The Customer is Always Right
The customer is always right, so if your clients make any suggestions to you, it’s worth following up. I am currently painting pictures of Batman for one of my customers. I would not normally have chosen this subject as Batman is a DC (Detective Comics) character, and I have always been a Marvel Comics fan.
I have already supplied a painting of Voldemort (Harry Potter’s arch enemy) for Esther, who gave it to her 
son for his birthday. Now her other son also wants a painting, and he is a Batman fan. Although the customer is always right, you can still negotiate and adapt any suggestions made.
Esther’s son said he wanted “Batman and Robin”, but I don’t like the Robin character and I think his uniform looks silly. Also ‘Batman and Robin’ means trying to get two characters looking good for the same price. So I asked if it would be OK to just paint Batman on his own, and that was fine.
I ended up painting three images of Batman, to give Esther a choice. Two of the paintings have turned out so good, I almost don’t want to sell them. 
There were artist crossovers between Marvel and DC comics, and I found a Batman portrait by one of my favourite Marvel artists – Neal Adams.
Batman swinging between skyscrapers was a computer generated photo which had enough detail to produce a good oil painting. However the third image I chose was another painting by Neal Adams of Batman responding to the Bat Signal. The original of this painting looks good, but there was not enough detail on the photo for me to use. I’m disappointed with how this turned out, and hope Esthers son picks it. 
If you’re lucky enough to get some feedback from customers it’s worth adapting to satisfy their suggestions. There will be other people with the same wants and needs, so a whole new market could open up for you. Batman has a massive fan base, 
so despite being a devotee of Marvel Comics I will also paint the main DC character – Superman.
Marathon Runner, Drinker and Artist, Blogging for Pleasure and Profit.
That was absolutely cool! I love your paintings and at the same time, I feel insecure for not having the same talent as yours. Just kidding. Anyway, I truly admire your skills. I hope to see more creative paintings from you, if and only if you still want to share it with us. I just hope so.
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John McNally
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September 6th, 2010 at 9:28 pm
Thanks Allan, It’s always good to hear positive comments about my paintings.
I don’t think I’m sensitive enough to be upset if someone doesn’t like them, but I sure prefer it if they do. 
Just had a look at your website Allan, you must be the leading authority on Jack Russell dogs in the UK.
I’ve only ever painted one dog, and that was my Golden Retriever, Jason. More paintings from the film Clockwork Orange on the way soon.
Thanks for leaving a comment Allan, I hope you call back again.
John
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In business-to-business as well as retail, top sales people will listen carefully to what the customer is facing, and then work hard to tie perceived wants and actual needs together. That’s the optimal approach. But when it all boils down, giving the customer what they want, in essence getting it right for them, will usually keep them coming back.
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John McNally
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September 7th, 2010 at 10:57 am
I quite agree Tamara, give the customer what they want and they keep coming back.
When I started painting I just created images that I liked, not really worrying about what other people thought. It’s much easier to get a sale though if you provide what the CUSTOMER WANTS.
Interesting business you have Tamara. My last halloween costume was a success. I went as a mixture of Frankenstein (or Herman Munster), with a Dracula cape.
John
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I cant wait for the next Harry movie! Great site!
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John McNally
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September 14th, 2010 at 3:54 pm
I must confess I’m a bit bored with Harry Potter now.
Admittedly the series isn’t really aimed at 56 year olds, but I did enjoy the first 3 books.
I got fed up with the massive ‘Order of the Phoenix’, I didn’t think it was worth the time investment.
I prefered the ‘Dark Materials’ trilogy. Phillip Pullman completed everything he had to say about God and the Catholic Church in 3 books.
John
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Its great to hear that you are fond of different thing and still you can do the better job on other topic, so its called only a great talent coz one can give the best if he is the master of that thing but its not so easy to perfect in different way and get success.
You like marvel comics and here you have done great job with detective comics. The paintings prove that.
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John McNally
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January 2nd, 2011 at 1:32 pm
I’m glad you like the paintings Lindsay. If it wasn’t for a customer request, I would never have painted Batman, but I’m really pleased with the portrait.
My brother has it on his wall, with a sign next to it pointing “To the Bat Cave”.
It looks really good the way he has set it up. I reckon he should open an Art gallery. 
Wishing you a happy and prosperous New Year Lindsay.
John
Leamington Spa, England
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