I am posting this journal entry because there has been quite a bit of alarm and worry about my business, and I want to publicly address all these concerns in one place, so that everyone will hopefully understand my plan to see it resolved successfully.
First of all, I truly do want to emphasize my sincere apology to those who have waited an unusually long time to receive their completed commissions. I truly feel awful that I've pushed many of them back and completed other commissions taken long after theirs, and I wish I could effectively express how guilty I feel for putting kind, unspeakably patient people in that position, especially after paying me firsthand. And sadly, a good amount of my clients have had or been having such an experience with me. I am also aware that I have exceeded my estimated deadlines in the past, and at this point I can only offer my condolences and my promise that I will complete all outstanding commissions as rapidly as I am physically able to complete, and I am absolutely serious about following through with this. To those who have been displeased with how long they have been waiting, I am more than happy to offer some form of compensation through art. I offer a free sketch bust or sketch fullbody picture the the customer may claim at any time AFTER a substantial or the entire amount of my current queue of slots is completed. So far, this has been very successful for all those who have requested this form of compensation.
I also want to clarify that the ridiculous wait time is due to my excessive workload, which is unnecessary and inefficient, and entirely of my own doing and my lack of thorough planning. I know people have been angry about it, but I've only opened any additional commissions so that I can meet bare essential needs. The only reason why I have such a workload is because I have consistent necessities to pay for on a monthly basis, such as food, water, heating, electricity, rent, gas money, and Internet. I can't complete any work if I don't have a roof over my head and electricity to work on all of my art. If my electricity were to be shut off, my Internet suspended, and in the worst case scenario kicked out of my house, my commissions would take far longer to finish. At the same time, I do my absolute best to NOT open any commissions if I don't have to. It truly hurts me to be put in a position where I have no choice but to open a few, even simple, commissions when I know I have a good queue of wonderfully patient people already waiting for me to finish their mostly or fully-paid commission.
In addition, I want to note to everyone that I have not been exceptionally communicative because I'm trying to invest as much time as I can to working on and finishing my commissions. Also, when not making progress on commissions, I am getting back to as many e-mails and notes as I can -- my customers being the ultimate priority.
There is an insane amount of things I am juggling right now, in addition to messages and inquiries from those who are not clients of mine. If you message/note/e-mail me and you aren't a client of mine, please don't expect a reply anytime soon, or any at all just to be safe, until my outstanding commissions are completed. I am deeply sorry for this inconvenience, but proper organization of how I spend my time right now is utterly imperative. The sooner I complete my current queue, the sooner I can move forward and get back to everyone else.
Lastly, I want to let everyone know that while I'm working through my commissions as fast as possible (without carelessly rushing through them), I am trying to get all commissions furthest back on my list out of the way first and foremost, as soon as possible. I used to alternate my commissions between doing a new one, then an older one, then new, old, etc. However, these days I am solely focusing on older commissions until they are out of the way, and then I will work on my more recent commissions.
I also wanted to send my gratitude for taking the time to read this, and that I truly do appreciate it. I hope this has helped to assuage some fears and concerns, and that we can move forward in a positive, peaceful manner as I complete these commissions as soon as I possibly can (while maintaining quality). I also understand that simply making a journal entry won't fix anything, but I know this needed to be laid out for everyone's benefit and hopefully peace of mind.
Many thanks, and have a wonderful December!
