Please check here for answers to most questions. If you can't find your answer, contact me under Artist Info or post in the Help Rock section of the forum.

Adoption

What is a BlossUm Buddies adoptable?
They are, essentially, virtual, imaginary pets created for you by Spectre Incarnate. Most are done with colored pencil and some with computer graphics. For more extensive information on the creature itself, see the Introduction page and all options under Care Sheets.

Adopt a drawing? Aren't they just static pictures?
That depends on how much life you decide to give to it. Weren't your toys just inanimate colored plastic and rubber? In "Cast Away", Tom Hanks made a friend in a volley ball that he accidentally gave a face to. Given time, love, and sentimental value, anything can become a living thing to a person's heart and many of my clients write stories and give personality to their Blossums. I'm sure if you were to design your own personal Blossum Buddy, he or she would be extremely special to you.

What is an adoption license?
When adopting a piece of art, you are getting a limited license for that piece to own as a pet. You do not own rights to the art and can not alter or profit from it without my permission.

How do I adopt?
There are several ways to adopt a BlossUm Buddy. You could buy one at a flatsale, bid in an auction, offer me a tantalizing bribe from my want list, offer a trade on the forums, or perhaps order a custom when slots are open. There are also contests such as free draws and holiday themed events and maybe even random gifts and surprises when I feel like it.

What is a flatsale?
This is where I have drawn a few premade BlossUms and sell them for a flat rate on a website like PonyIsland or Gaia. There may be some available to off-site members, as well, in which case you would just contact me with the code word next to the one you want.

(As of right now I don't have any interest in obtaining PonyGold or GaiaGold so flatsales are for USD$.)

Why don't you have more events?
I would love to host more events, but hand-drawn artwork takes me a lot of time and energy and I get discouraged and lose motivation pretty easily, especially with the medical issues lately. For a short time I had some limited templates and a few staff members helping out, but that didn't last long. I may look into doing that again after I've gotten the shop back on it's feet.

What species or breeds are there?
Just one currently, but there are some rare animal and cosplay types. I might design new species or breeds at some point and I wouldn't mind suggestions if you have any.

How do you tell gender?
BlossUm Buddies don't have gender cause they're half plant. They breed with their blossUms, reproducing through pollination. Your BlossUm Buddy can have a female or male name and appearance if you want, but they don't have to be that specific "gender" when spreading their pollen.

Breeding

When is breeding season?
BlossUms don't have seasons. I would get burnt out from drawing that much, so I was thinking of having some slots to grab per month or every few months? Suggestions are welcome.

What do you need to breed?
Any two normal BlossUm Buddies that are not related and a Pollinator Bug.

What are the chances of successful pollination?
We're tentatively looking at 20-25% ish. Some Pollinator Bugs will increase this chance.

What about twins or triplets?
The chances for twins or triplets is very rare, but I do have special designs planned for them, so keep an eye out!

How are markings and mutations passed to offspring?
With an online genetics calculator and shiny orange percentile dice. Hehe.

Customs

What is a custom?
Custom is short for custom-made, a BlossUm Buddy that I draw for you based on the design you choose. There are many options for markings and mutations available.

Will you make me a custom?
Yes, but only when customs are open. Please see the Custom Ordering page for more detailed information.

Can my BlossUm have a different marking/mutation/accessory?
That would involve drawing an entirely new custom. You are free to ask when custom slots are open, but I can't guarantee I'd be willing to do that. Please try to make sure your custom is exactly how you want it the first time around.

What payments are accepted?
I accept adoptable trades of similar quality, items on my want list, and cash (USD$) by Paypal / Money Order / Cashiers Check.

Why are they so expensive?
I try to stay competitive in my pricing as much as possible. Please expect to pay extra for hand-drawn artwork.

Agency

Who runs this agency?
Allison "Spectre Incarnate" Grutter. Please refer to the Artist Info page for more information, as it lists who I am, what inspired me to pursue the project, my want lists, and how to contact me if needed.

How old is the agency?
The first BlossUm was given to my friend Avadrea for Christmas 2006 because she came up with the name "Blossom Buds" out of the blue one day while chatting over the phone. Then I got the agency up and running on PonyIsland by February 2007 and changed the name slightly to BlossUm Buddies.

Why is blossom spelled with a U?
I don't know. I was spelling it correctly for a couple weeks and then it just sort of happened, probably from lack of sleep? LOL Some people thought it was a quirk, so it became one, and now I can't really see it being any other way. But it works, because BlossUm Buddies is more fun as a visual alliteration. I decided to run with the idea, so that we have Blossum Buddy Stums, Bums, and Chums with roly-poly tums, who like to be tugged and hugged. And for potential breeding items we have pollinator bugs called Cutters, Fluts, Unts, Hums and Buzzes.

Misc.

May I sell or auction my BlossUm or my Items?
Yes, you may sell or auction for virtual currencies on PI or Gaia only. Make sure you contact me for permission, because I will need to update the certificate.

May I trade or gift my BlossUm or Items?
Yes, you can give your BlossUm or Items to whoever you want, as long as they are not banned from the shop. You may also trade BlossUms and Items for other adoptables and items that allow trading. Make sure to contact me for permission, because I will need to update the certificate. Feel free to use the forum to arrange trades, otherwise use PI or Gaia.

Can I make my BlossUm into a real sticker/button/plushy?
Only if it is for non-profit personal reasons (fan art). You may not sell or auction any BlossUm Buddies fan art or merchandise. You can not profit, fund-raise, or gain publicity with my BlossUm Buddies in any way without my permission. However, if you want to offer your services making BlossUm guest art or merchandise for the agency, contact me and maybe we can work out a deal! :)

I heard a rumor about animation?
Not sure how to go about that quite yet, but am keeping it in mind. I once made a fully colored pencil animated movie that was about 20 seconds long and really goofy, but I used a special story board program.

What are Secret Kudos Points?
Kudos is slang from Greek "kydos" which refers to fame resulting from an act or achievement, so saying "kudos" to another person is a sign of praise. Sometimes they are referred to as Brownie Points, if you've heard that phrase, and since I used to love Kudos chocolate bars, it was sort of a play on words.

You can earn Kudos little by little over time or in a big chunk, depending on how generous, selfless, hard working, compassionate, helpful, and understanding I feel you have been toward me and others during an event or transaction. You will lose Kudos for being whiny, hurtful, selfish, disruptive, cheating... etc.

There is a list of who has Kudos under the Adopted page, along with a vague amount. Please note: The amount does not imply how nice a person is, because the points are like a loose currency and can be spent on various items, used in contests, and given to friends. People with negative Kudos will not be listed.

Why do you have this Kudos system?
Truthfully? I don't always know when I'm being manipulated or taken advantage of, having been hurt by mental abuse twice. This then was my personal method of watching how much punishment I was taking from certain people. A few clients and even friends have tried to see how far they could push me and with this system I am having a much easier time seeing who's throwing guilt trips to get me to do things for them. At the same time, I wanted a way to keep track of who was genuinely helpful to my shop and be able to give my gratitude in a small, but significant way.

Feel free to let me know what you think of the system. It is not set in stone and I can get rid of it if needed.

I made a mistake! Will I lose Kudos?
No, of course not. Losing Kudos would have to involve a really mean or rude action. I may even be lenient about those under certain circumstances. I don't take Kudos away at the drop of a hat, so no need to worry so much.

Although, some Bugs enjoy snacking on Kudos bars... Hehehe...