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Natalia's newest:

No thanks! I might consider it if she didn't have 3 or 4 outstanding projects with little communication and the most recent communication being copy and pasted from 3 months earlier. I don't know how anyone could support her at this point. Also the courts aren't very playable as they lack proper indices.

Victor, this is a quote from the project page:

"A lot of people let me down in a past few months......I've struggled and battled a lot.....they slow down my creative / production / and shipping process.

I believe that it's very important to surround yourself with people who are on the same mission as you. The best way to progress and stay driven is to surround yourself with individuals that work hard, remain grateful and support you through the journey.

Now I am working with a new amazing team who will take care of production / fulfillment / shipping process. So, fast production and shipping is guarantee."

To me this sounds like she has had problems in both business and personal life and are probably the cause in delays and lack of communication in Crazy deck and Avalon. So back off a bit.

Doesn't excuse ignoring backers on the Crazy project. And if there was something going on then she should be more open about it instead. Also don't know why she waited like half a year to make changes on her Muertos decks. Also no reason any of those things should slow down the production process with USPC. Also just noticed her website is dead, not usually a good sign.

Let us not forget how many creators we've seen with "personal issues" that have not turned out good for backers in the end.

I don't know what she has gone through excactly but I know that when you really end on a dark place, simply getting out of the bed can become a challenge.

Now that she has a new project, she should let us know about the situation of the campaigns. I'm sure she will do that in the upcoming days.

I'm not a backer of Natalia's projects, but if I were I'd be wary too. Not to pour fuel on the fire here, but this is basically how the whole ordeal with Eric Mana started. He went through some sh!t, of which nobody knows the full extent, and things just came to a grinding halt eventually. Vague statements like that quote doesn't do much to inform backers, because people can't be understanding of things they don't know about. Vague and few updates are a red flag in my book, speaking from past experience. There's a reason Lotrek still has a lot of supporters despite all the delays on his projects, and that's because he stays transparent and keeps backers in the loop, despite the struggles and stress he's had to deal with personally.

To those of you who think Natalia's personal issues (whichever they are) "don't excuse" the lack of updates on her projects:

I sincerely hope none of you have, never, ever, to suffer the kind of "personal issues" anyone (and I mean anyone) may have to go through that can cripple you to perform your normal, everyday routines. I think I've seen more care among packs of hungry wolves. Jesus.

Technically we don’t even know she’s had any personal problems.

MagikFingerz wrote:people can't be understanding of things they don't know about.

You can have empathy for people who seem to be going through a hard time without expecting that they entrust you with the specifics of their personal struggles.

Just off the top of my head I can think of a half-dozen reasons why she might be reluctant to disclose her circumstances even to close friends or family, let alone customers and strangers. Physical or mental health problems, unhealthy domestic situations... if it's any of these things, demanding that she give an accounting of it would be insensitive, even cruel.

It's one's right, of course, to choose not to back any of her future projects, for any reason whatsoever. But jumping from dissatisfaction with her level of communication to a conclusion that she is irresponsible or unscrupulous is not necessarily logical (to say nothing of it being unkind).

At the end of the day, she's a human being, not a vending machine that dispenses playing cards.

It's not like she has been completely off the radar. The new deck has been teased on Instagram since April. IMO if you are able to work on a new project and tease it on social media platforms, you should be able to give an update on your pending projects. Even if it's reporting a delay. (E.g, I'm still waiting for my Planets:Mercury reward, but Dave was giving regular updates so I'm not worried, though it's 3 projects behind.) Just my 2 cents.

I don't think anyone is asking or expecting her to divulge the intimate details of her private life or the personal challenges she may be facing at the moment, but just to be a bit more communicative on what's going on in regards to the project and the status of production/shipping - I think that's reasonable and would be enough to ease backers' concerns rather than leaving them completely in the dark.

I can understand both sides of this situation, and have a lot of empathy for what she may or may not be going through, but ultimately, I have to agree that she should try (or at least appear to be trying) to take care of business on her previous projects and update backers before campaigning for a new one.

Merlebird wrote:

MagikFingerz wrote:people can't be understanding of things they don't know about.

You can have empathy for people who seem to be going through a hard time without expecting that they entrust you with the specifics of their personal struggles.

Just off the top of my head I can think of a half-dozen reasons why she might be reluctant to disclose her circumstances even to close friends or family, let alone customers and strangers. Physical or mental health problems, unhealthy domestic situations... if it's any of these things, demanding that she give an accounting of it would be insensitive, even cruel.

It's one's right, of course, to choose not to back any of her future projects, for any reason whatsoever. But jumping from dissatisfaction with her level of communication to a conclusion that she is irresponsible or unscrupulous is not necessarily logical (to say nothing of it being unkind).

At the end of the day, she's a human being, not a vending machine that dispenses playing cards.

I'll rephrase my statement to "it's hard for people to be understanding of things they don't know about". Possible, yes, but generally harder than understanding known issues.

Yes, she is a human being, but she is also a business and is therefore held to certain standards. I don't think anyone concluded that she is either of those things, just stating dissatisfaction and pointing out that there may be reason to be wary.

And +1 to what Amy said.

PipChick wrote:I don't think anyone is asking or expecting her to divulge the intimate details of her private life or the personal challenges she may be facing at the moment, but just to be a bit more communicative on what's going on in regards to the project and the status of production/shipping - I think that's reasonable and would be enough to ease backers' concerns rather than leaving them completely in the dark.

I can understand both sides of this situation, and have a lot of empathy for what she may or may not be going through, but ultimately, I have to agree that she should try (or at least appear to be trying) to take care of business on her previous projects and update backers before campaigning for a new one.

+1

"A lot of people let me down in a past few months......I've struggled and battled a lot.....they slow down my creative / production / and shipping process.”

The complete failure to accept any personal responsibility is what is worrying me. The vague “a lot of people” are to blame definitely not at all her fault! Even if thats completely true it would be far more professional to take some responsibility and say something like “sorry for the delays I have been dealing with some trying personnal issues that have taken my time away from the projects but im back now!” or something like that. If she cant accept some fault and just blames the negative people around her then how can I expect anything to change? Its hard to be empathetic to someone who cannot or will not accept responsibility for their actions (or lack there of).

Also if you can muster the energy to launch a new project where the first 3 paragraphs are apologies / excuses for previous projects being delayed you could atleast copy and paste those apologies into an update for the other monthes late and without an update projects you have running instead of ignoring them completely.

JuFiN wrote:Also if you can muster the energy to launch a new project where the first 3 paragraphs are apologies / excuses for previous projects being delayed you could atleast copy and paste those apologies into an update for the other monthes late and without an update projects you have running instead of ignoring them completely.

^^This. Exactly what I was thinking. Even if you put aside the delays and the lack of updates the fact that she has the gall to launch a new project BEFORE updating backers of her current delayed projects is the most irksome part for me. Don't you think it would behoove her to make her current "customers" happy before trying to elicit sympathy to gain new customers? It's just bad business practice IMO. No one has more delays than Lotrek but the reason why people still buy his decks even while other decks are currently in delay is because he updates his backers.
I hope all is well with her, *whatever* she went/is going through. But if I weren't a member of this forum than I would be none the wiser which isn't how KS campaigns are supposed to go. So back on topic, I will absolutely not be backing this project simply based on all the above. Hopefully she can redeem herself in the future because she's obviously a very talented designer.

Saw this posted on her IG of March 7th:

"nobody knows my side of the story, he actually cheated on me 2 weeks before we broke up. He let me go..... he knows the truth......how can you cheat when you are single?"

He posted some crap that really "killed" her. I don't know who the guy is but I'd guess that's why she just copy/pasted the April updates on Muertos. February CRAZY deck update was last update and if she was "killed" I can see that affecting sending those decks.

Still not an excuse for no "personal issues" update on any deck though which we would all understand.

Seems like the "apology" is no longer on the project page. Also if I didn't mention this earlier, her website is no longer active and I don't think she's all that active on FB either. Not good signs for a "business" person.

jerichoholic wrote:Seems like the "apology" is no longer on the project page. Also if I didn't mention this earlier, her website is no longer active and I don't think she's all that active on FB either. Not good signs for a "business" person.

Hopefully, the backers of this project have done their due diligence in assessing and informing themselves on how she ran / is currently running past projects so they have some idea of what to expect in regards to her business practices on this project. I know I wouldn't feel comfortable backing (that's why I didn't) based solely on that and it wouldn't be surprising if this project is ran in a similar manner as previous projects; but ultimately, it's the backer's judgement to make - I just hope it's well-informed.

also, looks like her instagram is gone too...

Her IG is still active, nataliailva_art .Still on FB as herself. Dead website a concern.

As a completist, I am in for one deck. I am glad there is some sign she is active, but disappointed in her not updating her past projects when she is pushing a new project. Still, I figure I will get my reward sometime. Now if my levitating ohone charger will finally ship, I will be happy (but that one will likely never happen).

Regardless of Natalia's emotional state I'm more concerned with how some of the court cards bleed to the edges whilst others don't.

As much as I love the art work surely this would make the deck un-playable.

It would also be nice to have a few more pics of the court cards; this project was launched a week and a half ago (with just under 2 weeks left) and as it stands, we still only got 3 Kings, 1 Jack, and 2 Aces... comm'on, where 'dem queens at?? lol

PipChick wrote:It would also be nice to have a few more pics of the court cards; this project was launched a week and a half ago (with just under 2 weeks left) and as it stands, we still only got 3 Kings, 1 Jack, and 2 Aces... comm'on, where 'dem queens at?? lol

I'll tell you where the queens are- the same place as her "Crazy Deck" update. NO WHERE TO BE FOUND. Pipchick, I HIGHLY recommend that you stay away from this (and everyone else for that matter) project. Don't waste time looking for court cards because if this deck funds you might not even be lucky enough to see the entire deck let alone the courts. No matter what is going on in her life, sending an email this day and age is not difficult. She is an awful business woman and I have no remorse.
STAY AWAY FROM THIS PROJECT!!

I still have not heard from her when I PM-ed er on KS about the CRAZY deck. I even told her on FB in Victor's Card Club group that I wasn't backing because I'm waiting on CRAZY, both MUERTOS, and AVALON. I did say I'm glad she's in better place emotionally, shipping, etc. and all I got was a "Thank you Rich!", no card info.

Notice how she's not been on here thanking us for posting project too. She used to post on other projects. I think avoiding this is safe call unless she starts updating other projects.

RichK wrote:I still have not heard from her when I PM-ed er on KS about the CRAZY deck. I even told her on FB in Victor's Card Club group that I wasn't backing because I'm waiting on CRAZY, both MUERTOS, and AVALON. I did say I'm glad she's in better place emotionally, shipping, etc. and all I got was a "Thank you Rich!", no card info.

Notice how she's not been on here thanking us for posting project too. She used to post on other projects. I think avoiding this is safe call unless she starts updating other projects.

Until I receive my deck, a refund, or an update I'm categorizing her as a scam artist. And there's nothing any of you optimists out there can say to change my mind. She is more than happy to be praised but God forbid she follows through with the promise she made of a deck of playing cards, LET ALONE a simple update after a past-due project. She has landed directly atop my $hit list.
To anyone thinking about backing this project, a word of advice:
STAY AWAY FROM THIS SCAMMER!

vasta41 wrote: Until I receive my deck, a refund, or an update I'm categorizing her as a scam artist. And there's nothing any of you optimists out there can say to change my mind. She is more than happy to be praised but God forbid she follows through with the promise she made of a deck of playing cards, LET ALONE a simple update after a past-due project. She has landed directly atop my $hit list.
To anyone thinking about backing this project, a word of advice:
STAY AWAY FROM THIS SCAMMER!

Well, to be fair, she had a three-month delay on her Royal project and ended up delivering an extra deck to everybody as a way of saying "Sorry". I've never received a free extra deck from any creator, ever. And I've backed projects that were way more than three months late.

Gonzalo wrote:

vasta41 wrote: Until I receive my deck, a refund, or an update I'm categorizing her as a scam artist. And there's nothing any of you optimists out there can say to change my mind. She is more than happy to be praised but God forbid she follows through with the promise she made of a deck of playing cards, LET ALONE a simple update after a past-due project. She has landed directly atop my $hit list.
To anyone thinking about backing this project, a word of advice:
STAY AWAY FROM THIS SCAMMER!

Well, to be fair, she had a three-month delay on her Royal project and ended up delivering an extra deck to everybody as a way of saying "Sorry". I've never received a free extra deck from any creator, ever. And I've backed projects that were way more than three months late.

My mother always told me to only say "sorry" if I don't plan on doing what I'm sorry for again. And clearly her delays are the rule, not the exception. So she can stuff her "sorries" in a sack. But I could also give two craps about her past projects. And I could care less that this project is late. It's the lack of communication coupled with the audacity of her to start another project when she not only hasn't completed past projects but also apologized VIA HER NEW CAMPAIGN in order to elicit sympathy and gain more money rather than sending out an update to current backers. Her business practices here are ATROCIOUS and KS should put a stop to this current project and she should be ashamed of herself.

Phew, I'm so glad I requested my refund when I did. Sounds like she's gone M.I.A.

This campaign seems like it's seeking funding to help get out of the other projects she's currently jammed in.

My only suspicion to this project is the following:

1) All of her decks are delayed from "supposedly" the printers.
2) Due to the delay, USPCC probably offered to do a print a small print run (The Last Legion) for free due to the continous push back on their end of her other decks outstanding.
3) $5,000 funding goal for USPCC deck for 1500 decks?? Seems a bit odd.

Regardless of relationship problems they shouldn't interfere with your business practice.

I sure hope this project DOESN'T fund so she receives no money to further support her older projects. It'd be a real shame if this funded and I was right.

Currently trying to get a refund on the 3 last projects. Last time I tried like a month or so ago she responded asking for understanding and what not. I didn't ask for understanding or free additional decks, I asked for a refund and didn't get one. I gave her another chance. Since then she hasn't bothered to post any updates, including none on her current project, not to mention launched the new project, and hasn't fulfilled anything. I'll get them later if I feel like it.

I want to trust her, and i'm sure i'm not the only one, but once upon a time we ALL trusted guys like Russell and Scott King and look where that got us. At least I didn't get ripped off by Scott King.

Finally got a response out of her, ONLY after reporting her 4 projects to Kickstarter. I would love to know why Kickstarter even allows creators to launch a project when they have several outstanding ones already especially with a lack of communication in them?

Anyway seems I may be getting a refund on them but yet to see anything. Also I am apparently banned from her projects, not like I planned on backing any more based on her lack of communication.

And I like I said in the project, the whole thing could have been avoided if she simply bothered to post updates or respond to comments, she hasn't and I can't thing of a reason why. She clearly is active online posting on IG but can't be bothered to type of a 2 minute update on her projects or do a quick response to comments.

She doesn't like me reporting her to Kickstarter? Well she brought it upon herself and has no one to blame but herself. Sorry not sorry.