Furry-Within

Okay, without mincing words, the last pic we got was shit. I think all but maybe five of the people in that pic were dissatisfied with the quality of work we got for that kind of investment. Ideally, I believe that we'd all like to avoid an overpriced and under-developed pic that went over the time budget by about eight months.

With that said, I'll understand if people are a bit tentative with parting with their shekels and pesos for another piece of group art, but hear me out. You may like where this is going.

So I've been chatting with an artist who I've had a distinct pleasure in working with for a while now over on FA. You've probably seen me post around some pics that I've commissioned, and you've likely oo'd and ahh'd over them, especially Luc's where he's floating through space, being useless and shut up Luc. That artist is Shay, a very nice person who has been kind enough to agree to be the artist for this art, if we can pony up the cash.

Following is a sample of their work and a link to their FA.

[spoiler=Sample 1]_{http://www.furaffinity.net/view/16357634/}
(http://d.facdn.net/art/lethedreamer/1429753964/1429753964.lethedreamer_resize.png)
^{http://www.furaffinity.net/user/lethedreamer/}[/spoiler]

[spoiler=Sample 2]_{http://www.furaffinity.net/view/16637322/}
(http://d.facdn.net/art/lethedreamer/1432479011/1432479011.lethedreamer_resize.png)
^{http://www.furaffinity.net/user/lethedreamer/}[/spoiler]

[spoiler=Sample 3]_{http://www.furaffinity.net/view/16755483/}
(http://d.facdn.net/art/lethedreamer/1433580771/1433580771.lethedreamer_day_5.png)
^{http://www.furaffinity.net/user/lethedreamer/}[/spoiler]


We're still in the stages of just talking it out and working out details for it so far, nothing has yet been carved into stone. But I personally would like to make this happen. I'm sure a few of you would, too.

So here we are, having a discussion. Up above this post is a poll. I would like everyone interested in this project to cast a vote, and if you're still capable of conveying thoughts to written media, post here with your thoughts on things.

Right now, after an initial conversation, we're looking at maybe $40-$50 per person, with a maximum of 30 people in the picture. Keep in mind that this is a conversation that is still ongoing, so details may change in one direction or the other. The picture would be commencing mid-late August, with intentions on it being completed before the end of the year. Shay has said that each character would likely get 5-6 hours spent depending on complexity, and that they'd prefer to not work beneath minimum wage, which I think is fair enough.

We've got a few months to talk about this, so let's spend the time wisely and try to move on to greener pastures from last year.

Thoughts, questions, concerns, death-wishes can all be posted here, I'll address them as they show up.

Consider me in total agreement. With the work she has done for Kor on multiple occasions and the fact she's doing something for me as well with such a friendly and quick response time to make sure everything's OK, it couldn't be given to a better artist or person. Show some support guys!

Not only am I okay with this, I support this decision 100%. If this artist has inspired you to get a new one then so be it. I just want to know when I can start giving my money for this project!

Quote from: Stakie on June 06, 2015, 10:39:46 AM
Not only am I okay with this, I support this decision 100%. If this artist has inspired you to get a new one then so be it. I just want to know when I can start giving my money for this project!

Which brings up a good point; the money. Last time, we had the artist checking people off of the the list as payments rolled in. Things got a little confusing, updates weren't made. I think this time, the money should go through me. It would likely be best to minimise spamming Shay with messages regarding payment, names getting confused, all manner of things going wrong. So I'll tally things up, check the names off the list, and once everyone's payments have been collected, I go to Vegas I send it off and no one gets left behind.

Of course, people are welcome to suggest something else if they think they have a better idea.

Well, I think that is good. Maybe we can make a post with who wants in, check them off the list when they have paid and have their references beside it? Keeps everything organized and it lets everyone know what's going on. So YOU don't get spammed.

Quote from: Stakie on June 06, 2015, 10:51:43 AM
Well, I think that is good. Maybe we can make a post with who wants in, check them off the list when they have paid and have their references beside it? Keeps everything organized and it lets everyone know what's going on. So YOU don't get spammed.

That's the idea. Everything will be public to avoid any miscommunications, people can voice their wants and needs. Another benefit of me handling the money is that if someone wants a refund prior to sending all the money forward, it'll be a lot easier for me to give it back than to harass Shay.

Or if people can't pay 40 all at once? Is that an option too?

Quote from: Stakie on June 06, 2015, 11:48:34 AM
Or if people can't pay 40 all at once? Is that an option too?

Funnily enough, this came up in the discussion we were having on FA. Shay has said that if people want to split payments up, that's fine. Given that I'll be the one keeping track of payments as they show up, I'll be the one following up with people so that they don't try to take advantage of this arrangement.

Also, in regards to payments, we've discussed people with simpler/small characters potentially getting a discount. I know that Luc and Dyrik last year weren't terribly pleased with having to shell out the same amount as everyone else when their character requires a lot less work. This will all be handled on a case-by-case basis and will be at the discretion of Shay.

This is my first post here, so hopefully I'm doing this correctly, otherwise I'll be making a very poor first impression!

I understand that many people who participated in the last FW family photo had a very bad experience. Kor showed me the image and explained the situation. I want to apologize to you guys for having put your faith in an artist that essentially cheated you all, and if people are willing to give me a shot, I'd love to help make this a very memorable year for you guys.

I want the people who do choose to participate to be as comfortable as possible, and I want you all to know that you're free to pester me as much as you'd like! I'll answer any questions or concerns you might have, so feel free to approach me for any reason at all (even if it's just a friendly hello, I do like those too).

I look forward to meeting you all, and even if we don't work up enough people to make this work out, that's okay! I'm very honored to even have the opportunity, and I'm very excited for this project. Thanks for everyone's consideration in advance!

Huzzah! Yay, seems great, had to ask just to get that out there!

And hello and welcome!!!

Quote from: Stakie on June 06, 2015, 12:15:53 PM
Huzzah! Yay, seems great, had to ask just to get that out there!

And hello and welcome!!!

No worries, I understand that not all people can fork out $40ish right away, and I want people to have a good experience. I don't want to exclude anyone's lovely character simply because they don't have the finances upfront!

And thank you for the lovely welcome! It's nice to meet you too, Stakie.

I would Love to be in the picture.  But my only issue right now is that my money is tied up with family stuff.  And i have actually no way of contirbuting money or passing it onto someone through the internet.  Since i have no Debit or credit card.

Welcome to the site, Shay! Super excited to see how the project will turn out once the ball gets rolling, I'm sure it'll be great.
Also, I have to say that being able to sort out the details in advance is much better than before. I'll do my part to tell people about it if they haven't heard already.

I think going through one person to pay for it is an excellent idea, especially if the plan is to wait till all the people in the image have paid first to get it commissioned.

One of the issues I had with Ley's commission doing it was that she set it up to have extra spots and then spent time trying to fill the spots instead of just focusing on making it around how many people sign up to be in it . . .

I have to agree. Sorting out things in advance is wonderful!

Im up for it, let me know when we are funding kor's trip to vagas thingy

I'm totally in

Yay! more people interested! How exciting!

I'm totally in! Just as soon as I can scrounge together the money...