Advice Please?

[songstressfox.livejournal.com]

Hi A_B,

I've been sort of lurking the community for a while, and this is my first post here. I'm not trying to make a beware, or anything, just get some advice on a commission!

I commissioned an artist in September of last year for five pieces - four sketches and one colored piece. I'd worked with the artist before, though entirely on sketches, and I'd seen her complete a lot of commissions in my time watching her, so I felt completely comfortable doing this. I've received all the sketches and a WIP on the colored piece, and I am very satisfied with what I have so far! However, the colored piece still isn't finished, and while I am listed on her public commission list, she's sort of dropped off on activity and hasn't yet read a note I sent her in February (despite having been online and uploading things.) I'm wondering if it got lost in her inbox, since based on her list she gets quite a lot of commission inquiries? Mine might have been bumped to a second page, or something --- in case it's unclear I am perhaps too willing to give people the benefit of the doubt. :C

I'd really just like advice on what to do -- I don't particularly want a refund, I'd rather have the art; should I send another note or just keep waiting?

Comments

[thelisky.livejournal.com]

i'd send a note again, myself. If they're a busy artist, chances are that it just got lost in a sea of notes and commission inquiries

[gatekat.livejournal.com]

Send another note. You can also post a shout saying that you sent a note.

[songstressfox.livejournal.com]

Thank you both very much for the advice, though it ended up not being necessary! The piece showed up in my inbox this morning, with an apology for the delay~

/edited to fix a spelling error, oops

[tealmoonxiv.livejournal.com]

Just want to add: don't be afraid to send an artist a message (or maybe a shout if you think they missed it) just don't barrage them with messages.

[thelisky.livejournal.com]

Yeah, to add to this, if you don't hear from someone for over 2 weeks (that's a safe number i've seen) then it's okay to ask how things are and if everything is okay. Don't spam "is it done yet"s, but don't feel afraid to ask for a progress update if you've seen them be inactive for a couple of weeks.

[songstressfox.livejournal.com]

I know I need to get better about asking for progress in general, but I deal with several artists who I'm aware are incredibly slow on a semiregular basis; generally I'm content to wait a long time as long as I can either find them so I know they're still around or can see them doing things (even if it's other peoples' things who are "ahead" of me). In this case I really only got worried because she dropped off posting for a few months and then didn't answer my note D: