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https://artists-beware.livejournal.com/827485.html Update - 3/12/2015 - Resolved I have finally been sent a refund by the artist. Proof of refund: This is the first time I've been burnt by an artist and my first beware. I really really don't want to have to post this, but I feel there is no choice left in the matter 6 months after being promised a refund that never came. TL:DR version is I paid for art, artist cancelled 3 months later, another two months went by with me trying to get my refund before they cut off contact. Now I'm posting this because, well, what else can I do? WHO: Avante92 WHERE: http://www.furaffinity.net/user/avante92/ WHAT: Basic digital art, $35 commission. Was to be a picture of one of my characters and a person who is dear to me. I of course had the permission of said person to get them included in this art. WHEN: I made the request in July 2014. At first the person contacted me, they were not comfortable drawing one of the characters as a plush, so I said it was ok to make them both normal furs. Months passed and in September 2014, I was contacted to say due to circumstances out of their control, they had to cancel my commission (and implied I wasn't the only one). I was promised a full refund that would be coming "soon". I'm sure you all can guess how it went from there. PROOF: Initial contact So I give the my info and pay my $35. Their acceptance is below: And my proof of payment: ... and then in September.. cancellation. And then the excuses start. I was pretty easy going about this given how long I waited to keep reaching out about it. Ok, so they are having trouble, but I'm starting to lose patience quickly. Its $35, not a whopping amount really. Most people spend that on a gas every week or two. Also there is the whole thing where an artist should not make their problems their customers problems. If it means asking your friends for loans, thats fine, its at least being up front and most artists I've seen who have this problem do just that. But jerking around your customers to get a free loan? That is just bad 😕 Finally I've had enough after antoher two weeks. No more Mr. Nice Fur. EXPLAIN: Pretty much explained it all above in the sceenies. I've seen this person finish many commissions, but I have to wonder how many people also never got art. If you see this person open, and their art is really quite good, I would steer clear because this person cannot be trusted with your money and there is no telling how many other people have been victimized. In the future I will now be paying via paypal using a credit card and having a 6 month limit on waiting so I can do a chargeback if things go south or they don't make the deadline. Sadly bank transfers don't have much more than 90 days of being able to charge back and by the time they cancelled on me, it was already too late to get my money that way. I really hate to adopt such a policy, but its people like this that make it necessary 😕 Oh and I'll also add, I don't know if FA will suspend people who do this crap, but I put in a ticket asking and in true FA style it was never gotten to by an Admin.

https://artists-beware.livejournal.com/826160.html EDIT: i've been refunded. they contacted me saying they lost my refs, but i asked for a refund instead which they gave me- this can be marked as resolved! --- WHO: http://827772.deviantart.com/ WHERE: http://827772.deviantart.com/ they also have a twitter that is listed publically on their deviantart account profile which is how i've been contacting them since their hiatus: https://twitter.com/taraopta even though my twitter was set to protected and currently is set as such, they do have my deviantart account to send me my art/or reply, and as stated in the explain portion, i did change my twitter from being protected for several days in waiting for a reply, giving them a chance to. WHAT: a couples fullbody image that ended up being $28. i split the payment with a friend but handled the transaction by myself. WHEN: i ordered the commission october 10th 2014, and i contacted her over twitter in january 20th 2015 after noticing there was a hiatus status on their deviantart, and have been in the dark since the beginning of february waiting for some sort of response. PROOF: payment: http://i.imgur.com/aAi6tQa.png attempted dispute: http://i.imgur.com/BPBI9fV.png someone told me i should dispute it even though it'd be automatically closed for paypal's records if i need to take this to the business bureau. EXPLAIN: on october 10th i commissioned a couples fullbody from them, this is the entirely of my note of our back and forths with confirmation of payment sent. when i commissioned her, i was under the impression that even though she has more than 3 people ahead of me, that 'i'll start as soon as i'm paid' meant maybe she wasn't working fully in order like it shows on her profile, and i was in no rush either way because i've had pleasant commissioning experiences with them before. sometime in mid/late january i was prompted by the friend the commission was initially split between, saying it had been a long time since commissioning and i agreed. i looked at their deviantart and saw 'hiatus' on their da profile, but they never let any of the commissioners know, either through notes or a journal about this hiatus. of course, classes were starting back up, but a headsup would've been nice since at this point i had already been waiting 3-ish months, i hadn't really noticed but i decided to try twitter since i was most active there vs. tumblr, and 82772 seemed active there as well and it just felt like a better alternative to try. so, i sent her a tweet and we talked back and forth. i was okay with waiting a week for the art i was patient and actually had hope they'd get it done. i waited, and waited... and waited... and then before i knew it, it had been almost 3 weeks (making it almost 5 months of a wait and a lack of communication). at the time i had gone private on twitter but occasionally went on and off private specifically to message them and gave it a day or two not on private while they were still active, and not responding. honestly, i would've been direct messaging them but it's something you can only do with people that follow you back mutually, so i had to do this and i did maybe like? 2 times tops throughout the 3 weeks i was waiting for my art as to not be pushy but i was also growing frustrated. they were quick to respond to that tweet on january 20th, so i don't understand why they decided not to with the ones i sent afterwards after the start of february, especially when they're constantly posting to twitter and there's no way they're not seeing my tweets to them. so, i'm under the impression they're ignoring me and i have sent them a tweet stating if they didn't reply in a week i would be posting this. so.. here we are, this is pretty much a last resort since i've given them enough time to even respond to me. i would prefer the money over the art since i could use it for someone more reliable... honestly, i'm not sure i'm going to try and fight $28 as it may be more stress than it's worth, but i am disappointed because it was supposed to be for myself and a friend and i've commissioned her before and recieved my art promptly though that was in the summer and they probably weren't as busy as they may be now, but that's really no excuse. i don't understand why this is such a problem, but i don't think i'll be commissioning them in the future if this is how it's gonna go with trying to communicate.

https://artists-beware.livejournal.com/825282.html Where: http://www.furaffinity.net/user/spazzykoneko/ What: Digital art. A drawing of two of my anthro pokemon characters. When: I sent Spazzy an email back in October 10th 2014 and I got a reply about it on the same day. After being told how long it would take, I've not heard a single word about that commission from Spazzy. Proof: All screenshots files has a timestamp of my taskbar. I did not blur out the artist's email name because it's the same as the Furaffinity one and I did not blur out my own Furaffinity name to prove that it's me posting those comments in two of the files but my Deviantart profile has my legal name in it so I blurred that out. I used paint to put together a few of the screenshots to lower the amount of files. The commission mail exchange, I did not hear from Spazzy again about this after telling me how long it would take. https://dl.dropbox.com/s/7dudefs87kjrtbr/spazzy koneko 1.png?dl=0 Paypal email proof that I did send the money. https://dl.dropbox.com/s/exymbqqxz89wfbu/spazzy koneko 2.png?dl=0 Roughly three months later she announced that she was open for commissions. https://dl.dropbox.com/s/3tj9id0hfwdiwvl/spazzy koneko 4.png?dl=0 Almost two weeks ago where I poked Spazzy about the commission that I had not yet recieved. I didn't get a reply. Included the latest shout on the profile about someone else who's having undelivered art from Spazzy and two comments from her latest journal, both of which got no replies. https://dl.dropbox.com/s/dd657844decrde3/spazzy koneko 3.png?dl=0 Explain: Spazzy accepted a commission from me. I paid her on October 10th 2014 and after that day I did not hear from her about it again. She has though kept announcing that she's open for commissions and several people have been posting their concerns about her not responding to their mails and not being on the commission queue list. EDIT: I once again today poked Spazzy about my missing commission, and finally I got a reply from her. https://dl.dropbox.com/s/zodks2o9h1gm4wi/spazzy koneko 5.png?dl=0 However in the mail that I sent, which was the same string of replies as the original commission mail exchange, she revealed that it wasn't done yet but that she would try to get it finished in the next couple days. I will poke her again about it on Thursday if I haven't gotten a reply yet to find out how it's going. https://dl.dropbox.com/s/ym1o1b1hs7smve5/spazzy koneko 6.png?dl=0 EDIT: The picture has been finished and sent to me. After 4 days I decided to give Spazzy a poke on email again since she said "next few days". She responded 10 hours later saying that she had had computer problems with the latest windows update and that she promised to deliver on it before she headed to bed. She also mentioned that she had been pointed to the two uploads about her on here and she was very apologetic about it. Around half past 5am pst she delivered and I'm very happy with it. https://dl.dropbox.com/s/otmw3ftl0hyvglu/spazzy koneko 7.png?dl=0 Remember, we are not Twitter, Facebook, Toyhouse, or DA. You must supply proof and make your beware readable.

https://artists-beware.livejournal.com/824199.html WHO: Miiroku, BlueKyoKitty WHERE: http://miiroku.deviantart.com/ WHEN: December 7, 2013 PROOF: http://miiroku.deviantart.com/journal/Pony-Plush-Commission-417787086 ^original journal advertising commission http://imgur.com/a/xSQiJ ^original transaction http://imgur.com/a/2floM ^Me attempting to get in contact EXPLAIN: I originally commissioned Blue on their Deviantart journal in December of 2013. They claimed they needed money for Christmas gifts, and were offering a $50 pony plush. They estimated their time frame about about 3 months, but I told them to take their time, assuming it wouldn’t be more than 6 months. It’s now been 14 months, and according to their profile, my plushie is 10% complete. It was 7% for about 8 months, but has now apparently 3% more complete. My plushie is also scheduled to be completed AFTER the two other people in line, who have supposedly been waiting longer than me. I am mostly upset because I feel like I was used for a short-term loan with no interest paid. It’s been over a year now with no tangible progress (I’ve asked for updates over the months and basically I’ve been told that no real progress has been made), even though they have completed and sold many different pre-made plushies in the last 14 months. Blue has also been known to take on too many commissions, and refund people months later when they decide they don’t want to do them. I feel like this is an incredibly shady tactic, and again, like taking out small loans and just repaying whenever they feel like it. As you can see in the last album, I have messaged Blue many times in the past 2 weeks, and to my assumption, they haven’t even checked their messages. I would assume they weren’t online, but they have posted many new pieces of art and even livestreams in that timeframe, which leads me to believe they are deliberately ignoring their messages. I’m hoping to get my plush completed, and I’ll take a refund if I absolutely have to, but I’m honestly pretty pissed that I was used for a quick buck and just given a refund after all this time. EDIT: Removed irrelevant information.

https://artists-beware.livejournal.com/823626.html WHO: Swizzlestix, Swizz WHERE: http://www.furaffinity.net/user/swizzlestix https://inkbunny.net/Swizzlestix (banned) WHAT: $85 USD digital art commission for two characters WHEN: I contacted Swizzlestix on Inkbunny on October the 13th and began a conversation about purchasing a commission. On October the 15th I sent an $85 USD payment through paypal and was told the commission would take between 2-3 weeks. This was the last time Swizzlestix talked to me about my commission despite my attempts to contact him. PROOF: https://www.dropbox.com/s/2kjmdka23uvrj4e/swizzle1.png?dl=0 https://www.dropbox.com/s/lwrk4mb0lw3cq43/swizzle2.png?dl=0 (discussing commission and payment) https://www.dropbox.com/s/y3x0dzmbt7o1d4d/swizzle6.png?dl=0 (paypal transaction) https://www.dropbox.com/s/170h40yhd8znqna/swizzle3.png?dl=0 (attempted skype communications) https://www.dropbox.com/s/v1v2dkf7uajpzbq/swizzle4.png?dl=0 (1st email demanding refund) https://www.dropbox.com/s/lo8isktifs9k0na/swizzle5.png?dl=0 (2nd email demanding refund) EXPLAIN: Having paid Swizzlestix on October the 15th I patiently waited about a month before messaging him through skype. I was growing more concerned but upon reading the journal he posted on FA in December http://www.furaffinity.net/journal/6309942/ I decided to allow more time for him to get back in touch with me, especially as I was busy with the holidays and work. However into the new year I grew suspicious and started emailing Swizzle, first for clarification and then later demanding a refund as I grew fed up with being ignored. I still have yet to hear anything from Swizzlestix. EDIT 1: Swizzlestix contacted me on the 9th of January to discuss the general state of affairs and express his shame with how things stood and his desire to make things right. He will hopefully also be contacting others too and this can be resolved in a positive manner for all parties. However it will be his actions (namely fulfilling his obligations to his commissioners) from here that will be the proof to these claims.

https://artists-beware.livejournal.com/823464.html WHO: Swizz, swizzlestix WHERE: http://www.furaffinity.net/user/swizzlestix https://inkbunny.net/Swizzlestix (banned) WHAT: 80$ USD of digital artwork WHEN: september 3rd was around the time i got the commission, september 4th is when i payed PROOF: https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/u/105281784/ab/paypal transaction.jpg paypal payment https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/u/105281784/ab/swizznote sept 23 2014.jpg commission status https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/u/105281784/ab/swizznote nov 7 2014.jpg commission status https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/u/105281784/ab/refund request jan 9.jpg first request https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/u/105281784/ab/refund request jan 13.jpg final request EXPLAIN: i ordered a 80$ commission from swizz back in September of 2014 and i had asked him for commission status a few times through that duration once in september week or so after and then once a 2 months later in november, i caught him doing a stream during October these were YCH commissions done in stream I'm not sure if it was done ahead of anybody waiting though, this is where he was streaming it https://furstre.am/stream/Swizzlesneaks January 7th found that he was doing commissions for a few people listed as friends on his FA and still no response to my messages anywhere January 13th Sent out PM to all swizz's accounts including his commission email account asking for refund January 16th found pics on swizz friends account that were dated for January 7th despite inquiries on commission status and inquiry for refund however later that night i found he actually finally responded to me https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/u/105281784/ab/steam chat jan 16 a.jpg https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/u/105281784/ab/steam chat jan 16 b.jpg February 1st i have yet to get my refund back

https://artists-beware.livejournal.com/822980.html WHO: Kammymau, Mandymau, Mandymau5 WHERE: http://www.furaffinity.net/user/kammymau/ WHAT: Headshot sketch WHEN: Paid on the 29th of December to be delivered on the 5th of January. Refund deadline of 3/4th of February. PROOF & EXPLAIN: Originally I was going to wait until I've received my refund, but after how unprofessional she's acted I feel I can post it now just dealing with her attitude alone. Kammymau posted for 12$ headshots on the 29th of December which I quickly nabbed up and sent payment for that same day. It was stated in the journal that they were "For Next Week" and my slot was for "Monday." Later in the week, red flags popped up regarding her attitude towards commissioners, and I began to become wary of whether or not my slot would be completed on time, namely the 2nd of January when she posted this journal. Luckily two days later, the 4th, she stated she'd be back to work. On the 5th, my date, she posted she'd be working on headshots that day, but needed 4 more slots for it to be a "batch." ??? By the end of the day there was no sign of the headshots being done, but on the 6th she posted she'd do them when she's "free again" followed by an art block journal the next day. I continued to wait, and finally on the 20th I sent a note requesting an update. She replied that she updated in a youtube video? and that she'd be doing it next week. On the 26th she posted a journal saying that she accidentally deleted SAI followed by that her computer may have a virus. ---- After taking account of the advice from an advice post I made here, combined with what I had witnessed in stream and being not 100% sold on her continued excuses, I sent a note stating I'd be more comfortable cancelling my commission than waiting an undetermined amount of time for it. She replied rather aggressively, which I was shocked by. I replied and tried to be as to-the-point as possible, expressing that I had never agreed (nor could find?) a ToS. She replied with one of the most unprofessional statements I have ever seen, and made me feel extremely uncomfortable as a commissioner. Furthermore, if she had sketched it, why not have brought that to my attention first instead of after I insisted on a refund? I sent my final reply, stating I'd wait a week again for the refund. She still has two days before the deadline I gave hits it's mark, but on the 1st she posted a journal that I felt was also another strike against her professionalism in direct relevance to this situation. http://puu.sh/fo6Fr/2a6bac8765.png In conclusion, she does great work but has an overall poor attitude in regards to separating her business and personal life, as well as handling her clients, and has issues meeting deadlines. EDIT || I actually paid 15$ instead of 12$ which I forgot to add in. On 2/3 I sent her a note as a reminder before I disputed the transaction. She replied, then shortly after posted this journal. (http://i.imgur.com/NPRkTep.jpg) I've also now received the refund.

https://artists-beware.livejournal.com/821746.html Who: Teahound Where: https://www.weasyl.com/~teahound http://www.furaffinity.net/user/teahound (inactive) What: $30 story commission When: June 2013 Proof and Explain: On June 11th 2013 Teahound opened for story commissions. I took a slot for $30, and we took the conversation to notes. We got the story idea hashed out and I sent payment shortly after. Checked in during August 2013 In November 2013 I checked in again and decided to take a refund. Subsequent requests for my refund have come up with nothing. Recently Teahound made a journal on his Weasyl stating he wanted to get in contact about owed work. I've emailed him, but that has gone unanswered to this date. A glance at his Weasyl journals shows that he's still taking commissions to some degree, yet I am owed a refund since 2013. Edit: Shortly after posting his Teahound has been in contact with me. Edit 2: Teahound and I worked out that I would be happy to accept the equivalent of Flight Rising currency. So far he has paid me 1,000 g which is equivalent to $10 USD. Edit 3: Another 1,000g paid on 02-06-15 Edit 4: Another 1,000g paid on 02-07-15. This is now resolved.

https://artists-beware.livejournal.com/820655.html Who: http://www.furaffinity.net/user/incorgnito/ What: Discounted Digital 2 character colored sketch for $25. When: I paid for the commission on December 22, 2014 Explain: Incorgnito opened for discounted Xmas colored sketches on the 22nd of December: https://www.dropbox.com/s/9wbtv8sm0f435qm/xmassale.png?dl=0 The same day, I sent them a message via note requesting a 2 character image: NSFW https://www.dropbox.com/s/q29ze15pmle26c0/1.png?dl=0 I was told that it would take about 1-2 weeks: https://www.dropbox.com/s/egsvy10s6xvf8v2/2weeks.png?dl=0 On January 14th, I sent a note requesting an update: https://www.dropbox.com/s/5sr0gvvk64pquxz/update1.png?dl=0 It was read and subsequently ignored or forgotten. On January 21st, I sent another note requesting an update: https://www.dropbox.com/s/fpjygqp3kgbmo4l/update2.png?dl=0 It was not read until I sent another note on January 25th informing them that I wanted either an update on my commission, or a refund: https://www.dropbox.com/s/hjb9gt8l7yelmkb/update3.png?dl=0 Note that in this I mistakenly said it had been nearly 6 weeks, but I had meant to type 5. Their response: https://www.dropbox.com/s/ctqm1obtuggmtt0/tooscik.png?dl=0 The sick journals they posted: http://www.furaffinity.net/journal/6441909/ http://puu.sh/f2oyL/7df74b1c54.png I asked if I would have it complete before the end of January: https://www.dropbox.com/s/4dvo64l8bp330ip/endofjanuary.png?dl=0 Told told me they weren't sure, as they were still sick: https://www.dropbox.com/s/fwyk2l0g4q8sl52/2sick.png?dl=0 My biggest issue is the lack of communication. They told me that they hadn't been responding to notes because they were sick in bed, but despite being too sick to respond, they were still fairly active, posting YCH's, Journals, and commissions: NSFW https://www.dropbox.com/s/81z6t11rhyz7z3v/dateproof.png?dl=0 https://www.dropbox.com/s/zzr4v69gx36ihaq/janjournals.png?dl=0 I expressed to them my frustration with no communication from them, and informed them that if it couldn't be completed before the end of January, I would like a refund: https://www.dropbox.com/s/h3exxd6ylu05h9b/noexcuse.png?dl=0 I was told that they do not offer refunds: https://www.dropbox.com/s/5chyv9kw6alolr0/3weeks.png?dl=0 Also, they apparently forgot how long ago I commissioned them, as they state that it has "only been 3 weeks you've been waiting when I said 2. It's only a week after the approximate date I gave you and the entire week it's been "late" I've been sick." which is not correct. I grew increasingly frustrated and sent this note: https://www.dropbox.com/s/gf8xv0uft58z0wz/5weeks.png?dl=0 They get angry with me, and accuse me of blackmailing them: https://www.dropbox.com/s/xwreia7fv5hv7h0/blackmail.png?dl=0 I deny that and once again try to explain my frustrations: https://www.dropbox.com/s/du4hwwwvedgt6ta/notblackmail.png?dl=0 They attempt to provide more places to contact them, as apparently FA is not their main profile: https://www.dropbox.com/s/efb197ildm2mbku/healthfirst.png?dl=0 At this point, I was far and beyond done with dealing with them so I ask again for a refund: https://www.dropbox.com/s/l7ppuyea171p5es/done.png?dl=0 Looking back, I also realize they said "about one to two weeks" not exactly 1-2 weeks, but the priciple of them not responding to me still stands. They sent me one last note, accusing me of "literally threatening" them and being unprofessional: https://www.dropbox.com/s/seodcd66pz4efrs/threat.png?dl=0 This was the note that made me decided to post them to AB. They remind me that I only paid X amount compared to their usual cost, and that I'm throwing a fit because I'm not getting my "fap material" due to their lung infection. Overall, this artist uses their sickness as a reason why they were unable to respond to notes, despite being on consistently enough that they should easily have been able to respond with some sort of update. When confronted, they shoved their "no refunds" TOS rule in my face and accused me of blackmailing and threatening them, which is untrue. They also reminded me that their are other people in their queue that have waiting longer than I, though I couldn't have had anyway of knowing that, and then they offer to show me their names, which is definitely not appropriate. Twice they forgot how long it had been since I had initially commissioned them, even though I repeatedly told them it had been 5 weeks. I also noticed that three times they mention the number of people in their queue, and each time it changes, from 10, to 12, to 5. This inconsistency confused and concerned me. I recieved my refund so I suppose it's "resolved" but that in no way excuses their behavior. It was a hassle dealing with this artist, and I don't ever wish to go through something like this again.

https://artists-beware.livejournal.com/820936.html WHO: kiwizombielala WHERE: http://www.furaffinity.net/user/kiwizombielala WHAT: Digital $35 "bogo commission" The "bogo commission" was actually a combo. One shaded picture and one flat picture that were offered for a short period of time and limited slots. She took down the journal after fill the slots but I've the notes here. WHEN: Artist agreed to take on the commission on February 14, 2013. Payment was also sent via Paypal at this time. She delivered the first picture 4 days later. It was looking pretty good so far. And while I was waiting for the second, the flat color, I commissioned ahorther full picture that also was delivered. So far nothing to worry about and meanwhile she took more comissions wich was really fine. She was delivering everything on time. PROOF: My notes contaction her about the "bogo commission" (full and flat). NSFW CONTENT AHEAD Me: https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/u/20641771/kiwizombielala/sent-1.png She: https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/u/20641771/kiwizombielala/received-1.png At this point she aproved the idea for the first picture and I sent the payment for both them while was thinking about the second. Me: https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/u/20641771/kiwizombielala/sent-2.png She: https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/u/20641771/kiwizombielala/received-2.png She acknowledge the payment and started working on them. So I replied sending the other idea for the flat picture. Me: https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/u/20641771/kiwizombielala/sent-3.png She: https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/u/20641771/kiwizombielala/received-3.png She contacted me about the reference link that was not working. Snd replied with the right one. Me: https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/u/20641771/kiwizombielala/sent-4.png She: https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/u/20641771/kiwizombielala/received-4.png At this point she delivered the first picture NSFW: https://www.furaffinity.net/view/9951502/ So the flat was the only left. I saw her inactive for some time and since didn't had any way to contact her beside notes tried for other ways. And i saw that she had an xbox account and she was really active there so tried to send her a message there but since I didnt had a gold account I was not able to do so. So i asked on FA is someone could send her a message for me and one user offered and sent her a message but she never replied. Few months later I got a gold account so i could send the message myself to her but she blocked messages from users that arent in her friendlist so never received my message. Tough I tried to add her to my friend list in xbox but declined several times. I don't have any proff of that except my Journal...deleted the note by error a few month ago since I din't recognize the username and I tough was nothin interesting. Me: https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/u/20641771/kiwizombielala/xbox-message.png A few month later of inactivity I sent her a note asking if she had any news. This was on June 29, 2013. Me: https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/u/20641771/kiwizombielala/nonews1-read.png the note was read but never got a reply. So after a year, in June 1, 2014 sent the same note again. this time never was read. Me: https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/u/20641771/kiwizombielala/nonews2-unread.png At the same time I sent her an email to her paypal address she provided for the payment. But never got a reply. Me: https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/u/20641771/kiwizombielala/email.png At this point I gave up. Contacted a few users in the current waitlist where I'm asking if they had any news. And no, they simply don't know anything. Even there is an user that paid her $100+ in comissions that never got. Me: https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/u/20641771/kiwizombielala/flats-journal.png (the waiting list) And she was still active until last year on xbox... https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/u/20641771/kiwizombielala/active-xbox.png EXPLAIN: Well she simply run away with our money. She saw the notes but never responded. I've tried to contact her in many ways to at lest know if the last picture will be done or not. But aparently it will not.

https://artists-beware.livejournal.com/820394.html WHO: almaaurora / raikadelanoche WHERE: https://www.furaffinity.net/user/almaaurora / https://www.furaffinity.net/user/raikadelanoche WHAT: Traditional art. WHEN: Paid for on 14-JAN-14. PROOF: Invoice/payment screencaps: https://www.dropbox.com/s/rxyhz1crzipkzh7/Raika_invoice.png?dl=0 EXPLAIN: Artist has completed the image with a major error in the character, then, after I contacted her, in March said she will fix it and ship to me. No further emails were replied to. On FA, she replied to one of my notes in August, stating that she has fixed the image and will ship it to me, but she didn't, nor did she respond to any further notes, even though they were read. Latest attempt to contact her was several days ago, and this time, the note was ignored completely, despite account activity (posted YCH auction) yesterday. Screencaps: Emails: https://www.dropbox.com/s/i4w9x4u0jd3kzwd/Raika_email.png?dl=0 PM reply: https://www.dropbox.com/s/rswr1v3ugpmfld7/Raika_reply.PNG?dl=0 Ignored PM: https://www.dropbox.com/s/p45phnapbmfdte2/AAPMs.png?dl=0 Account activity: https://www.dropbox.com/s/h6iugl4geqlhd4s/AAActive.png?dl=0 Edit 30-Jan 9 am UTC: Just got the artist email me with: okay I know it's been a while. I lost the original picture during moving things around. Finally I was able find it again, partially cause you poked me with your last note. So here it is. Freshly scanned. Bows ard not in, but the collar is, and I couldn't really care too much about bows at this point. Let's see when will I get the picture.

https://artists-beware.livejournal.com/819668.html WHO: Anniepopokios WHERE: http://www.furaffinity.net/user/anniepopokios WHAT: Digital $10 pin-up https://www.dropbox.com/s/e3pakxqbx53memj/anniepopokios initial request.bmp?dl=0 WHEN: Artist agreed to take on the commission on January 11, 2014 (over a year ago). Payment was also sent via Paypal at this time. Over the course of the year, Anniepopokios posted numerous journals apologizing for her multi-month-long absences and promising commissioners she would finish her work, all while taking on MORE commissions before finishing her current queue. I continually asked for refunds via note, page shouts, and journal comments, all of which were ignored. She sent a note on October 1st telling me she would get my refund to me, but that never happened. PROOF: Anniepopokios continued to take on multiple commissions while she still owed me art or a refund: (1) https://www.dropbox.com/s/8eo5yuu804b7jom/anniepopokios comm (1).bmp?dl=0 (2) https://www.dropbox.com/s/8oqdunk8yh7nhm0/anniepopokios comm (2).bmp?dl=0 (3) https://www.dropbox.com/s/l6hs059lurinmy0/anniepopokios comm (3).bmp?dl=0 (4) https://www.dropbox.com/s/12vz4ogb9hgk1kh/anniepopokios comm (4).bmp?dl=0 She had MULTIPLE journals apologizing and giving excuses for why she was not able to finish art or provide refunds. She also never responded to any of my inquiries for a refund: https://www.dropbox.com/s/hkxwoqumoqfr2a5/anniepopokios excuses and no response for refund.bmp?dl=0 I also asked for progress updates and/or a refund several times on her page, all of which were also ignored (although she continued to favorite and submit work): https://www.dropbox.com/s/4azfh83bvry10wi/anniepopokios shouts copy.bmp?dl=0 Here are the notes we exchanged back and forth, from the initial commission request back in January of 2014 to her supposed refund in October: https://www.dropbox.com/s/pi7nwt3a5cnls06/anniepopokios notes copy.bmp?dl=0 Paypal confirmation: https://www.dropbox.com/s/zwm07rbdw5gk0b2/anniepopokios paypal confirmation.bmp?dl=0 EXPLAIN: There’s not much to say here other than I commissioned Anniepopokios over a year ago and she never showed me progress, responded to my requests for a refund, or refunded me. I have asked multiple times and been blatantly ignored. She has also taken on (and finished) commissions AFTER mine, which I really don’t understand. I realize that $10 is not a lot of money, but it’s the principle of the thing that bothers me. It’s been over a year. She’s lied to me that she would refund me and continues to ignore me. I don’t know how any artist, in good conscience, can take a commissioner’s money and keep it for a year with no sign of a finished piece or refund. At this point this experience has left such a terrible taste in my mouth that I do not want any art – I only want a refund and to be on my way. Hopefully no other future commissioners will have such bad dealings with this artist. UPDATE!!: Issue resolved - artist refunded in full on 10/29.

https://artists-beware.livejournal.com/819893.html WHO: Vejiicakes WHERE: DA Account/Tumblr WHAT: $50 for two sketch fanwork pieces WHEN: The artist solicited sketch commissions in exchange for donations to hurricane relief in the Phillipines in late November 2013, with delivery promised within 1 - 3 weeks. I made a donation and my commission was accepted on 11/24/13. PROOF: Original post date (original post at artist's DA) Pricing and estimated delivery Proof of payment Acceptance (1, 2, 3, 4) Update requests and responses (1, 2, 3, 4, 4.5 (between the two emails in the previous cap), 5, 6, 7, 8, 9) Reimbursement request EXPLAIN: After my commission was accepted, I made my first update inquiry 1/2/14. I got a quick response regarding my place in line and hopes that commissions would go faster after the holidays. I requested updates twice more over the next two months with no response. The next update was a group email sent by the artist in March 2014 saying commissions would take longer than anticiapted. Since then, the only sign I've seen that my commission has been worked on was a WIP in August 2014. I requested one minor change on each piece, and there's been no progress since. Save for the group email, I've had to initiate contact every time to get an update, the artist will go weeks or months without responding, and there's always a fresh excuse for the lack of progress. She relegated the donation commissions to a "fandom" email she admitted she doesn't check often, has missed multiple self-imposed deadlines, and as time has passed, I've had to resort to alerting her on Tumblr and DA weeks after sending emails to get a response. My last request for an update was 1/4/2014, which she's opted to ignore (I've seen her active on Tumblr, so I know she's had internet access and seen the alerts I've sent letting her know she has mail). On 1/21/2015, I finally sent a request for either a realistic ETA or reimbursement, alerted her on her Tumblr the same day. I alerted her on her DA a week later, but there's been no response. I've been a fan of Vejii's "Authority" fanwork for a while, so this has just been a disappointing experience all around, from her initial delivery date (unrealistic given the amount of work she later admitted she took on), to her increasingly poor time management as this has progressed. Even taking the time spent in queue off the table, 5 - 6 months is lousy turn-around time for a couple of sketches, and having to practically hammer down an artist's door to get updates is never acceptable. ETA: Issue resolved. Artist reestablished contact on 2/1/15 to finish artwork and offer a partial refund for the wait.

https://artists-beware.livejournal.com/819157.html Who: Swizzlestix Where: http://www.furaffinity.net/user/swizzlestix/ https://inkbunny.net/Swizzlestix http://therealgreengiant.deviantart.com/ https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/u/19471103/SAI arts/Documentation/Swizz Cart Site v4/index.html What: Digital Art Commission When: January 2014 - Present Proof: FA Notes Emails Explain: On January 20th, 2014 decided to get commission picture together. I got a hold of Swizzlestix asking first if he was open, worked out the details, sent him the payment on his Paypal and Swizzle gave me his Skype. After around five to six months I tried messaging Swizzle on Skype however he seemed to ignore any sort of contact by being all ways DnD. Swizzle posted http://www.furaffinity.net/journal/6309942/ on December 1st, 2014 got in contact again with email this time. He got back to me after the first email, but after that hasn't said anything since then to me and others in the journal or his shout box and has either wiped his inkbunny account clean or it was suspended. Update [05/28/15] : On 05/09/2015 I emailed Swizzle saying I wanted a refund on the commission I ordered back in January 2014. The next day he sent a email apologizing saying he couldn't give me a ETA for a refund but offered to do the picture in a stream the following week and took his offer. We setup when the stream would happen Sunday 05/24/15 , missed the date due to a mishap and got the stream going Tuesday 05/26/15 and he just finished shading the picture today.

https://artists-beware.livejournal.com/818643.html WHO: Swizzlestix WHERE: Inkbunny: https://inkbunny.net/Swizzlestix (banned) And Furaffinity: http://www.furaffinity.net/user/swizzlestix/ WHAT: I ordered a colored, cell shaded commission with three characters and no background. Cost me $110 http://s1258.photobucket.com/user/blackenedtoastedtoast/media/paypalpayment_zpsld1wabua.jpg.html WHEN: I ordered the commission in august, 2014. While I have had him be slow on commissions before, he always got them done. This time seemed longer than before and when Inkbunny went out of their way to email everyone that were owed by swizzlestix, then I knew something bad was happening. http://i1258.photobucket.com/albums/ii535/blackenedtoastedtoast/inkbunnywarning_zpsdxiltibm.jpg http://s1258.photobucket.com/user/blackenedtoastedtoast/media/inkbunnywarning_zpsdxiltibm.jpg.html PROOF: http://i1258.photobucket.com/albums/ii535/blackenedtoastedtoast/inkbunnyorder_zps7xwhx4v1.jpg http://s1258.photobucket.com/user/blackenedtoastedtoast/media/inkbunnyorder_zps7xwhx4v1.jpg.html EXPLAIN: He has put a journal up when he got booted off of IB. http://s1258.photobucket.com/user/blackenedtoastedtoast/media/furaffinitywarning_zpsut9d0vjn.jpg.html?sort=3&o=2 But that was over a month ago and I have emailed him twice and put a FA note up. The note has not been read and the email never got any replies. http://i1258.photobucket.com/albums/ii535/blackenedtoastedtoast/emailwarning_zpshvmgtfyb.jpg http://s1258.photobucket.com/user/blackenedtoastedtoast/media/emailwarning_zpshvmgtfyb.jpg.html http://i1258.photobucket.com/albums/ii535/blackenedtoastedtoast/furaffinitynotewarning_zpsfvihgbgv.jpg http://s1258.photobucket.com/user/blackenedtoastedtoast/media/furaffinitynotewarning_zpsfvihgbgv.jpg.html I hate to put someone up on here but he has several months to even get a wip ready. As of today, I know of one person that has received their commission since the journal been in place. I would already have put up a chargeback if it wasn't for the fact paypal has a 45 day limit, which is long since expired. (Added some links due to small jpeg sizes. Hope they help. )

https://artists-beware.livejournal.com/818941.html WHO: RaveBinx WHERE: http://www.furaffinity.net/user/ravebinx/ WHAT: Group YCH WHEN: March 11th, 2014 PROOF (all links are SFW): Link to the YCH, posted roughly 10 months ago: http://www.furaffinity.net/view/12940006/ A check up on the YCH (June 16th, 2014): http://i.imgur.com/9i4fQzW.png - This was the last time they answered any of my notes/shouts. A note I sent recently (January 16th 2015): http://i.imgur.com/eZazlPo.png - The note title and proof that they read (with no response back to me). http://i.imgur.com/xnHsGK3.png - What the note said, regarding my concerns. An updated version of the YCH (several months later, complete with backgrounds from Google): http://www.furaffinity.net/view/15129235/ - The updated YCH (December 1st 2014). http://i.imgur.com/Fv915rG.png - Proof of backgrounds being found on Google Proof of them being active after reading/ignoring my note regarding the commission: http://i.imgur.com/d42oHiH.png - Discussing a ref sheet commission with a recent customer. http://i.imgur.com/REc6hFw.png - Proof of them working on other work (and take note that it says in their stream to note them regarding a commission). EXPLAIN: I purchased three slots in this plushie YCH on March 11th. I realized it was going to take some time for this YCH to be completed since it is a painted YCH with plenty of characters. So, with this in mind, I decided to not bother asking about any progress for a couple months. As the months passed I checked up on their account only to find that they were taking and completing more commissions, not even touching the YCH. I noted them (link provided above), they replied with a link, and I set the issue aside once more. A few months later when I noticed I haven't heard from them a while, I left a shout simply asking about the progress. I didn't receive an answer to my question for a week or so, but after a while I received a shout with a link pointing me over to the commission work-in-progress (link provided above). I wasn't pleased at all with the progress (not to mention the Google image background); completing nine out of twenty one characters (especially plushie characters) didn't seem like nine months worth of work, especially after their gallery had been filled up with adopts, newer commissions (with faster completion time), and personal works after the YCH was held. I decided not to comment on the image; I expected the image to be done soon since there had finally been a WIP posted. So far I haven't heard from her directly since June 16th 2014 (the last time she answered my note). The image is still not complete and they aren't giving me an update that I've asked for in a note. EDIT (April 21, 2015) Its been just over three months since I posted this, but the YCH is finally done. Going to make this last edit short and sweet. Answering me on January 29th 2015: http://i.imgur.com/1zjPaPo.png During that time through the current date she blocked me. Mind you, BEFORE the commission was completed, so I had no form of communication with her. I noted 5 out of 21 participants to ask if they had heard anything, 3 out of 5 which had forgot and mentioned they'd ask Rave what was up with the YCH. Rave sent me a note saying it was rude to ask others about the progress (even though I was blocked and literally had no other form of communication with Rave): http://i.imgur.com/8PpzNMd.png And when I tried to reply back, I was still blocked: http://i.imgur.com/mHHiBkQ.png On April 21st, 2015, the YCH piece was finally done: http://www.furaffinity.net/view/16347065/ The background had changed, as well as the quality of the picture (soft shaded and lined to painted), but it is nothing compared to her current work. The overall image looks half the quality of her usual paintings, as well as a scribble for a background instead of just fixing the image she had before. Overall I am not happy with the result like I imagined I'd be, but I am finally glad the piece was finished for everyone to enjoy.

https://artists-beware.livejournal.com/818009.html WHO: CrissRudolf WHERE: http://www.furaffinity.net/user/crissrudolf/ https://www.weasyl.com/~crissrudolf WHAT: Digital Art WHEN: May 2014 - Present PROOF: First image not part of current incident, just to represent what lead to present. Read below for details. http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j177/stewcool/Screenshot2014-05-09090844_zps55e88183.png https://www.dropbox.com/sh/qa0466dcki09wuf/AABY791-yqRJhFdVHgaEZmlRa?dl=0 EXPLAIN: In May 2014, myself and another artist held a collab ych. There were specific rules to the YCH. One of those being if the bids were retracted, hidden, ect. The user responsible would be blocked. The user Crissrudolf, whom I had no previous quarrels with, had bid on this auction but later hid his bids and told me he didn't want to bid any more. I politely told him that as per my rules, he would be blocked for the time being. Later, for one reason, or another, I had gone to his page, and saw a previous artwork I had done for him had been replaced with the image "FUCK OFF MIRERA" as seen above. I did not confront him personally, but reported to the admins. It took a bit, but the image was removed. I thought the problem was dealt with, and we could both move on. Then, in January 2015, I return to his page to check and see if anything was amiss. I saw that he had re-uploaded my artwork I had done for him, only he went as far as to crop out the signature and gave no credit what-so-ever. I left a comment on his page, asking that he either re-submit the correct file, with the signature intact, or to not use my artwork at all. He hid my comment, and did nothing to change. I left the same comment on his weasyle submission, and once again, he removed my comment, and did nothing. I reported to the admins on both sites. Since my husband works with me and handles costumer problems/support, he contacted Crissrudolf and informed him that what he was doing was against copyright laws, and to either fix the problem, or there would be legal action. Crissrudolf responded, saying along the lines of he did not want to promote me, and that he owned the artwork. He then proceeded to block my husband. A little while after, I checked up, and saw that Crissrudolf had updated the submissions with the correct file that included my signature, but not without slandering me, and saying I was "bitching". I did nothing personal to this individual. He did not follow the rules on an auction, and consequences were dealt, as with any other user. I did consider unblocking him after a bit, once the auction was over, and henceforth not accepting bids from him, however, once he decided to do what he did the block remained permanent. This user obviously does not respect me as an artist, and would slander/throw a hissy fit at the first sign of not getting his own way. I would not doubt he would do this to other artists as well. EDIT: Also found out he didn't add an artist tag here: https://e621.net/post/show/454848/2014-anal-anal_penetration-anthro-balls-biceps-bla (NSFW)

https://artists-beware.livejournal.com/817344.html WHO: Sirafurball FA: SiraFurBall Twitter: @SiraFurBall Deviantart: SiraFurBall WHERE: YCH auction piece for $43. Auction (caps) / Finished Piece WHEN: The YCH ended on December 12th, 2014, however I didn't alert the winner (SiraFurBall) of winning until December 13th, 2014. I was paid on the 13th ( x ) for the auction and set to work on the piece. WHAT: This YCH took a little longer than normal due to the holidays, but the buyer (Sira) seemed happy with the progress of the piece. I finished the piece on January 6th and posted it online.Three days later (January 9th) I received an email from PayPal regarding a 'Potentially Unauthorized Funds' notice, which cancelled a transfer of funds to my bank and also held the amount of the YCH of $43. I contacted Sira regarding this and she stated she had no idea how this could have happened as she hadn't been on her PayPal for one week and would fix the problem. I warned her if it was a chargeback I would be making an Artist Beware against her. I also warned her not to repost the image I did until the dispute was figured out. I posted an advice post regarding the issue and discovered that at least four other artists had the same issue with the same buyer. On the 10th of January, funds seemed to be returned to my account and everything was alright. Fast forward to the 13th of January, and I receive another email from PayPal regarding the same issue, and my funds were once again on hold. I contacted Sira about this on Twitter as it turned out to be where I could get the most immediate attention from her. She seemed to not know about what was going on and said she fixed the issue. I have not heard from her since January 13th regarding the issue. Twitter chat is in Proof. PROOF: Proof of Auction: Auction / Finished Image Proof of Payment / Proof of Dispute: X Paypal Notification Emails: First (January 9th) / Second (January 13th) Emails from Sira (from start of transaction): 1 / 2 / 3 / 4 Twitter Chat: X Images from Twitter Chat: 1 / 2 / 3 EXPLAIN: It's fairly straight forward why I'm making the Artist Beware. Considering there are at least four artists involved in this and possibly more makes me believe that this is either an issue where the commissioner wanted their art and their money too or parents got wise to their money being used. Sira claims to be 18 (see Twitter Chat in Proof) but there is a chance that she is not being truthful, but I have no proof besides her word one way or the other. Another thing to note is that Sira is Spanish, so English is not her first language. There is definitely frustration from me in the Twitter chat and emails during conversation and waiting for response from her, but my finances and standing with PayPal I feel are in trouble while this is happening. Art commissions are a means to supplement my current income so this chargeback has caused a domino effect of problems. As of writing this AB ( 7:22 PM PST, January 14th, 2015) the dispute has not been resolved. Update: As of today (January 15th, 2015), I have refunded the money that was under the chargeback. I was paid back the full amount by a different Paypal account. I do not want this marked resolved as I don't know how this is going to pan out.

https://artists-beware.livejournal.com/816575.html WHO: sirafurball WHERE: http://www.furaffinity.net/user/sirafurball/ WHAT: Digital YCH commission http://www.furaffinity.net/view/15152133/ [the YCH] (NSFW nudity) The finished product: http://www.furaffinity.net/view/15207864/ (NSFW nudity) WHEN: Sirafurball bid on my YCH and won: http://i.imgur.com/G1QUpPI.png (December 5th 2014) Sirafurball giving me information for the commission and asking me to invoice them: http://i.imgur.com/OXA8R8p.png Their recognition of paying the invoice: http://i.imgur.com/WYPmrzZ.png Paypal showing the two reversals placed upon the original $75 payment for the commission: http://i.imgur.com/7oNZMCQ.png PROOF: Paypal showing the original payment and the two reversals put onto the payment: http://i.imgur.com/7oNZMCQ.png The payment is currently held away from my account. Our conversation, starting when I had first seen the reversals in my Paypal account. (*Note: I have omitted some portions of the conversations for sake of clarity, and can have them available if they are needed): http://i.imgur.com/Vx77MT5.png EXPLAIN: Created a YCH Sirafurball won the YCH. Paid on December 5th 2014. Completed the YCH and gave files to Sirafurball December 11th 2014. Reversal on the payment was put on January 9th 2015. Upon receiving the message of the reversal, I contacted Sirafurball via notes on FA. Funds were back into my account on January 10th 2015. Received another reversal on the payment on January 13th 2015. Contacted Sirafurball again, they reply with "I know, another artist tell me the same. I'm creating another paypal account for fixed all (to see if it finally works..)” http://i.imgur.com/Vx77MT5.png Currently waiting, with the funds held out of my account. There are other artists in this situation, who have been commissioned by Sirafurball. One has contacted me and Sirafurball has acknowledged the others in their responses to me in the conversations listed above.

https://artists-beware.livejournal.com/816794.html WHO: NEFUR-STUDIOS on FA/DA/Weasyl WHERE: Either http://www.furaffinity.net/user/NEFUR-STUDIOS/ or http://nefur-studios.deviantart.com WHAT: Full Color w/ background digital drawing of my character. WHEN: October 21st PROOF: 1: Original Post about Commissions: http://i1381.photobucket.com/albums/ah215/Sev_Discovery/Original_zps67f46558.png 2: Comments I made with Nefur's responses on the Original Post: http://i1381.photobucket.com/albums/ah215/Sev_Discovery/opcomments_zps5d738ff8.png 3: Note stating they were a little sick and it could be a delay in completion: http://i1381.photobucket.com/albums/ah215/Sev_Discovery/sicknote_zpse5010621.png 4: Piece has started and will be completed "next week": http://i1381.photobucket.com/albums/ah215/Sev_Discovery/started_zps0b9301ad.png 5: Checking in with Nefur note: http://i1381.photobucket.com/albums/ah215/Sev_Discovery/checkingin_zps197ccbc9.png 6: Shout on her page to contact me: http://i1381.photobucket.com/albums/ah215/Sev_Discovery/shout_zps14aadae3.png 7: Message to a friend: http://i1381.photobucket.com/albums/ah215/Sev_Discovery/contactingfriend_zps478bcdc8.png 8: Another of Nefur's commissioners reaches out to me: http://i1381.photobucket.com/albums/ah215/Sev_Discovery/comments_zps96c95483.png EXPLAIN: October I came across an artist who was doing some wonderful artwork and noticed they had a piece in their gallery that said “Emergency Comms [3 slots] OPEN full detail 10-25$” and I was SHOCKED. The artwork was STUNNING regardless if they were doing emergency ones or “full price” I wanted to commission Nefur!! So I posted on the piece that I’d take one where they promptly responded with a note asking for the details (reference images 1-2) where we worked out the price and I promptly paid! (Fast pay makes fast friends in my book!) Now on that same day they mentioned that they were a little sick, and that it might be a bit before they get to me and I was MORE than happy to wait their recovery and for my turn! Im quite a patient person within reason. (reference images 3) Well they messaged me on the 23rd stating that they started my piece and I would have it by the end of the next week! Goodness fast turn around. So I patiently waited for my commission and didn’t message them regarding this piece in hopes that I’d be seeing it the following week. (reference image 4) Well November rolled through and no communication. I thought oh well maybe something came up! So I waited. December is now rolling through and two weeks ago (Dec 11) I shot her a Note on FA asking if she was ok and that I hadn’t heard from her in a while. (reference image 5) With no response a week later I posted a shout on her page, asking her to please contact me!(reference image 6) Still no response so I reached out to a friend on her profile asking if she was ok. Her friend told me she was fine, dealing with some troubles and away visiting family. Well I post on her DA because it appears it’s the only place she’s active for her to PLEASE contact me. I’m past my PayPal dispute/refund period, and I'm out of communication with my artist despite seeing activity on her Deviantart account. (reference image 7) Its since been 3 weeks since my last attempt to contact Nefur with no response from her. I did however get a response to my shout on her Deviantart page from another person who commissioned Nefur LONG before I had who is also suffering from non contact from this artist. (reference image 😎 I have since contacted Nefur on DA/FA about either giving me my finished piece or a full refund to which, no surprise, I havent yet received a response. This is my last hope in getting my art or my money. If I can't even get those I'd more than anything just like to warn other commissioners to be cautious of this artist as it seems they are a scam, and will more than likely take your money and avoid you. *sigh* The commission wasnt for very much money but for me thats money I could be spending on an honest artist who would actually produce a finished piece. EDIT 1: adding the page break so I dont take up the entire front page of A_B EDIT 2: the artist is now in contact with me again! Just got a note after a few months of trying to contact them! http://i1381.photobucket.com/albums/ah215/Sev_Discovery/finally_zpsb65a3eeb.png hopefully we see some progress!! EDIT 3: Nefur posted a rather.. upsetting journal which I feel was indirectly... directed at me. They explained how they didnt intend for it to appear they ran off with peoples money, they dont trace, and that apparently I've pushed them to attempt suicide (kind of freaking out like holy crap i didnt mean for it to go that far!! what do i do!?!? i feel so bad now guys oh my gosh!) I responded to the journal because I felt MY side of the story should be shared as well. In fear of my comment/journal being deleted I screenshotted the whole thing. I asked for a refund for fear of A: not seeing the art or B: it being traced and I'm 100% against owning stolen art. http://i1381.photobucket.com/albums/ah215/Sev_Discovery/umwhat_zps463af5c6.png Edit 4: its been a week (1-22-2015 today) since Nefur has stated that they were working on my piece. Have yet to receive anything, updates, notes, anything. low hopes are low. Edit 5: its now February 3rd and I have yet to get anything, a response, a note, art, a refund.. anything from Nefur. Left a shout on their page. losing hope. *sad panda*

https://artists-beware.livejournal.com/816159.html WHO: LunaticSupernova / Hajime Aikawa / LunaticLuscious WHERE: http://lunaticsupernova.deviantart.com/ (Deactivated) http://lsupernova.deviantart.com/ http://drawcrowd.com/lunaticluscious http://zeruzeru.tumblr.com (Very active) Some conversations take place on Facebook. WHAT: $50 Digital Character Commission WHEN: February 28th, 2012 - Present PROOF: (Censored information deals with RL names, and personal conversations not related to the beware.) Original Notes from February 28th, 2012: http://oi61.tinypic.com/e6vm9d.jpg http://oi57.tinypic.com/2cn6tfa.jpg http://oi61.tinypic.com/2ue1tsx.jpg http://oi62.tinypic.com/3506r1g.jpg Paypal Proof: http://oi60.tinypic.com/rjmc0n.jpg Email from artist, confirming they still owe the commission and wanted to redo it (October 17th, 2014): http://oi61.tinypic.com/znt013.jpg Facebook Conversations: October 17th, 2014 - http://oi62.tinypic.com/6ekq47.jpg (Artist gives me an email to contact her by, and requests that I delete the comments posted on someone else's page that mentions her owing me a commission.) November 14th, 2014 - http://oi59.tinypic.com/308a1za.jpg (I send another message on Facebook asking where she is, as I've sent her emails that have gone ignored. I get a response on November 21st, saying they were without internet and had gone out of town.) http://oi61.tinypic.com/27y2y34.jpg http://oi59.tinypic.com/2u6yzj7.jpg http://oi59.tinypic.com/6hny8l.jpg http://oi58.tinypic.com/2cp3tbp.jpg (Says she made a couple of sketches but weren't satisfied with them. I ask why she didn't warn me before leaving that she was going to be out of town for a while.) http://oi62.tinypic.com/2d27oy1.jpg http://oi60.tinypic.com/10nascp.jpg http://oi61.tinypic.com/vip4w2.jpg (Artist promises to finish the art before the end of the year.) http://oi60.tinypic.com/r0thfk.jpg http://oi58.tinypic.com/1494e41.jpg http://oi62.tinypic.com/awt7co.jpg http://oi61.tinypic.com/6pry94.jpg http://oi61.tinypic.com/zxp4wm.jpg http://oi59.tinypic.com/10hity8.jpg (We discuss about some other commission issues she has been having. The last link is the last time she responds to me.) December 17th 2014 - http://oi60.tinypic.com/1433prq.jpg ( I send a message asking if anything has been done or if she was even planning on working on my commission anymore. She never replied. I send another message today, January 11th, 2015, informing her that I found all the proof of her never completing the commission) Email from a friend who noticed the artist still being active in other places and ignoring me, as well as sending more excuses as to why my commission isn't complete yet. (January 8th, 2015): http://oi61.tinypic.com/a5klma.jpg EXPLAIN: February 28th, 2012 - I order a $50 colored commission from LunaticSupernova. I had commissioned her once before, and she had completed a commission for me back then, so I didn't think we'd have an issue. I was proven wrong though while waiting for her to complete my commission, she suddenly deactivate her DeviantArt account and vanishes. I lost track of her for over 2 years. In October, an artist that I watch on Facebook happened to post an art trade they had just completed for LunaticSupernova (who was now going by Hajime Aikawa) . I was shocked to see that she was still around, and I mentioned in the comments that LunaticSupernova had disappeared on me over 2 years ago while still owing me for a commission that she never completed. Lunatic responded back to me saying that she remembered me, and claimed that she had finished the commission, but had never sent it out to me, and now no longer has it. She also says that because it had been so long since then, she wanted to redo it so that it would be up to her current standards. We move the conversation over to Facebook PMs out of respect for the other artist who had gotten tangled up with this, and ended up removing the comments from their page. Lunatic tells me that she plans on starting the commission after October 21st. In November, I try to get in contact with her through email to check on the status of my commission, and she becomes inactive again on her pages. I grow concerned and send her another message on Facebook on November 14th, asking for updates and why she hasn't responded to me. I also was contacting a friend of hers to try to get a hold of her and see what was going on. I don't get a response until November 21st, Lunatic telling me that she had been gone for a week and claiming that she had intended to contact me that she was going to be away for a while, but said she had no internet. We talk about her lack of motivation for completing commissions, and her lack of communication, and she tells me that she will finish the commission before the end of the year. The new year rolls around and I still haven't heard back from Lunatic. A friend of mine got in contact with her on January 7th, since he noticed that she was still active with other things, while I was being ignored. He sends a message to her to try to see what's going on with my commission, and is met with more excuses, mentioning going to conventions as being a reason she isn't done with my commission. She's willing to contact my friend, but not me about any of this. At this point, I've given up with expecting my commission to ever be completed. EDIT May 3rd, 2015: After having many broken promises on when the refund would be sent, and thanks to the help of a friend of mine chasing this artist down, the artist has finally refunded me in full.

https://artists-beware.livejournal.com/814639.html Where: http://www.furaffinity.net/user/highway-to-sarcasm/ , http://pewpewpewpie.deviantart.com/, http://www.furaffinity.net/user/pewpewpewpie What: Commissioned a sketch bust of my character from her and have yet to see the artwork or a refund. Proof: Journal asking for commissions and her confirming payment - http://www.furaffinity.net/journal/5147983/ (screened in case of deletion: http://tinypic.com/r/2ibnqe1/5 , http://tinypic.com/r/21nk200/5 ) Proof of payment via paypal - http://tinypic.com/r/noaj2f/5 Hiatus Journal - http://www.furaffinity.net/journal/5238270/ ( http://tinypic.com/r/30hy981/5 , http://tinypic.com/r/2a5kfo4/5 , http://tinypic.com/r/1znl8yd/5 , http://tinypic.com/r/alix55/5 ) A couple contact attempts (aside from inside the journal) - http://tinypic.com/r/rmjpg3/5 (asking for update. Ignored) http://tinypic.com/r/14v309u/5 (sent note warning of A_B post and attempt at getting a refund) Her response and mine to the warning email I sent - http://tinypic.com/r/5x3l8h/5 After the response to the email, I responded and checked her page to find a new addition to her profile (*I don't do refunds sorry) - http://tinypic.com/r/2v2fy3c/5 and my shout once I noticed - http://tinypic.com/r/1fxmqd/5 Explain: I contacted Highway_to Sarcasm via her journal asking for commissions on Furaffinity (screens in proof) for $2 each (yeah not a whole whole lot of money, but still money paid). I loved her style and wanted her to draw a sketch bust of my character Penumbra - http://www.furaffinity.net/view/10319599/. She agreed and gave me her paypal to send the money to, which I did and let her know via the journal to which she confirmed. I wait a couple weeks to a month for some sort of update or the sketch and I find her going on hiatus. I see that she said she's not motivated to do the work and so I let her know that if she can't do it to contact me, otherwise to not sweat it. She said nothing to that and responded only to the other person helping her refund another commissioner. I saw this after a while and got confused as to why I wasn't refunded as well. She told me she still intended on drawing my character and not to worry about being forgotten. Another couple weeks go by and she posts a journal asking for winter commissions (the journal has long since been deleted from furaffinity but here is the journal on DA with it stating that others were sketched - http://pewpewpewpie.deviantart.com/art/Winter-Icon-Commission-closed-416204367 and on FA there's still the submission calling for them leading to that page - http://www.furaffinity.net/view/12163863/ (caps- http://tinypic.com/r/2m3rczs/5 , http://tinypic.com/r/300zedu/5 , http://tinypic.com/r/jl2es5/5 ) My sketch still hasn't been worked on and I've received no updates. I left her a shout a week ago asking for any updates and got ignored. A couple days ago I sent out a note letting her know that if it wasn't responded to that I'd be posting an A-B post and also letting her know that at this point, I'd rather have the refund. She responded saying she didn't have the money at the moment, and nothing more than that. After that, she posted on her profile that she doesn't do refunds. Something that was put into place AFTER my commission was taken on and not worked on at all. I understand people's lives getting in the way, and I understand I let her know that she could take some time to get over her art block, but I asked for updates and never got them. I should have at least been given that. Update/Edit: I got a note from her saying that she had someone willing to pay the refund for me and she asked for my paypal http://tinypic.com/r/sv31ae/5 I gave it to her. I ended up getting a shout from her that rubbed me the wrong way later in the day in response to my shout on her page about the sudden addition to the refund on her profile http://tinypic.com/r/vfb6m0/5 (I've never seen this disclaimer), then not long after I ended up getting another note from her saying that the money was sent http://tinypic.com/r/29xbv9d/5 and my response http://tinypic.com/r/33bfuy9/5 . So everything's resolved now. Edit: Just added her new furaffinity name

https://artists-beware.livejournal.com/815974.html http://prntscr.com/5oqbs6 -begin http://prntscr.com/5oqcrv -middle http://prntscr.com/5oqd8p -end WHO: PancakeMafia WHERE: http://www.furaffinity.net/user/pancakemafia/ WHAT: A American Horror Story Theme Piece Of Her Fursona WHEN: About two months ago, I waited an honest good month because she's been having troubles. she never answers my notes anymore. PROOF: Provided in links above. EXPLAIN: I have given her two months, warning notes, and had even offered a redraw and sneak-peek-- she has promised payment, but still hasn't paid, she had even written a journal-- http://prntscr.com/5ngy0t complaining of having payment but alas I have since failed to receive such. in any way shape or form. I have included in my screenshots- the other option to pay me and have warned her that she was going to bewared; she has stopped replying to my notes. She reads them and doesn't say a word. I am new to this please excuse me if I do something wrong!

https://artists-beware.livejournal.com/815858.html WHO: Toshiko-paws on Deviantart WHERE: http://toshiko-paws.deviantart.com/ WHAT: Three Custom Plush WHEN: Paid may 9th PROOF: http://comments.deviantart.com/1/446701609/3435207962 proof of payment for first two plush http://comments.deviantart.com/1/446701609/3477552854 proof of payment for third plush EXPLAIN: I saw this journal http://toshiko-paws.deviantart.com/journal/PLUSHIE-IRON-ARTIST-CLOSED-446701609 and I thought it was an amazing deal! The person's plush are very cute. Looking back I should have realized that 100 plush in 5 months was just a ridiculous goal. Even when done in batches of 40 or so. That was my own fault and I should have paid more attention to what was going on. Here is their to do list; http://toshiko-paws.deviantart.com/journal/The-list-457347681 which is actually missing a lot of other owed works as you could see by browsing their journals. Not only are the plush late (they originally said it would take 6 months to complete them all, but sadly that was removed so I don't have any proof of that.) but I have gotten zero progress reports on my plush. Yes they have posted a large amount of wip images in their gallery, but as far as I can tell none are for me except perhaps this one http://toshiko-paws.deviantart.com/art/Plushie-wips-475235074 from back in august. I did not have any experience with their horrific attitude until here; http://comments.deviantart.com/1/460139356/3611129259 where I addressed my concerns with her taking upon more commissions. I had honestly never contacted them directly about my commissions before besides when I had paid. I never asked anything of them at any point or anything of the sort. I never spoke to them privately, either. I will however admit that I could have been more polite, but I definitely did not expect such a reaction. I am also debating with myself if I should even contact them for a progress update because I don't really want to get such a reaction. They also not do refunds as seen here; http://toshiko-paws.deviantart.com/journal/Plushie-terms-of-service-451088417 Edit: strangely enough after months of no contact I finally got an update only a few days after posting this http://toshiko-paws.deviantart.com/art/ALL-THE-PLUSHIE-WIPS-505855532 however it only shows one of the three plush having been worked on. Besides that this is still, i hope, a very valid beware. Edit2: http://comments.deviantart.com/1/460139356/3714548908 seems like someone from here decided to comment on DA which I believe was against the rules? If not then I apologize, but either way please keep your questions and concerns here and do not take it offsite. Edit3: http://toshiko-paws.deviantart.com/art/Tiny-One-508183868 finished one of them though its missing the back of the mane as shown here http://tea-cats.deviantart.com/art/Tiny-One-Ref-404380865 ill remove this part when/if it is fixed! Edit 4: Quite some time later there were a few hiccups (a mane for a charater was promised, but they ended up being unable to do that. parts of the plush arent sewn very well having smal holes between the seams, etc.) with some missed deadlines and such, but i got them in the mail today. I'll consider this resolved, but still a very valid beware. I feel that they have a lot to work on and while they are a good person that doesnt excuse their bad business. I really sincerely hope they learn and improve.

https://artists-beware.livejournal.com/814455.html WHO: Fossil The Undead Artist (aka Fossil) WHERE: Mostly talked in emails. His FA is: http://www.furaffinity.net/user/fossil WHAT: 4 commissions; the exact amount was removed from evidence for privacy WHEN: Started September 26th 2012 and continued on until now MY SIDE OF THE ISSUE: I had been a longtime supporter and friend to Fossil and well over time I finally was able to commission him first a tattoo for my wife at FurFright and then finally some artwork. Things had been going along smoothly until Hurricane Sandy hit. After this point it seemed things hit the fan for him which was understandable at the time. I had paid in full for four commissions and over time talked to him about it, but mostly was worried about him and seeing if he was alright; then he dropped off the grid. Below are two Dropbox Links that show proof of agreement and then payment: https://dl.dropbox.com/s/tjit34og1tuophr/Payment discussion.png?dl=0 https://dl.dropbox.com/s/a4pnnbjwh6aq2ce/Payment Confirmation.png?dl=0 At this point I naturally did what any friend would do and waited patiently and he did come back for a moment or two and told me things were bad, but getting better. He finally finishes one of the four commissions and had even began work on the second one as far as inking goes with the third already being sketched out too. So I was confident at this point things were finally on the right track. The following links show multiple contacts and finally the first image sent and date it was sent: https://dl.dropbox.com/s/4o0w4l7diatazns/Feb 5th 2013 checkin.png?dl=0 https://dl.dropbox.com/s/o6w9v2ro6dqo74x/Feb 18th to March 29th 2014 checkin.png?dl=0 https://dl.dropbox.com/s/vjls76jrrlqvhxn/April 17th 2014 Checkin.png?dl=0 https://dl.dropbox.com/s/h8g03szw81gvvj4/May 14th Checkin and FIRST picture received.png?dl=0 Next, after two months, he contacts me out of the blue with progress showing two more images. One being completed with the third being sketched out: https://dl.dropbox.com/s/jbhrpgfbifw6ofi/July 21st and SECOND image with THIRD sketch.png?dl=0 He falls off the grid again; this time for good. I go to another con and asked my contacts if they had seen him and come to find out that he had moved to another state and then dropped off the grid to get some affairs in order. Now I had been in contact with him via email up to this point as well and would get the occasional "Still Alive" messages until I tried to email him again to check in on how things had progressed after he had moved, not about my art, but his own situations. This is when I found out he had deleted his email account and I received the lovely return email saying the address is no longer valid. Next shows the email confirming that his email is no longer valid: https://dl.dropbox.com/s/hy2rlzdk3u2bjgd/Email Failure.png?dl=0 Moving forward I had heard and saw he was working with Crowchild as an artist for High Tail Hall and figured that he had dropped out of that part as well given how much of a hermit Fossil had become, but after today, I have recently found out he is still indeed working with the HTH project and completely disregarded anyone else even if they paid $XXX for a set of commissions. Finally below is the screenshot on FA of Crowchild confirming that Fossil is still working with them: https://dl.dropbox.com/s/9ddfuob2um2qf4r/Fossil still at HTH.png?dl=0 Two years have come and gone now; now I am not sure what to do or how to go about it because we all know how Paypal has such a small window of reporting and charging back one's account. So I guess this message is to warn others about what happened as well as getting some advice of how to tackle the sum of money, albeit not a full refund as he has finished one image and worked on two others, and how to get anything from him even if it ends up being a message of "Hey I can't do it; sorry". Also for clarification; there will be some areas that have been removed. This was done to insure the anonymous side of a third person that was involved with this in which I was getting two images as a gift for.