the value of giving stuff for free
Stuff can cost a lot just to exist, and it usually involves money just to access it. That sucks for me, who's currently broke but would also like to have nice things sometimes.
When I try looking beyond being broke, it's surprising to see how much people are actually willing to offer things for free, when they can. The free games/zines on itch are a prime example of this!
What I have in mind though is the physical stuff that you receive from trading art with others.
In 2023, I was tabling with friends when I discovered the joy of art trades. An hour before the event officially ended, we left our table unattended and went around the venue with our merch, trading them with fellow exhibitors (tables left just as unattended).
The energy was contagious! Lots of squealing, lots of excitement from seeing art made by others. Do I know this character? I absolutely have zero knowledge, but I love that you drew them! Would you like a cat sticker? The answer is (almost) always yes!
I have two questions for myself regarding this:
- Would you accept something that's offered for free? I'd like to think that it's usually yes.
- Would you offer something you made that cost money for free? I was surprised to discover that I would.
I think a more important question to ask myself is why would I offer something I made that cost money for free. I haven't actually thought about it until now. Something for me to probe into later.
- In the spirit of trades, it's a win-win situation! I get to enjoy their art and they get to enjoy mine
- Seeing others' happiness when they receive my stuff outweighs the pressure of selling every stock I have on hand1
Stickers are usually offered during art trades, as they're easier to carry around. I have stuck all of the stickers I received through art trades on most of my sketchbooks. Most of the artists that I traded with are people whom I just met at the event, never to be seen again.2
I'm already on my way to filling up the back cover
Most of the things we traded with each other are intended to be sold for profit, but that's momentarily forgotten in the simple joy of just sharing things with each other. It's freeing not to worry about that for a while.
Zine trades are also a thing too! Something I just learned last month.
I started making zines, and I'm proud to say that I recently made a new one. I traded my WDYDLYROOT????? zine for a copy of Aswangism by Tridax Zines! I was happy to see them in person again! Just being in the same space with people who put a lot of heart into their craft inspired me to do the same with my own art.
There are things I'm considering to give back to the community with as little barrier to access as much as possible! This year, I'd love to:
- Donate my artworks to small cafes or community libraries
- Organize casual events where artists can gather and make art together (like a zine club)
- Offer my zines for free online
Hopefully, putting these in writing prompts me towards actually making it happen. I'm looking forward to it already :>
Additional reading
These aren't directly related to what I'm writing about, and in fact may even contradict it, but I want to share them here for their focus on free stuff. I guess I have a lot more to unpack about my own biases towards offering things for free, but that's for next time!
Better Than Free: An article that highlights 8 qualities of a thing that makes it worth paying for instead of getting it for free.
Free Games and Why We Should Pay For Them by npckc: A zine by a game dev who makes free games, and why supporting these games is important. I haven't actually read this yet, but I'm listing it here as reference for myself!