I usually add extras only if I feel like it and actually need the prize. My lazy ass is too lazy to screenshot something 
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I guess that’s also an option 
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Btw, you have Instagram? Would love to give you a follow.🩶
Sure, it’s the same as my username 
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When drawing is your only source of income you don’t really feel like spending 15+ hours on a drawing that won’t buy you a dinner 
Most “big artists” make a living from drawing and for them it’s their job. And you want to be properly rewarded for your work 
Plus everyone spends their money on whatever they want. Some for clothes, others for computer games or skins in games, and others for episode story covers. 
I know that artistic industry is sometimes very exaggerated… I work as an interior designer and some of us charge 100-200 euro for one visualization of the living room or kitchen, but… people are still willing to pay that kind of money and I think it’s fine.
But if someone treats drawing as their passion and can devote a few hours to drawing for free, thats really great! 
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Prices are just too big for everything these days. And wow. I have heard it’s not an easy job, but wow.
These who spends that kind of money for Episode art, are either crazy, have unlocked writers payments or are extremely rich because a normal person cant afford it. 
First of all, art is a luxury item. No one is forcing anyone to buy it.
If the artist puts a high price on their commissions it’s because they are good at what they do since they spent time and effort to get that good. I’m talking years.
Expecting free art from any artist who takes commissions - big or small shouldn’t be a thing. Making art is a paying job like any other. It’s like walking into a store and asking for an item you want for free. Who does that?
The only way I see an artist wanting to make free art is if they are either a beginner or want to improve on their technique so they can take commissions later since exposure doesn’t pay the bills.
Cool art is not a requirement for a good story. Nor it is an indication that the story is good because it has pretty art.
My final thoughts on it.
Do you want pretty art for your story and you can afford to pay for it? Then go for it. If you can’t - then look for the alternative since being an episode writer isn’t a paying job for 90% of the people.
Feel free to disagree with my opinions 
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I agree!
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I’m a small artist but I do both free art and commissioned because I really need the money so I don’t really need to pay for new backgrounds and covers and stuff like that cuz I do them all myself. I don’t charge a lot at all and still I don’t get a lot of offers while I see people paying lots of money for some art and honestly sometimes I don’t think its that worth it and I get it. I miss the way Episode used to be but I also I remember when I first read this story that included new backgrounds I hadn’t seen before and honestly it got me more interested to read it so I get why writers pay money for new art. So I don’t know where I stand here but I get both ways.
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Moved to Episode Fan Community since this isn’t about story ideas or reviews. Make sure to check out our Forum Tutorial for more info about creating topics, and feel free to PM me if you’ve got questions. 
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Thanks, Sydney! I wasn’t sure which category it fit better.
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Honestly I much prefer to commission my art unless it’s to help someone out with practicing just because 9 times out of 10 (with exceptions of course), the commissioned pieces are of a higher quality.
I personally never pay that much but I have paid up to £50 for mine but I love commissioning art and supporting artists as a lot I use have their art as their business. With their talent and demand and the hours it takes them I think it’s unreasonable to expect them to work for free.
I don’t discriminate between story covers whether edited or drawn, I just like them to be of a good quality. I don’t think anyone should ever feel pressured to have to spend money on their stories to get their story noticed. As long as the story is of good quality for example directing, narrating etc then that’s the most important thing for me🥰
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What would be your suggestion for an alternative? (Asking for new writers.)
I know one - it’s called AI.
I think a lot people have seen how authors who can’t afford beautiful covers makes them with AI help. And AI steals others’ art. One reason is because they can’t afford the pricey arts. Another one - it looks just as good as normal and they get it for free.
In my opinion, maybe lowering prices or sometimes doing free arts, community could escape from using AI to make art.
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I used AI cause I couldn’t afford an artist, and it looks just as good. I felt guilty doing it but I know covers are a contributing factor to getting readers attention.
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I have used AI too, but for generating references and backgrounds. And unfortunately, that is correct. People don’t give chances to stories who doesn’t have the perfect cover.
I really miss the simpleness of this app.
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My alternative? Trying your hand at editing/making art yourself if you can’t find someone who can do it for you. Becoming good at art is the same method to get better at writing - with a lot of practice.
I will refrain from going into detail in my opinions on AI “art” since this discussion will become heated in no time. Let’s say I’m not a fan and leave it at that.
And AI “art” is not just a problem of this community, so getting discounts from artists won’t change a thing here or anywhere else. Why pay at all if you can just generate something, right?
Once again I can’t stress enough that:
- Making art is a paying job so artists will be getting less money for the same amount of work they’ve done if they lower prices
- Writing on Episode is not a paying job for most writers. It’s a risk they willingly take that may or may not have a monetary pay-off. So when looking into investing money into their story such as art they should be mindful of that
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Just remember - not everyone can afford tablet, stylus, apple pen or even a drawing pad or computer. (Not talking about myself)
Not everyone makes art as a job. A lot just enjoys it and have it as a hobby.
You never know - it may change something 
Yeah, that’s a risk where only a few people are lucky enough to get paid.
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I started drawing on my phone with my finger so expensive equipment is nice but not required to make art. Now I have a tablet and still my trusty finger.
Of course, not every artist pursues art as a job, but we’re talking about those who take commissions, no?
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Okay, that’s impressing. I have tried drawing with finger - it turned out you can imagine. So I admire people who can draw without any kind of pen.
Yes, but, for example, a couple of my friends take comms, but only as their hobby. Like they draw only when they want to and have time to. It’s not their main income, only like pocket money. Some even take free requests when they have no comms. I think it’s a great way to gain examples with also earning money + also helping for free sometimes.
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