UlasanAnime.com – Gargron has developed a feature to streamline the process for artists to find commission work and for clients to post job openings. The author utilized this “job posting” function to advertise a commission for 059Pro, and this review reflects their experience after a successful transaction.
Regarding art commissions, the author admits to being relatively new, having prior experience with discussions and browsing forums but never engaging in a high-stakes commission. They have explored DeviantArt’s forums, purchased sketches at conventions, and even acquired sketches from Mangagamer artists. Despite these past interactions, this marks their first instance of investing real money for a commissioned piece created to specific requirements, intended for a particular project rather than just decorative purposes.
The author posits that if a client possesses a clear vision and can articulate it effectively, the commission process should proceed smoothly, provided both artist and client maintain professionalism in their interactions. This fosters an environment conducive to a positive exchange of information and payment.
In this context, the Artists & Client platform manages the financial aspect, which is a significant advantage. Clients are required to pre-pay through A&C, and the funds are held in escrow until the artist commences work. The platform offers a chat-like interface, reminiscent of SMS messaging apps, enabling direct communication between clients and artists. This feature includes the ability to attach files, facilitating the exchange of images. During the commission process, artists have the option to watermark any images they upload with a distinctive hexagonal pattern.
Initially, the author considered compiling a list of bugs and user interface issues to send directly to [email protected]. However, they decided that a blog post would be a more effective way to share their feedback.
The primary concern highlighted is the limited size of the chat boxes. The author, who admits to being prone to TL;DR (Too Long; Didn’t Read) situations, often finds themselves juggling multiple vertical scroll bars. While acknowledging the complexity of their commission, which necessitates more detailed communication, they are unsure of the optimal solution to this issue.
Secondly, the platform’s handling of URLs is deemed inadequate. A&C employs a code-based system familiar to users of wiki and forum markup, but it can be cumbersome for those unfamiliar with it. The author suggests that the system should at least automatically parse plain URLs. Furthermore, it struggles with single lines of text. The horizontal user interface, which displays the username, timestamp, and text on the left and the input text box on the right, makes it easy to exceed horizontal limits, especially with image links. A technical solution proposed is the automatic recognition of HTTP links and their reformatting into shortened embed links, reducing text length rather than actual URL shortening.
Thirdly, the color used for URLs is too similar to the plain text color, which the author believes led their artist to miss at least one link. This issue is partly attributed to the artist’s potential inexperience with A&C and their encountering clients who embed links with single-word text, such as “click here.”
These, in the author’s opinion, are critical issues. For A&C to serve as a primary communication channel, these bugs must be addressed. A tutorial might also be beneficial, though the author is uncertain of its impact.
The author then proceeds to suggest enhancements for the platform.
Firstly, a tutorial would be highly valuable before a client commits financially to a job. While acknowledging the possibility of existing resources for job postings, the author states they did not encounter any.
Secondly, the interface for working with artists requires improvement. Better URL handling, as previously mentioned, would significantly contribute to this. The author is unsure of specific solutions for this aspect.
Overall, the author expresses a positive impression of the service. While acknowledging some rough edges that could benefit from A/B testing, the platform effectively fulfills its purpose. The author’s experience with the community is limited, primarily derived from observing posted slots. They recall contacting an artist without receiving a response, and navigating through listings can be a hassle, especially for users like themselves who may not always have a definitive idea of what they want from an artist, and where not all listings are accurately tagged. Consequently, posting a job appears to be the most effective method for clients seeking something specific.
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