http://phycofire.livejournal.com/ ([identity profile] phycofire.livejournal.com) wrote in [community profile] artists_beware2013-08-14 10:11 am

Does improper conduct deserve a beware?

So I wanted some advice, and I'm leaving all names out until I come to a conclusion on weather or not I should post them up here. I'll be brief on the subject, but I commissioned someone exactly almost two years ago for two pictures. A week after I placed my commission they completed my first piece and told me the next would be done in the following days. Hard times fell on this artist after that, so I gave them some slack.  Since then, I was put on a reserved status slot after they'd given me a WIP of my second piece, I was cool with that, after all, It had only been two weeks since I placed my commission. Over the time I've waited, the artist has taken new commissions out of stream (and finished them), and had countless in stream commissions they've finished as well. My commission has sat in the dust, basically, for a year and 7 months to this day, and I wanted to know if it was right to post an AB on an artist's commission ethics (Example: Taking a regular slot commission, then taking a bunch more commissions and putting my commission in a 'reserved' slot after I paid for everything up front, letting it sit for almost two years, and then pumping out newer commissioner's art without budging the reserved status commissioners for this whole time).  I'm sure I could get a refund, but I really just don't agree with how the artist has handled their commissioners, and I was wondering if this is something that should be posted to artist beware, as this artist has given me trouble with my commission.

[identity profile] neolucky.livejournal.com 2013-08-14 09:57 pm (UTC)(link)
Some questions should probably be answered before someone makes a beware about the etchics of an artist/customer (We do accept them on rare occasions):

1.) Did you try to contact the artist within that 19 month period?
2.) Have you tried for a refund yet?
3.) Do you feel this artist is pulling the run-around on other customers as well?

I ask because sometimes, artists forget things. It's absolutely NO excuse, but it can explain why they take on more work after yours.

I would say yes, form a beware and put as much evidence of their ethics as you can, such as proof of poor communication, or attitude, or proof of deadlines. Anything that could show how long you've waited. And lastly, try to contact the artist a final time before you make a post. It's worth it to try once more. There's no guarantee this would fit a beware, but trying never hurts.

[identity profile] spytdragonfyre.livejournal.com 2013-08-15 12:21 am (UTC)(link)
Well, have you asked about your commission? I'd say post a beware if they've continuously ignored yours and refuse to refund or work on it.

[identity profile] skulldog.livejournal.com 2013-08-15 01:22 am (UTC)(link)
Seconding the motion to directly ask the artists. Be firm, ask them to set a due date, and to stick to it, or you want a refund. Also, if you liked the first image, let them know, knowing that they've blown off someone that enjoys their work and was willing to wait that long might really help get them moving.

I seriously hope this is more of a case of someone that set something aside and completely forgot about it, since it sounded like they did a good job finishing the first part.

[identity profile] thaily.livejournal.com 2013-08-15 09:01 am (UTC)(link)
If she ignores your attempts to contact her or just brushes you off, yes, definitely.

[identity profile] mekania.livejournal.com 2013-08-15 09:06 pm (UTC)(link)
I'd say it's a beware whether you've contacted them or not. There's no excuse for paid commissions to be put on a reserved list while new commissions are being taken. But if you haven't contacted them, I would try to get it resolved first (without mentioning artist's beware at all) and then post the warning about their behavior.