u/CommunicationOpen344

Has anyone here done business with Katy Rulin/Carlton of Reaper Oddities?

I’m looking for other people’s experiences or advice because I’m starting to feel concerned about a custom piece I commissioned from her. On 6/13, I signed a contract for a custom mount (a dyed black mule deer) and paid 50% down. The contract states the piece would be completed within 45 days, which would put the due date at July 28. (I attached screenshots of the contract)

Almost two weeks ago, I reached out for an update on how it was going because I never heard anything after paying her. She responded saying her policy allows up to 18 months to complete a custom piece. I was not aware of this ‘policy’ when I signed the contract or paid the deposit, and it was not shared with me during our communication prior to my payment through her personal Facebook page. The signed contract I have states 45 days, so I followed up asking for clarification about the difference between the contract I signed and the 18-month policy.

Since then, I’ve sent several messages that have still gone unanswered, though she has been active on Facebook between each message.

I truly do want to give her the benefit of the doubt, and I completely understand custom work can take time. That isn’t the issue and I feel like 45 days is completely adequate time for this simple custom. But the lack of communication with me and the difference between the signed contract and the ‘policy’ she later mentioned are starting to really raise red flags for me.

I paid through Square and had a signed contract, so I at the time believed everything was legitimate. Has anyone else had a similar experience with her or Reaper Oddities? or how should I proceed. Just general advice would be helpful. I’m a very easy person to work with, just clear communication and we are all good. That’s all I ask for. Well anyways Thank you!

Has anyone else had this experience with art commissions?

I’ve commissioned three different artists now, and each time the final piece looked noticeably worse than the art they post publicly in their portfolio/social media. I’m not talking about tiny nitpicks or expecting perfection. I understand commissions can vary, and I know art is hard. But all three commissions were $190+ each, so I’m feeling really frustrated and honestly kind of discouraged.

I don’t want to post the examples cause I don’t want to call the three artists out.

But I also try to be clear with references, descriptions, character details, and the overall vibe I want. I don’t want to be unfair to artists, but after this happening multiple times, I’m starting to feel nervous about commissioning anyone again.

Has this happened to anyone else? Is this just bad luck, or are there red flags I should be looking for before commissioning? How do you tell whether an artist’s commission work will actually match the quality of their posted art?

I’d really appreciate advice, especially from people who commission art often or artists who can explain what might be happening.

Custom Mount

[Discussion]Commissions never look as good as the artist’s posted work