If you follow me on Facebook, you might have noticed that things have been a bit quieter than normal over the last few weeks. I'm so sorry about that!
This little one had to be named Patience after she had to put up with how slow I was working on her. ;)
Patience is a mini Secret Keeper!
She's only 6 inches tall! (Or 3.5 inches sitting, which is how she prefers to be.)
The regular Secret Keepers are 12 inches tall (6 inches sitting), so she's so tiny compared to them!
Patience is patiently waiting in the shop for her new home!
Now, for a little confession.
The past few weeks I was busy working on a commission that I'm sad to say did not have a positive ending.
I've enjoyed working with several people on custom works, but this was the first one that went badly.
It crushed me.
For a little bit there, it sucked my entire creative drive out of me.
Artistic ability and creativity are funny things, and the smallest things can send them into hiding.
I'm still a bit sad about it and the rejected plush is serving as an unfortunate reminder.
I'm taking this as a learning experience, though.
I am changing my policies on custom orders.
From now on, I will only be taking semi-custom orders.
What's the difference, you ask?
A semi-custom is a variation of something I already create.
If you want a Secret Keeper with pink hair and blue eyes, that's great!
If you want a yellow Pocket Fluff with a purple face, I'll be thrilled to help you!
But if you want a plush based off a specific drawing, I'm terribly sorry, but I'll have to pass. It kills me to tell anyone "no" because I love working with and helping people, but I simply can not take the risk of losing both time and money again.
On a positive note, Patience helped me get my creative drive back again, and I already have plans for a new style of monster. I can't wait to get started on him!
Oohh, I had no idea Patience was so tiny! What a cutie! She has a lot of depth in her face, I really like it.
ReplyDeleteI'm sorry to hear about your custom order gone bad. :( I can totally relate. It's crazy how one yucky experience can suck the creative juice right out of you! I'm very glad Patience helped you turn it around and I can't wait to see what you have in store next!! :)
Good for you for NOT letting it get you down entirely! It's a tough balancing act to make your customer 100% happy, yet keep your artistic sensibilities happy too! You do AMAZING work!!! So glad "Patience" was there to help you over the hump!
ReplyDeleteI understand about the crush. It's awful and demoralising and just quashes all the creativity. I think your semi-commision idea is very wise; after all, your dolls are very distinctive and have their own adorable style. You're not a plushy toy sweatshop, you're an artist and customers should be people who love your dolls. (I'm ranting a bit here because I had a similar experience!)
ReplyDeleteThanks, you guys for your encouragement! It really has helped me feel better :)
ReplyDeleteUs crafty ladies gotta stick together!! :D
ReplyDelete