Steve is in the garden mentally preparing himself for Christmas..

Don't mind me. Just looking back on where the year has gone this #fursuitfriday

Update: my scammwr artist has me blocked on FA XD

Postscript: Eagle-eyed viewers will have noticed #8 was omitted. We have sacked our proofreader.
Post-Postscript: He hasn't published any finished work lately, either.
Post-Post-Postscript: I'll keep updating this as more unfolds. (I rather doubt I'll have any updates)

This hurts anyone I might want art from. When an artist does this “hey i need more money” and perpetually pushes off working for it, I’m less likely to hire new artists because I don’t want this same result.
So yeah. Beware this scammer, the latest in our community.
/18

To conclude: I am not made of money. When I have the money to commission artists, I do! I cannot buy endless comms from artists that don’t deliver. When I burn my $ on a ghost, it hurts my willingness to commission new people.
17/

So I’m sending this beware, linked in DMs, to the artist(s) I’ve seen promoting Bitterphil. Because they have reputations to protect too.
16/

So what now? I’m going to publish this beware on Bsky, FA, link it under the YCH, etc, etc. I’m unable to collect a refund if he doesn’t read my messages. I see other artists have promoted his work, & I worry about their rep too.
15/

The rest kinda speaks for itself. He doesn't seem to intend to return my money.
And now... i'm resorting to my "other options"
14/

I asked for a refund on 7 November but was told it would be done that weekend. I'm highly skeptical but o'k sure. Fuel for my fire now.
Surprise: nada. (sarcasm, I was not surprised)
But now he doesn't remember which is mine.
13/

I wait another month to inquire as to status, asking on October 13 if he has any progress to share. Again, if he has started work, per his TOS, no refund is possible.
We’re now… 6 months in. Tried engaging again on 21 and 27 October.
Left on read.
12/

But I never see so much as a sketch, never get an update. So, on 13 September, (~5 months after this began) I reached out to poke & see. He responds 13 September “I’ll be working on yours this following week”
11/

He takes/finishes more commissions in the interim. Turnaround time for singlerun YCHs averages 3 months from what I can see. So he *can* do art: whatever tablet he’s using is working. Including Pride art (I get it, crank those out fast b/c hype). But I get nothing for mine.
10/

So… I figure money is gone, but maybe hes gonna actually finish mine. I get most people aren’t great budgeters for time or money. But I’m wary & concerned I got ripped off. I let it sit. He continues to solicit YCHs & continues to publish finished art (latest 4Sep).
CW: NSFW
9/

Not even two weeks from paying, he’s asking for more commissions. Alarms start ringing. Now he really needs money for "electric bill." Remember, this was for a tablet? Ok sometimes we prioritize the wrong thing.
But I want my original art. Him: “I’ll deliver… next few days”
7/

Money sent. I even sent receipt screens from the Hey app. He was thrilled. Odd how his name is different but it’s the internet & everyone has a reason.
6/

Oops, not quite. Next day, Apr 3, he lets me know I fat-fingered & didn’t actually send the money at first. Easy fix, after verifying my bank hadn’t sent any money. I pay & double-check on April 4.
5/

Now I felt confident enough to pay the dude. Note he says “I’m just saving for a new tablet.” Ok, maybe worst case, it’s BROKE & best case, time for a new one. It’s essential equipment! I’m in no rush. Tipped 25% on the art too, $30. I hope that can help!
4/

He opened communication via Telegram as “Clyde Donovan.” Payment was via a bank app I hadn’t used before, so I verified he was the same person from FA and I wasn’t getting a “middleman” scam. He verified the way I asked. Seems legit!
3/

Let’s lay out the calendar:
They opened this YCH on April 1, under an “Emergency YCH” heading line. Here’s their TOS, note the “I receive a lot of pressure & rush” & “no refunds once the work has started.”
Price 120, I bought it 2 April.
2/

FURRY ARTIST-BEWARE
The artist: Bitterphil/Bitearts/Christian S. Lopez/Clyde Donovan/Borck
Since they’ve cut off contact with me, & I cannot get a refund, I have no choice but to do this. I really didn’t want to.
1/

Gotta hitch up the tail and ascend dramatically this #fursuitfriday!

Something stimky about this #fursuitfriday.
For once it isn't you ;3

Oh no. Its the last #fursuitfriday of Ottober!

I hope it is a great one, full of feesh!

Been waiting on the comm since April. Do I blast them publically now?

I give your #fursuitfriday TWO thumbs way, way up!

May anyone please advise me some specific sewing machine recommendations? 🙏

Either Toyota, Singer, or Brother brand! I'm on the lookout

I've made two fursuits and a lot of repairs using my brother quilting machine.

It only took two years but Im happy how it turned out! No more chill drafts this winter.
Now to finish the second one XD