So this is what it's like firing someone. · 1:17am Jul 24th, 2014
This would only be the second time I have run afoul on an artist commission. The first time would be when a pegasister in Rhode Island dropped off the grid after taking $850 in payments for custom pony hoodies. $200 of that was my money. She got a nice shimmering post on Artists Beware for her fraud.
This time, it's much cheaper, thankfully. The person I have commissioned for the cover to Star-crossed Stallions has not been in contact for a week, and is quite frankly refusing to communicate. When I have found them online on Skype, they have immediately gone offline when I have asked for a progress report. Four separate times.
So all in all, I'm done. Regardless of whether he eventually produces the art I paid him for, he will not see another cent, and he has lost "his best client". I don't mind delays, but you damn well better keep me updated. I'm considering myself out $30,and have commissioned another artist who has done pieces for me, and considers me trustworthy enough to not ask for 100% up front.
Dude, if you did it through paypal and did NOT gift him the money, then you can easily get your money back.
That's terrible. See if there's some way to get a refund. Sorry to hear of this misfortune.
If you're interested in commissioning another artist and don't have one selected yet, I'm going to recommend Smudge Proof. He's on here, has a Tumblr, and he's on Ink Bunny. He's my artist, and he's pretty diverse and willing to draw just about anything.
I wish you better fortunes in the future.
MysticAlpha does good work, is reasonably priced (not $30 reasonably though), and didn't screw me, at least.
Just for future reference.
Might it be worth naming the person in question?
Just so people are aware of who to avoid giving money too.
2310902 That might be considered naming and shaming, which may be against blog rules.
2310942 In this case, you're warning about a thief. You don't "shame" a thief, they do it to themselves with their actions.
Check their skype and other website information. See if you can get info about their home address or phone number.
I'm fairly certain this counts as theft, so sending an email to a police department nearby may be an option.
You can also send a warning to the thief, demanding your money back or you'll go to the police.
Dishonest people suck
That doesn't sound like fun. Next time you're looking for cover art you can always send me a message, it might not be what your looking for style wise but if it is don't hesitate to send me a message. (I do it for free, so that could give you an idea of the quality, AKA I don't feel comfortable charging people money)
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I believe this is what PayPal is for. I've filed a formal dispute. He has 7 days to respond, then I can officially raise it to a claim.
2311216 I was willing to believe that he was honestly just caught up in the chaos of moving across the country, but in that case, he should have closed commissions until he is able to complete them in a timely manner (I have said as much in my dispute). It wasn't until he repeatedly disappeared from Skype the instant I asked for an update. That's when I started getting pissed. If he doesn't respond to the dispute, I'll probably get refunded, and I'll make a post on Artists Beware.
As a person living in Rhode Island, I'm so sorry.
Also, we are a state.
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I am the artist in question and I've got a shitty explanation but it's the only thing I've got. Regardless, whether or not he utilizes my services again is moot; I'm going to follow through on this project as I have finally gotten internet again.
2312317 you didn't need to tell everyone. Just keep your business between miles and yourself.
2312399 I like being honest and admitting my faults and mistakes. If I'm not man enough to do it, I'm not man enough to ask $30 for a picture.
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Identifying yourself was a bit risky man, but if it helps you save face more power to ya..
You've tagged particular people who responded a certain way, rather just writing a comment to miles that everyone can read. Hope that doesn't suggest you feel under attack, as I don't think most of us intended that. With the exception of one or two comments, we're giving out generalized advice and sympathy to miles, not telling him we're getting the pitchforks ready for him. Hope you guys can work it out.
Peace
2312560 I tagged every comment except Miles', because he would get a notification regarding my post regardless so I was speaking to everybody whom had commented. Either way, I didn't wish distress, tension or division amongst other users so I wanted to set the record straight that it's my fault and I can only blame myself.
Plus, I messaged Miles on Skype anyways.
Sounds perfectly reasonable.
Oh, well that's definitely good of you to do so.
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2312588 It makes sense, plus it mans that nobody who hasn't checked back on this blog will be "left out of the loop" and think nothing has happened.
Good on ya, artist.