Statement of Expectations
Firstly, I thank you for taking the time to reach out to me about a custom order! It thrills me to no end to meet someone who appreciates the energy I put into my art! Before we get started I wanted to take you through the process of how I work...
How I work (what I do & do not do)
I am happy to make custom designs as much to your specification as possible (meeting color matches, sizing, & style). There are a few things I do not do:
- I do not copy or otherwise reproduce the work of other artists. This is a matter of ethics and as I wouldn't appreciate it being done to me, I will not do it to someone else. If you are seeking to do that I suggest you go to the source & pay them.
- I will not compromise the integrity of my work or designs. My designs and specific processes are in place for a reason.
Exchanges, Refunds, & Returns
As a matter of precedence I do not accept returns or refunds on custom orders. As these items are made specifically for you, I consider it a bit of bad juju to pass it off to someone else. This protects me as an artist & ensures that you, the buyer, are serious about your commission.
There are exceptions to every rule however and at times an exchange is warranted (e.g. sizing issues, color matching, style adjustments). Exchanges may incur additional cost which will be communicated & the product will have to be returned. Additional production time & any change in materials will be factored in as necessary. In the case that you are completely dissatisfied with the item a partial refund may be issued; less the cost of materials, tools, & shipping.
Commission Convo
The first stage of a custom order after the initial inquiry (via a conversation or web form) is the Commission Convo. This may take several sessions as we hammer out all the details. During this exchange we will work out all of the details of the order including: style, size, color, texture, use, allergies, & other preferences.
Proofing Process
There is also a Proofing Process in which an initial finished photograph is sent to you for your final approval. There is an opportunity at this point to make changes before the design is finalized. Additional proofing will result in additional charges however. To mitigate repetitive changes I will be in contact throughout the creation process at relevant points. This allows you the chance to see the product as it is made, and inform me of anything that may not be matching your vision of the finished product. You are free to forego these updates if you would like to be surprised by the unfinished object, however you will still only have 1 proofing session free of change; all others will result in additional charges.
Stages of Pricing
The full balance must be paid prior to the start of the project (after the initial R&D deposit). This is in part protection for me as an artist, but also to allow me to purchase any supplies or special tools I require. In certain cases, in which the full balance is over $100 USD (not including shipping & handling) payment plans may be available. Payments are required at a minimum of $25/payment. The project will not start until the full amount has been paid.
All custom orders include a non-refundable deposit starting at $25 (for the first 2 hours of research & development) and increases in $25 increments for every 2 hours. This will be counted as the first payment in the case of a payment plan.
In the case of custom orders, pricing given is a pricing estimate. Until the product is complete it can be difficult to give a solid price, especially in the case of complete custom orders. You will be given updated numbers as they are determined, but do remember that custom order payments are non-refundable. Should you decide to cancel the order any funds that have not been allocated to supplies or tools may be returned. In the case of pricing adjustments, the difference must be paid before the product will be shipped.
Production Schedule
Production times are estimates. These estimates include all of the time needed to create after materials & tools have been acquired. My production times are generous and as a general rule I always keep on schedule, if not finish early.
Shipping
I strictly ship my products via USPS Priority Mail. This allows you to receive your products quickly and at a reasonable rate. In the rare case where this form of mailing is not cost effective items may be sent either First Class or via FedEx. This is done strictly at my discretion.
