I have decided to run a paysite gallery in lieu of commissions. Over the last several years I've found that while I enjoy working with clients on commissioned work, I'm not as able to express myself in them as much as I would like to. Not only that but I have tons and tons of ideas for original works that I just never get around to working on since I spend so much time on commissions. I find myself with a newfound need for freedom combined with the ever-present need to pay the bills.
Why exclusivity? It's difficult for me to keep up with more than one art gallery at a time. Rather than find my work spread all over a hundred different free-membership galleries, all disorganized, most with watermarks for old sites that don't exist anymore, It makes a lot more sense to keep my stuff all in one place - at least as much as possible. If I only upload my artwork here, it's easier to keep tabs on. Because I'm somewhat OCD that way.
Why a subscription fee? My work is my livlihood - I am self-employed and the proceeds from this website are essentially my wages. It goes directly into paying rent, electric, and internet (in that order), the same as commission fees. Two dollars a month is low enough that it won't bust the budget of the average person during this recession, something of which I myself am all too aware. I feel that it is fair to ask a subscription fee, since not only do subscribers recieve artwork for their money, but the opportunity to see their ideas and/or characters (volunteered, of course) on the site as well. I also plan to offer subscribers discounts on prints (once they become available) and even on sketchbook commissions if you show me proof of subscription at a convention.
Unauthorized Redistribution? I hold no illusions that there are individuals who will inevitably end up reposting my restricted-access artwork to torrents, art dumps, etc. for free. I'm aware of the free-media and pirate movements, and normally I don't have a problem with this phenomena. I understand that no amount of security or thief-hunting will truly keep media private, and all I can really say to this is, if you enjoy my work and respect my efforts, please show your support by not redistributing my restricted works.
Tama'at's Forbidden Gardens is created and maintained by me, Tori Crossman.
I was born on August 12th, 1982, and I've been drawing since I could hold a pencil. I created the character Kierstal in 1998, and have been using it as a pseudonym ever since. Later I acquired the pseudonym Tama'atsekhmet and use it interchangeably with Kierstal.
I started freelancing after graduating high school in 2000, and have been making a living on commissions and sale of original works ever since. I have only attended a few conventions but I hope to attend more in the coming years, since I love to travel but often don't get the chance to.
I'm a member of Doctor Steel's Army of Toy Soldiers, and I like to think of myself as patient and practical, if a bit scatterbrained. I love sushi, chocolate milk, and steaks so rare they're mooing. I'm a cat person and have a sweet little calico named Velcro (she sticks to things, you see).
Though I've had little formal training in art outside grade school classes, I have studied independently on a variety of styles from Art Nouveau to Impressionism. I am constantly experimenting and trying new things, new techniques, new subjects, new media. I have a 'comfort zone' like all artists, but I'm always trying to push the limits and make each picture better than the last.
There are plans for CafePress, Etsy, and RabbitValley stores at some point in the future if there is enough demand.
