Some advice please

[laini.livejournal.com]

I didn't realise until I went back to check but it's now been almost a year since I commissioned someone for a piece of art.
At the time they were taking commissions and donations as they needed to raise money for an ill pet.
About a week later their pet passed away.

Since the initial messages back and forth I've not heard anything from this person about my commission.
I sent them money for the picture and a little extra on top so I thought perhaps they'd just gotten confused and assumed it was all donation but their last message to me says they would get on it as soon as possible.

After their pet died they weren't online much for a few months and I think they just completely forgot about it.

I know I should probably just send them an e-mail and ask what the situation is but I don't want to upset them.
I'm also worried I'll end up angering them so they'll just send me a few quick scribbles.

What would you guys recommend in this situation?

Comments

[mazz.livejournal.com]

I'd just send them an email. A short, passive one. Something like; "Hey, I was just wondering about the status of my commission. There's no rush I just want to be in the loop."

That way you don't come off as pushy. They've had a few months to recover, if they cannot do the art because of losing their pet then refunds should be given.
It may sound cruel but it's a part of business.

[spiffystuff.livejournal.com]

I think an email is in order but I'd advise against the "no rush" part - it's already been a year! Some folks will take "no rush" as a signal to put it off another year. :P

Not saying to rush the artist, but to avoid saying stuff like "do it whenever you like!" when it's already been so long.

[kappyjeanne.livejournal.com]

Personally, I would approach them just like this. You can explain you forgot yourself, and ask if they would still be okay to continue with it. Sometimes a bad situation like this can hit you hard enough to jar your memory a little, they may have just forgotten as well.

I hope, at least! I wouldn't worry about upsetting them too much so long as you keep a positive demeanor, humans are only human after all. I've forgotten a few pieces here and there, and the large difference in how it's handled is how it's brought to my attention.

[heysawbones.livejournal.com]

There is no logical reason that a polite and professional email from you should upset this person. Not only do they owe you, but it has been a significant amount of time since their pet passed away. I'm not unsympathetic, but there is a point where enough time has passed that you have the right to expect them to take care of business. Sure, it's possible that they might get angry and give you a bad product, but if you never confront them, you'll get nothing at all. Just be polite. That's the most they can reasonably ask of you, and the most you can really do in this situation.

[uozlulu.livejournal.com]

I would not become passive, but I would send them a polite e-mail. Has anyone else gotten their commission from this artist that commissioned her at that time? It could simply be she's been grieving, busy, and you got put on the wrong list if she did get out commissions from that time period. You could also offer to retell her your commission details if she's misplaced that information over the time since you commissioned her.

Remember to be polite. If you come off as passive or rude, a resolution might be less likely.

[laini.livejournal.com]

They've done a few trades in the past week and their own art over the last 9 months or so.

They have a commission list on their FA page but I couldn't tell you the last time it was updated. Certainly my name was never put on it but neither was anyone else.

[uozlulu.livejournal.com]

I still would just try a polite note. I just know passivity can turn some people off enough you won't get anything from them.

[laini.livejournal.com]

Hmm yes, of course :P