I really wanted to share a sad incident that happened to me a few months ago, but I have been preoccupied with other important matters with my family and work. I finally have the chance to share my experience now, so here goes…



I was commissioned to do artwork and design for a TF for a local toy convention this past June 2007 [ [link] ] facilitated by a friend and fellow deviant. I did the artwork on time even though I was here in Singapore. I was promised a fee for my efforts which was a meager 1,500 Pesos. I actually did not demand or set the price myself as I am not accustomed to charging friends, nevertheless, we agreed upon the small amount to be paid in full that I assumed to be soon or a few days after the event.

The event came while I was still in Singapore, at the time I asked my sister to attend the event and see how things were going. We were so happy and excited to see that my artwork was used to the fullest and was exposed for everyone to see. But my name was not printed in any of the publication materials they used my artwork on. It was understandable that they could not put my name on everything, but what was so disappointing was the fact that my name was not put on even one of the materials that had my artwork printed on, not even in the souvenir booklet [ [link] ] that some artists’ contributed artworks [popular artists] had their names printed below. I was on the cover, but not even my name was listed not even as a footnote. My sister even told me that she tried to point out this fact throughout the event while she was there. But all they could do was apologize, point fingers and explain that everything was rushed and they were all just swamped with heavy workloads. My sister knows very well how hectic such a situation can be, [having worked in several multimedia companies before] so she suggested that they could at least try to mention my name sometime during the event and just thank me for the work that I contributed. But according to my sister and reports from several of her friends who attended the entire affair, no such acknowledgment was mentioned. T__T

My sister was outraged by this, as was the rest of my family.. It is because of this that my little sister who defended me when I was vulnerable told him that what happened was not fair and that credit was denied to me I heard he told my sister that they shouldn’t have got me to do the commission to do the cover/banner character artwork because I require “high maintenance” and then said that I should not expect commissions from him/them in the future. My little sister did not back down and insisted on her point until he apologized for the neglect he promised that he will make up for the unfair treatment. I know that I am not a professional artist. And I do understand that there were a lot of important things to be done in that event, but I can’t help but feel more than a little bit disappointed about what happened. The artist in me was so happy for the opportunity but somehow I can’t help feeling that it was all for nothing.


I came home after a few months. I waited for payment or at least for a decent apology. Last month I left him an offline message asking him politely if he can wire me the small amount that he promised to pay. He replied and said that the check that was earned off the event has not yet been given to him.


I am now back in Singapore and I have not heard a word about the subject. I really don’t know if there was a lesson to be learned in this, but I honestly felt honored and privileged to do the commission. I guess all I can say is thank you for the opportunity to draw a uniquely Filipino-flavored TF character.




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