Starfinder...

[midnight-foxx.livejournal.com]

As expected, Starfinder has failed once again to provide my mate and I with updates of a 'new' replacement commission (much less the commission itself). This piece was to replace a 'lost' art commission that 'disappeared' in the mail. This commission is a year in waiting and fully paid for... She openly stated to me in an AIM conversation that she would provide a new piece of art in a set period of time (mentioned in the log).

We have waited and waited, poked and prodded. I've asked for updates and been given the run around... I'm just tired of it... Art was promised to us. Yet we only get excuses and rough sketches.


This log is NOT edited in any form.

Session Start (midnightfoxxxx:StarFinderwolf33): Mon May 09 22:48:15 2005
[22:48] MidnightFoxxxx: woof
[22:48] StarFinderwolf33: howdy
[22:48] MidnightFoxxxx: My parents are reporting a package hasn't arrived yet
[22:49] StarFinderwolf33: god fucking damnit. -_-
[22:49] MidnightFoxxxx: I'm not happy, KC is not happy... When she's
not happy, I'm very not happy
[22:49] StarFinderwolf33: if the post office lost it, I'm going to be pissed
[22:49] StarFinderwolf33: in the event that they DID loose it though,
I can and will re-draw it, no problem
[22:49] MidnightFoxxxx: it's a large package....
[22:50] StarFinderwolf33: you'd be surprised what kind of stuff they loose/ruin
[22:50] MidnightFoxxxx: ruin yes... lose, never happened to me
[22:50] StarFinderwolf33: large package or no, if that is the case I
will replace it, no worries.
[22:51] StarFinderwolf33: Well I've recieved other folk's packages
before, so mis-delivery and shit like that happens quite often, more
so than folks think, apparently.
[22:51] MidnightFoxxxx: by the way.... this log file will saved and
nailed to the wall of my new room... just so you know
[22:51] StarFinderwolf33: err...and the reason for that is?
[22:51] MidnightFoxxxx: I've got a trust issue at this point...
[22:51] MidnightFoxxxx: I'm sure you can see why
[22:51] MidnightFoxxxx: *taps his finger*
[22:52] StarFinderwolf33: well you know, from the moment that thing
got dropped of, it left my control. So if anything happened, there is
nothing I can do except re do the piece and ship that out again,
insured this time.
[22:52] MidnightFoxxxx: When exactly was it shipped
[22:53] StarFinderwolf33: I don't know, since my mom took care of the
shipping, and I haven't asked her
[22:53] MidnightFoxxxx: "you said you'd ask her" (KC)
[22:54] StarFinderwolf33: well I forgot to. That's not the only thing
on my mind.
[22:54] MidnightFoxxxx: ummmm.... it should be at the top... and do
you wanna know why?
[22:54] StarFinderwolf33: As I said, I have no problem replacing it if
it's lost, and if it doesn't show up by the end of the week, I will
declare it lost and re-do the image and ship it with UPS this time,
insured for around $150
[22:55] MidnightFoxxxx: *sighs* track it down
[22:55] MidnightFoxxxx: you should have tracking info
[22:56] StarFinderwolf33: look, at this point there is nothing I can
do except replace it if it doesn't turn up in the end. I can't go
track it down, I can't find where the hell it is. If it's stranded
I'll replace it, and that is that. You'll get a newer one, drawn with
my more recent skills and such.
[22:56] MidnightFoxxxx: *sighs*
[22:57] StarFinderwolf33: I'm not psychic, I can't predict where it
went, but as long as it gets replaced, don't complain. You'll get it
one way or another. Either this one will surface, or I will replace it
with a new, possibly larger one
[22:57] StarFinderwolf33: Either way you will get it, new or old.
[22:57] StarFinderwolf33: that is the best I can do at this point in time.
[22:58] StarFinderwolf33: the prints + sketch that were bundled are
also replacable
[22:58] MidnightFoxxxx: well, you WILL provide a date if the
replacement is needed. KC doesn't need to wait a fucking year for it
[22:58] MidnightFoxxxx: or... you just refund the money now, and I'll stop this
[22:59] StarFinderwolf33: Alright then, no problem. If it doesn't show
up by the end of this week, I'll have a replacement for you.
[22:59] StarFinderwolf33: Refund what fucking money, at this point I;m
ready to sell my ass on the corner for $15, that's how bad my
situation is. So as I said, you'll get your replacement if it does not
re-surface
[23:00] StarFinderwolf33: A replacement should take me no longer than
1 week to paint, at 14x17 size (larger than the original 11x14)
[23:00] StarFinderwolf33: so if that is the case, I can and will
replace it, I already said this like what, 20+ times?
[23:02] MidnightFoxxxx: If that pic doesn't arrive this week, a
replacement will be done by the end of the following week.
[23:02] StarFinderwolf33: uhhmm..that's what I said, isn't it?
[23:02] StarFinderwolf33: you're just re-stating what I already said
[23:02] MidnightFoxxxx: I wanna be doubly sure...
[23:02] MidnightFoxxxx: I'm not a game player...
[23:02] StarFinderwolf33: well fine, whatever floats your boat.
[23:03] MidnightFoxxxx: Look, I can understand life is hell... but,
I've got a rather pissed fiancee sitting next to me...
[23:03] MidnightFoxxxx: you are gonna make my life hell if she isn't
happy about this
[23:03] StarFinderwolf33: No, you can't understand what I'm going
through, and you never will, so don't say that you do. You don't.
[23:04] MidnightFoxxxx: then enlighten me
[23:04] MidnightFoxxxx: you know I'll listen to a point
[23:04] MidnightFoxxxx: basically once I see something shiny
[23:04] MidnightFoxxxx: I'm gonna leave
[23:04] MidnightFoxxxx: but I'm here right now
[23:05] StarFinderwolf33: Enlighten you, how? The only way to truly
understand what I feel is to have experienced it yourself, as my
brother's girlfriend has. She understands. She's been through similar
things.
[23:05] MidnightFoxxxx: I've been on this planet a lot longer than
you.. don't pull that
[23:05] MidnightFoxxxx: I've seen things
[23:06] MidnightFoxxxx: done things.
[23:06] MidnightFoxxxx: rape, deaths, theft, assualts, suicide
attempts... my list can go on for a lil ways
[23:06] StarFinderwolf33: No words, spoken or written, no matter how
eloquent, can truly make anyone understand a situation they haven't
experienced. Well fine and dandy that you did things and have seen
things, but your experiences and mine are different, and as such they
left a different impact.
[23:07] MidnightFoxxxx: wooooooo shiny
[23:07] StarFinderwolf33: So can mine, however I don't feel the need
to spill my guts out to anyone about personal matters, especially when
that person has so called 'trust issues' with me. I don't need people
turning more shit against me, especially personal stuff.
[23:08] MidnightFoxxxx: look, I'm not a game player... meaning, I
don't really wanna feed rumors based on one person's life, or state
shit that is blown out of perportion
[23:08] StarFinderwolf33: now really, I have a headache, and I'd
rather not argue anymore. I have other things to do tonight.
[23:09] MidnightFoxxxx: heh... as do i.... I'll be expecting that
package by Friday...
[23:09] StarFinderwolf33: okay then. If it doesn't show up I'll have a
painting done as a replacement (and I'll photograph it as a work
inprogress, and every step of the way, if you're THAT damn skeptical)
[23:10] MidnightFoxxxx: thank you.. have a nice evening.
Session Close (StarFinderwolf33): Mon May 09 23:10:19 2005


Session Start (midnightfoxxxx:StarFinderwolf33): Mon May 09 23:10:25 2005
[23:10] StarFinderwolf33: yeah..sure..
Session Close (StarFinderwolf33): Mon May 09 23:10:28 2005


In both instances with Starfinder, she only provided us with a sketch of the commission.


This is the first sketch from over a year ago.


Here is the second sketch.



I'm also currently aware of many people that have issues with this person.

Now, I'm not the one who commissioned Starfinder, but I'm the one taking charge of insuring that the new piece gets finished and delivered...

She also refuses to refund the money, saying she will provide the art.... she hasn't given us more than the sketches...

Two sketches that aren't worth the $100 that was paid to Starfinder.

Comments

[wereguitar.livejournal.com]

Are the two sketches above what you were expecting in the mail? Or what was put in the mail, was that a finish product? Im surprised you didnt see the end result first, then had it mailed to you, thats odd. (if that's indeed correct)

I cant believe she promised you a finished replacement commission by the end of the week a couple months ago and you never heard word from her since.

Word of advice for you Starfinder, stop making your parents do your business for you. Start shipping parcels out yourself so you can at least have a clue if they were shipped or not. Thats a prick job.

[midnight-foxx.livejournal.com]

the sketches are just scans or something off her tablet... I'm not sure which, but those are the only updates and proof she did anything in the first place. We don't have any physical/printed/draw pictures on paper.

[kaputotter.livejournal.com]

Not to mention insuring it, so that if the post office does lose it or damage it, you can blame them! Easy as pie!

[dunaerin.livejournal.com]

I have known for a long time that Starfinder is a crook [and not as talented as she claims to be- anyone can copy photos], and that she's rather full of herself.
ALSO, she claims to have troubles? She sits there and takes all these 'emergencey' skethc commissions to help with the mortgage or whatever, and then all of a sudden buys a 900 dollar camera with an 'anonynomous' 300 dollars?!

I doubt she even finished the commisisons, let alone shipped them out. I myself can have a bit of a hard time wit h shipping because I am often ill, but I at least finish the commission and get it out.

[midnight-foxx.livejournal.com]

She didn't finish them.. and talks about other commissions made and paid for... the money being spent long before any work is actually done.

[martes.livejournal.com]

As I've said every time (and there's been many times) the subject of Starfinder has come up in this group-- people should not give money to a child and expect adult behavior. At this point anyone who gives her one red cent before she's 18 and can be hauled into small-claims court is a fool, particularly if they've read through the posts about her on this group.

[midnight-foxx.livejournal.com]

I've dealt with many artists under 18... Starfinder is the only one I've had trouble with.

[xianjaguar.livejournal.com]

Agreed with martes.
I am so clueless as to why people even commission her! It's almost like people ENJOY punishment. ;P

[midnight-foxx.livejournal.com]

KC hadn't had trouble with Starfinder until this happened.

[dingybatty.livejournal.com]

To be fair, she can't do anything if the art was lost in the mail. Though, once my parents sent me a package for my birthday (in October) that arrived in December. Those were some expensive goods..
She didn't send you a scan or picture of the finished product though? That does seem weird. Have you contacted her since your last conversation?

[midnight-foxx.livejournal.com]

I spoke with a postal worker for the USPS... They said a picture this size would be beyond hard to lose. Given we have nothing to show she actually finished the first one, we think she just gave us the almighty lip service... -.-

My mate asked her directly to scan it, and she just gave us an excuse for not doing that even... even though she said yes to my mate's request...

[korrok.livejournal.com]

I don't think it's fair of people to blame you guys for commissioning her. I'd certainly not have known until a month or so ago about the problems with her, and it's not fair to tar everyone under 18 with the same brush...plus she does seem pretty reputable before you go to communities like this.

But yeah, the fact that you've not seen the finished article says to me that the "lost in the mail" story is a load of rubbish. As she is under 18 though, I'm not sure what you can do. I hope someone more knowledgable can advise though.

Korrok

[midnight-foxx.livejournal.com]

You should've seen all the other remarks and BS she fed us regarding the 'shipment' of the picture... The logs are just too numerous to post... Live Journal would need an entire server to hold all the BS she's given us.

[xianjaguar.livejournal.com]

But people TALK. Honestly, she's really messed over a lot of people. Word tends to get around. You'd almost have to be in a bubble not to know about her, or Steve Martin, or Brian O' Connell. Sure, these people might be nice and all, but people just KNOW not to commission them, due to all the talk that gets around.

I think in the back of a lot of people's minds who commission artists like that, is they are thinking "well, they may have screwed a few people here and there but it won't happen to me...."

[thornwolf.livejournal.com]

Agreed. She goes through bouts of "turning things around" and its people's nature to want to forgive and forget, unfortunately it comes back to bite us in the ass.

[lunarfilly.livejournal.com]

Commission or not I tend to scan every drawing that I do and keep the files on disk because I want some part of the original to always remain with me. Especially if I'm going to sell the piece.

I think most artist that can do this , tend to do this. I personally never ask for more than 1/2 the cost of my commissions up front * most of the time I don't ask anything up front at all until the image is finished * . I feel this is a good way to be fair to those that have commissioned me and also to myself. That way if things did come up ( this protects from sudden money problems too to were I don't have to worry about refunds.) ... they wouldn't be out any cash at all... and hope for no hard feelings and understanding of whatever the situation that I am in may be.

I hope you get your money back or your commission soon, but fear your holding your breathe for nothing. I've heard the I've already shipped and the mail lost it from several other people who commissioned her. Its a tired excuse.

[martes.livejournal.com]

I've heard the I've already shipped and the mail lost it from several other people who commissioned her. Its a tired excuse.

I've been doing comissions and business on EBay and Furbid for years, and I've had only a few instances of things 'lost' in the mail, out of hundreds of transactions. With artwork, I ALWAYS make a scan and/or copy of it before mailing. It saved my ass once, when a badge did get lost in the mail. I was able to take the scan and make a replacement out of that.

[trikkeh.livejournal.com]

I'm sorry, but if your personal life is that messed up you shouldn't be taking commissions in the first place. If for some reason those problems came up after the commission was placed, refund so much of the money until a later date when you can resume work.

Those sketches don't look anything like Starfinder's *actual* work. Come to think of it, when she did do those $10 sketches I ordered two. The first one came out beautiful, but the second one was utter crap and I wouldn't have paid $2 for it. I have a bad habbit of keeping my mouth shut and just accepting it, but the last three people I have commissioned have screwed me over. I'm threw with it, from now on if I don't like something i'm going to let them know.

[ebonytigress.livejournal.com]

You should let people know if you dislike what they're doing or how they're operating, especially if they refuse to let you know what's going on -ever-.

[midnight-foxx.livejournal.com]

The only reason I actually got a good $10 sketch... get this... she ran that WHOLE fucking idea by me for approval! She asked me about pricing, what should go into it... blah blah, ect ect.... I told her I'd like one... she had mine to me in about 10 minutes.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v419/MidnightFoxy/midkc.jpg

I dunno... it's not that bad... but yeah...

[nambroth.livejournal.com]

As a person that does a lot of commission work, please do tell folks when there's something you don't like. I always want my commissioners to do so, so that I can make things right and have them feel they got their money's worth.

[airukitsu.livejournal.com]

:/ Yeah, I didn't really KNOW her till just last January at FC'05. She seemed like one of those girls at school that is too Holy for thou. She was always complaining and there were rumors that her father was forcing her to draw so she could make money. And then she would complain about only getting $800 on an auction... but that doesnt really have anything to do with this... >>

I would have still commissioned her if I really had that kind of money because granted, she can draw and she can draw well. I had no idea she was bad at actually getting commissions to people until I heard friends of mine talking about her notoriety for that. :/ It's not your fault you commissioned her, it's HER fault for not being responsible and saying, "If I can't draw this in time or I cant keep the money they paid till the picture gets to the customer, then I shouldn't take these commissions." I think she expects too much out of herself. Like, she thinks she is much greater than she really is... and just cannot produce like she wishes she could. But I dunno.

I am sorry to hear about that, just make sure you keep warning people about this so they dont make the same accident. :< Let us know how that second one goes.

[midnight-foxx.livejournal.com]

I actually wrote this whole post this last night and this morning on my laptop, just waiting for Star to fuck this up. This whole thing is here because she failed us the second time by exceeding her time frame. Sadly, I don't think we'll get anything... this way anyway... I've got other plans in mind.

[shy-matsi.livejournal.com]

wow, I was going to commission her.. I gave her a full description, and told her what I want and gave the pose and setting artistic feedom, it was going to be pretty big and would've cost me over $800, I told her to start it and she said she'd have a sketch for me right away and would start it that night.. a few days later I emailed her again and asked her if there is anything else she needed from me.. She asked for a desc and a pose and such.. and just then I fwd a copy of the letter and never even bothered replying...

Now I'm glad I didn't follow up even more.. it's artists like her that make my cash stay in my pocket even though I really want the art.

[midnight-foxx.livejournal.com]

I'm glad I was able to save you the major pain of dealing with her in full. I knew there was a reason to post this yesterday rather than later this week. Who knows.. I'm just glad I could help you keep that money and that she not get another dime of someone's hard earned money.

If you don't mind me asking, is the first you've heard about Starfinder's true business practices?

[ratbat.livejournal.com]

lol you could have given me that 100$ an gotten something much better ;3

[acrimonius.livejournal.com]

Or maybe just "gotten something, period."

[anjel-kitty.livejournal.com]

From the sketches above she looks like she is really talented. I saw that my friend golawaya had purchased a print of an awesome werewolf picture from her at Furcon and I was blown away by her talent at such a young age. But talent doesn't translate to maturity. And apparently while she is very good, she can't handle all the attention and money people are throwing at her in the fandom. HOpefully when she grows up a bit she will be able to handle the commissions people send her.