Sovereign Studio backlog, stuff

[SovereignStudio]

Guys,
I've heard it's getting pretty heated around here, I'm high on the poop-list right now. I've gotten a couple heads up emails, that I need to drop in here. Those emails reference a certain guy that took off with a lot of peoples' money and I know that's made plenty of people hostile and Leary of everyone selling stuff. First I want to say, I AM NOT THAT GUY!! I'm still here, I'm not going anywhere and everyone WILL get what they paid for. I'm always available by PM and email ([email protected]) I may be hard to get in touch with, but I did NOT fly the coop or blow anyone off. I'm sure most of you have seen people ARE getting their stuff. Not as fast as anyone, especially myself, would like but stuff IS going out.

I keep an eye on replies to my posts through email notification, but I do stay clear of a lot of participation. Why? I KNOW people are upset and saying a lot of negative stuff. I've seen what that has done to a lot of guys on the board, the other customizers. don't mean to sound like a wuss, but most artists have fragile egos. I'm no different. Praise can carry you through the rough spots and the harsh stuff can make want to just sit alone in the dark and feel completely worthless. That's what I've been avoiding, NOT the work or my obligation to any one of you here. That new thread I just saw... "Don't bother with sovereign Studio" (I'm paraphrasing)... I'm not going to even look in there. The title says enough. I'm sure I deserve it, but I can't read any of it. I just can't. I think about the reputation I used to have here, where it stands now.... I can't read an of that.

eBay..... As i posted some time ago, I've got a guy that keeps my stuff sorted for me now. he does all of the business end. I'M WORKING ON BACKLOG AND NEW STUFF CONCURRENTLY, that's how it has to be. It's not like I can shut down entirely until the backlog is done, that would be the end all together. Being a free-lance artist is my only job, and has been for nearly 9 years. this is not a hobby for me. All I can do is divide my time between new stuff and backlog.

Backlog.... What does that even mean? It's happened to a lot of artists on this board. Like I said, I've done this sort of thing for a long time. You don't always hit deadlines, but my usual turn-around was 4-5 weeks. That was back when I only did eBay and private commissions. When you join a board orders just flood in. You assume you can keep it orderly, but you can't. You realize FAR too late that the key to those timely turn-arounds was managing what you were putting out there and in what quantities. Even when I first came here that's exactly what I did; I took orders in groups of 3-4 pieces. There were no problems and I gained a solid rep in a short time. Perfect. When you let go of that and start excepting every order that comes in you bury yourself before you even realize you started digging. That's how you end up with a backlog.

I know plenty of you are very upset with me, and I get that. But what matters most to me right now is getting this stuff done and also that you all know that I am NOT trying, nor did I EVER intend, to rip anyone off! I'm a guy who f&&*ed up, NOT a thief. I would like to come back here in good standing one day, though that doesn't seem possible. Hopefully I can pull that off somehow.

If I can get personal for a minute..... (whining may ensue) I've always been alone in this thing. I do ALL of the work alone. And my wife isn't overly critical or cruel, but I'm sure plenty of you have stories regarding how your other half feels about this "geek" stuff. I think my value as a human being pretty much depends on how much money I do or don't have from day to day in her eyes. Can't really talk to her about it, either. I'm just an a-hole for making here feel bad. All of the praise I used to get here really kept me going, then I lost that. It took quite a while for me to come back from that; months of barely making any money, nearly getting divorced and a ton of stuff I won't bore you with. I'm realizing as I get older that I'm not as emotionally self-sustaining as I used to be. I used to be that guy who was motivated even more when people didn't believe in me. Rage, spite... I'm not sure how that worked exactly. I'm not that guy anymore. I will be 37 next week, and my mind just doesn't work like that anymore. I've got Marc (my eBay guy). He's been keeping me going and helping me get back my motivation and sense of self-worth. He's been my only source of that lately. Manager, agent, cheerleader... the guy's list of duties doesn't really end. It's tough when you only have one person who doesn't look at every attempt you make, and everything you do, and simply shrug and say, "eh". Oh, and for those of you think "Marc" is really just me trying to hide behind a new eBay ID... you're wrong. I know some people think that from the emails we've gotten. NOT all, but a few at least.

I REALLY WANT to communicate with you guys on a regular basis again, in the threads. I would like if this thread could be that start of that. But, please, if you have anything really awful to say save it for the other thread.

All I ask is that, for now, when you think of me don't think of me as a thief, but think of me as a moron who is doing what he can to fulfill what he promised.

 

[intothevoid]

A really heartfelt post - good luck with everything man

 

[Restaurajones]

take many orders has always been a problem. Encouragement and hope that people may soon have their things. The artists are always people who suffer and can overwhelm us when we lose quite easily love our art.

Happy new year

 

[Kuzeh]

Shawn,
I'll be honest...

First
Your stuff is top notch... I love the Indy Jacket and whip... simply an amazing work of art
(though my jacket is missing the zipper...)

But, the problem here is the misleading communication, or the lack of communication at all...

I think if people had better and accurate updates, it would make things a lot better...

Good luck!

 

[Chouzi]

i guess once a while update on what you are currently doing (backlog) will help...it reassure us that you have not forgotten us.. haha...

"that other guy" took off with alot of our money so we're abit weary when there's not alot of communication occurring for a period of time.

anyway, Happy New Year! hope 2010 will be a great one for you!

p/s please remember my keaton batman and maximus :chew

 

[uscmhicks]

I REALLY WANT to communicate with you guys on a regular basis again, in the threads. I would like if this thread could be that start of that.

Great to see you posting. Me and Reefershark were wondering if our Newts were close to being complete and ready to go ?.
Thanks man.

 

[Mooncat]

Shawn just a still here, still banging away, on those negative threads, its the silence m8 that gets all these bum holes twitching my own included, I only placed an order back in October. But when posts are ignored, I asked when I was receiving my skins on another post, and theres nothing, and others start asking also and they are ignored, you start to worry

Even if its a "Cant say exactly right now when your stuffs gonna be ready"

or

"Its gonna be 12 months"

those guys that have waited 12 months plus already would sooner have that than . . . .silence and being ignored

Cause that suggests, your taking the money and ignoring them

Sure your gonna get your whiners (I count myself as one) but half those whiners just want to know youve not dissappeared with the money !

You need to manage your replies, it might be a constant reminder to you these "wheres my product" threads ! and I know you dont want to get down in the dumps over it !

But youve taken their and our money,

So ignoring the depressing threads isnt an option,

You want to ignore posts,

Take a deposit or refund those that ask after being ignored

You cant have it both ways

Chin up and finger out !

FYI Ive got overdue stuff myself and when it becomes overdue its work and I dont like work, I like to do stuff that I want to do when I want to do it, my wife says if there was an Olympic event in "avoidance" I do Britain proud.

But "avoidance" just sets you up for a painful battle you may not win rather than a winnable fight, unfortunately you need to constantly be fighting to keep going and that can be hard.

Constantly giving excuses and producing product thats what you have to do !

As a recipient of Shawn's Work already I know its worth waiting for, we wait on faith, letting negative threads run without response and ignoring posts on your own threads for updates damages that faith !

Leave it too long without a reply or product, even a refund for those whose faith has disappeared

and that faith from others will be damaged beyond repair

 

[Cryoguns]

Hi Shawn-

Just sent my 5th email requesting a confirmation of my new address. My order was placed over a year ago and I moved back in September. Please just shoot a quick note back to confirm that you have indeed received it and updated my shipping address.

I don't think even a one-word response back like 'Done' is too much to ask.

 

[Reinhardt]

Good to hear from you Shawn. Happy New Year.

 

[Spartan Rex]

Guys,
I'm always available by PM and email ([email protected]) I may be hard to get in touch with, but I did NOT fly the coop or blow anyone off.

I REALLY WANT to communicate with you guys on a regular basis again, in the threads.

You act like some third party is preventing you from communicating with your paying customers, or forum members in general.

"Youre always available...but may be hard to get in touch with"
Which is it?
More importantly; why?
Because youre discomfort dodging and a sensitive artist type?
Shawn, I say this as an admirer of your craftsmanship, (Those arm sleeves are amazing)
but you really need to man up.
Youre running a business, act like it.

 

[2000man]

In Sept, a similar post was made. Between then and now, how many people have gotten stuff? I received skins, but not Mola Ram.

 

[mfisher]

I would love to see this guy make good on his word... hell, I tried to order one of his jackets back in 2002... but he did the same thing to me then.. I got the " I got sick excuse" and never saw anything... I completely understand how someone can get behind because the real world gets in the way.. but you don't even have a freakin' job !?!?!.. but lets face it... if this is seriously the only job you have.. there is no excuse.. the fact that you are continuing to take more money from more people, yet still owe customers from over a YEAR ago product means you are flat out cheating people.. period... plus the whole, I need to sell this stuff on ebay to cover shipping costs for previous orders ( when shipping was ALREADY PAID FOR) is just lame, deceptive, and dishonest... how can you justify selling a product that someone has already PAID for to a new customer !!! . you seriously need to get your act together and stop playing the "poor pitiful me" violins... you have talent Shawn.. no doubt.. serious talent even... but your credibility is pretty much nill... until you fill your previous obligations you should feel ashamed to still be taking more money from new customers... maybe you need to get a real job to make ends meet... because you simply suck as a businessman.. ..

 

[MANDO]

Any word as to why there're Indy Jackets that are missing zippers?

 

[Deckard]

I've been told along with plenty of others now plenty of times that our items were finished or had shipped.

And your communication is great when taking orders and as soon as you get money you could care less what anyone has to say.

What it comes down to is that you mislead or outright lie to your customers and treat them like garbage, and in the doubtful event I ever get what I am owed, I will never deal with you or reccomend your service again.

Right now, with your behavior, "You are that guy". Until you prove otherwise.

You made enough money for supplies with upfront payments. You've made far more then enough for shipping from what you've already sold on ebay.

Yet you continue to offer these owed items to others for price. That is not the behavior of making things right.

A public service announement like this is not good enough to address those of us who've demanded refunds or otherwise. Avoiding those you owe when you have what it is you owe them is wrong, cowardly, and the behavior of a theif.

 

[creecher]

I suggest you take pictures of the stuff you're sending out and post them here, once a week. Then those that they are intended for can reply that they are received. That ought to give those waiting some hope that their items will soon be next.

I wouldn't expect you to get things out in the order you received these commissions, but some system whereby you can get the stuff that is closest to completion finished, or the items you have materials to enable them to be completed soonest, be done first. The more stuff going out the more hope that is restored.

Don't bother trying to develop new or better product until your at the point where you are waiting for materials to complete the commissions you already have.

Tell people you are willing to take on their commission, but because of your backlog, you will contact them when you are able to give a reasonable deadline when it can be completed. Under no circumstances take any monies or deposit until you contact them again. Let them know that may be in a year or so, so as not to lead them on.

Save and print out all your information, and send copies of both to your agent, so you wont need to sound pathetic because your computer died, or the latest bushfire or flood has wiped out your livelihood.

The money you receive for shipping isn't yours. Set it aside for it's intended purpose. Plan for the worst by setting a little aside as a personal insurance if some calamity should occur. Plan your livelihood by setting money aside, so that you can have items made in advance of any commission. I know you probably use the money you receive for bills. That is your first mistake. You owe your family that obligation, sure, but your first obligation is to the people sending you the money. Whatever you deem is your profit is what you need to discipline yourself to deem as income for your family. Do the best you can, until your backlog starts diminishing, maybe you ought to increase your prices to decrease your commissions. When you have your deadlines better in order, try taking only one commission for every ten you complete. The backlog is what is killing your business. Less incoming commissions means your family doing without. To remedy this you'll have to do better in a shorter time frame. Keeping tabs of outgoing jobs and only taking commissions for projects you currently are working on and have the supplies to complete, in a four week to eight week period. That will suplement income whilst clearing backlog. Sorry to those people waiting for a year or more, but you have to look to a solution whereby you can survive, complete commissions, maintain quality and restore faith.

Straighten out your workspace to make the best use of it. Restock supplies based on your usage. Keep track of your supplies and on top of your suppliers. You don't need to set projects aside while you have to wait. It slows down the process. You don't necessarily need to spend more time working, just make better use of the time you are working. Buy a cheap, not overly resourced computer just for your work. Don't use the family computer or a computer that is accessed by others.

Good Luck. You need it, and you're the only one that is able to make some for yourself. Be smarter. Learn from these mistakes and take the necessary action. Take positive action and know that even though it is night time now, the dawn tomorrow will surely come.

 

[mfisher]

Well said Creecher...

 

[creecher]

Thanks mfisher. Most of these ideas are probably being utilised, but if there's one that helps, that's the main thing.

Another problem is threads that are bogged down with replies like this one will be. Shaun needs to work, not spend time reading every post to sort out ones that are relevant. I was going to make a suggestion in the other thread, concerning Sovereign Studios, but it's been closed.

Maybe a mod could ask Dave, or Dave if you're reading this, if it's possible for Shaun to have a closed thread, that can only be posted to by him. Thereby informing us of any and all progress.

Once a week on a particular day, chosen by Shaun, to post pics of completed projects and who they are for, regardless if they are for members here or not. That would show us Shauns commitment to his work, his commitment to those with commissions. If he can't post on that day in any one week, post on a day IN ADVANCE to notify us, showing his integrity, rather than us believe he is being apathetic.

It is up to Shaun to instigate remedies now, not us to kick his ego to the curb and quash his remaining enthusiasm.

 

[SovereignStudio]

Thanks, guys.

Yeah, I get the "man up" thing. I'm not really a "sensitive" artist type; just easily derailed by negativity.

And I absolutely suck at communication, I know. I tend not to add updates unless I have something definite to give, and that's a TERRIBLE idea. Even when you're behind, just staying in the loop goes a long way.

On the plus side, my new scheduling and such is working out well. The ebay stuff has been going out consistently (since August) in 2-4 weeks. NOT perfect, but a hell of a lot better than the backlog. I guess I just needed help. it's nearly impossible to be a one-man show doing everything by myself. And I did that for a LONG time. When I said I was "alone" in all of this I didn't mean it in some cry baby existential way. No, I meant physically alone; trying to run everything from A-Z. When you really need to get stuff done in an 8-10 hour day and 3 of those hours are spent in email and threads, it takes a bite. You can only spend so many months or years working 24/7 before you end up divorced, as I nearly did this past summer. Here comes more whining, but that really threw me hard; the thought of losing my kids. Especially my youngest boy (Hayden,7). we found out she was pregnant the same week I quit the dairy job and started working for myself. I've raised him nearly every minute of his life. I've never been away from him for more than the length of a school day. She sees it as a hard spot we worked through, I think but it still works me, right there in the front of my mind. Anything that happens (or almost happens) once can happen again.

Just a note, I'm not trying to make excuses with my first post in this thread. Just trying to let you know what goes on in my head, most of it is stupid and irrational, but it does take a toll. it's why I seldom discuss thoughts and/or feelings. I'm not that good at putting them into words and most of them are stupid crap I should just get over. I still think "man up" was the best overall advice so far I'm implementing that at the moment.

And I WILL drop in here, I'm gonna shoot for every day, even to just stay in the loop and have a presence. I've got a ways to go before I'm that reliable guy again,but right now I can at least be the guy that isn't running away.

Marc and I are sorting out the remainder of the backlog now. Something else I'm letting him do. I did have a tight schedule for it, blocked in by name/order on a calendar. It was targeted for completion at the end of November, I missed that obviously. Marc's schedule works really well for the ebay stuff, so I'm giving him the backlog, too.

 

[T-800]

I really want a terminator tech noir jacket from e Bay. I am a bit scared now. Do i take the plunge or not?

 

[mosaicsquare]

I really want a terminator tech noir jacket from e Bay. I am a bit scared now. Do i take the plunge or not?

if you want to give him 50 bucks and wait until he feels like sending it to you sure. don't even think about asking him assistant why it hasn't been shipped out even if its 28 days since you paid for your tech noir jacket because he will flood your email with nonsense concerning alternative lifestyle choices.