Edit: I know some people will have issues because FA shrunk the file, so, here's the link to DA, which it's much easier to zoom on.

https://www.deviantart.com/fallenga.....-Me-1035095914

Sooooo.... Here's a thing. A thing I didn't want to have to do.

Because, when you admire someone, you really don't want to think ill of them. And this isn't the usual: "oh, you found out someone was human, huh? That isn't a crime, you know." No, it isn't. However, taking someone's money for a finished product, and then never delivering on that product is a completely different animal.

So, years ago, on the 11th of October, 2022, I commissioned one VellaSimon to make me a commission. Now, if you're familiar with their work, you know they're very talented, and have a unique style. That's not being questioned here. What is, however, is their work ethic, or lack thereof (forgive me, I'm a little salty, so I think I'm entitled to a few subtle-not-subtle insults).

Everything was going well - you can see the evidence in the post itself (sorry you have to zoom so much, but I don't possess Photoshop and had to use the bare minimum MS Paint to consolidate all this) - all the way to the 28th of November, 2022... And then things get messy real fast.

I contact Vella on the 10th of January 2023 for the finished version. They don't get back to me... until the 6th of February 2023. Yes, you read that right. A whole month without an update. Then, not till April 27th, 2023 do they contact me about mental health issues, offering a full refund, AND to finish the commission. I get back to them shortly after, where they even ask me to send my PayPal! I thought it would be a done deal, after waiting half a year for a commission I assumed - from their previous scheduling - to take three weeks.

It did not. I never received the money. Did I mention that the 300$ was birthday money sent to me by my father? A handsome bit of funds, to be sure, but my father also knew that 27 was my favorite number, therefore I deserved something nice. I hadn't said that? Okay, well, now you know.

I contact Vella on May 30th, 2023, where I learn that there is, in fact, a return QUEUE? I hadn't heard of this before, but apparently I was moved up? Okay. Fine, I can work with that. Except, on the 7th of October 2023 (yes, I waited another FIVE MONTHS with no updates or news), I found that Vella had worked on and finished more commissions. Requests they had received AFTER mine. Alright, now I'm pissed. Yet another assurance that the commission will be finished, followed by a full refund, but I feel as if my chain is being thoroughly yanked at this point.

Still, more time passes to January 2024, where they assure me that someone ELSE will be paying me? Still no funds. I finally snapped today. Whatever. So yeah, this is a callout. I regret nothing, only that I can't contest on PayPal, and therefore demand a refund.

Note: I had both mine and Vella's Discord icons/names because I am not a COMPLETE monster.