Frequently Asked Questions

1. Creating Artwork

1.1 How I Learned

1.1.1 How/Where Did I Learn to Draw

Overall, I am self-taught. Since I did not pursue an art career until my late twenties, I did not receive a formal art education.

1.1.3 Developing My Style

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1.1.4 Artistic Influences

1.2 My Process

1.2.1 Getting Inspired

1.2.2 References

1.2.3 Rough Sketching

I almost always draw my base sketches digitally.

1.2.4 Choosing Colors & Values

Before I even think about transferring my digital sketch to a tangible canvas, I plan out the color palette in Procreate as well by just filling in the sketch with flat colors, and later use this as a guide when painting with gouache and acrylics.

1.2.5 Panel Prep

1.2.6 Painting

1.2.7 Finishing & Sealing

1.2.8 Digital Editing for Prints

1.3 Tools & Materials

*Several of the links below are affiliate links — a free way to support my work while getting supplies you love. Thank you! 💖

1.3.1 Traditional Art

Painting
Sketching
Brushes
Canvases & Canvas Prep

1.3.2 Digital Art

Software
Hardware
1.4 Art Tutorials

2. Other Activities

2.1 Blogging

2.2 Website

2.3 Social Media

3. Art Tips & Advice

3.1 Learning to Draw

3.2 Best Practices

3.3 Roadblocks

3.3.1 Art Block

3.3.2 Insufficient Funds

3.3.3 Art-Related Injuries

3.3.3 Mental & Physical Health

3.4 Careers

3.4.1 Can I Make a Living Off Of Art?

Short Answer: Absolutely.

Long Answer:

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3.4.2 Finding Freelance Work

3.4.3 Commission Advice

3.4.2 Pricing Your Work

3.4.3 Selling Prints

3.5 Sharing Your Art

3.5.1 Social Media

3.5.2 Website/Online Portfolio

3.5.3 Gaining a Following

4. Shop FAQ

4.1 Product Info

4.1.1 Art Prints

4.1.2 Stickers

4.1.3 Mugs

4.1.4 Digital Products

4.2 Orders

4.2.1 Order Process

4.2.2 Payments

4.3 Shipping & Refunds

4.3.1

5. Permissions

5.1 Personal Use

5.1.1 Purchased Products

Anything purchased from my shop may be used however you please, so long as it is not used for commercial purposes.

5.1.2 Sharing on Social Media

Please feel free to share my work online! This includes reposting, using my work as profile/cover pictures, and more. However, please credit me by tagging me @abbymation or by linking to my website, abbymation.com. This helps support my work!

Please do not contact me if you see reposts of my artwork. This is not illegal activity.

5.1.3 References

You are more than welcome to use my artwork as references for your own work! There is no need to ask for permission. However, it is not permitted to heavily trace my work and then claim the result as your own.

Please do not contact me if you see another artist emulating or copying my art style. This is not illegal activity.

5.1.4 Tattoos

I would be thrilled if you turned my work into a tattoo! No need to ask for permission. If you post a photo of your tattoo online, please tag me @abbymation so I can check it out!

5.1.5 AI-Art

Despite the controversy around AI artists (and AI use in general), it is not a crime to use my work to generate new AI-imagery. Please do not contact me if you see AI images that look like my work.

5.2 Commercial Use

5.2.1 Purchased Products

It is not permitted by me or by law to use anything purchased from my shop for financial gain, or to claim it as your own work.

5.2.2 Pre-Existing Work

Unless agreed upon together via contract, it is not permitted by me or by law to use any of my pre-existing artwork or blog posts for commercial purposes.

5.2.3 Online Banners, Profile Pics, Posts, Etc.

Though it’s not a crime to post my work online for personal purposes and general sharing, please keep in mind that using my work for monetized websites or social media profiles falls under copyright infringement/commercial use, even if I am credited.

5.3 Reporting Art Theft

If you encounter someone (in-person or online) claiming my work as their own, discover unauthorized commercial use of my work, or find removed watermarks, please reach out to me right away at contact@abbymation.com or by filling out a contact form. Your report allows me to file a DMCA Takedown as soon as possible and protect my work.

Thank you so much for your support! 💖

6. Working With Me

6.1 Purchasing My Work

6.1.1 Private Commissions

At this time, I do not accept private/personal commissions or requests.

6.1.2 Buying Art Prints

I sell museum-quality art prints, as well as other products, of my work on my online shop!

Please note that I do not sell my products on any other platform, nor have I licensed my work to be sold elsewhere. If you find my work on another site, it is a scam!

6.1.3 Buying Original Paintings

I occasionally auction original paintings on my online shop; however, this is typically a special occurrence. I always announce through my newsletter and social media whenever an auction is scheduled!

If you are interested in buying an original that is not listed on my shop, please reach out to me via email at contact@abbymation.com, or by filling out the form on my contact page.

All auctioned/purchased originals come with a Certificate of Authenticity, signed by me.

6.1.4 Freelance/Contract Work

I am happy to discuss potential freelance or contract work. If you would like to hire me, please feel free to reach out to me at contact@abbymation.com, or by filling out the form on my contact page.

6.2 Partnerships & Networking

6.2.1 Sponsorships

I do not accept paid sponsorships.

6.2.2 Interviews

For media interviews, please feel free to reach out to me at contact@abbymation.com, or by filling out the form on my contact page!

6.2.3 Mentoring & Portfolio Reviews

Unfortunately at this time, I am unavailable to provide personal mentoring or personal portfolio reviews.