years ago
The BEST! And by the way, why anyone would want a beautiful artwork of themselves with a snapchat filter on their face is beyond comprehension to me, almost as much as asking for it for free!! BRAVO Jon Arton....Hilarious :-)
Joseph de Nicola 6 years ago
Please draw me with people. I'm very lonely and have no friends, but I'd like a picture drawn of me surrounded by cool people. New-Text-D...243395.jpg
Miklos Legrady 6 years ago (edited)
In a lifetime of painting and drawing, everyone I met respected my work and no one ever asked for free work. I seriously question this entire article, I believe it to be fiction, not fact.
Ron Santos 6 years ago
I want a "free" one in his/her free style. That would actually be worth real money. Then I would commission a real one at his/her going rate.
Ina Šantaraitė 6 years ago (edited)
I know the feeling. I usually draw for myself or to make someone i care about smile. And I remember when it was first year of collage and we had to draw something that makes us happy so i drew my dog. Everyone was amazed that I drew it so good in jus about 10 or 15 min. And there was one other time when i was drawing something for my friend and after that atleast half of my classmates started to ask me to draw them or something beautiful for them. I said ok, but each one of you will give me from 1 to 5 euros by your own descision how well I did on that drawing. And it worked like magic. None of them wanted a drawing that isn't free. :D But really come on people even if those who draw enjoy it it doesn't mean that it doesn't cost their time or some kind of resources, it doesn't rain pencils and erasers for them. So to avoid uncomfortable situations just think before asking for a free drawing, would you do it for free yourself or would you dare to ask any other person doing his job to do it for free.
Ina Šantaraitė 6 years ago
Ha ha I kind of know the feeling. I usually just draw for myself or to make someone i care about smile. And there 's always people who see my drawings and start saying things like oh could you draw me, you draw so good. And I remember when I came to collage first year and was drawing a drawing for one guy and girls from my class saw it and started asking to draw them or something for them. I said ok, but you will give me from 1 to 5 euros by your own descision how good I've done it. And it worked like magic, none of them wanted a drawing that isn't free :D
Nicklas Linder 6 years ago
People: "So what do you work with?" Artist: "I'm an artist." People: "Oh, but how do you make money, is what I wanted to know." Artist: "Well, because of cheap a-holes like you I have to work five other jobs just to pay my bills!!!" People: "Cool. Keep it up, dreams are hard to make true." Artist: "$(&&/$-&?!@;&/&/$;&()!!!!!"
Cheri Hickman 6 years ago
This is a hoot! I can't believe that people have the nerve to ask a professional who gets paid for his work to do it for them for free. I'm sure whatever they do to earn a living they would be MORE THAN HAPPY to do for everyone free! Shaking my head....what a bunch of useless losers!
Vicki Chrisman-Breitmayer 6 years ago
I cannot believe that people ask him to do it for free!!!?? These people are too stupid to even be embarrassed!
My dog is my co pilot. 6 years ago
I think that's it's so wrong that people have the audacity to ask anyone let alone such a talented artist to do anything for free. Even an A4 sized portrait would talk a lot of time and effort. I doubt any of them would give the same amount of time and effort for free as part of a job. You can tell by his level of work he takes Jon puts his heart and soul into his work and that level of work and dedication should be paid for. He deserves every penny he gets and then some.
Miss Spelled 6 years ago
I haven't laughed this hard in a long time! These people have the ESBF Syndrome. Most millennials have this condition. Everything Should Be Free Syndrome. Surprise, Surprise, little ones, you have to pay for s**t. Still laughing.....
Up All Night 6 years ago
It's not true. I've heard these "will you do it for free" stories for more than two decades now. I even knew someone (old person!) who, upon seeing a desired object, expressed that it "should be free" for him, because it was related to his hobby and he would value it more than those morons who pay for it.
Load More Replies... Biana Weatherford 6 years ago
Can I just send him $10 because I want to encourage him to keep up the sass??? LOL!
GlynisLailann 6 years ago
The artist's pen scratchings are good. I wouldn't have even done that.
Rebecah Ozuna 6 years ago
Actually, i made trades when i used to draw; it was a time ago and i quit because people didn't wanted to give anything as payment. I only draw for myself and if i manage to fix my broken house, i'll decor it with my own pics.
Robin Brown 6 years ago
Wow, He's not only a fantastic artist...but a fabulous comedian!! <3 😂
Mary Olmstead 6 years ago
Those simple drawings with his name on it might be a collector's item someday, sad but probably true.
Carol Riley 6 years ago
Oh my so brilliant ....and so funny I laughed so much ..I hope they got it
Rit 6 years ago
I'm an illustrator and graphic designer myself and this happens to me all the time! I don't get how some people think artist should work hours and hours for total strangers for free. Would they ever ask a plumber to fix their toilet for free? Would they ever go to a restaurant and expect to get a free meal? Like "I know, you usually take money for a steak, but could you make an exception this time?" I even reject requests from my friends and family when they ask for something that's too time-consuming or something I just don't want to do. And the worst part is, that some artists do it, accept or even support this kind of behavior and sell their work below value. I just love this artists reaction. <3
Josee Johnstun 6 years ago
He handled it exactly as he should have! Those kids are ridiculous expecting it for free and then being rude when he wants more for his work! This was awesome! Two thumbs up!
Joel Emmett 6 years ago
"Hey, can you work for me -- for free? Say, two hours a day, or more? Then, maybe you can pay me for the privilege, too? That'd be great." -- Mark Zuckerberg
Maria Cristiana 5 years ago
Honestly I wouldnt ask for 150 for a drawing on A4. I do drawings on A3 and I only price it with $50. 150 is a lot for something so small.
Miklos Legrady 6 years ago
I have never heard anyone say I love your drawing, can I have a free one? That sounds bogus. In a lifetime of drawing and painting, people I've met always recognized the effort that went into the work. I seriously question this entire article, I believe it to be fiction, not fact.
minerva15 6 years ago
What's with the censored clevage? I know it's gross, but is it necessary?
Dian Ella Lillie 6 years ago
I would propose that it is neither gross nor necessary...
Load More Replies... Aunt Messy 6 years ago
The fact that they even asked is insulting, though. I wonder if they thought I'd hand over my car to them just because they think it's cool.
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