Ah, that one's tricky. Personally I think you're very well within your rights to check in every few months and most artists I know are okay with that. So, I think you're doing everything right. Sorry that I can't give better advice.

I really hope you haven't come across some bad ones here *hugs*

I agree with Tygon here (i'd say you've waited enoug for both of them).

Hollie, it saddens me when you're unhappy, for you're one of the nicest people I've met. But in regards to your situation, I'm afraid all you can really do is wait, and ask for updates periodically. Exactly what you've been doing. If it goes on too long, maybe post on a buyer beware page.

Frankly, I admire your restraint in not call them out publicly (by name). I'm still very new to the Fandom and the world of commissioned art. The few pieces I have commissioned took maybe a month to complete. Anything I commissioned at a con (okay, the two things I commissioned at a con) were both delivered at the end of the weekend.

I understand that many artists here are young, and they see commissions as a way to make a few quick dollars when there's a bill (or another con) coming up. Commissions are like credit cards - they let you buy something now and pay for it later. And if an artist keeps opening commissions to pay for more stuff without keeping up with the work load, it's the same as defaulting on a credit card. There's a degree of responsibility not being met. In any other arena, there would be a place where those people are listed (a "caveat emptor" page) so people know what they're getting into. FA, I'm certain, would never risk pissing off its members by identifying them as slackers, but if we don't share specifics, how will others know?

Too bad there's not a Better Furry Business Bureau. :)

Personally, I would send a note about the badge from MFM stating that you are no longer interested in commissioning him/her. 9 months would be well past my limit of patience.

As for the key chain, since you've already paid, and have already sent a note recently, I would wait a week for a reply. Two at most and send another asking for a an estimate for when the artist would fit it into their schedule.

There is currently a web site for writers that lists how long before publishers replied to a submission and whether the submission was accepted or denied. There could be a site where buyers post when they commissioned an artist and when they received the commissioned work. There would have to be a process for an artist to respond to any entry and to prevent spamming entries against a particular artist.

It could list average time for each artist. With no text display to prevent the all too common flame wars.

Hrmm. Something to think about.

Nine months is a fairly significant wait. In your position, I would rather firmly ask again, but be prepared to write it off and money lost and a lesson learned if he responds poorly. The keychain, the read but ignored note....that's a bad sign. Perhaps another lesson learned. Another firm "Hey, I feel like I'm being ignored here, and that's not acceptable" note is absolutely in order, and just because an artist says they don't like "pestering" doesn't mean you forfeit your right to communication and updates...and a product for your money, damn it.

I've been burned by quite a few artists in my -- heavens, almost twenty-five years in furry fandom. Sorry to hear that you're facing similar issues.

Hollie (HUGS)...

I'm with Dusty on this, in terms of firmly asking again. If you have the physical mailing address of either artist, I would suggest:

1) List the date of the order and/or payment;

2) List the item involved and the amount paid;

3) Explain in a polite yet business like manner that, while you understand delays can occur, you have concerns about the length of time to complete the order.

Most important is to be polite, but also consider sending it registered (then you've got the acknowledgment of receipt).



In the end, however, Dusty's also right in that it maybe a situation where you have to chalk it up to money lost.


I hope it gets worked out in a positive way Hollie, and I hope the artists involved understand that word of mouth about their ... discrepancies... could also derail future business for them.

Hollie, I think you need to talk to them. At the very least, if they dont want to take your commission, they should offer you a refund.

Regarding the first artist:

If you have not received your badge by the 4th of July, call them out publicly.

Be factual in everything you say. Do not let your opinion enter the matter.

It only requires an hour or two for an artist to do a badge. We know, because we can watch other artists do it on Livestream, and have seen them do it on Livestream. If this artist takes longer than that, they are not a very good artist.

If they cannot finish a two hour chore in nine months, lie about it, and claim that you are badgering them when you have send less than one email per month about it, they DESERVE to be called out.

There are a few websites dedicated to calling out bad artists. One of the best is a livejournal community: "Artists Beware"