atsuyakihara's Bulletins
whore.
*this image isn't available for public viewing outside of this bulletin, because I have Arca's modern AU tab on private lol
enjoy it while you can
Coughs- ah yes it's been a while since my last service review. I haven't been commissioning much artist outside of Skeb due to a shift in priorities, nevertheless I felt writing service reviews was quite entertaining, and I want to continue it as a series of bulletins. Hence, after some thought I decided to write one on an old commission... plus personal thoughts (!)
Usual disclaimer and background on my reviews: the values I seek after from artists are (1) creativity, (2) communication [sense of closeness & response to feedback] and (3) time management [turnaround time, transparency in waitlist].
(1) Creativity includes the artist' personal take on my characters and how they portray the characters' worldview. Basically, able to expand my prompt with their own ideas rather than be told to draw exactly the way I want.
(2) Communication includes hospitality expected of a business (professionalism) yet not too stiff, and openness to feedback.
(3) Time management includes how the artist manages their waitlist and how transparent they are with their work time. Simply put, it can include how often they update their worklist so that clients are able to estimate their work speed and progress. This does NOT mean faster artist are better.
These are simply my standards. Other people may have different things they look for when commissioning artists (one person I know actually looks to befriend the artist they commission. I don't.)
NaOH_21 -- or otherwise known as Nao -- is one of the artist that, if given the chance, I would commission every time they open commissions.
They are absolutely a pleasure to work with. I approached Nao twice, both to commission my dearest Arca (original lore and modern AU) and they delivered. Well, actually my memory fails me because it's been some time and I don't remember the details of our exchange BUT I can say that they managed to expand my prompts better than I imagine. I have a habit of giving specific instructions the first time I commission someone new -- for Nao, I asked them to continue this sketch done by another artist. The result has its own flair rather than just a continuation of the original sketch. I was pleased with this, so I approached Nao a second time to another piece (shown above; it's whore Arca). This time my references were more vague (around two for mood and one for outfit) for the overall theme of "Arca with a mob character in a bar". Nao took their interpretation of the references and delivered a gorgeous sultry piece.
The entire communication process was delightful. Nao showed interest in my character (this is case by case basis, I know. Different artists like different characters and this will not be universal; but it is my service review) and was cooperative when given feedback (for example, the sketch for modern AU Arca initially had wine, and I pointed champagne would be more bar-like).
The last one, time management, is actually the only reason I didn't write a service review sooner. Nao has a timely turnaround time, however I found that if you managed to land in their waitlist, you could be waiting for months without prior notice. Getting on the August waitlist could end up in December or January. This may be common practice for some artist, however as a client I tend to avoid long waitlists due to it potentially messing up my financials -- and/or I'd end up commissioning another artist the idea I saved for the artist I'm on waitlist. [Does this sound like a me problem? Probably. I stand by my point though]
Still though, Nao is highly skilled and if you don't mind long waitlists I would recommend Nao as an artist to commission!
2023.11.07
Last night I was unfortunate enough to go to sleep at 2 AM, and saw the Skeb email that arrived at 1:30 AM on my bed. Huh guess I'll write about it when I wake up. The revision itself isn't alarming, and functionality-wise nothing about the site has/ will change. However nuance-wise there are some interesting changes for creators, to say the least. I've put my thoughts about the changes under the spoiler.
Disclaimer: this is less of an explanation bulletin and more of an opinion, so exact explanation of how Skeb is run behind-the-scenes will be omitted for the sake of briefness.
Notice of Renewal of Terms of Service
- The name of service provided by the website has changed. The website now offers services for "(cultural) works" (eg. illustration, writing, videos, etc.) as opposed to "the right to request for a work". This is merely a change in law terms and for clarity, nothing has actually changed. Creators still reserve full copyright of their works, and clients do not receive copyright of a work upon delivery.
- AI is now strictly banned. Again, nothing has changed as AI has been banned since the beginning, but they will now enforce the rule strictly.
- Service fees shall now be borne by the creator. This is done in order to comply to Japan's Invoice Law, coming into effect in September. If you are a client, this does not affect you.
- Termination of Skeb points and new system for points. This is the only point that affects clients directly.
Skeb points is the prepaid payment service used solely in Skeb, and has a 10 years expiry date. After another examination, it was found that the distribution of Skeb points falls under the jurisdiction of the third-party who distributes Skeb points, thus it is legally not under Skeb. In order to be able to distribute Skeb points legally (under Skeb Inc.), the current points in circulation will be refunded, and a new Skeb point with a 180 days expiry date will launch later.
In other words, if you ever bought Skeb points and haven't used it until September 1st, the points will become non-useable and you will be eligible for a refund. The refund can be made to a Japanese bank account or converted into the new Skeb point. (Details here.) - Creators will no longer be able to payout their earnings after a year. This is a change for creator side and not a new rule. However, Skeb has decided to strictly enforce this rule in compliance with the upcoming Invoice Law.
- Boosts will now have a minimum of 500 yen. This change is the only point that is unrelated to law, but rather Skeb's policy to help protect creators.
- Invoice Law sucks. In short, Invoice Laws stipulate that creators must file tax report on every transactions they do, even if it's creator-to-client and not creator-to-corporate. As creators are required to present an invoice to their clients, it also poses the problem that personal information (name and address) may be leaked. It puts a massive hurdle for creators to keep working, as the new law may discourage creators from making transactions at all.
- That said, point 3 may potentially be beneficial for creators, as their transaction income is deducted by the service fee (in the past, service fee was borne by the client). ...and i'm too hungry to explain why it's beneficial, but point is it's a good thing! However it may invite misunderstandings for creators.
- Point 5... ah yes here comes the math. Nalgami added an explanation on his Twitter. This is the point that is most disadvantageous for creators; and partly to blame due to Japan's whack banking system. Payout in Skeb has a minimum of 1339 yen. This is because banks take 880 yen if the payout fails, while the payout fee itself is 458 yen. (Common reasons of failure: wrong name, wrong bank code, etc.) -> in worst case, creators will get 1 yen from the 1339 yen they payout.
Yes you read that right, the payout fee is 458 yen!! This isn't Skeb's fault though, Japan's banking system is absolute whack.
Due to the crazy high fees, you'd imagine some creators leave their earnings on Skeb until they collect more money to be able to payout, right? Except life happens and some can't open commissions for a year, leaving the earning rotting in Skeb. Due to laws, Skeb has always had the rights to invalidate those earnings but hasn't strictly enforce the rules. And now due to Invoice Laws, once again, they decided to strictly enforce the rule. - Point 6 has been in consideration for some time now (Nalgami has talked about it in his tweets before), but there have been cases of people boosting 53 yen (read as 'gomi' / 'trash') with the purpose of harassing creators. Skeb's goal is to create a safe space where creators can create works without the fear of receiving backlash/ complains/ insults, hence the new boost policy. Ultimately, this is a good thing since 500 is a good baseline for leaving tips anyway.
- On another note though this incident finally led Skeb to share their data for boosts!! Personally I love seeing data so it's such a neat thing. The average boost is 1500-2000 yen, while the median is 900-1000 yen. I've looked up online opinions on how much boosts should be (emphasis on opinion) and some said that 5000 yen is a good baseline, though of course boosts were never meant to be compulsory. Now with official data being released, it's easier to determine how much to boost!
- As a bystander, I can see the Invoice Law hindering Skeb growth in the future, as Skeb has pretty much been operating on "creator opening Skeb attracts clients" basis. Skeb has never catered to [ clients ] but rather [ fans of creators ], so with the new law being disadvantageous for new creators to start creating/ open a Skeb account ...who knows what will happen to Skeb? Perhaps the market will grow stagnant in upcoming years.
.....have you ever just wonder if you could resell, trade or otherwise gift adopts bought from artists from different cultures, where such acts are often unregulated, particularly from Skima? Of course, one way to know for sure is to directly message the adopt artist and ask for their permission. What if you can't or don't want to? What is the default stance in those cases?
If you ever wondered about those things, here's the post for you!
※This post uses terms and laws in Japan. It may not reflect other countries/ international definition of "copyright".
1. Skima obligates artists to surrender their 著作者/copyright of every adopt sold and bought on site.
This is written in their guide regarding adopt sales. Also confirmed in another site.
2. Then, what is copyright? Does it include rights to resell or trade the adopt away?
Simply put, 'copyright' used in Skima refers to the right of reproduction, right of transfer, right to use derivative works. By obligating artists to surrender copyright of their adopt, the buyer is protected by Skima to gain all three rights without exception. And simply put, yes you do gain the right to resell or trade the adopt as you gain copyright from the artist. By default, this also allows the buyer to use the adopt commercially, and the right to sue for copyright infringement.
Furthermore, copyright/著作者 is compromised of two rights: moral rights (人格権) and property rights (財産権).
Moral rights refer to right to publish, the right to display one's name, the right to maintain identity, and the right to maintain reputation. This means should you transfer copyright of your work, you will always have the right to be credited and have your name not tarnished due to usage of your works by other people.
Under Japanese law, moral rights cannot be transferred. Hence, by default the copyright transfer only applies for property rights transfer, which is compromised of the right of reproduction, right of transfer, right to use derivative works.
3. I've seen artists put Terms of Service/ contract agreement that they do not transfer copyright on their adopt page. Which rule should I follow?
Skima rule applies site-wide. Artists who use Skima to sell their adopts must abide by Skima rules, hence even if the artist decides to put up a local rule/ terms of service, this is not law-abiding (in other words, the artists themselves are the ones breaking Skima rules). Hence by law, you still completely own the copyright of the adopt you bought.
However as it goes without saying, breaking an artist's ToS is never a positive thing in any culture. Even if you have the right to use the adopt commercially, for example, if the artist puts up a rule to not use the adopt commercially and you break that anyway... who's violating who's rights?
TL;DR you are allowed to do whatever you want with adopts bought off Skima even if the artist puts up a ToS against it. this is common sense, just because you could doesn't mean you should...
tip: check the artist's ToS when purchasing adopts. some ask you to not resell their designs. some ask you to not edit their art. this cannot be reinforced in any way, but if you cannot agree to the artist' ToS maybe consider buying off someone who you could agree with instead. there are many artists waiting to be discovered!
As written on my last artist positive review, seldom do I feel the need to write down positive reviews unless the artist stood out one way or another. Typically this means excellent technical (drawing) skills and exemplary soft skills (eg. manners, attitude, communication, creativity, etc.). Today I had time to sit down and write this down because after consideration, I find my experience with Rivaiiwah ( https://twitter.com/rivaiiwah ) to be very pleasant!
Obligatory "I can't write well please excuse the odd-sounding phrases/ sentences"
As a general guideline of what I consider is important when commissioning artists.
- Even with an idea in mind, I prefer to give the artist 'free reign' or artistic freedom especially on stuff like poses and composition. (I am not fond of having to provide too much visual reference/ dictating the artist how I want the art to be.)
- Other things I check are accuracy of setting (character/ world wise).
- Waiting is not a problem, as long as communication is maintained and the art is delivered.
- (New!) Another big point I feel is important to emphasize is that I believe communication is important from both parties. I personally believe that the ideal commission is not only to receive art as a product of labor, but also help the artist grow. (As a reader you do not have to agree, but understand that my reviews are based on this value.)
I commissioned Riva twice. Below is the result of my first commission.
- At first, I messaged the artist with a stickman type sketch to ask if the artist could accept my request (since I wanted a battle scene, I'd rather ask first than send a request unannounced and be rejected). The artist replied she could do it, so I applied through their commission form and waited for a confirmation/ invoice.
- I paid the invoice in full once it was confirmed.
- Riva came back with two sketches to choose from, and I was very happy with the sketch. We agreed on one sketch and moved onto the next step.
- After the lineart was finished, Riva said to me that she had miscalculated the invoice because she had missed that I requested for a dynamic pose (according to her TOS, dynamic poses is charged more due to complexity). As to such, the lineart took more time than expected and resulted in extra fees. Riva kindly explained that because it was her miss, paying the extra fee wouldn't be mandatory/ offered to make it free. In the end, we agreed that I would pay for it and the invoice should be paid when she was finished with coloring.
- After the artwork was finished and final invoice settled, I received the file through Google drive!
- During this process, I observed Riva's workflow, and in the end she asks her clients to fill out a feedback form. I wrote my observation into the form and submitted it. (This is important later on.)
And this is the second and most recent piece I've gotten from Riva!
- As you can see the style is quite different than the previous piece. Partly because I wanted a gentle touch as it's meant to be a date, and Riva offers a wide selection of styles in her commissions.
- Like my previous commission, Riva provided two sketches and two finishings to choose from. Also, I did not include a pose/ scenery reference in my request this time, but she managed to nail my OCs very nicely.
- The highlight for me however, was the fact the whole commission process was very smooth and Riva had listened to my feedback/ took it into serious consideration. The previous observations I wrote into the feedback form were nothing major; the whole experience had been delightful generally. If anything, I felt I was being nitpicky/ annoying to point out what I considered she could improve on (namely a few manners and service related issues, such as choice of words and having a visible worklist). But instead Riva fixed every aspect I wrote into my feedback, which in return made me feel appreciated and happy to see her grow as well.
- Other noteworthy aspects is that Riva is very transparent in her progress. She works in batches and works from the easiest to hardest requests and delivers high quality pieces in a timely (very quick) manner.
TL;DR
- (+++) Works well with creative/ artistic liberty, while also offering chances to revise if interpretations are off. Provides multiple sketches and finishing to compare through and pick based on client's preference.
- (++) Professional behavior in handling clients. While having slight hiccups, more than open to hear client's opinions.
- (++) Transparent in work list. Works from easiest to hardest, delivers the best for all requests.
- (+++) Very open to suggestions and feedback, actively implementing feedback given regarding her overall service, and not just technical aspects.
Now to go back to writing class reports and just cry over academics in general...
22.04.2023 (Eid Mubarak to those who celebrate! aka me.)
Hello! Due to me receiving a few DMs asking about Skeb refunds in the past (after leaving a comment regarding the topic in the forums), I've decided to share my experience specifically in Skeb refunds. At the very least I'd direct them to this bulletin in case someone DMs me regarding the topic...! I apologize if this bulletin ends up wordy/ strange. Most if not all information I write are based on personal experience and information from the site itself.
Disclaimer: I am based in Indonesia and use an Indonesian bank issued Visa debit card. I have no experience in dealing with credit card refunds. As per the site states, "The time until your charge is refunded depends on the issuer of your card." (Source)
Q. How long does the refund take?
Typically a month. My longest refund was settled in around 40 days. After several cases of refund, I found that smaller charge amounts get refunded faster. (I do not know why, it is simply based from observation.)
Edit: Now with Skeb points added as payment method, I will add that Skeb points are immediately refunded once the transaction is cancelled (may take 10 to 20 minutes). I've also tested refunds using Kyash prepaid card (Japan issued), it was also instantly refunded (within a minute).
Q. Have you experienced refund from works that exceeded the deadline?
Yes! That's actually why I'm writing about this now.
For cases where I got my Skeb rejected (Skebjection is real and painful), the refund comes directly from Skeb. I assume they simply reversed the payment (release the charge if you use credit card) and the transaction is recorded as Refund from Skeb on my bank statement. This process normally takes a month to complete, as I wrote in my previous answer.
On 19th June 2022, my Skeb order had passed its deadline, and Skeb notified me that the charge will be refunded. Today (24th June 2022) my bank statement had been updated with Settlement from Visa. As you can see there is a big difference in the refund time! I assume this is because Skeb immediately ordered the bank to refund my money after the deadline had passed.
Spoilered due to irrelevancy, but I want to share my experience regardless:
While I'm grateful for how fast the settlement came, it's worth noting that unlike refunds, the settlement is not from the same transaction. This matters to me because I conduct my transactions in IDR. In the first case (getting Refund from Skeb), I received back every penny that I sent at the cost of longer process time. In the second case, the settlement was based on today's exchange rates. And unfortunately for me, JPY is very weak at the time of writing -- I lost 200k IDR (~13,49 USD) due to the currency conversion. Not complaining though, I know there are people who haven't even received their settlements l ma o
Edit: This also applies to orders where the artist made an error in delivery.
Q. I haven't gotten my refund in three months. How do I get in touch with Skeb?
Lengthy answer:
First of all, it is worth noting that Skeb does not have a dedicated customer support. As of June 2022, they are only 7 people working in Skeb (3 of which are programmers, 1 designer and 1 illustrator. Source). This is why contacting Skeb directly regarding refunds or disputes when the refund guarantee period haven't passed is quite futile.
Second of all, the time window of the refund guarantee has now been extended to 150 days (Source). It used to be 90 days. This is due to the update in Japanese ASCT law that took effect in 1st June 2022. (And, if you've used Skeb since, you might notice the change in order confirmation screen. If not, it was announced here. The change was also done in order to comply to the change in laws.)
As a rule of thumb, it is best to never unlink your card from the website before you complete your transactions, be it getting your Skeb delivered or waiting for your refund.
TL;DR: Skeb updated their terms in accordance to the ASCT law in Japan and will not respond to any refund inquiry unless 150 days have passed. If 150 days have passed since your order got cancelled, you can open this page and scroll down until you see "法令に基づく問い合わせの場合はこちらをクリックしてください。". Click on こちら and you will find a support email. (Or, if the page is translated, こちら will show up as 'here'.)
*
On a completely unrelated note I wrote up a service review the other day but published it privately due to embarrassment lol please read it if you have time...!
Rarely do I feel the need to write down my experience working with an artist, but today I would like to share the exceptional service I received when commissioning Fumi ^^)/ ( https://twitter.com/Fumiyez_ | https://fumiyez.carrd.co/ ) It is my first time writing up a review so some of my wording may not be optimal;;
As a general guideline as to why I would like to highlight my experience with Fumi:
- Even with an idea in mind, I prefer to give the artist 'free reign' or artistic freedom especially on stuff like poses and composition. (I am not fond of having to provide too much visual reference/ dictating the artist how I want the art to be.)
- Other things I check are accuracy of setting (character/ world wise).
- Waiting is not a problem, as long as communication is maintained and the art is delivered.
- (Personal) It is becoming increasingly difficult for me to find local (Indonesian) artists that would work with artistic freedom -- more reason to why Fumi is a personal favorite!
I have commissioned Fumi three times in total, all ordered and finished this year (2022) but all on three different occasions. The first result:
- The pose: I provided two pose references of 'being in one's embrace'. I had asked Fumi not to directly copy the pose, but rather it was provided for visual references only. I explained their dynamic was a 'crack' pair and thus the embrace should not be romantic.
- The next day Fumi provided me the sketch and I was pleasantly surprised to find not only was the pose was more original than the provided reference, but also very in character -- Fumi had managed to grasp my characters completely despite the lack of 'canon' info -- and even the clothing details were very good! [Note: Truthfully Arca's outfit is too complex to me and was hard for me to figure out... But Fumi managed to nail the original design very well in a short amount of time!]
- Throughout the process I asked for two revisions (First, the prop didn't quite fit the setting, thus I asked it to be removed. Second, Taka's inner changed to long sleeved rather than short sleeved) and one additional request (to have a version that included Taka's golden wedding band and a version that didn't include it). Fumi was very professional in revising things according to my request and delivering the final work.
- Unlike my first request, I did not provide pose references for this one. Only a single, sketchy flat color reference of my newest character, Askr. My request was to have the pose to be "cool" but it was ultimately up to Fumi on how she depicted him. I also specified that the white snake didn't have to be included in the piece.
- And again I was surprised by Fumi's artistic creativity and rendering ability...! Due to Askr not having any rendered pieces, I had assumed it would've been harder to shade -- and Fumi blew me away with how good the clothes rendering is...! The piece is also very "cool" as according to my initial request!
- There was a slight bump where I asked Fumi to add the snake scales on Askr's neck (a design point I hadn't highlighted and admittedly hard to see), and again Fumi revised it very quickly. It ended up being another pleasant commission experience.
- Absolutely stunning.
- Okay, let's start from the beginning. I had saw Fumi opening commissions again, and noticed that before the opening, she had written backgrounds can be discussed (though it was later removed and reinstated again) for commissions. Upon observing her portfolio, I decided I wanted to commission a full illustration from Fumi.
- In my initial message, I asked whether it would be possible to request a commission solely based on description (excluding the character reference) and she gave me the okay. I submitted my request that included my character reference, possible companion, and the worldview reference (it being a fantasy world and not a modern world). Then, I requested for a full body illustration with possible backgrounds, such as gardening behind his mansion, walking around in town, or anything that might inspire Fumi. I gave her a budget to work with, and explained it would be okay if she wanted to draw something worth more than my initial budget, as I was open to giving leeway for a quality piece. The rest was artistic freedom.
- Immediately, I was asked questions that would set the direction of the storytelling of the piece. It was clear that Fumi immediately had an inspiration in mind, so I gave her my approval for her idea.
- I received the sketch the very next day as I was on top of her worklist. I was blown away by how fast and detailed (the sketch being clean) she delivered the sketch...! The composition was more than I could've asked. From the body gesture alone, I could tell Fumi had a great understanding of my character, and the background provided a great insight to my character's world view. I was far too pleased as it ended up being within my budget and way over my expectations..!!
- After paying, she immediately resumed working on my commission. The finished piece was delivered the very next day, totaling in a speedy 2 days turnaround time.
- As usual, Fumi asked me for input, in which, to the best of my abilities, I gave her my opinion on what I [as a client] would like to see in illustrations. It was my first time trying to give genuine feedback for improvements so I wasn't sure if I had said things correctly/ getting my point across (as I was very much aware her skills were already eminent), but Fumi stayed humble and accepted my feedback. (I had told the piece was already more than satisfactory and she did not have to do anything to my commission.) She then added in details to give the illustration more storytelling, resulting in the finished piece I received.
- Lastly I asked if it would be possible to add her name in the illustration...! I received one version with, and the other without.
- End result = Verrrrry happy !! ^7^
- (+++) A creative soul and brilliant storyteller who pays attention to design details and characters.
- (+++) Professional behavior in handling clients. Able to match client's energy, making the communication process very pleasant. We both exchanged equal amount of respect for each other.
- (+) Quick turnaround time. [Personally I wouldn't mind waiting longer but this highlight is for those who deems time to be an important factor in commissioning artists.]
- (++) Very open to suggestions and feedback, seeing the commission not only as a business transaction but also as a learning tool.
10.06.2022
Visibility and Authorization
As of 24 May 2021, selected contents have become authorized only. This is likely to be permanent.
Visible to authorized only:
- Rie and Taka's full profile (base form/og lore only). Their full profiles have been moved to a separate tab.
- Most of their tabs:
- Relationship tab, Misc tab (containing timeline and literature guide), every other tab(s) I plan to attach to Rie/Taka.
- Most of my literature featuring them.
Visible to everyone:
- Rie and Taka's full gallery and their modern AU tabs.
- Selected literature, such as blossom.
Q. Why those two specifically?
Because they're my main OCs and I love them! Which is exactly why I limit who gets to view info about them. Their profiles are story/text heavy and may contain content that some may find uncomfortable--which frankly I don't care about. They mean a lot to me so I will only share what I am comfortable with sharing.
Q. Will you limit other characters' visibility?
It is unlikely, but I may limit some whose profile I'm still working on. Literature that focuses on Arcadium (Modern AU) and Takashi (Modern AU) may likely become authorized only too due to the nature of their story.
--other news--
As of 26/08/21 I've included Skeb prices on my character images' caption in case you're wondering how much an artist's Skeb would cost!
This bulletin will always be updated with any new information regarding visibility and authorization.
If you have not been already authorized kindly do not ask me to do so.