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submitted by deadlyquasar
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Hi Papabear,

I really love the column and it’s really awesome to see someone do so much good for the fandom, so a million hugs to you :3

My question is how to keep myself at a professional distance but still be me at the same time. 

My issue is I’m starting to take my artwork seriously and finally getting good enough (in my opinion) to be taken seriously ... but, I’m still not used to dealing with people—I’m very antisocial and find people difficult at the best of times. So do you have any help for keeping calm with customers and looking professional while still being open enough to make friends? 

Thank you for your time, and thanks again for being there for us confused furs <3

Firewolf

* * *

Dear Firewolf,

Thanks for the compliment; glad you enjoy my column :)

What we have here are two issues, not just one: 1) how to deal with people in your business life, and 2) how to make friends when you are antisocial.

When it comes to jobs for the antisocial, being an artist is a good choice. Like being a writer, it is a very solitary occupation where you can sit for hours on end working on your craft in total isolation. Many a famous artist was a recluse (Bill Waterson springs to mind right away). But, in the end, if you wish to actually sell your art, you do have to deal with people. Again, fortunately, we have something called the Internet, which, while vastly increasing our ability to contact human beings all over the world, also creates a digital wall between us so we don’t have to deal with them directly. If you sell your art online, you really don’t have to deal with people. Just take their orders, collect the money, and when the check clears, give them the artwork.

If you sell your art in person, such as buying a table at a furcon for the dealer’s den, you will be facing people in person, naturally. Dealing with customers is not the same as socializing. Safe in the knowledge that you will only have to talk to them for a short time, be pleasant and helpful at all times. Answer their questions and do what you can to make the sale, then move on to the next customer. The key to good customer service is to answer people’s questions politely and quickly and make sure they are satisfied with the product. Make clear any return policy (or, if you have none, make that clear, too). You should be able to deal with customers without worrying about social anxieties, as business transactions are not about whether or not you are a sociable person. Think of it as putting on your “Businesswoman Fursona” and getting into character.

I would suggest working on your Businesswoman Fursona for a while, getting used to that before you allow yourself to relax a bit. Especially at first, you probably won’t get a whole lot of friend requests so much as people wanting to buy your art (hopefully). After a while, you may gain some fans, and fans can often become friends. Since you will both have an interest in art—in particular, your art—that should be a good ice breaker that could make it easier to form new friendships.

None of the above addresses the possibility that your social anxiety might benefit from some therapy, depending on its severity, but the above advice might help you, nevertheless.

Good luck with your art and your new business venture!

Papabear

submitted by Sasukesis247
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submitted by tsarinvanya
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submitted by artofzod
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Author: Treesong Time for another fringefurry report on Anthrocon. Yes, rather belated. The intended audience includes both furries and National Puzzlers’ League members, if you wonder about the choice of content. The last time I did a report for Flayrah, someone complained that being mostly interested in furry comics and webcomics doesn’t make one a […]

submitted by uzzeee
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submitted by Poloroid457
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submitted by Hemms3
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submitted by resoluterebel
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submitted by Nolan_W
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submitted by dracanius
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I still need to finish this, and I probably should have posted finished, but how do you guys like?? My FA is Linhthasack Tell me what you think my prices should be~

submitted by Miiyori
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submitted by Cacoman04
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submitted by LansingLivingston
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After working for years in the gaming industry (as an illustrator on such games as Legend of the Five Rings and World of Darkness), the artist Heather V. Kreiter has created her own line of rather scary-looking pony-themed merchandise under the moniker of My Little Demon. Featuring ponies with such names as Satana, Wretched Rainbow, and Velvet Decay, these mouse pads, blankets,  aprons, and other products will keep you up at night with a weird combination of cuteness and chills. Check out her sales page at Cafe press to find out just how many products in how many designs she offers!

image c. 2013 Heather V. Kreiter

TigerTails Radio Season 7 Episode 39
TigerTails Radio Season 7 Episode 39 From: TigerTails Radio Views: 0 0 ratings Time: 02:17:46 More in Entertainment

submitted by grifthesniper
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submitted by Hemms3
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