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Scammed Too Many Times...
2 years ago
I have now been scammed three times by 'artists' in the past year who have come to me directly in notes or DMs on FA and Twitter, asking for me to give them a chance to draw for me. I did my due diligence and checked on their accounts - ensured they weren't created yesterday, checked the quality of their works and its consistency, confirmed some sort of stable release posting schedule, etc. Even though everything checked out, the moment money transferred hands/accounts, I either got ghosted or I got a product that was so subpar in quality and nowhere near the standard they advertised going into the transaction. In fact, the latest one basically traced parts of my previous commissions to make a 'new' one and it was obvious. Now, I must begin the laborious Paypal refund process to reclaim what I lost for each one, and it's frustrating.
To that end, I am making a decision going forward about commissions I make: Unless you are a known artist I'm aware of by name, or if I'm currently watching you (thus showing interest to one day commission), I will not be accepting 'cold call' DMs or notes from people asking me to commission them. I've been burned enough times now that the answer will always be no. I'm sorry if that sucks for actual real, new artists who are just trying to get their foot in the door, but I simply can't take that chance anymore.
Hope everyone understands my position, and you all have an awesome day and keep enjoying the art I get and post! Follow the artists I support! They're all deserving of your attention!
To that end, I am making a decision going forward about commissions I make: Unless you are a known artist I'm aware of by name, or if I'm currently watching you (thus showing interest to one day commission), I will not be accepting 'cold call' DMs or notes from people asking me to commission them. I've been burned enough times now that the answer will always be no. I'm sorry if that sucks for actual real, new artists who are just trying to get their foot in the door, but I simply can't take that chance anymore.
Hope everyone understands my position, and you all have an awesome day and keep enjoying the art I get and post! Follow the artists I support! They're all deserving of your attention!
..and even that aside, I've commissioned an artist who does daily commissions before and have gotten a near cold shoulder from them in this way: A sketch posted and deleted mere seconds after and a finished product the day after with no option to adjust anything.
Even if they make a nice piece here and there, they treat those few first-timers without respect and take your money for a cheap ripoff! They ofcourse get exactly what they wanted to draw, money on top and more commissions from other fools coming after that.
However, I'm very humbled and appreciative of the positive response this journal has generated.
I feel the best course of action, like someone else stated in the comments, is to block anyone asking you to commission them. That's just... way too desperate. If an artist wants someone to commission them, then they need to advertise hardcore and put in the effort to show they are worth their price tag. Plus, they need to be easy to get in contact with since that is crucial for artists these days! So, when artists go radio silent on clients for months, even years, at a time, it puts a bad taste in my mouth and diminishes their public worth.
I follow you because I love the pieces you commission other artists! I may not be as observant to notice the obvious traced parts of a recent piece you posted. But I do love the universe and characters involved in the pieces! I can really tell you put in a ton of effort with building the world these characters live in, and it's such a shame known artists - like the ones you mention - don't take the time to make the piece worthwhile and unique! I'm so sorry to hear you were cheated out of your hard-earned money by artists that chose the easy way out!
Hopefully soon you can find more artists that can convey the themes you're aiming for in your upcoming pieces!
As for your follow, I am awesomely flattered and I am so happy to hear you love the pieces and the thought and care that is put into about 90% of them! (I'll admit, some are shameless and just for fun, but I do try to make unique pieces and never have repeats if I can help it! And if you're interested in learning more, feel free to check out my commercially published book series: Legend of Ahya! Sold at online English book retailers! :D
Thank you again, I'm very humbled and appreciative of the positive response this journal has generated.
Oh, you're most certainly welcome! I do take the time to read the submissions in my downtime and I do love the lore you've built for the characters! I especially love how each met and have secrets they hold close. My favorites would have to be the dynamics between Taylor and Jack, as well as Ari and Steven! And I will definitely be on the lookout for Legend of Ahya!
I'm sorry to hear you've suffered at the hands of these scammers. Please, anyone reading this, be extremely cautious if an artist approaches you offering their services. I've ordered a lot of art over the years, and none of it has been through someone that approached me. And for this reason!
Thank you very much for the response, I'm very humbled and appreciative of the positive response this journal has generated.
You stay strong, there are amazing artists out there among the rough.
You're also a very sweet person. Thankfully for the Paypal issue, I got a lot of screenshots and evidence for my case.
And it´s your right to decide no not accepting those offers anymore, so don´t feel guilty and no one has the right to blame you for it.
I know that what I've said may sound unfair to artists new to this community, but generally, one who wants to get themselves established should build a portfolio by producing some pieces of their own characters and scenes to show their audience what they can do and build up a reputation for themselves, and only then move on to taking commissions. That's how I did it in my early years - I didn't start taking commissions until my sixth year as a Furry, but I know some will take that step sooner.
After your experiences, good on you for having made that decision. Fingers crossed that you'll be able to get your money back - you simply do not deserve to have anyone stealing from you like this.