Capitalism can snake its seductive path into any culture–even our little art toy niche–and the reselling of exclusive or signed toys (aka flipping) on eBay is nothing really new. Flipping works because there’s a demand for it: Some fans couldn’t get to a convention for a specific toy or they’re completists and need a rare colorway that was only released to a members-only club. Maybe the flipper is flipping because he/she sees it as a way to make money to buy more toys, or, more likely, it’s just a way to make money. I’m looking around at my collection trying to spy something I bought as a blatant flip and coming up empty. The one item that comes to mind, though, is a ticket to the first Pixies 2004 reunion tour. I had lost out to a phone queue for the tickets and ended up paying a premium through eBay to see them in a small auditorium at a nearby college. It ruled, and I don’t regret it. The Pixies, for their part, noticed the fast sell-out and the high secondary market rate for their tickets and promptly launched a second, larger “sell-out” tour. Not bad for a band who really can’t stand each other. Of course I went and saw them again, at another nearby college in a larger, outdoor ampitheater.
Anyway, not all artists are looking for/needing a piece of the pie. For some, flipping is an insult and an affront. Concert tickets are one thing–flat unpersonal paper vouchers by which the artist is probably already getting screwed by the venue anyway. But a blog posting today from Huck Gee brought a new seedy business to light. Someone is selling a signed sketch by Huck from VTN on eBay. The most insulting part is that the bidding commenced at the paltry rate of $9.99. A secondary slap is the presence of the keyword “Kaws” in the title–in case the item needed some help selling. Huck’s not having it. He says that he’s been thinking about it for a while, but he’s done doing quickie sketches and doodles; he’s just not that kind of artist. He writes: “I was proud to be involved at one point in my life, and I’m extremely appreciative of all the motivation and drive the graf world gave me, but the world kept on turning. And continuing to do throw ups in peep’s sketch books just makes me feel like a damn toy.”
So either that one eBay sketch is gonna make a mint, or someone is going to win it expressly for the purpose of leaving a schooling comment as feedback, or no one’s going to touch it out of solidarity and it will sell to the first bidder for a low price. But lets all learn a lesson from this: if you ask an artist to do something special or personal for you (something they could otherwise charge and receive money for doing), appreciate it and keep it. Or else, don’t waste their time.
August 20th, 2008 at 1:07 pm
While I agree flipping is messing up the scene. I must say, I know many a person that want artists to draw in their books because they are big fans. the way I see it, It’s like a movie/rock star snobbing a person asking for a autograph.
August 20th, 2008 at 2:07 pm
I agree that flippers/scalpers suck in every industry. (Getting Radiohead tix was a pain in the ass.) It also sucks that flippers will ruin it for real fans who just want a doodle from their favorite artist. It’s too bad.
August 20th, 2008 at 3:53 pm
Huck needs to suck it up and deal with it.
August 21st, 2008 at 4:59 am
it’s true, flipping is just the nature of the beast. It’s not the flippers fault. If these pieces weren’t so “exclusive” (meaning TO EXCLUDE) there wouldn’t be a demand or market for the flippers. They in fact provide a service some are greatful for.
As for the Huck situation I agree to a point…
I can understand being offended after someone goes and sells a drawing you went out of your way to deliver for free. But you have to expect this to happen from time to time. A solution would be to “personalize” all free doodles for fans. Adding a “to my biggest fan Jeffrey” will either make the market for the item very limited, or completely unsellable.
Huck I am sure, deep down inside is very flattered that his work has a value and all his efforts have paid off. I will bet you he is sitting rivited to his monitor waiting to see just how valuable he really is…