Today, I finally finished a drawing that someone had asked and said they would pay me for. I worked on it for multiple hours and was very proud of it. When it came to discussing payment, I asked what his best offer was. A pack of cigarettes. FML
Collection
Halloween
A failed costume, stolen candy and a very real scare: Halloween, the one night when fear is allowed.
Today, after spending 5+ hours of my life painting a portrait of someone's cat for them, I finally finished it, perfect condition, no mistakes. I was supposed to be paid 300 bucks for it. Got 50 bucks because it was too "vibrant." FML
Today, I finally finished painting a house that took me 3 weeks to complete at 10 hours a day, including weekends, due to my dedication to perfection. When I went to meet with the homeowner for pay day, which was supposed to be $2000, he gave me $200, 5 tacos and then told me to "get the f*** off my lawn." FML
Today, a homeless guy asked me for a cigarette. Knowing that I only had a couple left in my pack, I gave it to him. He opened it, took one out and thanked me profusely. A bit surprised, I went on my way. Oh yeah, that's right, the pack contained the money I'd withdrawn from an ATM. FML
Today, my boss asked me if he could pay me in gum. Thinking he was playing around, I agreed. He wasn't playing around. FML
Today, I thought I was having a nice day at work, until I had a client who paid me $376 in rolls made of 0.05 and 0.10. It took me an hour to count. FML
Today, I picked up a carton of cigarettes for my stepfather from the store. He smokes the equivalent of nearly half my paycheck a fortnight. FML
Today, I finally summoned the courage to ask my dad to pay me as he promised, after I cut the lawn and cleaned all the house windows last week. His response was, "Get fucked." FML
Today, I got an email from a local company looking to have a website made. I looked over their request and provided them with a reasonable offer. I got an email back stating that they would like to pay me with liquor instead of money. FML
Today, my boss asked if he could pay me in guns. FML
Today, a guy for whom I did a design job told me he would only be able to pay me in 3 weeks. I told him that it was OK, as long as I didn't have to follow him around to collect my money. "Don't worry, I know the feeling," he said, "I used to run an illegal business." FML
Feel like sharing it with the other FML users?
Thanks, your FML was submitted, and will appear in the moderation queue soon!
Top comments
Ruler3000 17
Please tell me you told him no, and went searching for a new buyer. Or at least keep it, you are proud of it after all!
sweetbliss3 37
yikes. now you have a new painting at least.
Add a comment · Reply to
You must be logged in to be able to post comments!
Comments (109)
WinterBlue42 22
So, he essentially paid you $5.50 that you can't spend, and might not even smoke. FYL.
PadfootsGirl 3
It's a metaphor.
ava_jayy96 6
I would have discussed the payment before... And at the same time I can't help but feel sorry for you
latteboy50 12
Don't give it to him.
conflictedebola 20
As an artist, I have to say, this is why you set prices BEFORE doing the work. Usually based around the amount of effort put into the piece (sketches, lined works, and colored works are most often the basis around pricing in my experience). And ALWAYS discuss prices BEFORE doing the work. "Oh I can't afford that." "Then I can always offer you a sketch for (insert lower price here)." "I can't afford that either." "Then you should probably find someone else." NEVER let someone tell you "It's just art, I don't HAVE to pay you, publicity is enough.". People don't seem to acknowledge the time and effort put into the pieces that artists make and feel entitled to it just because THEY don't think it's a big deal. If it's 'just art' then I suppose it's not so important that they absolutely need it drawn for them, do they? Also, try advertising on the internet, it's a rather big industry if you can manage to put up with the shenanigans on Tumblr and deviantART.
wowbuddy 19
You're supposed to discuss payment before you do the piece
CNRhKXtreme 12
That really sucks, but this is why you need to discuss the terms beforehand. Verbal or written contract, though I recommend a written one.
wrenavery90 12
Sorry but you tell the price before you do the work.