black list

[caishide.livejournal.com]

so i'm about to go to anthro con. and i have the tendency to get wooed into buying art at conventions, so i'm worried i might run into a situation with someone we have previously been warned about.

my problem is that i'm AWFUL with names. i'm better at remembering pieces of work or drawing styles. and half the people mentioned in this community i've never even heard of. so i was wondering if you guys could comment here and help me make a black list of artists/aliases i should avoid dealings with at all costs, and maybe if at all possible, links to galleries so i can regognize the style?

it would help me out ALOT and i would be most appreciative

Comments

[furrysantuary.livejournal.com]

I believe most of the artists they warn about have to do with commisions over the internet, where shipping is involved, a longer time frame, etc. I haven't heard of any burns AT conventions themselves.

But if you were going to be looking for someone to commision something that you would be receiving AFTER the con, then a list may be handy.

Just remember, the people mentioned on this board are from bad experiences by one or more people, and the artists may not nessisarily be 'bad' artists. Sometimes bad days or bad months are the reason, and sometimes people can fabricate things. I just don't want to see a decent artist get passed over becuase their name was on a list from a one-time thing. :)

[caishide.livejournal.com]

i'm speaking of commissions at the con, commissions recieved after the con, etcetc... really any situation with a disreputable artist in which i could get screwed over.

you do have a point with the one time bad commish artist thing, and i'll use my judgement, but right now when i have a pretty tight budget at ac i want to be extra sure i'm not dealing with someone that could rip me off

and beyond commissions, i remember several stories somewhere in the archives about people who won't leave you alone after doing a sketchbook trade, people hounding you, etcetc. i just want to avoid as much trouble as possible by being forewarned

[murasadramon.livejournal.com]

Get sketchbook art, not full commissions. When you ask the artist for a pic, ask how long it will take, and hold them to that.

[theregaltigress.livejournal.com]

Actually, I'd have to kindly disagree with you there: the one thing I never get at conventions anymore are sketchbooks, and likewise it is rare for me to do them simply because unless you are quick, they frustrate the artist and the customer a lot because they "hold up the line" unless you have multiple sketchbooks.

Also, when you are getting commisions on the spot, make sure to exchange info like an email address or even a phone number so the commission can get where it's going (for my own stuff, I've had some people never pick up their badge or sketch, and likewise sometimes I've gotten overwhelemed and had to send a few out after the con, in which case I am VERY thankful for contact info).

-Kymba

[auradeva.livejournal.com]

There's nothing more annoying than a sketchbook with no name in it!! *tears out hair*

[frisket17.livejournal.com]

Here here!! C_c;

[wolflahti.livejournal.com]

People change. Some get better, some get worse.

The problem with a community such as this is that it implants in one's head a negative image that is unchanging, especially if it's a first impression. I know people who are still boycotting Gallo wine because of the grape-harvesters strike in the early '70s.

Blacklists tend to be written in indelible ink. :P

[caishide.livejournal.com]

how about a grey list, then?

all i really want is a list of people who i probably ought to avoid THIS YEAR. i don't carry grudges often, and if someone proves him or herself to have bettered himorherself, i'm quick to turn over a new leaf.

[drakenhart.livejournal.com]

My suggestions:

Have a list of what you want to buy. Animals, themes, etc...

Buy prints but make sure they are of good quality. The paper should be slightly heavy in weight ( not card stock, but not cheap printer paper either ), and the color should be bright with no lines running through it.

If you want to comission someone for a personal piece, grab your friends that you KNOW and ask them about the different artists.

Also, taking a notepad, write down the names and Aliases of folks you want to approach. Check their websites, art galleries, etc.., make notes.

Then make another list of people to avoid.

Most Dealers either have a sign, or some kind of marker stating who they are. Often an artist name is what sells them. :P Look at Badges, then poitely thank them before moving off.

DON'T EVER buy from anyone who is overly pushy. Most time artist are busy sketching in sketchbooks, doing con badges, etc.., so they should NOT just drop what they are doing to try and push a sale on you.

Also DON'T let a busy artist, who isn't paying attention to you, just keep busy -If you have an honest question-. Pardon yourself first to get their attention, then ask your question, but don't bug them to much either.

Balance. :)

Also, don't let people who snubb you totally take your money. This is a personal thing for me. If an artist, whom I'm preusing their work and asking serious questions about their work.., just snubbs me for one of their friends or someone else entirely with out a pardon.., that's just rude. :P

*wags*

[dhstein.livejournal.com]

There's a guy who gets buys art and then scans and posts it for the world to see. I don't know his name, and I need someone to warn me away from selling to him. I relie on those around me.

[kerstin-orion.livejournal.com]

There are a few folks who have done that. Sibe is one of them, though I doubt he'd go to a con under that name, since too many folks are angry with him. I don't know the names of any others.

[spirit86.livejournal.com]

Maybe I'm a little slow... but why is that a bad thing? I mean, when people commission me I expect them to do that kind of thing. They may ask for it to remain private but then decide later that they really enjoyed the piece and want to share it.

It's not exactly hurting the artist.

[wuffit.livejournal.com]

If anything it's giving you publicity. Unless they crop off your signature (refusal to give you any credit at all).

Or worse, call it his or her own.
Then it's art theft.