Okay so I’m stealing this idea from a friend of mine who went out looking for some suggestions, but I am in a bit of a sticky spot.
Those of you that are involved with the art community are normally at least one of these groups:
- The artist doing commissions.
- The commissioner paying artists to do artwork.
- Observer and fan.
If you’re part of the third group, feel free to chime in but I’m looking for advice from group one and two.
Little background first:
I am an artist. I have done artwork for money ranging from original characters to templates for gaia b/c pets (the gaiaonline equivalent to adoptables if you aren’t familiar with the site.) I am aware that there are problems on both sides of the business transactions fence. I have done work and have been stiffed payment. I have had customers demand that I do a work in progress before they send payment, and while I do my half- I never see theirs. I have done art trades and completed my half only to have the other artist ignore every attempt at communication after they get their artwork from me. I understand the risk comes with the job- and I do my best to be a good person to hire. I send frequent works in progress, I inform customers if something will take a long time, and I’m always up front with what I will and will not do.
I understand the argument from the scope of the artist very, very well. However… Here’s my problem.
Jan 15, 2011 I paid an artist for two pieces. Nov 14, 2012 I sent a reminder note to the artist. The artist replied with:
Oh hello! I’m so sorry, I thought I’d sent out all the commissions! That is quite a while ago, I’ll have to dig around in my old computer for your file and I’ll see if I can’t get it to you this weekend when I get home from school; I’m so sorry about this!I sent the information again and have yet to hear from her. I sent another note Jan 19, 2013 to ask for either my art or a refund on the money I spent. This artist is advertising that her commissions are open on DeviantArt and Tumblr.
I also have another artist who owes me two pieces from an art trade that I completed my half of on September 14, 2009. Like the first artist, I have made multiple attempts at contact and while the artist frequently posts that they are open for commissions, she has ignored any of my attempts to contact her via DeviantArt and Tumblr.
Now part of me wants to leave well enough alone but both artists are looking to take on more business without finishing what they owe beforehand. I might not be the only one that gets stiffed by these two individuals. It’s been years and I have lost money and time on these individuals who are still looking for business for their artwork.
Should I post a buyer beware in regards to these artists to warn other potential commissioners away from them?