Beware of,..... myself

[battyvitae.livejournal.com]

I feel really crappy right now about my recent commission status.
I'm wondering if I could get some advice as to how to handle my blunder.

See, I do the squiggly icons. A few weeks ago I started taking commissions for the squiggly icons.. I must have gotten like 100 of them, and I've only finished maybe 20.

Problem is, I haven't been able to finish the rest because of life situations.. Last night I was rushed to the ER with severe mouth pain (I'm actually on very strong painkillers right now) AND I'm going to be making a major move this week (from Florida to Tennesee) and I know I won't be able to make the squiggly icons.

Now, I would be more then willing to offer a refund to those who don't wish to wait for me to be moved into my new place, the problem is ...I'm broke. I couldn't refund everyone because I don't have the funds to do so right now.

I still plan on making them as soon as I can, but unfortunatly "soon" is more like in the next two weeks or so.

I realize my blunder in taking too many icon commissions at once, but I'de like to hear some advice on what I should do so that the people who baught the icons don't get TOO angry at me.

Comments

[mix-hyenataur.livejournal.com]

I've been meaning to get ahold of you since AC.

I have your badge!!!

Contact me with your addy:

chootomix@yahoo.com

[mirsathia.livejournal.com]

Wow, I've wanted one of those for a long time. ;__;

I'd say just be honest, and either LJ and/or email them all explaining that it'll be longer than you had anticipated (Being in the hospital is definitely a good explanation for being late, as is moving!!) If they want their money back rather than being patient to wait, well.. There's not much you can do except promise to send them their refund as soon as possible. As long as the lines of communication are open though, I'm pretty sure than any decent person will be very understanding of your situation. :)

[fauxpawroo.livejournal.com]

Aww that sucks :( I wish you lots of luck.

Btw what part of Tennessee? I'm a chattanoogian myself ^___^

best wishes and get well soon

~FauxPaw

[battyvitae.livejournal.com]

Memphis actually :) Bartlett (sp?) to be exact, we're moving in temporaraly into a condo there. From there we're going to save up and move somewhere in Memphis

[fauxpawroo.livejournal.com]

Ahh thats lovely ^___^ Well I hope you enjoy it there. Tennessee is a really nice state to live in despite what some people say. The scenary is pretty and the people are semi- decent. If you ever have a chance to head down to Chattanooga I can tell you some awesome stuff to see :D

Anyway I'm jibbering! good luck!

~FP

[fauxpawroo.livejournal.com]

oh can I add you?

[battyvitae.livejournal.com]

Most certainly :)

[fauxpawroo.livejournal.com]

yays!

[animecat.livejournal.com]

Yay, you're gonna be in Bartlett! That's very near where Alexander Katz lives. And I can come up and visit you, since I'm only 2 hours away!

And I'll be patient and wait for the second squgglie, just as long as you don't forget. ;)

[battyvitae.livejournal.com]

All squigglies aren't forgotten, but mearly put aside until we've settled into our new place. :/

[saitenyo.livejournal.com]

I second what mirsathia said, I find most commissioners are very understanding about these sorts of things so long as you keep them informed. When real life gets in the way I honestly don't think two weeks is a very long wait. I inform commissioners upfront that if they commission me during the school year it may take anywhere from several weeks to three months depending on my workload, and people do still seem willing to commission me anyway so long as I keep them updated on the progress.

[ex-midnightf139.livejournal.com]

I think that if you let everybody know what's going on, they shouldn't be too judgemental or angry with you. Bad things happen, and it's not your fault. You'll get back to doing them when you're alright again, right? It should be okay, just keep them updated.
Best wishes to you!

[ironbadger.livejournal.com]

Only two weeks?
Thats nothing- just let people know that you'll be delayed due to health issues and that you'll get them done as soon as you can once your situation stabilizes.

I don't know anyone so unreasonable or childish that they wouldn't understand something like that.

-Badger-

[izzyferret.livejournal.com]

Don't say that, you'll jinx it >_> Plus, there ARE some people...

(and for the record, I agree with this comment. XD)

[lacy.livejournal.com]

With something as minor as a two week delay, I would just be sure to post a little note on LJ and let people know you have real life issues to attend to currently and you'll be back at work on the icons within a couple weeks. I wouldn't call this a big deal at all-- most people just let others know and continue on, I don't think most people honestly expect a near-instant turn around on art commissions.

[ultraviolet.livejournal.com]

Its ok hun. Life happens and least your honest and step out to tell people how it goes. Thats respectable.

I know I am perfectly happy to wait on our trade. Your health comes first, then you can focus on getting the commissions you owe . *hugs*

Good luck on a smooth move too!

[wereguitar.livejournal.com]

People should understand, at least you arent ignoring them, you're being upfront and honest :)

Ive seen those icons around, they're awesome! Congrats on getting that many requests, Im sure once you get settled and feel better you'll be able to handle the situation :)

[thornwolf.livejournal.com]

Firstly, big "D'oh!" for taking on 100 commissions at once, but honestly 2 weeks more is NOT a long time to wait for a commission, especially one of the animated variety.

As others have said, just be honest, explain whats going on, and still offer a refund to everyone you contact, you'd be surprised at how many people would rather wait for the art rather than get their money back right away.

[filthy-animal.livejournal.com]

What everyone else said. Explain your situation and offer a refund but make sure they understand the refund itself won't be soon either if they decided on it.

I'm sure anyone sensible will understand.

[thaily.livejournal.com]

Shit happens, but I agree with the rest.
As long as you're honest most people will be pretty understanding.

[akeyla.livejournal.com]

people will understand, dear,and it is your health first, thats clear. one to two weeks is not much, I'm not gonna tell you what is my average.... ohdear...
also, if you make clear on other places (LJ, homepage, etc) that you are gone for some health issues but will return to work again when you're fine again I dont think anyone will complain.
And if someone does, then thats no good person to work with either, even if on time and healthy. A real commissioner will wait for a good product :) lots of luck and take care, and most of all, if you're on killars, take a good rest, okay? *hugs*

[art-batty.livejournal.com]

Hey Vitae, it's Pulsifer (bat-tron) and speaking as one of the many who commissioned squiggly icons, i shall tell you, that I don;t mind waiting another two weeks. I understand circumstances out of your control. I am sure that if you wrote one email and forwarded it to all the people who commissioned you they wpuld understand as well. Get them done as soon as you are able and I'm sure it'll all be okay.

Take care of yourself and I hope you are well again soon :3 Also I hope you don't have too big of a difficulty moving, due to illness. Much luff and well wishings.

[skanrashke.livejournal.com]

Just email them and explain to them what happened. If they don't understand and are pissy and whiny; then offer them a refund when you can afford it.