'She claimed her exposure would be more valuable than my art': Artist stands up to influencer and exposes messages after she demanded free painting and $200 to post it on her account

Author image for Isabella Penn
Isabella Penn
Feb 15, 2025 4:00 PM EST

Influencer culture has truly gotten out of hand. Odds are, you've scrolled through social media and stumbled upon a PR haul from an influencer. These "hauls" are when companies send free products to influencers in exchange for exposure on their accounts, and some of these unboxing videos are downright excessive. We're talking dozens of boxes filled with products they'll likely never use. Welcome to overconsumption culture. Instead of being grateful for these opportunities, some influencers take their entitlement to the next level.

Case in point: this influencer reached out to a family friend, an artist, and demanded a free painting. When the artist explained she couldn't afford to give her work away, the influencer doubled down, insisting on a free painting and $200 to post it because "that's what brands do." If you're already fuming, you'll appreciate how the artist handled the situation—even if her own mom didn't back her up…

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    This image is for illustration only, and the subject is a model; the image does not depict the actual subject of the story.

  • "AITA for exposing an “influencer” to her family after she demanded a free painting..."

    My mom's goddaughter, let's call her "Jen" (29F), asked me (25F) to do a painting for her because she saw I did one for a mutual friend, let's call her "Anna." Jen wanted the painting as a gift for her father, who is a retired photographer. Here's the thing:
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  • Anna paid me for the painting, and everything went smoothly. She posted a picture of the painting with her mom as she was gifting it to her. Well, Jen saw that painting and became interested in one for her father.
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  • The problem is, she wanted me to do it for free. She said she would advertise it on her Instagram and tell her "fans" to buy from me in exchange for the painting. I told her no, as I am not in a great financial spot right now, and I cannot afford to do something for free. She wanted a
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  • custom-sized canvas, which is not commonly found in stores. I would either have to have it made myself or try to find it online for a reasonable price. I explained this to her, but she still didn't understand. She said I already had the materials on
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  • hand and that she didn't think art materials were that expensive. She accused me of being greedy and not having a vision for business, claiming that her exposure would be more valuable than my art. She also said she wanted me to pay her
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  • $200 on top of the free painting, arguing that with her help, I would make so much money, and companies pay her to review things. She pointed out that every creative artist or individual, including her father, did free work at the beginning.
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  • Everything went downhill when she noticed I wasn't replying (I was working), and she started talking down on me because I was let go from the military (for medical reasons beyond my control). She said I had failed at everything, including that, and
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  • that she was giving me the option to succeed and make my parents proud. Since I wasn't replying, she called my mom to complain that I didn't want to do a free painting for her. As I mentioned, she's my mom's goddaughter, and my mom
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  • seems to have a preference for her. Mom called me back and demanded I do the painting for free. I became enraged. Jen's words about my parents not being proud of me stuck in my head. So, I decided to draw a 2- second sketch and told her that was her free painting and to
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  • leave me alone. She became really angry and threatened to post on her socials, telling her followers not to buy from me and to ruin my art career. I've received a few phone calls from my mom, which I haven't answered, and some hate messages from what I assume are her followers. AITAH for exposing her texts to her family? (Including the internet)
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  • If you've read this far and are feeling a little skeptical of our artist friend, just wait until you read the women's text messages. You didn't think we'd just end the story here, did you? 

  • Hi! Girlie! How are you? Omg I saw the painting you did for mom and it's so cute I want one for my dad. Same thing. The childhood house and him teaching me how to ride a bike I would like it a bit bigger though. I'm thinking a 17x28 so you have enough space for the house and everything Hi there! I'm good. I'd love to do a painting for you! I had so much fun painting that for her. Just fyi. A 17x28 would be more expensive since it's a custom size. What do you mean? + Most art stores don't carry t
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  • But I mean it shouldn't be that bad. I've seen canvas and paint for $5 at Walmart Yeah, but I'm just saying the cost will increase for you. Give me a second, and I'll calculate the total and provide an estimate for the down payment. Well. About that... I was thinking that we could workout a great deal for you. I think the one who's going to pay me at the end is you haha You know my dad is a well known photographer and knows everyone in highland park literally. He's going to tell everyone about y
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  • + I'm sorry, but I can't afford to do a painting for free at the moment, let alone pay you to post it on Instagram. You aren't really business minded are you? You just need to do ONE painting. Which will cost you next to nothing and with my help you'll be making thousands That's not true. The canvas itself will be like $180~. Plus gesso and paint. PLUS my time You know dad started his photography business doing free photos hoots and see where he's now. You are no one. You gotta do it for free to
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  • I was discharged due to medical reasons, but it was an honorable discharge. Some things are beyond your control, and epilepsy is one of them. Yeah but you've failed at everything You didn't hear it from me, but your mom told me she was disappointed in you. You have failed at everything. And I'm here trying to help you. Make her proud won't you? Have a win at least once. Oh sorry. Maybe I shouldn't say anything mean you might get one of your seizures, cupcake You aren't really cut out to be an in
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  • Here is the best I can do for free. Leave me alone now. lol you're so funny So funny that I am about to tell all my followers on tik tok and instagram about your treatment You're a joke of an artist The only people that buy from you are friends because they feel pity for you + iMessage 11/11
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  • You're a joke of an artist The only people that buy from you are friends because they feel pity for you Now no one is going to buy from you You're so dumb You just screwed yourself big time haha I'll make sure no one ever buys from you then you'll come crawling asking for my help. Then guess what? I'll say no. Because FU! Have fun talking to some of my devoted followers ④ And you know what? I'm sure I can make the painting myself. You're a rip off for wanting to charge for BS anyone can do. Lose
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followers entitlement art revenge influencer social media painting payback karma karen parents entitled people
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