Why do people think that artists/designers don't mind giving away their work for free?

Wow, you make an amazing point! It's really true...I'm an artist and people ask me to do stuff for them all the time for free. I guess maybe people think artists don't pay to be educated to do their art. Or maybe it's because most artists are very kind people and are easily pushed around and most lawyers are hard nosed and people are afraid to mess with them. Hmmm, I think I might start acting like a lawyer but stay sweet in the inside!

I think I know why. They think you LOVE what you do, because they love what you do. So, since they enjoy your work so much, they think you enjoy doing it so much that you'll be more than happy to do it for free. The other thing that happens is.....people think 'finished product' and quite often they HAVE NO IDEA that it took TIME to create it. They simply are clueless, and somewhat in the range of ignorant. They don't understand 'the work and time'.....they think art happens by a happy 'magic wand'. They don't know about the 'work'.....and hate to say it....they don't care about the work part, either. Everybody loves a service for free, and if you give it to them, they'll accept it. But there ARE some thoughtful sensitive people in this world that appreciate the truth of the matter....be thankful for them. I've had people pay me more than I was asking, and I never forgot them, because it was such a kind gesture. I also remember the ones who were hard to please.

Sola

Unfortunately people don't seem to value things unless they cost something. Artist should not devalue their work by giving it away. It's not just the art itself it is the idea, the concept. If artist would value their work and time more perhaps others would as well.

In my opinion friends and family always ask for favors. Its the nature of the beast. But if you think lawyers don't get ask for freebies don't be mistaken. Haven't you ever heard of Pro Bono

work. That's freebies. I believe just about anyone who has a talent is asked at least once for freebies. Think of it as a compliment. They obviously think your talented. And maybe they can't afford you. You can always say no.

because people think art is easy, even if it's something they can't do.

people also put a low value on art, even though it sells for thousands in galleries. It's because they don't think they really are worth it.

The prevailing attitude is art is a luxury and "unnecessary" for life. it's a skill but not thought of that way. ie, it's not a survival-related skill. I expect to pay someone to build things to make my life easier or help me figure out taxes or defend me in court. i don't expect to pay someone to make a pretty picture, i could live without that. it has no 'value', just aesthetic value, and aesthetic is not necessary for life. functional value is more important.

this is especially true of cartoonists. people think since cartoons are simple minded kids' entertainment, hey, it's just kids crap, it must be easy to do and is worthless. not thinking of course you have to take 4 years of college and major in illustration to do effective work. Or the fact that it's a million dollars industry utilized in all sorts of products and services. Etc.

the same thing happens to comedians, people expect them to just jump out with the jokes even though they are basically writers that happen to perform their own material.

well if you really LOVE ur art you would want it to be EVERYWHERE. not just in your basement or in your bedroom wall, if you spent 4 yrs in college learning how to draw ANIME, then that was a waste of time because my 14 year old brother has drawn cartoons better than all those stupid shows. i'm an artist, self-proclaimed, because i create stuff and i distribute it because i want to. there shouldn't be a price range on your love should there?

in my opinion, they probably think it's easy er or faster but believe me it's not...I've tried.

also, using a lawyer for example, is more personal, and it's less likely to need one.

plus every one wants art, it's more awesome!

Wow, that is a very good question. I really like, it. Sorry but i had to comment. I agree with everyone here.