Email, Draw, Smile, Repeat.

Over the past few weeks, a strange thing has been happening. I'm being ghosted.

According to the Merriam-Webster Dictionary, "Ghosting" is the act or practice of abruptly cutting off all contact with someone (such as a former romantic partner) usually without explanation by no longer accepting or responding to phone calls, instant messages, etc.

I have had regular enquiries for illustration work, to which I've responded as soon as practicable (within a few hours or a day at most). For several I quickly drew samples or suggestions, and always asked the potential client to please confirm a time when it would work for me to give them a call. Or alternatively to email me back. 

Unfortunately though, none of these Ghost Clients ever responded to the initial email, nor any follow-up emails sent afterwards.

It honestly frustrates me, because besides getting my hopes up for working on these exciting projects, I also always do some research on the project, brain-storm so I can present suggestions, or spend a couple of hours on the samples. My time is quite precious and limited, and realising that it is being wasted or simply not being respected by someone asking to work with me really gets me worked up.

Granted, there are good and bad clients and everyone is bound to get a few of each. I certainly have certainly had my share of good clients in the past. But for this to happen several times in a row is unusual. There is the option of reporting those contacts to the company who manages my enquiries, but I would like to reserve this step for clear fraud or abuse.

For the time being, I unfortunately do not have anything to show for the hours spent working on those enquiries. 
I do have some ideas for the winter months though, which would make me less dependent on Illustration clients, so please watch this space :)

Meanwhile, thank you for listening me out - if you have experienced similar "bad weather", please share in the comments!
Rant over.