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1.) I offered payment for the sample you were to provide before you started, so that if I disliked it, your time wouldn't have been wasted (it was $40 for 2 hours work--$20 beforehand, and $20 for the .jpg). You refused the offer. I also explained that you can send any art in .jpg as well, including the sample, for safety reasons.

2.) I told you that you probably wouldn't be hired after the boat was submitted, because I knew at that point that a working relationship most likely wasn't going to be possible. While I don't wish to insult your skill as an artist because I've not really seen much of your work, the two samples sent were below the quality I'd expect. It's better if we both parted ways then and there.

3.) I have done nothing negatively besides refusing to accept you onto my project, nor have I purposely wasted your time. You aren't a co-worker nor a client (well, I would be the client in this case), because the sample you provided was rejected.

Summarized: if anyone wishes to work with me, they will be compensated for their time (even if it's just a test sample) and can send any pieces in .jpg until payment has been sent. There's no risk in joining my project whatsoever, as long as you handle yourself professionally.