FAQ - General Questions
Answers to some common questions:
Q: I have a question that's not in this FAQ; what the best way to contact you?
A: Visit the "Contact Me" page
Q: I'd like to sign up to receive your emails; how can I do that?
A: Visit the "Email Newsletter" page
Q: Do you have a website (other than this store)?
A: YES! https://mjs.art
Note: if that link does not work for you or gives you an error, please let me know!
Q: I've been waiting for a sale or discount code to buy your art. Do you ever offer discounts?
A: While I do offer discounts on prints, it's unlikely that I'll ever offer sales or discounts or promotions on my original art. I put in a great deal of time and emotion and energy into making my art; it feels like a betrayal to my work and myself to put a fair price on it, only to later discount it.
I specifically said "unlikely" because saying "never" is a mistake, but if you're waiting for a sale, it's probably not going to happen.
Buy the piece you love and have been eyeing before someone else buys it. You're investing in art, you're investing in me, you're encouraging me to make more art and it'll dramatically go up in value once I'm "discovered", so why not buy it while it's still affordable. ;-)
Q: I don't see a specific print/sticker/etc. on your store; can you add it?
A: Yes. No. Maybe. I don't know… Ask me!
Q: I saw an original piece of art (on social media) that I want to buy, but it's no longer in your shop.
A: All of my original art is unique, one-of-a-kind, and 100% created by me, personally. If you don't see a piece in my store, I haven't listed it yet or it's been sold. You can check this site for sold items here.
I tend to explore different styles and create pieces in that theme/series until I'm inspired to explore a new direction. I typically don't revisit a style once I've evolved past it.
If you see a piece you like, you love, or even are sort-of-interested in for yourself or someone else, I highly recommend buying it on the spot. It might not be available the next time you visit.
Q: Can you hold a piece of art for me?
A: I really want to… but I won't.
A lot of people ask me if I can “put aside” a piece of art for them because, for whatever reason, they can’t buy it right now.
When I first started selling art, I’d do this thinking it’d help ensure my art finds a home. Unfortunately, the fact is that 9 out of 10 times that person never returned to buy the piece. And keeping track of who wanted what and when became a task and felt unfair; anyone could claim they wanted it but then never returned to buy it.
So I don’t do this anymore. If you see a piece you like, I highly suggest you buy it because it might be sold the next time you come back to buy it.
Q: Your art looks tiny in the store pictures and I'm having trouble understanding how big the art will be if I buy it.
A: I know! One of the most common comments I get from people who buy my art is: "The art is so much smaller than I thought it would be… in a good way!"
To help understand how small some of my art actually is I've created a printable "size guide". You can download it here:
MJS.ART Printable Art Size Guide
Q: I bought one of your rare "framed" pieces. Why isn't my art or wood frame "perfect"?
A: Perfection isn't everything.
Perfection doesn't exist. Life isn’t perfect; my art isn’t perfect; wood isn't perfect; my frames aren’t perfect.
My art is handmade and imperfections are part of their being and character just like the wood I use to make my frames. Embracing and celebrating imperfection is a more noble and – I'd argue – ultimately happier journey than chasing the impossible destination of perfection, never to arrive. And, of course, perfection is always contextual and relative.
I'm an amateur woodworker. Every frame I make is "better" than the one before it as I gain more skill and experience. Even if I could create a “perfect” piece of art in a perfect frame, my art is meant to be handled. In doing so you'll immediately impart your own imperfections, especially for frames made with soft wood like pine. In this way, you make the art truly yours.
If you need absolute, unwavering perfection… then my art is probably not for you. And that's okay. :-)
Q: I heard you're no longer making frames for your art; is that true?
A: Yes, at least for now. I used to hand-make unique, custom, one-of-a-kind frames for each of my pieces, but I've put that on hold. I not ruling out making frames again, but I'm not making any new frames for the foreseeable future.
Q: I like one of your unframed pieces; will you make a frame for it?
A: I'm not giving a definitive "no", and it's not impossible… but it's unlikely.
Q: Do you take commissions?
A: My general answer is "not right now", but the more correct answer is "probably not; it depends."
Abstract art is incredibly subjective; it's not for everyone, and that's okay. But it's important that you appreciate abstract art for what it is, and know that what you asked for and expect might not be exactly what I draw for you.
I create art during my free time. That means I don't (and can't) adhere to a schedule or commit to a deadline for delivering work. The art gets done when I have a chance to work on it.
And just to be up front about it, my time is extremely valuable to me, so a commission piece will be much more expensive than one of my already available pieces.
If you're okay with all this… let's talk. :-)
Q: I have questions about your 3D printed tools…
A: Please visit my 3D Printing FAQ page
Q: I'm interested in carrying your art in my gallery/shop/store/boutique; are you open to that idea?
A: Yes I am! Please contact me!
Q: Art you currently represented by a gallery? Would you like to be?
A: No and yes! Please contact me!
Q: I have a question I don't see an answer for; can I contact you?
A: Yes! Please contact me!